North American Clean Energy

#WindFarms in the US face increasing threats from theft and vandalism, particularly targeting valuable copper cabling. Managing Director of ALCEA, Jerry Burhans explains how operators are implementing advanced security measures such as high-security padlocks, alarm systems, and fencing, to counter these threats. Many of these locks are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and are resistant to common tampering methods like picking and cutting. Operators are also using technology to manage key access remotely, ensuring compliance with evolving NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) guidelines. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding #wind farms against both physical and cyber threats.

The increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters in 2023 has caused significant economic damage and power outages. VP of AI Customer Offers for Schneider Electric, Sreedhar Sistu emphasizes the growing need for energy resiliency solutions, such as microgrids, which can operate independently during outages and incorporate renewable energy sources. AI-powered software can help businesses optimize energy consumption, forecast weather, and prepare for grid disruptions, boosting reliability during extreme weather. A case study in Finland demonstrates how integrating microgrids with advanced software can ensure power continuity, reduce emissions, and even generate profits. Microgrids and AI-driven systems are critical to enhancing energy resilience and mitigating the impact of climate change.

Many households, especially low- to moderate-income renters, lack access to #SolarEnergy due to barriers like upfront costs and lack of homeownership. Becca Jones-Albertus with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers #CommunitySolar as a solution, by allowing households to subscribe to larger #solar projects instead of installing their own panels. However, financing for community solar projects remains a challenge, with developers often struggling to secure loans due to high perceived risks and stringent credit requirements. Efforts like the Climate Access Fund and DOE’s Community Power Accelerator aim to fill these financing gaps, supporting the development of more equitable solar projects. The goal is to expand community solar access to millions of U.S. households, contributing to energy savings and resilience while advancing #CleanEnergy adoption.

Check out the article, "How to Choose the Best Battery Energy Storage System for Maximum Profitability" by our very own Deanna O'Donnell, published in North American Clean Energy this month! 💡⚡ Making the right choice for your BESS will dramatically impact your project's bottom line. Dive into essential factors beyond sticker price, from installation and maintenance costs to maximizing revenue through efficiency and faster deployment. Read on to ensure your energy investments deliver long-term profitability ... then try our TeraStor configurator to plan and visualize your next project in minutes! https://hubs.ly/Q02QPf1Q0 #EnergyStorage #Profitability #BESS #Efficiency #Innovation #CleanEnergy #Renewables #Sustainability

Overly strict regulations can create barriers to participation in community #solar programs, while inadequate protections can leave consumers vulnerable. COO for PowerMarket, Jason Kaplan emphasizes the need for balance in community solar programs to balance participation and adequate protection. States like Illinois have implemented overly cumbersome rules, making it difficult for consumers to enroll and adjust their subscriptions, while Massachusetts has focused on less impactful issues, neglecting real consumer protection risks. New York, however, has struck a "just right" balance with regulations that protect consumers while ensuring ease of participation and flexibility. Effective consumer protection policies are essential for fostering public support and ensuring the growth of #CommunitySolar programs.

Reliable #EVcharging infrastructure is crucial in promoting #ElectricVehicle (EV) adoption. Current issues, such as the high rate of inoperable charging stations and a shortage of specially trained technicians, have led to "charging anxiety" and a decline in consumer interest in EVs. To address these challenges, CEO of SkillFusion, Elaina Farnsworth emphasizes the need for specialized skill development and certifications for technicians who can properly maintain and support the EV charging network. By enhancing the reliability of charging stations through skilled maintenance, the industry can restore consumer confidence and drive wider #EV adoption. This approach is vital for achieving a #sustainable future and reducing #GreenhouseGas emissions.

Community #solar is rapidly growing, with expected capacity to reach 14GW in the US by 2028, but faces key challenges in supply-demand balance, long-term operating expenses, and a shortage of qualified technicians. As demand for #CommunitySolar increases, energy providers must navigate delivery capacity constraints and manage customer expectations. Accurate forecasting of ongoing operating expenses is crucial to avoid financial shortfalls, necessitating partnerships for optimal asset performance. The shortage of skilled O&M technicians poses a significant hurdle, requiring industry investment in training and awareness to support continued expansion. VP of Enterprise Sales for Omnidian, Trish Cleary Graf emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges for sustaining growth and maximizing returns in the community solar sector.

Predictive #battery analytics is an effective tool for improving risk management in Battery #EnergyStorage Systems (BESS). By using advanced data analysis, #BESS owners can adopt proactive asset management strategies, reducing maintenance costs and extending the system's useful life. The insurance industry is recognizing the unique risks associated with battery storage and is beginning to leverage predictive analytics to better understand and manage these risks. VP of Marketing for ACCURE Battery Intelligence, Matthew Besch explains how this technology enables insurers to offer more favorable terms, while also enhancing the safety and performance of BESS operations. Ultimately, predictive analytics helps optimize both operational efficiency and insurance considerations for BESS owners.

Standardizing toolkits in large-scale #solar operations can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure consistent quality across projects. Standardization accelerates training, minimizes errors, and facilitates bulk purchasing, leading to significant cost savings. It also enhances communication and collaboration among teams by creating a common understanding, making it easier to scale operations as companies grow. Solar Application Specialist for Fluke Corporation, William White explains how by adopting standardized toolkits, solar companies can better meet industry standards, improve project outcomes, and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly expanding #RenewableEnergy market.

With the evolution of Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) in wind turbines, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for the tower and foundation has been growing in importance due to the increasing size and complexity of turbines. Journalist with Bachmann electronic GmbH, Frank Fladerer explains how SHM involves collecting data from sensors to assess structural integrity, which is crucial for extending the service life of turbines and ensuring safety, especially in densely populated areas. With turbines operating in challenging conditions for over 20 years, SHM helps prevent catastrophic failures and reduce maintenance costs by providing accurate load data. Additionally, SHM is essential for determining whether a wind turbine can continue to operate beyond its standard lifespan, thereby improving return on investment for operators.