Rooftop residential and utility solar exist at two ends of the scale. Is there a sweet spot between those two that can capture the advantages of small-scale (no transmission loss, grid resilience through distribution) and large (economies of scale, easy to invest in)? Yes, reports Laurie Stone of the Rocky Mountain Institute, and itâs being called Community-Scale Solar. More than a sweet spot, it can reach communities underserved by rooftop solar … [Read more...]
UK: Despite progress, 100% low-carbon is still a long way off
The UK transition is often cited as a success story. Coalâs contribution has dropped from 40% to 6%. Wind, solar and hydroelectric now generates more electricity than nuclear. Demand for electricity has also fallen. The carbon intensity of Britainâs electricity has almost halved, from over 500g of COâ per kilowatt-hour in 2006 to under 270g in 2018. The National Grid now expects to be able to operate a zero-carbon electricity system by 2025. But … [Read more...]
âStop trading renewable energy supply certificates, speed up the transitionâ
In the UK, REGOs certify that the power a consumer buys is renewable. As REGOs can be traded that means one supplier, sourcing 100% of their energy from renewables, and another simply buying enough REGOs to cover 100% of their output can both say they are 100% renewable. Is there a difference? Yes, says Thomas Harrison at supplier Good Energy. Trading REGOs takes the pressure off suppliers to use all their buying power to expand the supply of … [Read more...]
The rapid growth of solar integration into grids: learn from Germany
With the rapid electrification of Europeâs energy system, the network operators are facing a challenge. The integration of more and varied electricity generation is putting a strain on the growth of grids. Erik Rakhou and Chris Collins contrast the struggles the Netherlands is experiencing with the smoother ride navigated by Germany where in the 12 years to 2015 solar PV capacity rose around 100-fold from 0.44 GW to 39.7 GW. Greater investment, … [Read more...]
Why does coal survive? A detailed real-world cashflow analysis
Everyone knows coal plants are bad for the environment. So why do countries still use them? Coalâs attractiveness comes from the relatively low up front capital investment required to start generating energy. On top of that, the rapid rise of variable renewables (solar, wind) need something to rise with it to fill the generation gap when the sun doesnât shine and the wind doesnât blow. In his final instalment - after his similarly detailed … [Read more...]
Whatâs next for the geopolitics of energy transformation?
Januaryâs IRENA report âA New Worldâ has kick-started the debate on how the accelerating deployment of renewables will affect and alter the global distribution of political and economic power. Jan Frederik Braun and Daniel Scholten review its findings and build on the list of issues that must be faced. For example, although the IRENA report focuses on electrification the authors say power-to-gas is likely to play a major role, and we must face up … [Read more...]
China plans UHV transmission lines that span continents
Chinaâs Global Energy Interconnection (GEI) project aims to create a worldwide network of UHV transmission lines that can deliver electricity between continents. If successful, generating electricity in the most remote areas â think deserts and the Arctic â becomes viable, as does Chinaâs ability to sell electricity directly to Europe. First, two main technological challenges have to be overcome: energy loss along transmission lines spanning … [Read more...]
Fieldfisher Interconnectors Forum – Brussels, 21 March 2019
The Fieldfisher Interconnector Forum will take a highly topical look at Interconnectors across Europe and the UK. This free half day event will cover significant legal developments and hot topics, including: The Outlook for Interconnectors - Future Opportunities Brexit and Future Energy Trading Scenarios Energy Market and Regulation Updates Environmental and Planning Perspectives Attendees will hear from Will Bridges, … [Read more...]
Utilities are starting to invest in big batteries instead of building new power plants
There has been a dramatic drop in battery costs in recent years. Jeremiah Johnson and Joseph F. DeCarolis, of North Carolina State University, say if this continues grid-scale batteries could supplant the usual solutions to peak electricity demand: gas power plants and transmission lines. Inevitably, this will depend on the future price of gas, and the changing policy environment. But one thing is for sure: utilities donât want to invest in peak … [Read more...]
Cyberattacks: the military considers micro grids as the answer
European power grids have long been considered as potential targets for major cyberattacks given the enormous damage they could inflict. Successful cyberattacks against power grids could not only cause societal and economic disruptions, but also put a dent in the military readiness of European countries. In the event of a blackout, the lights could go out in town halls and military facilities alike. Lukas TrakimaviÄius explains how micro grids … [Read more...]
Investing in gas: the effect of carbon taxes, gas prices, and the growth of renewables
Schalk Cloete presents his latest article looking at what affects the profitability of an investment in a specific power sector. After reviewing onshore wind, nuclear and solar, he now looks at gas. His analysis of coal is to come. The major variables are increasing CO2 prices, and natural gas pricing. He adds that the growth of wind and solar should benefit load-following gas power plants: they are plugging the intermittency gap when electricity … [Read more...]
India kick-starts wholesale electricity market reforms
Indiaâs wholesale electricity market is no longer fit for purpose according to Dheer Patel of the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP). Long term procurement contracts are forcing distribution companies (discoms) to buy expensive energy when cheaper alternatives are readily available. So the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) is launching a six-month pilot, starting 1st April, that enables âleast-cost dispatchâ of all centrally … [Read more...]
Greece: lignite asset sale failure could shift focus to electricity market reform and renewables
This month Greeceâs Public Power Corporation (PPC) admitted its effort to sell a third of its lignite assets had failed. Dr. Nikos Mantzaris, of the think tank The Green Tank, gives his explanation for why the numbers never added up for the buyers. He now fears the PPC will simply sweeten the deal. Instead, Greece should abandon failing lignite assets, reform the electricity market and refocus on renewables. … [Read more...]
Energy as a service: light, heat, mobility, information
Large scale electricity generators, unconcerned with end-use, want to sell you more electricity, argues Walt Patterson of the Hoffmann Centre for Sustainable Resource Economy, based at Chatham House. But the arrival of small-scale, localised and micro-grid suppliers could see the electricity generation business turned on its head. It opens the door to the selling of the service â light, heat, refrigeration, motive power, information â rather than … [Read more...]
EXCLUSIVE: Geothermal could represent a far bigger share of renewables
The IEA says geothermal energy could account for only 3.5% of annual global electricity production and 3.9% of energy for heat (excluding ground source heat pumps) by 2050. But is this down to short term thinking? Geothermal could make a much bigger contribution to renewables, provided it is put onto the fast track like wind and solar, says Alexander Richter, President of the International Geothermal Association. … [Read more...]
