Articles tagged with "power-grid"
Philippine MTerra Solar Project To Be Connected To The Grid Very Soon - CleanTechnica
The Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a P14.25-billion ($250 million) transmission network to connect the MTerra Solar Project, developed by Terra Solar Philippines Inc., to the national grid. This infrastructure, nearly 90% complete, will transmit power generated from the solar installations in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan to consumers across Luzon. Currently, the facility has installed 778 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, making it the largest operational solar plant in the country. Once fully completed, the project aims to generate 3,500 MW of solar power complemented by a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery storage system, with the first phase targeted to come online by early 2026. The battery storage will enable power supply during peak evening hours, addressing the Philippines’ chronic power reliability issues and reducing brownouts. The project is significant for Filipino consumers as it promises to lower electricity costs by providing solar power at rates below fossil fuel alternatives, thereby
energysolar-powerbattery-storagerenewable-energypower-gridenergy-infrastructurecarbon-emissions-reductionChina’s Electric Highways: Awe, Engineering, and the Myths of Invisible Danger - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses China’s ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission grid, highlighting its vast scale and engineering achievements. China has constructed hundreds of thousands of kilometers of high-voltage corridors connecting diverse energy sources—wind, solar, hydro, and coal—across its vast territory. The grid includes lines operating at 800 kV, 1,000 kV, and 1,100 kV, such as the Changji–Guquan ±1,100 kV link that transmits up to 12,000 MW over 3,300 km. This infrastructure significantly improves efficiency by reducing current and thus resistive losses over long distances, although some losses remain due to line resistance and conversion stations. While the article praises the engineering feat, it critiques the sensationalized portrayal of the grid’s effects on nearby residents, such as claims of villagers feeling numb or sparks flying from umbrellas. These anecdotes, the article argues, drift into myth rather than fact
energyelectric-highwaysultra-high-voltage-transmissionUHVDCpower-gridrenewable-energy-transmissionChina-energy-infrastructureAustralia’s March Toward 100 Percent Clean Energy
Australia is on a clear and realistic path to powering its electricity grid entirely with renewable energy, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). The National Electricity Market, which serves about 90% of Australians, currently relies on coal for 46% of its electricity and renewables for about 35%. However, aging coal plants are retiring and being replaced by cost-effective renewable sources such as wind, solar, storage, and hydropower, supplemented by some gas for seasonal reliability. AEMO expects that 90% of coal generation will be phased out by 2035, with the remainder likely closing later in the decade. The transition is market-driven rather than mandated by legislation, making the exact timing uncertain, but the first coal-free day on the grid could occur much sooner. Australia’s transition offers a potential model for other modern economies aiming for net-zero emissions. The country benefits from vast sunny and windy geography combined with a relatively small population, enabling high renewable penetration. Its national
energyrenewable-energyclean-energypower-gridAustralia-energy-transitionenergy-storageelectricity-marketLaos Wind Farm Begins Power Exports to Vietnam in Regional First - CleanTechnica
The 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos began exporting electricity to Vietnam’s national grid on August 22, marking Asia’s first cross-border renewable energy initiative. Spanning 68,000 hectares across Dak Cheung and Sanxay districts, the wind farm comprises 133 turbines connected via a 71-kilometer transmission line crossing the Lao–Vietnam border. Power is collected at substations in Laos, stepped up for transmission, and delivered through Vietnam’s grid to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The $950 million project took 14 years to develop and is operated by Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited, backed by international shareholders including Impact Electrons Siam, ACEN, BCPG, Mitsubishi Corporation, and Lao’s SMP Consultation. Financing was provided by a consortium led by the Asian Development Bank and included multiple international banks and agencies. Construction, led by China’s PowerChina with turbines supplied by Envision Energy
energyrenewable-energywind-powercross-border-energy-tradepower-gridsustainable-energyinfrastructure-developmentIndonesia Bets On Thorcon’s Molten Salt Reactor, But History Suggests Trouble Ahead - CleanTechnica
Indonesia has recently granted early-stage regulatory approval to Thorcon International, a Singapore-based company developing molten salt reactors, to evaluate a site for a demonstration nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island. This move marks Indonesia’s first formal commitment to nuclear energy, aiming to diversify its electricity mix amid rapidly growing demand. Currently, Indonesia’s power system is fragmented across its vast archipelago, with many remote islands relying on costly and polluting diesel generators. The country’s electricity generation remains heavily dependent on coal (61%), with modest contributions from renewables such as hydropower (7%), geothermal (5%), and solar (1%). The government plans to add 71 GW of new capacity by 2034, including 10 GW of nuclear by 2040, alongside significant expansions in renewables and storage to reduce coal reliance and meet climate goals. However, the article highlights significant challenges and historical lessons that cast doubt on the success of Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions. Globally, nuclear power has only thrived under conditions
energynuclear-powermolten-salt-reactorrenewable-energyIndonesia-energy-transitionclean-energypower-gridAI & Electricity: Two Perspectives - CleanTechnica
The article "AI & Electricity: Two Perspectives" from CleanTechnica discusses the growing concern over the substantial electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI) data centers. Analyses suggest that within a few years, AI data centers could consume up to 12% of the United States' total electrical demand. This surge in power consumption comes at a time when about 90% of new electricity generation is from renewable sources like wind and solar. However, current U.S. government policies are criticized for favoring expensive and polluting energy sources such as coal and methane, which could exacerbate electricity costs for consumers and manufacturers alike. Economist Paul Krugman highlights the economic implications of rising electricity costs linked to AI infrastructure. He points out that utilities typically pass the cost of expanding capacity to support data centers onto ordinary customers, contributing to a recent spike in retail electricity prices that outpaces overall inflation. The largest U.S. grid operator has recommended that large data centers generate their own power to alleviate grid strain
energyAI-energy-consumptiondata-centersrenewable-energyelectricity-pricesenergy-policypower-gridWhy the US power grid upgrade could top $1 trillion
The U.S. electric grid is facing a critical need for a massive upgrade, potentially costing over $1 trillion, due to aging infrastructure, rapidly increasing electricity demand, and the challenges posed by integrating renewable energy sources. The grid, much of which dates back to the post-World War II era, was originally designed for a stable, one-way flow of electricity from large coal and nuclear plants. However, the rise of intermittent renewable energy like solar and wind, combined with surging demand from electric vehicles, heat pumps, and energy-intensive AI data centers, has created a volatile supply-demand dynamic that the current grid cannot reliably manage. The American Society of Civil Engineers has rated the nation’s energy infrastructure a D+, underscoring its vulnerability. Addressing these challenges requires unprecedented investment: targeted modernization efforts involve billions in federal funding and over a trillion dollars in private utility spending projected through 2029. Efforts are already underway, including the installation of high-voltage DC transmission lines to transport solar power over
energypower-gridrenewable-energysmart-gridenergy-infrastructuregrid-modernizationelectricity-demandUS' high-speed breaker for DC electricity boom passes 1,800-volt testing
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a breakthrough medium-voltage semiconductor circuit breaker capable of interrupting direct current (DC) at voltages up to 1,800 volts and clearing faults in less than 50 microseconds. This speed is critical because unlike alternating current (AC), DC lacks natural zero-crossing points, making traditional mechanical breakers too slow and unsafe for high-voltage DC systems. The new breaker uses affordable thyristor semiconductors combined with a novel external circuit to forcibly stop current flow, preventing dangerous electrical arcs and making semiconductor breakers economically competitive for the first time. This innovation paves the way for widespread adoption of high-power DC grids, which are more efficient and better suited to integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels and batteries. The ORNL team has demonstrated scalability by linking breakers in series and is working toward systems capable of handling up to 10,000 volts to meet future energy demands, including those from AI data centers. By enabling safer, faster
energyDC-powersemiconductor-breakercircuit-breakerpower-griddirect-currentelectrical-safetyWorld's Largest Battery Jumpstarts Australia
The Waratah Super Battery, the world’s largest battery, has recently been launched in Australia. It has the capacity to power one million homes simultaneously for one hour, aiming to enhance the stability of Australia’s power grid. This significant development is expected to address energy supply challenges and support the integration of renewable energy sources. By providing large-scale energy storage, the battery can help balance supply and demand, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and improve grid reliability. The Waratah Super Battery represents a major step forward in Australia’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure and transition toward a more sustainable and resilient power system.
energybattery-technologypower-gridrenewable-energyenergy-storageWaratah-Super-BatteryAustralia-energy-infrastructureAdvanced DC breaker tech speeds up protection, cuts energy loss
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed the world’s fastest medium-voltage direct current (DC) circuit breaker, leveraging semiconductor technology—specifically thyristors—to overcome limitations of traditional mechanical breakers. Unlike alternating current (AC), DC lacks a natural zero-crossing point to interrupt current flow, making mechanical breakers slow and prone to arcing and fire risks during faults. The new semiconductor-based breaker can interrupt 1,400 volts in under 50 microseconds, which is four to six times faster than previous thyristor-based systems, significantly enhancing safety and reliability for DC power grids. The design is scalable by connecting multiple breaker units in series, successfully tested up to 1,800 volts, with ongoing work targeting 10,000 volts to meet the demands of high-voltage DC grids. This breakthrough is critical for modern energy infrastructure, particularly for sectors like AI data centers and advanced manufacturing that benefit from DC’s higher efficiency, lower transmission losses, and support for multi-direction
energypower-gridDC-circuit-breakersemiconductor-technologymedium-voltagerenewable-energyelectrical-safetyRenewables Soothe Grid During High Season Heatwaves - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how renewable energy sources, particularly solar panels, batteries, and energy efficiency measures, played a crucial role in stabilizing New England’s power grid during recent extreme heatwaves. During a peak demand event on June 24, when temperatures reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit, behind-the-meter (BTM) solar installations contributed over five gigawatts of power, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and saving consumers at least $8.2 million amid soaring wholesale electricity prices. Additionally, nearly two gigawatts of peak demand reductions from energy efficiency efforts helped maintain resource adequacy, while battery storage and interregional power imports further enhanced grid reliability. The article also emphasizes the broader significance of these developments in the context of climate change. As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, personal experience with extreme heat is increasing public awareness and acceptance of climate science. Clean energy technologies like heat pumps, solar, and batteries not only reduce carbon emissions but also offer more cost-effective and reliable alternatives
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerbattery-storageclean-energypower-gridclimate-changeOhio PUC Sets New Rules For Data Centers - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the rapid expansion of massive AI-focused data centers by tech giants like Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, who is investing hundreds of billions of dollars into new facilities such as the Prometheus and Hyperion data centers, expected to be operational by 2026. These centers are designed to support Meta’s growing AI and advertising operations, with capital expenditures projected to reach up to $72 billion by 2025 to keep pace with competitors like OpenAI and Google. Despite the enormous scale and cost, Zuckerberg and other tech leaders have not addressed who will bear the financial burden of the necessary power grid upgrades to support these energy-intensive facilities. In response to concerns about the financial risks posed to utility customers, the Ohio Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has implemented new rules requiring data center operators to commit to funding at least 85% of the grid upgrades they claim they will need, even if their projected energy demand does not materialize. This policy aims to prevent data centers from avoiding financial responsibility for
energydata-centersMetaAI-campuspower-gridcapital-expenditurenuclear-power400 Offshore Wind Turbines Survived Typhoon Danas
The article highlights the successful resilience of 400 offshore wind turbines in the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Danas, which struck Taiwan with sustained winds of 144 kph (89 mph) and heavy rainfall causing widespread damage onshore. These turbines, built to meet a stringent Class T safety standard established jointly by Taiwan and Japan in 2017, withstood the typhoon without damage. The turbines automatically locked their blades during high winds to prevent damage and were back online quickly, contributing to 9.2% of Taiwan’s electricity consumption shortly after the storm passed. This contrasts sharply with the extensive damage to Taiwan’s onshore power infrastructure, where thousands of power poles and transformers were destroyed, leaving nearly 829,000 households without power. The article also critiques a recent U.S. Department of Energy report warning of a severe increase in blackouts by 2030 unless the U.S. expands conventional power generation like coal, gas, oil, and nuclear plants. The author points out that this report
energyoffshore-wind-turbinestyphoon-resiliencerenewable-energypower-gridwind-power-standardsTaiwan-energyChina’s 1,080-pound graphite bomb could cripple 2.5-acre power grid
China has developed a large-scale graphite bomb capable of disabling electrical power grids over an area of approximately 2.5 acres (10,000 square meters) almost instantaneously. The weapon, showcased in an animated video released by state broadcaster CCTV, features a 1,080-pound (490 kg) warhead that can be launched from land-based vehicles to strike targets up to 180 miles (290 km) away. Upon deployment, it disperses 90 submunitions containing chemically treated carbon filaments designed to short-circuit transformers, substations, and other critical grid components, causing a complete blackout without physical destruction. Though not officially named, the weapon aligns with known graphite bomb technology previously demonstrated by the US military, which disables electrical infrastructure through conductive filaments rather than explosions. Analysts suggest this system could be used to target Taiwan’s power grid in a future conflict, reflecting China’s broader strategic shift toward non-kinetic warfare aimed at crippling enemy command, control, communications, and intelligence
energypower-gridgraphite-bombelectrical-infrastructureChina-Aerospace-Science-and-Technology-Corporationnon-lethal-weaponselectrical-disruptionElectricity Demand in the Eastern United States Surged from Heat Wave - CleanTechnica
A significant heat wave across the Eastern United States in late June 2025 caused electricity demand to surge to multiyear highs in two major regional grids. On June 23, the PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market covering 13 states and D.C., reached a peak load of 160,560 MW between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., approaching but not surpassing its 2006 record of 165,563 MW. This demand spike drove real-time wholesale electricity prices to a peak of $1,334/MWh at 7:00 p.m., a sharp increase from $52/MWh a week earlier. Generation during this peak was primarily from natural gas (44%), nuclear (20%), and coal (19%), with solar contributing 6%. Notably, petroleum-based generation tripled compared to the previous day, reflecting its use as a costly but necessary resource during extreme demand. The following day, June 24, the ISO New England
energyelectricity-demandpower-gridrenewable-energynatural-gassolar-powerenergy-pricesNew York to build first nuclear plant in decades to power factories
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to build the state’s first new nuclear power plant in nearly four decades, aiming to develop a zero-emission facility with at least 1 gigawatt (GW) capacity. The New York Power Authority (NYPA), in coordination with the Department of Public Service (DPS), will immediately begin evaluating technologies, business models, and potential sites for the plant, focusing on factors such as public safety, community support, infrastructure compatibility, skilled labor availability, and financing options. This initiative supports New York’s broader goals of electrifying its economy, retiring fossil fuel plants, and attracting manufacturing jobs, while ensuring a reliable, affordable, and clean energy grid. Currently, New York’s existing nuclear capacity of 3.4 GW—generated by three plants operated by Constellation on Lake Ontario—provides about 20% of the state’s electricity and 42% of its carbon-free power. The new plant would increase total nuclear capacity to approximately
energynuclear-powerclean-energypower-gridNew-Yorkzero-emissionenergy-policyInside The Iberian Grid Collapse: What Really Went Wrong - CleanTechnica
On April 28, 2025, the Iberian Peninsula suffered a major blackout when the Spain and Portugal grids disconnected from the wider European system due to a cascading failure at 12:33 PM. Despite occurring during mild spring conditions with moderate demand and abundant renewable energy, the blackout was not caused by renewables themselves. Instead, it resulted from multiple failures: 50% due to human errors in planning, 30% from legacy generation units not performing as expected, and 20% from renewables disconnecting because they were not configured to handle the scenario—highlighting human and system design shortcomings rather than technological faults. Prior black-start procedures, relying heavily on hydroelectric plants with autonomous restart capabilities, were successfully executed to restore the grid, underscoring the continued importance of such resources even as battery storage and inverter-based technologies grow. The blackout was precipitated by persistent voltage fluctuations and frequency oscillations throughout the morning, revealing structural weaknesses like insufficient dynamic voltage regulation and poor oscillation damping.
energypower-gridrenewable-energyblackoutelectricity-systemgrid-stabilityhydroelectric-powerThe "EVs Are Big Polluters" Circus Is Back In Town - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses renewed criticism of electric vehicles (EVs), sparked by comments from Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, who argued that in Japan—where electricity generation relies heavily on thermal power plants—producing EVs could increase carbon emissions compared to hybrids. This statement was seized upon by anti-EV groups to claim that EVs are worse polluters than hybrids or gasoline cars. However, the article highlights that such claims often stem from misinformation or ideological bias against EVs and fail to consider the full lifecycle emissions of vehicles. Scientific studies, including one published by IOP Science, acknowledge that EV manufacturing produces higher initial carbon emissions due to battery production, creating a "carbon debt." Yet, over their operational lifetime, EVs offset this debt by producing significantly lower emissions during use, especially as electricity grids become cleaner. The breakeven point for EVs to become cleaner than hybrids is typically between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, and even shorter when
energyelectric-vehiclescarbon-emissionsbattery-manufacturingrenewable-energypower-gridsustainabilityAmazon announces $20B nuclear-powered data center expansion in US
Amazon has announced a historic $20 billion investment to build two large data center complexes in Pennsylvania, marking the largest private sector investment in the state’s history. One complex is under construction near Philadelphia, while the other is planned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania. Amazon intends to power the latter data center directly from the nuclear plant, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny and is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This direct power connection could provide Amazon with up to 960 megawatts—about 40% of the plant’s output—enough electricity to power over half a million homes, potentially at a premium price. The Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, emphasized that this investment aims to revitalize local communities and reverse the trend of young workers leaving the state for better opportunities. Amazon’s acquisition of the nearby data center and land from Talen Energy for $650 million last year enables the company to expand significantly on that site. This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader strategy, which has seen about $10 billion pledged in 2024 alone for data centers across several states, driven by the growing energy demands of AI technologies. However, the direct power deal raises concerns about grid fairness and energy access, as it may limit availability for others and bypass grid improvement fees, prompting ongoing regulatory review.
energynuclear-powerdata-centersAmazonenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energypower-gridEnergy Department Orders Michigan Coal Generating Station To Remain Open - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Energy Department, led by Chris Wright, issued an emergency order mandating that the 63-year-old J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan remain operational for at least 90 days, overriding a previously approved decommissioning plan set by the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2022. The plant was scheduled to close as part of a transition plan that included replacing its capacity with a methane-fired power plant already purchased by Consumers Energy, the utility owner. Wright justified the order by citing concerns over potential electricity shortages in the Midwest during the summer due to insufficient baseload power from coal, gas, and nuclear plants. However, the Michigan PSC and the utility company stated they neither requested nor were consulted about the emergency order, highlighting a lack of coordination and transparency. The decision has drawn criticism for bypassing the usual regulatory process, which typically involves public comment and agency review, and for imposing significant financial burdens on consumers. Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan PSC, estimated that keeping the coal plant running could cost ratepayers across 15 states tens of millions of dollars, potentially nearing $100 million. The Energy Department defended the order by referencing longstanding warnings from grid operators about the risks of decommissioning baseload power sources but did not provide evidence of a cost-benefit analysis or acknowledge the existing replacement plan. Emergency orders of this nature are described as highly unusual, underscoring the controversial and unprecedented nature of this intervention.
energycoal-powerenergy-policypower-gridelectricity-generationfossil-fuelsenergy-departmentKý hợp đồng tín dụng đầu tư của nhà nước dự án nâng công suất Trạm biến áp 500kV Hòa Bình
energypower-transmissioninvestment-projectelectrical-infrastructureenergy-capacityrenewable-energypower-gridĐóng điện Trạm biến áp 110kV Nam Cấm dự án sử dụng vốn ưu đãi từ Chính phủ Đức
energypower-gridrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyinfrastructure-developmentelectricity-supplysmart-grid