Articles tagged with "smart-grid"
Solar & Storage Succeed When Cybersecurity Leads - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the rapid growth of solar and energy storage technologies, which accounted for 84% of new grid capacity additions in 2024 and 82% in the first half of 2025. These technologies are critical to meeting rising electricity demand due to their low cost and quick deployment compared to traditional energy sources like gas and nuclear. However, as solar and storage systems become more widespread and digitally connected, cybersecurity emerges as a crucial priority to protect critical energy infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats posed by nation-states and criminal actors, particularly from China, Russia, and Iran. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is actively leading efforts to develop and implement cybersecurity best practices across the solar and storage industry, emphasizing secure manufacturing, operation, and supply chain management. The article stresses that many components in the solar supply chain were not originally designed with security in mind, and recent concerns about undocumented communication devices in Chinese-sourced equipment underscore the need for stronger policy and technical measures.
energysolar-energyenergy-storagecybersecuritysmart-gridenergy-supply-chainrenewable-energyOctopus Energy spins off its Kraken utility billing and AI platform
British renewable energy company Octopus Energy is spinning off its Kraken utility billing and AI platform into a separate entity, with a potential initial public offering (IPO) valued at $15 billion possibly occurring within a year. Kraken was originally Octopus’s first product, designed as a demonstration client before Octopus itself grew to serve over 7.7 million UK households and 2.8 million internationally. The spinoff aims to reduce conflicts of interest as Kraken seeks to partner with other utilities and power providers beyond Octopus. Octopus Energy, founded in 2015, has rapidly expanded to become the UK’s largest energy supplier, surpassing British Gas. Its growth has been driven by innovative customer acquisition strategies such as the Zero Bills program, which eliminates energy bills for fully electrified homes, and the Agile tariff, which incentivizes customers to use electricity during grid surpluses. Kraken leverages AI to analyze data from these initiatives and optimize the integration of renewable energy on the grid. The platform supports
energyrenewable-energyAI-platformutility-billingsmart-griddistributed-energy-resourceselectric-vehiclesNissan turns EVs into electricity plant to support Silicon Valley need
Nissan has launched a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) pilot program in partnership with ChargeScape to help address Silicon Valley’s increasing electricity demand, driven largely by the rapid growth of AI data centers. The pilot, supported by the California Energy Commission’s Demand Side Grid Support program and operating within Silicon Valley Power’s utility territory, uses energy stored in Nissan EV batteries to supply power back to the grid during peak demand periods. Fermata Energy’s bidirectional chargers manage this energy discharge, while ChargeScape coordinates with market partner Leap to optimize power delivery and support data center loads. This initiative is part of a broader California Virtual Power Plant effort aimed at integrating EVs into the power grid. The program not only aims to stabilize the strained grid but also provides financial incentives to participating EV drivers, rewarding them for contributing to grid reliability. Silicon Valley Power, a publicly owned utility known for its lower electricity rates and comprehensive infrastructure management, benefits from this innovative approach to meet surging energy needs. Key stakeholders
energyelectric-vehiclesvehicle-to-gridV2Gsmart-gridrenewable-energygrid-stabilityGood News For Solar & Virtual Power Plants In Canada - CleanTechnica
The article highlights positive developments for solar energy and virtual power plants (VPPs) in Canada, focusing on a pilot project in Blatchford, a residential community near Edmonton, Alberta. Despite Edmonton’s challenging climate for solar power due to its northern latitude, cold temperatures, and snow, the community has successfully networked 20 homes equipped with rooftop solar panels and battery storage into a VPP. This network, which will eventually expand to 100 homes with a combined storage capacity of 2 megawatt-hours, demonstrates the feasibility of integrating solar energy even in less-than-ideal conditions. The project uses batteries supplied by Germany’s Sonnen, with local utilities EPCOR and Solartility managing the system to stabilize the grid and optimize electricity use. VPPs like the one in Blatchford offer significant benefits by enabling more renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, to be added to the grid while addressing intermittency issues. They help balance electricity supply and demand, reduce the need for
solar-energyvirtual-power-plantsrenewable-energyenergy-storagesmart-gridsolar-panelsclean-technologyAMPECO & Autel Europe Strengthen EV Charging Infrastructure With Successful OCPP 2.0.1 Integration - CleanTechnica
AMPECO, a global EV charging management software leader, and Autel Europe, a prominent EV charging solutions provider, have successfully completed comprehensive testing of the OCPP 2.0.1 protocol integration between Autel’s MaxiCharger DH480 and AMPECO’s management platform. This achievement enables Charge Point Operators (CPOs) across Europe to deploy scalable, secure, and future-ready charging infrastructure. Key benefits include enhanced operational control, advanced cybersecurity with Level 2 TLS encryption and certificate-based authentication, sophisticated load balancing, dynamic charging profiles, and remote management capabilities that reduce maintenance needs and improve uptime. The MaxiCharger DH480 is a modular, high-power (480 kW) DC charger designed for high-demand environments such as highway corridors and commercial depots. It supports up to four simultaneous charging outputs, facilitating efficient energy distribution and reduced wait times during peak periods. The successful OCPP 2.0.1 integration validates critical functionalities like secure communication, remote session management, and
energyEV-chargingOCPP-2.0.1smart-gridenergy-managementelectric-vehiclescybersecurityHow your solar rooftop became a national security issue
The article discusses emerging national security concerns related to residential solar rooftop systems, focusing on vulnerabilities in solar inverters—devices that convert solar energy into usable electricity and connect homes to the power grid. James Showalter, CEO of EG4, highlights a hypothetical but technically possible scenario where an attacker physically accesses a homeowner’s Wi-Fi network and compromises the solar inverter, potentially taking control of the home’s energy system. Although Showalter considers such an attack unlikely, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recently disclosed significant security flaws in EG4’s solar inverters. These vulnerabilities include unencrypted communications, lack of firmware integrity checks, and weak authentication, which could allow attackers on the same network to intercept data, install malicious software, or seize control of the inverter. The article underscores that modern solar inverters have evolved from simple power converters into complex, interconnected devices integral to home energy management and grid interaction. With the rapid growth of residential solar installations in the U.S. driven by
energysolar-energycybersecurityIoT-securitysmart-gridsolar-inverterhome-energy-managementWärtsilä To Deliver 68 MW Energy Storage System In Shetland - CleanTechnica
Wärtsilä is set to deliver a 68 MW, 2-hour duration lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage system (BESS) to Zenobē in Lerwick, Shetland, marking the first UK deployment of Wärtsilä’s Quantum2 technology. The system aims to enhance energy security and reduce emissions by providing critical infrastructure services, including grid backup and restoration if the interconnector to mainland Scotland fails. This will enable the diesel-fired Lerwick Power Station to shift into standby mode, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 2.2 million tonnes over ten years. The battery system will not be directly paired with renewable generation but supports increased renewable integration by stabilizing the grid. The project incorporates advanced grid-forming inverters, which can independently maintain grid voltage and frequency, enabling more resilient and renewable-friendly grid operation compared to traditional grid-following inverters. Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform will manage the battery’s real-time performance, optimizing
energyenergy-storagebattery-technologygrid-stabilityrenewable-energy-integrationlithium-iron-phosphate-batteriessmart-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-demandAI, Drones, & Digital Twins Help Renewable Energy Persist In US
The article discusses how technological advancements in AI, drones, and digital twins are playing a crucial role in advancing renewable energy in the US despite political uncertainties. A recent study by Systemiq and the London School of Economics highlights that AI can significantly enhance renewable energy systems by improving grid management and increasing the efficiency of solar and wind power by up to 20%. AI also aids in better financial decision-making, especially in emerging markets, by predicting investment risks more accurately. Additionally, high-performance computing systems like the Department of Energy’s Kestrel are accelerating renewable energy research and efficiency improvements. Drones are another key technology transforming renewable energy by enabling efficient inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of solar, wind, and hydro infrastructure. Market research by DataM Intelligence forecasts strong growth in the renewable drone market through 2031, driven by increasing renewable installations and advancements in drone technology that improve data accuracy and operational safety. Regulatory progress by the FAA to expand commercial drone use beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is expected
renewable-energyAIdronesdigital-twinsenergy-efficiencysmart-gridclimate-technologyWant To Kiss Your Utility Company Goodbye? Plug-In Solar Could Be The Key. - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the emerging trend of balcony or plug-in solar systems in the United States, a portable and affordable alternative to traditional rooftop solar installations. While rooftop solar combined with battery storage can be expensive and inaccessible to many—especially renters and apartment dwellers—plug-in solar offers a middle ground. These systems can power critical devices during outages and potentially reduce utility bills enough to pay for themselves over time. However, their adoption faces significant regulatory hurdles, as most US states currently prohibit their use due to safety concerns and utility companies’ strict control over grid connections to ensure voltage stability and worker safety during outages. Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Newer plug-in solar products incorporate safety features like smart plugs that shut down the system during grid emergencies or overheating. Although individual components are certified, full system certification remains a work in progress, with UL actively addressing the issue. A notable legislative breakthrough occurred in Utah, where a bipartisan bill was passed allowing residents to use small solar arrays without permits or utility fees
energysolar-powerplug-in-solarrenewable-energyenergy-storagesmart-gridutility-companiesChargeScape Demand Response Program For EV Drivers On Long Island - CleanTechnica
The ChargeScape Demand Response program on Long Island enables over 6,000 BMW and Ford electric vehicle (EV) drivers to participate in a Peak Load Reduction initiative aimed at supporting grid stability during peak electricity demand periods, particularly in summer. Using ChargeScape’s AI-powered software, EV AI, which integrates real-time data from PSEG Long Island, the program optimizes the timing, duration, and intensity of home EV charging to prevent exceeding local grid capacity. Participants receive financial incentives, such as utility bill credits, for adjusting their charging behavior to reduce strain on the grid. This marks the first time PSEG Long Island’s nine-year Peak Load Reduction program includes EVs as direct contributors to grid reliability. ChargeScape is a joint venture initially formed by BMW, Honda, and Ford in 2023, with Nissan joining later and plans for additional automakers to participate. The company’s platform connects utilities, automakers, and EV drivers to facilitate demand response efforts. Executives from ChargeSc
energyelectric-vehiclesdemand-responsesmart-gridEV-charginggrid-stabilityAI-energy-managementRegulatory Sandboxes and Other Processes to Expedite Utility Adoption of Advanced Grid Technologies - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the increasing pressures on electricity grids from factors such as load growth, aging infrastructure, dynamic operational demands, and severe weather. Advanced grid technologies offer solutions to these challenges, but traditional regulatory frameworks often slow their adoption. Regulatory sandboxes present a promising approach by creating controlled environments where utilities can pilot innovative technologies and business models under modified rules, enabling faster testing and scaling. A new report by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, documents examples of these sandboxes across a dozen U.S. jurisdictions, highlighting their use in deploying energy storage, smart distribution circuits, dynamic line rating, and new customer programs aimed at enhancing grid flexibility, resilience, and cybersecurity. The report identifies regulatory and industry barriers that hinder innovation and shows how sandboxes, alongside other innovation mechanisms, help overcome these challenges. Beyond technological advancements, sandboxes foster valuable relationship-building, dialogue, and a culture of experimentation among utilities and regulators. The findings and experiences from states that have
energysmart-gridregulatory-sandboxenergy-storagegrid-innovationutility-technologyelectricity-infrastructureWhy engineers are turning to virtual power plants to stabilize the grid
Virtual power plants (VPPs) represent a transformative shift in electricity grid management by aggregating distributed energy resources (DERs) such as rooftop solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicles, and smart appliances into a coordinated, software-driven network. Unlike traditional centralized power plants, VPPs operate without physical infrastructure, instead relying on real-time communication and control software to balance supply and demand dynamically across thousands of devices. This decentralized approach allows VPPs to perform essential grid functions like peak shaving, demand response, and load balancing, effectively stabilizing the grid without building new generation facilities. The rise of VPPs is driven by the rapid adoption of DERs and advances in grid control technology, enabling faster deployment and greater scalability compared to conventional power plants. VPPs can span large geographic areas and integrate diverse energy assets, distinguishing them from microgrids, which are localized and capable of islanded operation. Engineers favor VPPs for their reliability, flexibility, and cost efficiency, as they reduce
energyvirtual-power-plantsdistributed-energy-resourcessmart-gridbattery-storagerooftop-solardemand-responseLeap Powers National Grid’s Virtual Power Plant Initiative in Massachusetts - CleanTechnica
National Grid, one of the largest energy utilities, has expanded its collaboration with Leap to implement virtual power plant (VPP) solutions at selected facilities in Massachusetts, following a successful pilot in New York. Using Leap’s software-only platform, National Grid’s office buildings will participate in Massachusetts’ Clean Peak Standard and ConnectedSolutions programs, which incentivize reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods. This initiative aims to enhance grid reliability, lower carbon emissions, and support the state’s climate goals by leveraging distributed energy resources (DERs) such as smart thermostats, EV chargers, and HVAC systems to balance grid demand without relying heavily on fossil-fueled peaker plants. The collaboration highlights the growing role of grid-interactive buildings as valuable resources in the energy transition. National Grid’s Vice President of New England Operations emphasized the importance of demonstrating distributed energy solutions’ critical role in advancing clean energy and resilience. Leap’s technology aggregates DER loads into virtual power plants, enabling participation in energy markets and helping to reduce customer costs
energyvirtual-power-plantdistributed-energy-resourcesgrid-reliabilityclean-energyenergy-transitionsmart-gridLarge-Scale V2G Systems Coming To Utrecht & Sweden - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the implementation and challenges of large-scale vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, focusing on recent developments in Utrecht, Netherlands, and plans in Sweden. V2G technology enables electric vehicles (EVs) to both draw electricity from and feed electricity back into the grid, effectively turning EV batteries into distributed energy storage. This system can help balance renewable energy supply fluctuations without utilities needing to install dedicated grid-scale batteries, while EV owners receive compensation. However, managing V2G is complex due to the need for coordination among diverse stakeholders—drivers, renewable energy suppliers, charging networks, and utilities—and the variability in EV models, battery management systems, and renewable energy availability. Utrecht has become Europe’s first city to implement a large-scale V2G system, called “Utrecht Energized,” through a collaboration involving Renault Group, We Drive Solar, and the carsharing service MyWheels. The initiative has installed 50 bidirectional chargers and integrated 50 Renault 5 E-Tech
energyvehicle-to-gridelectric-vehiclesrenewable-energysmart-gridbidirectional-chargingbattery-storageEVNHANOI tăng tốc phát triển lưới điện đảm bảo cấp điện tin cậy cho Thủ đô
energysmart-gridelectricity-supplyrenewable-energyurban-developmentpower-infrastructureenergy-managementEVNHANOI đẩy mạnh tiếp nhận tài sản công trình nâng cao tỷ lệ bán lẻ điện trực tiếp
energyelectricitypower-distributioncustomer-serviceinfrastructure-developmentrenewable-energysmart-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