Articles tagged with "electricity-grid"
Why Waiting on Grid Batteries Will Cost Ontario More Than Acting Now - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the urgent need for Ontario to adopt grid-scale battery storage now rather than delay, emphasizing that waiting will ultimately cost the province more. The author highlights that Ontario already has experience with grid storage through the Sir Adam Beck pumped hydro facility, which manages electricity time-shifting by storing excess energy and releasing it during peak demand. Unlike pumped hydro, batteries offer greater flexibility as they can be installed near transmission congestion points without geographic constraints. The key benefits of grid batteries are their ability to reduce electricity costs by increasing asset utilization—flattening peak demand and raising infrastructure use from 30-60% to 70-80%—and thereby lowering the amortized cost per kWh. Real-world evidence from Australia shows grid batteries saved about AUD 116 million in one year by cutting peak prices, providing frequency response, and avoiding costly network upgrades. The article also addresses safety and health concerns related to battery fires, noting that modern grid batteries use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries with lower
energygrid-batteriesenergy-storagepumped-hydroelectricity-gridpeak-demand-managementrenewable-energy-integrationThe Chinese Renewable Energy Revolution Affects The Whole World - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the profound global impact of China's rapid expansion in renewable energy production, particularly solar panels and wind turbines. Jeremy Wallace, a China Studies professor, highlights that China’s solar supply chain can now produce about 1 terawatt of panels annually, a significant portion of the world’s total installed electricity capacity of roughly 10 terawatts in 2024. This massive output has driven down the global cost of electricity generation to around 4 cents per kilowatt-hour, potentially the cheapest energy cost in history. However, this green energy revolution is marked by intense competition rather than centralized control, leading to disruptive effects such as the decline of coal-dependent communities, market price wars, and grid stability challenges. Contrary to common belief, China’s renewable energy growth is driven more by shifting government policies than by sustained subsidies. For example, a policy that linked renewable energy prices to coal power prices was discontinued in early 2024, leading to a surge in solar capacity installations—up to 92
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerChina-energy-marketgreen-technologyelectricity-gridclean-energyEuropa baute Wasserstoffinfrastruktur statt des benötigten Stromnetzes* - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica critiques Europe's approach to decarbonization, highlighting a critical policy failure: prioritizing hydrogen infrastructure over the necessary expansion of the electricity transmission grid. Despite early recognition in the late 2000s that electrification of transport, buildings, and industry would significantly increase electricity demand—by 40% to 70% by mid-century—Europe, particularly Germany, failed to expand its transmission capacity at the required pace. While renewable generation capacity, especially onshore wind, grew rapidly (from 27 GW in 2010 to over 60 GW in the early 2020s), the central north-south transmission corridors lagged by a decade or more. This mismatch caused substantial curtailment of renewable electricity—over 6 TWh in some years—wasting power that was already paid for and could have displaced fossil fuels or met electrification demand. This curtailment undermined investor confidence, increased system costs for consumers, and created a misleading impression of electricity
energyhydrogen-infrastructureelectricity-gridrenewable-energypower-transmissiondecarbonizationenergy-policyClaims of a B.C. power shortage don’t hold up - Clean Energy Canada
The article from Clean Energy Canada challenges claims that British Columbia (B.C.) is facing an electricity shortage, arguing that such assertions are largely inaccurate. It highlights that B.C.’s electricity system is currently robust, especially with the full operation of the Site C dam, which has significantly boosted the province’s energy exports. BC Hydro, a Crown utility, has generated substantial revenue—$290 million from January to October—benefiting local ratepayers rather than foreign shareholders. The province’s electricity grid is also capable of accommodating increased demand from electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps, technologies that can lower overall grid demand and reduce costs for residents. The article refutes concerns that rapid adoption of EVs and heat pumps would strain the grid. BC Hydro’s modeling suggests that achieving the target of 90% EV sales by 2030 would only modestly increase electricity demand, indicating the grid can handle this transition. The authors emphasize that clean electricity is a key competitive advantage for B.C. and
energyclean-energyelectricity-gridBC-Hydroelectric-vehiclesheat-pumpsenergy-exports8 Democratic Governors Urge Big Tech To Pay Their Fair Share - CleanTechnica
Eight Democratic governors from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Maryland have jointly urged Big Tech companies to pay their fair share for the significant electricity demand their data centers place on the regional power grid managed by PJM, the nation’s largest grid operator. This call to action coincides with PJM’s upcoming policy update submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, addressing the challenges of large load additions from data centers. The governors support extending a price cap on electricity capacity auctions, initially implemented to protect consumers from soaring costs, while discussions continue on other measures such as expedited interconnection for data center generation. Environmental advocates like the Sierra Club commend the governors’ leadership and ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the need for policies that ensure fairness and reliability for the 67 million people served by PJM. They stress the importance of expanding low-cost, clean energy sources—including wind, solar, battery storage, and geothermal—to mitigate rising electricity costs. The Sierra Club also highlights the potential for
energyelectricity-griddata-centersrenewable-energyenergy-policyenergy-affordabilityPJM-grid-operatorTrump administration wants tech companies to buy $15B of power plants they may not use
The Trump administration is urging the PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. electricity grid operator covering 13 states in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, to hold an auction for $15 billion worth of new power generation capacity through 15-year contracts. The administration wants tech companies, particularly data center operators, to bid on these contracts even if they do not ultimately require the power, anticipating increased electricity demand driven by data centers and AI growth. However, PJM appears reluctant to embrace this directive, with its spokesman offering minimal comment. The region has seen electricity rates rise by 10-15% for 2025, partly due to increased demand and soaring natural gas prices, which heavily impact PJM’s fossil fuel-dependent grid. The push for new fossil fuel power plants faces challenges, as building such infrastructure is costly and time-consuming, with utilities wary of committing to long-term investments amid uncertain future demand. In contrast, tech companies have increasingly favored renewable energy sources like solar and battery storage, which
energypower-plantselectricity-griddata-centersrenewable-energysolar-powerfossil-fuelsMicrosoft pledges water-positive AI data centers, full power payments
Microsoft has launched its Community First AI Infrastructure initiative to address environmental and economic concerns linked to the rapid expansion of its U.S. AI data centers. The company commits to preventing increases in residential electricity prices and avoiding strain on local water supplies caused by its facilities. Key pledges include paying electricity rates that fully cover the costs imposed by data centers, funding necessary grid upgrades, and collaborating early with utilities to plan power needs. Microsoft has already supported nearly eight gigawatts of new electricity generation in the Midwest, exceeding its current regional consumption, and aims to push for rate structures that prevent residential customers from subsidizing data center growth. On water usage, Microsoft plans to reduce data center water use intensity by 40% by 2030, relying on closed-loop cooling systems and minimizing potable water use. The company will fund water infrastructure improvements where local systems face capacity limits and has committed over $25 million for water and sewer upgrades near a Virginia data center. Additionally, Microsoft pledges to replenish more water than it
energydata-centersAI-infrastructurewater-conservationelectricity-gridsustainable-technologyMicrosoftEurope Built Hydrogen Infrastructure Instead of the Power Grid It Needed - CleanTechnica
The article highlights a critical policy lesson from Europe's energy transition: successful decarbonization depends on realistic demand planning rather than solely on technological ambition. Europe, particularly Germany, anticipated a significant rise in electricity demand due to electrification of transport, buildings, and industry, with projections showing a 40% to 70% increase by mid-century. However, while renewable generation capacity—especially wind and solar—expanded rapidly, the necessary transmission infrastructure to deliver this power to demand centers lagged significantly. This mismatch led to substantial curtailment of renewable electricity, with Germany sometimes discarding over 6 TWh annually due to grid bottlenecks, undermining investor confidence and inflating consumer costs. The curtailment was mistakenly interpreted by hydrogen proponents as surplus power availability, prompting investments in hydrogen electrolysis that did not address the underlying grid constraints. In contrast, countries like China and India prioritized transmission infrastructure development ahead of or alongside renewable capacity growth. China invested heavily in ultra-high-voltage transmission lines to
energyrenewable-energyhydrogen-infrastructureelectricity-gridtransmission-capacitydecarbonizationEurope-energy-policyCleanBC review panel recommendations reflect a new era for climate action grounded in affordability, competitiveness, and security - Clean Energy Canada
The article discusses the response of Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, to a review panel’s recommendations on improving British Columbia’s CleanBC climate plan. CleanBC, originally launched seven years ago, has helped reduce climate emissions, but the panel suggests a renewed focus that goes beyond near-term emissions targets. Instead, success should also be measured by the deployment of transformative climate solutions such as electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, wind turbines, and a smarter electricity grid. The panel advocates for ambitious yet achievable targets paired with new progress indicators emphasizing tangible benefits for British Columbians, including cost-saving technologies and investments in net-zero industries. A key strength highlighted is B.C.’s affordable and reliable clean electricity, which provides a competitive advantage and aligns with Premier David Eby’s vision of making the province a “clean energy superpower.” However, concerns remain about BC Hydro’s current Integrated Resource Plan, which may leave the province short of power if large projects proceed. The panel recommends continuing support
energyclean-energyclimate-actionrenewable-energyelectricity-gridelectric-vehiclesheat-pumpsRising data center electricity use risks blackouts during winter storms
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) warns that the rapid growth of data centers is significantly increasing electricity demand this winter, raising risks of grid instability and potential blackouts during severe weather events. Electricity demand across North America is expected to rise by 2.5% compared to last year, with data centers in regions such as the mid-Atlantic, U.S. West, and Southeast driving much of this increase. Texas, in particular, faces heightened risk due to ongoing data center expansion, which compounds challenges from past cold snaps when natural gas supply was constrained and demand surged. While Texas has bolstered its grid resilience by adding battery storage systems capable of quickly responding to short-term demand spikes, these batteries typically provide power for only a few hours. This limitation poses challenges during prolonged cold spells, as data centers consume electricity steadily throughout the day, making it difficult to maintain battery charge levels sufficient to support all users. NERC notes that if no major storms occur this winter, grid operations should remain
energydata-centerselectricity-gridbattery-storagepower-demandnatural-gasrenewable-energyA Second Golden Spike for an Electrified Canada: Using Carney’s Budget to Link the Provinces - CleanTechnica
Mark Carney’s first budget as Canada’s Finance Minister introduced the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit, a 15% refundable credit aimed at new generation, storage, and interprovincial electricity transmission projects. This fiscal measure is designed to catalyze the development of a national, low-carbon electricity grid by linking the currently fragmented provincial systems. Historically, Canada’s electricity infrastructure was developed regionally with minimal east-west interconnections, resulting in three asynchronous grids (Western, Eastern, and Québec) that cannot freely share large amounts of power. This fragmentation limits the country’s ability to meet growing electrification demands across transport, industry, and data centers, as well as its climate goals. Canada’s abundant hydropower resources, particularly in Québec, Manitoba, and British Columbia, act as natural batteries capable of balancing intermittent renewable generation. By connecting these provinces through high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission corridors, Canada could leverage time zone differences and complementary renewable patterns—such as solar peaks in the west
energyclean-energyelectricity-gridHVDC-transmissiondecarbonizationrenewable-energyenergy-storageMillions to receive free electricity in 2026 thanks to Australia’s solar boom
Australia is set to provide millions of electricity customers in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeastern Queensland with up to three hours of free electricity daily starting in July 2026, thanks to the country’s rapid expansion of rooftop solar power. Over a third of Australian homes now have solar panels, driven by significant cost reductions in solar installations. The new Solar Sharer plan will allow all households with smart meters to benefit from excess solar energy, even if they do not have solar panels themselves, enabling residents in apartments or unsuitable rooftops to access free solar power generated by their neighbors. The initiative encourages shifting electricity use to peak solar production hours, likely between 11 am and 2 pm, to better align demand with renewable supply. This demand shift will reduce reliance on coal and gas power during nighttime and decrease the need for grid-scale batteries to store excess solar energy. Customers must opt into the plan, and smart appliances can optimize usage during free electricity periods, such as timing electric vehicle charging or laundry loads
energysolar-powerrenewable-energysmart-meterselectricity-gridenergy-policyAustralia-energy-initiativesAussies to enjoy 3 hours of free solar power every day under new plan
Australia will introduce the Solar Sharer program in July 2026, providing households in New South Wales, South Australia, and south-east Queensland with at least three hours of free solar power daily during sunny periods. This initiative applies to homes equipped with smart meters, enabling residents to run appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, and charge electric vehicles without electricity costs during the designated free power window. The program aims to encourage energy use when solar generation is highest, helping to reduce peak electricity prices, stabilize the grid, and minimize infrastructure expenses. The government plans to potentially expand the scheme nationally by 2027. The Solar Sharer program addresses the issue of excess rooftop solar generation in Australia, which often leads to negative electricity prices during the day but high demand at night. By incentivizing midday electricity consumption, the scheme benefits all users—whether they have solar panels or not—and supports the country’s renewable energy goals, targeting 82% renewable electricity by 2030. While clean energy advocates have praised the
energysolar-powerrenewable-energysmart-meterselectricity-gridenergy-policyAustralia-energy-planPuerto Rico Keeps Getting Hammered By Political Storms - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the ongoing political and infrastructural challenges Puerto Rico faces, particularly regarding its electrical grid. Puerto Rico, a US commonwealth since the Spanish-American War, suffers from high import costs due to the Jones Act and has a geographically challenging terrain that complicates infrastructure maintenance. The island’s electrical grid, centralized along the south coast and reliant on outdated transmission lines crossing difficult mountainous terrain, was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The US government’s decision to rebuild the grid around centralized fossil fuel generation has been controversial, especially as the island’s residents increasingly adopt decentralized energy solutions like rooftop solar and microgrids. A recent IEEFA report shows that over 10% of Puerto Rico’s electricity consumption now comes from rooftop solar, with about 1.2 gigawatts installed as of mid-2025. The number of solar systems has quintupled in four years, driven by residents seeking to escape the unreliable grid, which has seen worsening outage metrics compared to
energyrenewable-energysolar-powermicrogridsdistributed-energy-resourceselectricity-gridPuerto-Rico-energy-crisisA Chance To Cut Electricity Bills For Illinois Consumers - CleanTechnica
The article discusses a proposed Illinois legislation called the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), aimed at reducing electricity costs for consumers while modernizing the state's power grid. Illinois leaders and organizations like the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association (ISEA) are advocating for the bill, which promotes the integration of clean energy technologies such as solar power, energy storage, and virtual power plants. These innovations are seen as key to maximizing renewable energy use, enhancing grid reliability, and ultimately lowering electricity prices for families and businesses facing high energy costs. The CRGA would establish programs for energy storage and virtual power plants that pool energy from distributed sources like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles, helping to meet Illinois's growing electricity demand more efficiently. Supporters highlight that the bill could generate $34 billion in net savings over 20 years and reduce consumer bills by up to $20.54 per month, according to the Illinois Power Agency. The legislation has strong backing from Democrats and clean energy advocates,
energysolar-powerenergy-storagevirtual-power-plantsclean-energy-legislationelectricity-gridIllinois-energy-policyAnti-Solar Actions In USA Are Restricting Energy Supply; Right When The Grid Can Least Afford It - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how the Trump Administration's policies are significantly restricting the growth of solar energy in the United States at a critical time when electricity demand is surging. Despite solar energy being the fastest-growing source of new generation capacity—adding more new capacity in 2024 than any other technology in two decades—the administration has implemented a series of measures that undermine this progress. These include changes to tax policy (notably HR 1), cancellation of key grid improvements and solar grants by the Department of Energy, bureaucratic delays and cancellations of large solar projects by the Department of the Interior, and upcoming guidance that could further restrict financing. These actions have slowed solar deployment, created investor uncertainty, caused job losses, and led to project cancellations. The consequences of these anti-solar policies are stark. Forecasts from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie show that new solar capacity additions could decline by 27% from 2026 to 2030, translating to
energysolar-energyclean-energyenergy-policyelectricity-gridrenewable-energyenergy-regulationIreland Shutters Its Last Coal-Fired Generating Station - CleanTechnica
Ireland has officially ceased coal-fired electricity generation, becoming the 15th European country to do so with the shutdown of the Moneypoint thermal power station on June 20, 2025. Built over 40 years ago to ensure energy security amid oil market instability, Moneypoint began its transition away from coal in 2017, evolving into a clean energy hub. The site’s existing high-capacity grid connection and infrastructure have been leveraged to facilitate this shift, including the addition of a 17 MW onshore wind farm and the launch of the Green Atlantic@Moneypoint project—a multi-billion euro initiative aimed at transforming the facility into one of Ireland’s largest renewable energy centers. Key developments include the 2022 completion of Ireland’s first synchronous compensator at Moneypoint, a zero-carbon technology that stabilizes grid frequency and inertia, enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources. While coal use has ended, Moneypoint will remain available to generate electricity using oil
energyrenewable-energycoal-phase-outenergy-transitionelectricity-gridwind-powergrid-stability3 Ridiculous Things About Donald Trump Forcing A Coal Power Plant To Stay Open - CleanTechnica
The article by Steve Hanley criticizes the Trump administration, specifically the Department of Energy led by a fossil fuel billionaire, for forcing a Michigan utility company to keep an outdated and polluting coal power plant operational despite having a newer natural gas plant built to replace it. This mandate is described as absurd and counterproductive, especially given the administration’s contradictory stance on climate change: denying global warming publicly while invoking emergency powers due to expected extreme heat to justify keeping the coal plant running. Hanley highlights this as a hypocritical and environmentally harmful approach that exacerbates global heating rather than addressing it responsibly. Additionally, the article points out the irony of a Republican-led government, which typically advocates for limited government intervention, imposing a heavy-handed federal order that disrupts market efficiency and forces Consumers Energy to maintain an uneconomical power source. This intervention leads to higher electricity costs for ratepayers across Michigan and 14 other states, with no prior consultation from state regulators or grid operators. The author condemns this as unnecessary government overreach that increases financial burdens on consumers while undermining clean energy progress, labeling the policy as “brilliant idiocy” for its counterproductive and costly consequences.
energycoal-power-plantfossil-fuelselectricity-gridenergy-policyclimate-changeutility-costsFrom Coal Dominance To Renewables: How Poland Changed Its Energy Story - CleanTechnica
energyrenewable-energyhydrogenenergy-transitionPolanddecarbonizationelectricity-gridTiến độ các dự án giải tỏa công suất Nhiệt điện Nhơn Trạch 3 và 4 cập nhật 8 5 2025
energypower-transmissionrenewable-energyenergy-securityinfrastructure-projectselectricity-gridenergy-managementPhân tích sự cố mất điện trên bán đảo Iberia và một số khuyến nghị cho Việt Nam
energyrenewable-energypower-outageIberiaenergy-transitionelectricity-gridenergy-securityPhân tích chi tiết sự cố mất điện trên bán đảo Iberia và một số khuyến nghị cho Việt Nam
energyrenewable-energypower-outageenergy-transitionelectricity-gridenergy-securityIberiaHệ thống điện Tây Ban Nha 1 ngày không dùng nhiên liệu hóa thạch và sự cố mất điện trên bán đảo Iberia
energyrenewable-energyelectricity-gridenergy-transitionpower-outageSpainIberiaWhat Caused the European Power Outage?
energypower-outageelectricity-gridgrid-stabilityenergy-productioninfrastructureblackout