Brazil's cumulative installed solar capacity reached 47GW, but regulations need to catch up with deployment. The country's system-level impacts of adding this solar have led to midday net-load valleys deepening and evening ramps steepening, resulting in higher energy costs. Leveraging existing distributed assets through Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) could reduce the need for costly thermal capacity, addressing grid constraints and volatility in Brazil's power market.
A campaign called "Powering Independence" by OATI was featured on National Geographic, highlighting the challenges faced by utilities in maintaining the grid. The campaign brought attention to the reality of keeping the lights on and ensuring energy independence. It aimed to educate the public about the importance of grid resilience.
Germany, Austria and Luxembourg have launched a €2.12 billion program to support the European market ramp-up of renewable electricity-based sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) through a dual-auction mechanism. The program aims to provide long-term revenue certainty for eSAF producers while limiting subsidies through competitive bidding. Public subsidies will cover the remaining price gap between supply and demand, with each country contributing funds based on their share of the total €2.12 billion.
US power conversion manufacturer Power Electronics has opened a new factory in Houston, Texas. The move follows growing demand for domestically built components in the US market, with companies aiming to reduce reliance on imports and build local supply chains. Heron Power is also exploring the use of Power Electronics' products through a pilot project with German utility company RWE.
The US Department of Energy is banking on geothermal energy for rapid scale-up, despite a sharp U-turn in federal energy policy last year. Geothermal energy is considered the wild card in the renewable energy landscape. The Energy Department sees significant potential for geothermal development to contribute to a sustainable future.
The Tesla Semi has been launched, with a starting price of $150,000 and deliveries expected to begin by the end of 2022. Geely is working on "battery healing" technology that can revitalize depleted batteries in minutes, allowing for faster charging times. Rivian's R3 electric van was also discussed as part of the podcast's coverage of sustainable energy news.
A white paper has proposed guidelines to ensure the safe and secure transport of radioactive materials, targeting the denial or delay of such transport by governments. Recommendations are intended to facilitate cooperation among countries, enhance international standards and certification schemes, and improve transportation planning and operations. The aim is to mitigate risks faced by nuclear power plants, hospitals, industries, and researchers reliant on radioactive material transport.
Geely's AI-powered fast charging system uses micro-pulse currents to extend EV battery cycle life by up to 20%. The system, called "Smart Charging," can reverse some of the damage caused by fast charging. This technology aims to reduce wear and tear on EV batteries over time.
Retired coal plants can offer a fast path to new capacity for the grid, providing an overlooked solution to addressing load growth. By repurposing these sites, utilities can quickly scale up production and meet increasing energy demands. This approach could be more efficient than traditional renewable or conventional power plant projects.
ESA jurisdiction is growing in impact as environmental statutes are narrowed to prioritize streamlined permitting and efficient project development. This shift comes amidst unprecedented energy demand, where the need for sustainable and efficient energy solutions is becoming increasingly important. The expansion of ESA jurisdiction aims to balance economic growth with conservation efforts and environmental protection.
PV Magazine