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West Burton in Nottinghamshire has been selected to host STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant. STEP is a programme run by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which is carrying out fusion energy research on behalf of the government. According to UKAEA, STEP will demonstrate the ability to generate net electricity from fusion, determine how the plant will be maintained through its operational life, and prove the potential for the plant to produce its own fuel. The new facility in the east midlands is expected to be built by 2040. The STEP programme is predicted to create thousands of highly skilled jobs during construction and operations, as well as attracting other industries to the region, and further the development of science and technology capabilities nationally. The programme will also commit immediately to the development of apprenticeship schemes in the region. The government is providing £220m of funding for the first phase of STEP, which will see the UKAEA produce a concept design by 2024. The announcement has been welcomed by the Nuclear Industry Association, stating that the project is an opportunity for West Burton and the wider region to become a world-leader in fusion research. “This is a huge moment for fusion energy in the UK. The STEP project will bring real benefits, including good jobs, opportunities for local companies and an ambition to drive skills and investment in the community,” said NIA chief executive Tom Greatrex. “As we look to moving away from fossil fuels towards net zero, it is important that we find new ways of meeting our growing energy demands. Greatrex continued: “Fusion offers the opportunity to produce virtually limitless energy that will power low-carbon economies across the world. The UK can play a central role in making that a reality.” Fusion replicates the processes that power the sun and stars where atoms are fused to release energy, creating nearly four million times more energy for every kilogram of fuel than burning fossil fuels. Commenting on the announcement, Professor Martin Freer, director of the Birmingham Energy Institute and the Energy Research Accelerator said: “Fusion has the potential to be transformative for the way we produce energy here in the UK. It could provide an almost limitless supply of safe, clean electricity and help with the toughest decarbonisation challenges by using heat to manufacture hydrogen and synthetic clean fuels – other areas where our region and ERA have expertise. We look forward to building on our work with the UKAEA, bringing the region’s first-class skills and innovation capabilities to bear on this exciting project.” Applications are due in by 17 July with an initial three-year contract start date of May 2026. For more details click here. The Engineer.co.uk

Estimating the total cost of implementing a hybrid energy storage system combining Vanadium Flow Batteries (VFBs), Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES), Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES), Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES), and integrating with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) involves considering various factors, including initial capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and maintenance costs. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on current data and projections: Components and Costs 1. Vanadium Flow Batteries (VFBs): * CAPEX: Approximately $500-$600 per kWh for large-scale systems. * OPEX: Relatively low due to long lifespan and low maintenance needs. 2. Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES): * CAPEX: Very high, around $2,000-$3,000 per kWh. * OPEX: High, primarily due to cooling and superconducting material maintenance. 3. Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES): * CAPEX: Estimated at $1,000-$1,500 per kWh for new installations. * OPEX: Moderate, with efficiencies improving due to technological advancements. 4. Liquid Air Energy Storage (LAES): * CAPEX: Approximately $1,000-$1,500 per kWh. * OPEX: Lower than A-CAES due to simpler technology and less mechanical wear and tear. 5. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): * CAPEX: Estimated at $4,000-$6,000 per kW. * OPEX: Lower than traditional nuclear reactors, with simplified designs and reduced staffing requirements. System Integration and Infrastructure Costs * Infrastructure: Costs for building the necessary facilities, grid integration, and safety measures. Estimated at an additional 20-30% of the total CAPEX for each technology. * Safety and Environmental Measures: Additional costs for ensuring safety and minimal environmental impact, especially for nuclear facilities. 1/2

Oklo Inc establishes preferred supplier agreement for steam turbine generator products and services with Siemens Energy - Oklo Inc. has signed a Preferred Supplier Agreement with Siemens Energy for the power conversion system of the Aurora powerhouse. - This agreement aims to advance Oklo's goal of cost-efficient advanced fission technology. - The agreement follows a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding and enhances production scalability and cost efficiency. - Siemens Energy will provide steam turbine and generator technology, which are essential for nuclear generation plants. - Standardizing equipment across Oklo's powerhouses is expected to yield cost savings in manufacturing and maintenance. - Using shared spare parts is anticipated to reduce maintenance downtime and improve overall reliability and performance. - Oklo prioritizes cost in its engineering process by utilizing small, pre-fabricated, non-pressurized components from readily available materials. - The fast fission technology makes use of liquid metal coolant, allowing operation at high temperatures without being under pressure. - The resulting design enables the use of commonly available alloys, benefiting from established supply chains. - Oklo has received strong market interest with over 1,300 megawatts in non-binding letters of intent. - The company is committed to providing advanced fission clean energy solutions that are economically viable. - Oklo is developing fast fission power plants to offer clean and reliable energy at scale. - The company has obtained necessary permits and is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy to advance fuel recycling technologies. https://lnkd.in/g3HfDrRp

FuelCell Energy and KHNP to Pursue Clean Hydrogen Production Projects in Korea FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd (KHNP) announced that the two companies have agreed to jointly pursue hydrogen energy business initiatives and have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining the possibilities.   The cooperative approach will focus on the development and implementation of advanced energy solutions using FuelCell Energy’s solid oxide electrolysis hydrogen platform and KHNP’s nuclear power plants within the scope of relevant laws and regulations. This initiative will combine South Korea’s domestic clean energy sources with FuelCell Energy’s electrolyzer platform that uniquely uses electricity and thermal energy sources to produce lower cost, domestic clean hydrogen, and diversify South Korea’s hydrogen supply beyond imported fuels. KHNP operates a diverse range of electric generating power plants in South Korea, including nuclear, hydroelectric, renewable energy, and fuel cells. FuelCell Energy, a U.S. company with more than 100 megawatts installed and operating in South Korea, will bring its extensive experience and expertise to the partnership. The Danbury, Conn.-based company has developed highly efficient cutting-edge hydrogen solutions, including solid oxide electrolysis fuel cell technology. FuelCell Energy’s solid oxide electrolyzer cell produces hydrogen at nearly 90% electrical efficiency without excess heat and can reach 100% efficiency when using excess heat. FuelCell Energy’s solid oxide electrolyzer takes in electricity and cold water and produces dry hydrogen at high efficiency. Although, external heat is never needed if it is added as an input FuelCell Energy’s electrolyzer platform converts water and electricity at 100% efficiency. Hydrogen produced from electrolysis can be stored long term and transported, allowing zero carbon stored hydrogen energy from wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear to be available on demand. The electrolyzer can also be used to develop e-Fuel for the transport sector and to produce ammonia for fertilizer. https://lnkd.in/gRbJz8pV

Terrestrial Energy Inks MOU with Viaro Energy for IMSR in UK * Terrestrial Energy MOU with Viaro for IMSR in UK * Q&A with Terrestrial Energy Viaro Energy, the independent British energy company operating in the UK and the Netherlands North Sea, and Terrestrial Energy, a US technology company, announce a strategic partnership to develop an industry-leading IMSR project in the United Kingdom. Viaro and Terrestrial Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work collaboratively on the deployment of Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR plant technology for a broad range of potential industrial applications, including powering data centers for AI. These applications currently rely on fossil fuels to drive energy-intensive processes, for which an IMSR plant offers a scalable, carbon-free replacement. Scope of Collaboration Viaro and Terrestrial Energy will collaborate to capture commercial opportunities from fast-growing demand for nuclear’s clean, firm electric power and industrial heat. They will initially evaluate siting, regulatory, macroeconomic and policy factors to confirm the viability of the project, before proceeding to identification of target sites, followed by detailed evaluation and site selection. The two companies intend to form a joint venture for the delivery of the IMSR plant project in the UK, with Viaro providing the infrastructure and investment for the deployment, and Terrestrial Energy leading the nuclear system development and procurement activities. While the timelines for the project are dependent on various external factors, which will be assessed at agreed-upon milestones, the parties anticipate the project will reach a Final Investment Decision in 2030. An IMSR plant would create over 120 jobs when in operation, with many more during construction and in the plant supply chain. Read the full text of this report and the exclusive Q&A at Neutron Bytes https://lnkd.in/edMuxfUG

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that the U.S. will add 62.8 GW of electric capacity by the end of this year. By the numbers: ☀ (solar) 37.0 GW (59% of total capacity) 🌬 (wind) 7.1 GW (11%) 🔋 (battery) 15.0 GW (24%) 💧 (nat gas) 2.6 GW (4%) ⚛ (nuclear) 1.1 GW (2%) Details here: https://lnkd.in/ecAfYZER Installed capacity indicates where investments are being directed. But each generating technology produces different amounts of electricity per unit capacity. Relative output is typically measured as capacity factor, which represents the ratio of actual energy produced to maximum energy that could have been produced over a given time frame. Using 2023 annual capacity factors drawn from Table 7.8a of EIA's Monthly Energy Review, we can estimate the energy contribution of the new capacity installed in 2024: ☀ (solar) 75,500 GWh (64% of total generation) 🌬 (wind) 20,800 GWh (18%) 💧 (nat gas) 13,400 GWh (11%) ⚛ (nuclear) 8,970 GWh (8%) 🔋 (battery) ** omitting here as not a generation source It's important to track both installed capacity and it's contribution to the grid.

India's Electricity Generation August 2024 In August 2024, India's total electricity generation stood at 155.13 billion units (BU), with contributions from thermal, nuclear, hydro, and renewable sources. The country’s total installed electricity generation capacity, as of August 2024, is 450,760 MW, distributed across different energy sources. Thermal power, which includes coal, lignite, gas, and diesel, has an installed capacity of 242,997 MW, with coal alone accounting for 210,970 MW. In August, thermal generation amounted to 104.20 BU, contributing 67% of the total generation. This represents a 6% MoM and 5% YoY decline, primarily due to increased output from other sources like hydro and renewables. Despite this, coal-fired power continues to dominate India’s grid. Nuclear power has an installed capacity of 8,180 MW. In August, it generated 5.49 BU, accounting for 3.5% of total electricity generation. Nuclear output increased by 14% MoM and 27% YoY, reflecting growing reliance on nuclear energy as a stable power source, reaching historical peaks in generation this month. Hydropower’s installed capacity is 46,928 MW. In August, it generated 21.57 BU, contributing 14% of the total electricity output. Hydro generation increased by 23% MoM, benefiting from the monsoon season, although it saw a slight 2% YoY decline. Renewables, including solar, wind, and biomass, have an installed capacity of 152,654 MW. In August, renewables generated 22.71 BU, making up 14.6% of total power generation. Renewable output declined by 13% MoM and 2% YoY. In summary, thermal power generation declined due to a rise in hydropower and renewable energy output, which was driven by seasonal factors. Despite this, coal continues to play a dominant role in India’s power sector. Contact us on care@inrl.in +91 7861842766 For more details on the energy market... #coal #price #coalmining #linkedinconnections #digitalmarketing

The de-rating factor determines the level of #capacity agreement that a given technology could secure in the capacity market, based on its expected reliability in being available when needed. #Poland has proposed a de-rating factor for #battery energy storage systems (#BESS) in the next capacity market auction of 57%. If the proposed de-rating factor comes into effect, a 100MW BESS would only be able to secure a 57MW agreement, which would be a ‘lethal blow’ for 2- and 4-hour projects Pumped hydro energy storage (#PHES), meanwhile, has a de-rating factor of 96% while power plants including gas and nuclear have around 93-95%. #deratingfactor #capacitymarket #energystorage #capacitymarketauction #energytransition

The IEA’s annual analysis of market developments and policies, Electricity 2024, shows that global electricity demand increased by 2.2% in 2023, and was likely to reach about 3.4% from 2024 to 2026. Data centres are significant drivers of growth in electricity demand in many regions. After globally consuming an estimated 460 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2022, data centres’ total electricity consumption could reach more than 1 000 TWh in 2026. Record-breaking electricity generation from low-emissions sources – which includes nuclear and renewables such as solar, wind and hydro – is set to cover all global demand growth over the next three years. The share of renewables in electricity generation is forecast to rise from 30% in 2023 to 37% in 2026, with the growth largely supported by the expansion of ever cheaper solar PV. https://lnkd.in/eq2GU5Yi