Flow batteries have been selected for two new microgrid deployments: one in the Maldives by Quino Energy using organic flow batteries, and another in Northern California by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians using zinc hybrid cathode storage. These projects demonstrate the expanding role of flow batteries in microgrid applications.
The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) has launched a new call for cross-border renewable energy projects, supporting projects that involve cooperation between EU member states or between member states and non-EU countries. The CB RES accreditation offers priority status for access to EU funding under the Connecting Europe Facility Energy Program and can increase project visibility at the EU level. The latest call is part of the sixth CEB RES scheme launched since 2021, with a limited number of projects expected before it concludes under the current Multiannual Financial Framework.
Oil and mining giants are exploring nuclear's industrial use potential, with a report by the Industrial Advanced Nuclear Consortium highlighting its potential as a "practical, low-carbon alternative" for providing dependable baseload heat and power. Companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, Chevron, and Rio Tinto are involved in this initiative. The grid and renewables will serve complementary roles to nuclear energy.
Mexico aims to generate 22 GW of renewable energy by 2030 through a new growth plan, which includes a significant increase in solar, geothermal, wind, and hydropower capacity. The plan requires an investment of $42 billion and is expected to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and natural gas imports. By 2030, Mexico aims to achieve a 61% state share of electricity generation from renewable sources.
Leading energy and utility providers are shifting their approach from traditional 'systems' mindset to 'connected platform ecosystems', integrating customer, workforce, and grid operations through a single Vertical AI-powered system. This new approach enables real-time data sharing and collaboration, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. By leveraging AI, utilities can create more agile and responsive systems to meet evolving energy needs.
Grid planners are scrambling to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape as they face significant pressure to speed up large load additions, with industry leaders recognizing that existing processes are "breaking" under the strain. The recent approval of ERCOT's Batch Zero interconnection process for large loads is a key step towards reform, but its execution is being closely watched. FERC's show-cause orders aim to address the issue, calling for major reforms in the ISO/RTOs facing significant large load additions.
Envision has signed an agreement to supply 660MWh of battery storage for the 'largest private hybrid power project' in South Africa, a collaboration between SOLA Group and construction company WBHO. The project is located in the Free State region of South Africa. The contract value was not disclosed in the article.
South Australia experienced an AU$20,300/MWh battery storage price cap event on June 21. The outcome was influenced by the state of charge and algorithm quality, as decisions appeared obvious in hindsight but were not immediately clear in real-time. OptiGrid's Sahand Karimi examines why these factors led to divergent outcomes during SA1.
A 422 megawatt floating solar portfolio is being developed in the Philippines, showcasing a promising project for harnessing renewable energy through innovative floating solar technology. The exact location of the project was not specified, but it highlights the growing interest and adoption of floating solar power globally. This development demonstrates the potential for sustainable and efficient energy generation using cutting-edge technologies.
States' energy policy reforms are being shaped by investor-owned utilities (IOUs), which hold significant influence due to their regulated monopoly status, allowing them to dictate key elements of renewable energy policies. IOUs have a unique seat at the table, holding the keys to determining what proposals become law in clean energy policy. This power is particularly evident in the development of renewable portfolio standard (RPS) policies in seven states examined in the book "Owning the Green Grid".
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