Articles tagged with "power-transmission"
Why HVDC Export Cables Are An Underappreciated Risk In Offshore Wind - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the often-overlooked risks associated with High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) export cables in offshore wind projects. While much attention is given to turbines and their components, the HVDC export system—critical for transmitting power over long distances—carries significant delivery and recovery risks that are not adequately appreciated. As offshore wind farms grow larger and farther from shore, HVDC technology becomes necessary due to its efficiency over long subsea distances compared to HVAC. However, despite its technical maturity, HVDC cables are vulnerable to faults that can cause substantial outages, removing large portions of a wind farm’s output in a single event. Key data from industry surveys and European experience indicate that subsea HVDC cable faults, though infrequent (about 0.07 to 0.10 faults per 100 km-years), have long repair times averaging around 60 days. Over the typical lifespan of a 150 km export cable (about 25 years), this translates into an expected 2 to
energyoffshore-windHVDC-cablessubsea-transmissionrenewable-energypower-transmissionelectrical-infrastructureSteering Electricity: How Grid Control Devices Unlock Transmission Capacity - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the critical role of grid-enhancing technologies, particularly Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and Advanced Power Flow Control devices, in optimizing existing electricity transmission infrastructure. As electrification increases demand and renewable generation shifts geographically—often far from urban centers—the expansion of new transmission lines has slowed due to lengthy permitting and environmental review processes. Consequently, transmission capacity, rather than generation capacity, has become a key bottleneck in many regions. These technologies enable grid operators to more effectively manage power flows on existing lines, overcoming the physical and regulatory challenges of building new corridors. A fundamental limitation in alternating current (AC) transmission networks is that electricity flows according to the impedance of lines rather than operator commands, causing uneven distribution of power that can overload certain lines while others remain underutilized. FACTS devices, which emerged commercially in the late 20th century, use power electronics to control voltage, reactive power, and line impedance, allowing operators to steer electricity flows more precisely. This
energypower-transmissiongrid-controlflexible-AC-transmission-systemsrenewable-energy-integrationelectricity-infrastructureadvanced-power-flow-controlScientists build benchtop device to advance wireless charging for EVs
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a benchtop device that simulates wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to advance dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology. This rotating apparatus replicates the movement of an EV’s receiving coil over transmitter coils embedded in roadways, simulating vehicular speeds of up to 25 miles per hour while transferring 3 kilowatts of power. By accurately mimicking the electromagnetic environment of highway-embedded coils, the device allows detailed study of power transmission efficiency and the effects of coil misalignments, a common real-world challenge that impacts coupling efficiency and charging performance. The innovation addresses a significant barrier in DWPT research: the high cost and impracticality of building full-scale test tracks with embedded transmitter coils, which limits experimentation to well-funded institutions. This benchtop simulator enables smaller labs to conduct realistic testing and analysis of wireless charging dynamics, potentially accelerating the development and adoption of wireless charging systems. Such systems could reduce the need for large
energywireless-chargingelectric-vehiclesdynamic-wireless-power-transferEV-battery-technologypower-transmissionTokyo-Metropolitan-UniversityEuropa 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-policyWorld's largest offshore solar power plant brought online in China
China has commissioned the world’s largest open-sea offshore solar power plant, a 1-gigawatt (GW) photovoltaic installation located off the coast of Dongying in Shandong province. Developed by Guohua Investment, part of the state-owned China Energy Investment Corp, the HG14 project spans 1,223 hectares of shallow coastal waters about eight kilometers from shore. It is the first gigawatt-scale fixed-pile offshore PV project, featuring 2,934 platforms anchored by 11,736 steel piles designed to withstand harsh marine conditions including strong winds, waves, tides, and seasonal sea ice. The farm uses over 2.3 million high-power 710-watt n-type bifacial solar panels tilted at 15 degrees, benefiting from cooler air and reflected sunlight to achieve 5-15% higher efficiency than comparable onshore solar plants. The project incorporates a 66-kilovolt (kV) subsea cable combined with onshore cables for high-capacity
energyoffshore-solar-powerphotovoltaicrenewable-energyenergy-storagepower-transmissionChina-energy-projectsMicrosoft-backed VEIR is bringing superconductors to data centers
Microsoft-backed startup Veir is developing superconducting electrical cables designed to address the rapidly increasing power demands of data centers, which have surged from tens to 200 kilowatts per rack and are projected to reach up to a megawatt in the near future. Traditional low-voltage copper cables become bulky and inefficient at these scales, but Veir’s superconducting cables can carry up to 3 megawatts of low-voltage electricity while occupying 20 times less space and transmitting power five times farther. These cables operate at extremely low temperatures (–196˚C) using liquid nitrogen cooling to maintain superconductivity, enabling zero energy loss. Veir has adapted its core superconducting technology, initially developed for long-distance power transmission lines, to meet the specific needs of data centers. The company has built a simulated data center in Massachusetts to demonstrate the technology and plans pilot deployments in operational data centers next year, aiming for a commercial launch in 2027. The startup acts as a systems integrator,
energysuperconductorsdata-centerspower-transmissioncooling-systemselectrical-cablesenergy-efficiencyA better way of thinking about the AI bubble
The article discusses the concept of an AI bubble, emphasizing that tech bubbles need not be catastrophic but rather reflect overinvestment where supply outpaces demand. A key challenge in assessing the AI bubble lies in the mismatch between the rapid development of AI software and the slow, complex process of building and powering data centers. Since data centers take years to complete and depend on evolving technologies in energy, semiconductors, and power transmission, predicting future supply needs is difficult. Large-scale investments are already underway, with companies like Oracle, Softbank, and Meta committing hundreds of billions of dollars to AI infrastructure, highlighting the scale of current bets on AI’s growth. Despite this massive investment, demand for AI services remains uncertain. A recent McKinsey survey shows that while most companies use AI in some capacity, few have integrated it extensively or seen significant business impact, indicating many are still cautious about scaling AI adoption. Infrastructure challenges also pose risks: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted that data center space, rather than chip
energydata-centersAI-infrastructuresemiconductor-designpower-transmissioncloud-servicestechnology-investmentInfravision raises $91M for power line maintenance drones
Infravision, a company specializing in aerial drones for power grid construction and maintenance, has raised $91 million in Series B funding to accelerate the adoption of its TX System. This system integrates drones, intelligent ground equipment, and stringing hardware to provide a faster, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to traditional power line stringing methods, which often face delays and high costs. The TX System has been successfully deployed on major projects worldwide, including Powerlink Genex in Australia and emergency response efforts with PG&E in California, demonstrating its capability to handle complex and high-voltage transmission tasks while reducing outages and community disruptions. Led by GIC with participation from Activate Capital, Hitachi Ventures, and Energy Impact Partners, the funding will support Infravision’s expansion into the U.S. market, enhance its engineering talent pool, and scale manufacturing and operations. Since its 2018 launch, Infravision has completed over 40 major projects across four countries, saving clients millions of dollars
dronespower-line-maintenanceaerial-roboticsenergy-infrastructuregrid-modernizationautomationpower-transmissionChina’s superconducting magnet hits 351,000 gauss, breaks world record
Chinese scientists at the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) have set a new world record by generating a steady magnetic field of 351,000 gauss—over 700,000 times stronger than Earth’s geomagnetic field—using a fully superconducting magnet. This surpasses the previous record of 323,500 gauss and marks a significant advancement in superconducting magnet technology. The magnet was developed through collaboration with the Hefei International Applied Superconductivity Center, the Institute of Energy of the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, and Tsinghua University. The breakthrough was achieved by employing high-temperature superconducting insert-coil technology nested coaxially with low-temperature superconducting magnets, ensuring mechanical stability and electromagnetic performance under extreme conditions. This achievement has important implications for accelerating the commercialization of advanced superconducting instruments such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers used in medical imaging and chemical analysis. Moreover, the magnet supports critical technologies requiring strong and stable magnetic fields, including fusion magnet
energysuperconducting-magnetfusion-researchmagnetic-levitationpower-transmissionhigh-temperature-superconductorsadvanced-materialsAC or DC: Which Is Better?
The article "AC or DC: Which Is Better?" explores the fundamental differences between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electricity, highlighting why homes use AC despite most modern electronic devices operating on DC. While devices like LEDs and digital gadgets require DC power, the electricity supplied to homes is AC, necessitating internal conversion from AC to DC. This situation stems from a historical debate between Thomas Edison, who championed DC, and Nikola Tesla, who advocated for AC; Tesla’s AC system ultimately became the standard due to its advantages in power transmission. Electricity is described as the flow of electrons driven by voltage, with DC providing a steady, one-directional flow, and AC causing electrons to oscillate back and forth. Although DC circuits are simpler and easier to create—illustrated by the example of a homemade battery using metals and a potato—AC is more practical for transmitting electricity over long distances. The article uses a DC toaster example to explain electrical power, resistance, and Ohm
energyelectricitydirect-currentalternating-currentpower-transmissionelectrical-gridDC-powerKý 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-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-managementFitch Ratings xếp hạng tín nhiệm EVNNPT ngang bằng với tín nhiệm quốc gia
energyrenewable-energypower-transmissioninvestmentenergy-planningcredit-ratingEVNNPTCập nhật tiến độ dự án giải tỏa công suất Nhà máy điện Nhơn Trạch 3 ngày 5 5 2025
energyrenewable-energypower-transmissionNhon-Trach-3electricity-supplyconstruction-projectenergy-infrastructure