Energy and utility leaders are advised to invest in sustainable technology solutions with built-in security, according to Vince Digneo at Palo Alto Networks. Digneo emphasizes the importance of considering the entire ecosystem or value chain to make progress in addressing climate change. He suggests partnering with utilities that purchase renewable energy and deliver it to organizations, enabling them to decarbonize their operations. Digneo highlights the need for a modernized grid that can handle renewable electricity consistently. He also discusses the challenge of balancing sustainability and cybersecurity, emphasizing that sustainable technology solutions have security built into them [2d9a6109].
The green energy industry has faced a challenging week, with declining stock values, bankruptcy of a solar loan provider, and concerns about the viability of offshore wind projects. These developments raise doubts about President Joe Biden's ambitious climate agenda [aaaf0ab8]. The offshore wind industry is facing problems with permitting and rising costs, leading to calls for a fundamental reset. Solar companies have also been struggling, with stocks down and reduced consumer demand due to higher interest rates and inflation. Critics argue that the green energy industry is expensive and ineffective, and that the Biden administration is doubling down on forcing these products into the market. The administration aims to decarbonize the energy sector by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the current state of the industry raises concerns about the feasibility of these goals [6a87ea30]. The House Oversight Committee is investigating the Environmental Protection Agency's 'sue-and-settle' practices, which allow special interest groups to achieve regulatory goals through litigation. The committee is requesting documents and information to examine how the Biden Administration is using sue-and-settle practices to promulgate regulations at the bidding of special interests. The article also mentions a government report on climate change, which highlights the need for a transformation of the global economy to address climate threats. Additionally, the International Energy Agency raised its oil demand growth forecasts through 2024, while the French government finalized an agreement with EDF on future prices for nuclear power [0a374143].
The Biden administration's push for a domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries, computer chips, and solar modules is driving the construction of new factories across the US. This industrial surge is expected to increase power demand, posing a challenge for utilities aiming to achieve net-zero goals. While utilities are planning investments in renewable energy and battery storage, many are also proposing new natural-gas-fired generation, which contradicts their clean energy goals. Grid experts agree that weather-driven renewable energy will require dispatchable power sources, but currently, technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture, and nuclear plants are not economically viable at scale. Utilities are facing pressure to quickly meet the power needs of large new customers, such as Panasonic's electric vehicle battery plant in Kansas. The increase in power demand is significant in specific regions, and utilities are seeking to add gas-fired capacity to keep up. However, environmental advocates argue that cheaper and cleaner options are available. Transitioning to a zero-carbon grid and accommodating new sources of demand will require innovative solutions that consider the impacts on the transmission system and the evolution of distributed energy technologies. Energy efficiency is seen as the cheapest and cleanest option to meet rising power demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions [10a1cc2b].
U.S. energy regulators warn of ongoing threats to the electric grid and the economy. The Biden administration has allocated $3.5 billion in grants for clean energy projects, but challenges such as costs, development issues, and regulatory obstacles remain. In a podcast episode featuring Ken Irvin, host and Sidley partner, and Larry Gasteiger, Executive Director of WIRES, a nonprofit trade association promoting investment in the North American electric transmission system, they discuss the challenges and opportunities of energy transmission in the context of electrifying the U.S. economy and improving grid resilience [37750753]. The conversation highlights the need for investment in the electric transmission system to address ongoing threats to the grid and support the transition to a clean energy economy. Despite the allocation of grants by the Biden administration, challenges such as costs, development issues, and regulatory obstacles persist. The discussion emphasizes the importance of energy transmission in achieving a green grid and improving grid resilience. It also underscores the need for collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and regulators to overcome these challenges and ensure a reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure. The electrification of the U.S. economy and the transition to clean energy require a robust and modernized electric transmission system to support the increased demand and integration of renewable energy sources. By addressing these challenges and seizing the opportunities of energy transmission, the U.S. can make significant progress towards achieving its climate goals and building a resilient and sustainable energy future for all.
Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory are working on developing medium-voltage power electronics technology to bridge the gap between high and low voltages in the U.S. electric grid. The current power electronics technology operates at the extremes of high and low voltages, but there is a critical gap between 1,500 and 50,000 volts known as the 'medium-voltage' range. Bridging this gap will enable larger-scale renewable energy projects, larger equipment such as wind turbines, and larger electric vehicles like trains and vertical-takeoff aircraft. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be leading the DOE's Medium Voltage Resource Integration Technology program (MERIT) to develop devices that operate efficiently in the medium-voltage range. Medium-voltage power electronics are expected to be more efficient, reduce the size and weight of systems, and enable the expansion of clean energy capacity in the power grid. The research effort will focus on developing medium-voltage building blocks and expanding relationships with utilities to identify medium-voltage needs. The MERIT project is funded under DOE's Grid Modernization Initiative through the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium [f9df035d].
Infineon Technologies plans to showcase its broad range of power electronic devices at the 2024 Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC). The company's wide-bandgap solutions offer high efficiency and power density, contributing to decarbonization efforts. Infineon's portfolio includes power devices for silicon, silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN) materials. The exhibits will feature demonstrations in various application zones, including USB-C/Charging, motor controls, data centers, electric vehicles (EVs), renewables and energy storage, and industrial control. Infineon will also participate in over 30 industry and technical sessions. The conference will take place from February 25-29, 2024 [9e7dfa7f].
Microgrids are localized energy systems that can operate connected to or independently of the traditional grid. They provide efficient, sustainable, and reliable energy, particularly in areas prone to outages or lacking robust infrastructure. Microgrids integrate renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biogas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon emissions. Recent innovations include advancements in energy storage, solid oxide fuel cells, and the use of artificial intelligence for optimizing energy management. Challenges in implementing microgrids include design complexity, regulatory hurdles, and upfront costs. However, the future outlook for microgrids is positive, with ongoing technological advancements and increasing awareness of their benefits [1ea5a5be].
A recent study by Chinese researchers has revealed advancements in the efficiency of ice storage modes in solar-powered refrigerated warehouses. The research focused on a refrigerated warehouse powered by a photovoltaic (PV) system, equipped with 5.4 kW of solar panels and an inverter to operate a vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) system. The system's design allows it to switch between series-matching (SM) and parallel-matching (PM) ice storage modes, providing flexibility in how it stores and utilizes cold energy. The study's findings underscore the importance of selecting the right ice storage mode based on varying solar irradiance levels. The research offers promising solutions for food storage in remote areas, disaster relief operations, and the distribution of temperature-sensitive medical supplies. The breakthrough signifies a major step forward in the quest for sustainable and efficient refrigeration solutions [d5d84d91].
Sweden's Samon has unveiled the Glaciär Micro, a breakthrough in HVAC and refrigeration leak detection. The device utilizes infrared sensor technology, eliminating false alarms and boasting a lifespan of over 10 years. It requires no maintenance due to its auto-calibration feature and is designed for durability with an IP65 rating and UV-protected materials. The compact and efficient design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. The Glaciär Micro represents Sweden's commitment to innovation in the HVAC and refrigeration sectors and sets a new benchmark for leak detection technology [d9581e50].