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"Solargis stands out in the market due to its exceptional accuracy and the provision of one-minute granularity data. This level of precision is a feature that sets them apart from other players in the industry." Said Jolyon Dent, VP of Analytics at Convergent Energy and Power. Convergent has over 800 MW / 1 GWh of energy storage and solar-plus-storage systems operating or under development. The company needed a way to undertake a highly site-specific resource assessment campaign, coupling high resolution satellite data and reliable on-site measurements. We worked with GroundWork Renewables specializing in ground irradiance and meteorological (MET) data to conduct a site adaptation of its satellite data using ground-based measurements from the Puerto Rico project site. This involved: – Generating high-resolution satellite based synthetic data at one-minute intervals by correlating satellite data with high-frequency weather and solar irradiance ground measurements – GroundWork running an on-site ground monitoring campaign to calibrate the high quality instruments and comprehensive quality control checks. The results of this measurement campaign were used to optimize the PV plant design for grid stability by determining the optimal DC/AC ratio and energy storage characteristics to ensure cost-effectiveness and accurate energy production modeling. Accurate solar resource data is critical due to the need to control the plant's ramp rate using the battery to mitigate rapid rate changes and ensure efficient power output. Link for the full case study and Site Adaptation service in comments. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #PVPlantDesign #SolarPower #GridStability #1MinData

Soaring growth in distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, batteries and wind energy, will lead to more microgrids in coming years; something our Manager of Engineering Product Development, Dean Condon says is good for communities, business, and the broader Australian energy system. Microgrids can be connected to the main grid but can also function autonomously if the main grid experiences disruption, making them resilient and reliable. They are particularly useful for critical facilities like hospitals, military bases, emergency shelters, mining operations, and in remote or isolated communities. At #Yurika, we’re a part of the #microgrid revolution. Our longstanding history in electrical infrastructure means we’re well-placed to tackle even the biggest challenges of integration with existing infrastructure. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/g2ETAyn8 or reach out to Dean. Let’s talk! #solar #batteries #DER #energy

With growing loads and lack of available energy supply, often referred to as the energy gauntlet, Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) will play an increasing role of balancing system capacity. In an insightful article for Latitude Media, Jigar Shah, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s LPO director lays out a blueprint for how VPPs can help the grid handle massive load growth. "VPPs should just be an “energy efficiency play,” preventing loads from pulling from the grid during peak times, rather than a two-way asset." The flexibility delivered by battery energy storage systems (BESS) and load management systems tied to VPPs will offer prosumer benefits both in terms of cost management and emission reductions. Now is the time for C&I customers to embrace this energy transition as a way to not only provide valuable grid services, but also monetize their energy assets. #VPP #electrification #decarbonization

Ah, forecasts. How accurate can you be, forecasting exponential growth 20+ years in the future? In the course of doing research for the upcoming #EUPVSEC conference, I came across a very interesting document from 1999. The authors did a very thorough job evaluating various technologies, including PV. The image below shows the forecast of how much PV could be produced globally by 2020 (3 GW/year). The authors took historical data, and used a slightly more optimistic growth rate (15%/y vs 14.4%/y) than observed for the past years to make this forecast. Some additional interesting tidbits mentioned in the document, citing from the IEA's World Energy Outlook from 1998: ▪ Cumulative installed wind capacity by 2020: Authors: 385 GW; IEA: 47 GW (Actual: 699 GW) ▪ Cumulative installed PV capacity by 2020: Authors: 20 GW; IEA: 12 GW (Actual: 721 GW) As the impact of the invasion of Ukraine has shown, "black swan"-like events can happen over decades, and similarly for changes in electrical power generation (see PV & wind). At the very least, we need to entertain radical ideas for scenario and forecasting development, if we are to look 20 years into the future, and have a chance of getting it right. With this, I'm hesitant to forecast how much storage will be installed in 20 years time, even if I get the "best" model to do the job: assumptions play a huge role. #forecasting #renewables #assumptions Document link in the comments (in Dutch).

Global Heat Waves: Impact on Electrical Grids and Resilience Measures Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, posing significant challenges to electrical grids worldwide. Extreme heat can significantly impact electrical grids in several ways: 1. Increased Demand 2. Reduced Efficiency 3. Equipment Failure 4. Wildfires 5. Infrastructure Stress 6. Financial Costs To mitigate these impacts, utility companies and grid operators often implement measures such as load shedding, infrastructure upgrades, and proactive maintenance during periods of extreme heat. Here are some key examples and responses:  United States (California, 2020) - Impact: Severe heat wave led to rolling blackouts due to a surge in electricity demand. - Response: California Independent System Operator (CAISO) issued alerts to reduce energy consumption and is investing in renewable energy and grid modernization.  France (2019) - Impact: Record-breaking heat wave increased electricity demand and affected nuclear power plant operations. - Response: France is diversifying its energy mix and enhancing grid infrastructure.  Japan (Tokyo, 2018) - Impact: Prolonged heat waves resulted in high electricity demand and grid pressure. - Response: Energy-saving measures, use of energy-efficient appliances, and advanced grid management technologies.  Australia (South Australia, 2017) - Impact: Heatwave caused rolling blackouts due to grid strain. - Response: Investment in battery storage solutions like the Tesla Big Battery and increased integration of renewable energy sources.  India (Delhi, 2015) - Impact: Intense heat wave led to power outages as demand soared. - Response: Improved grid infrastructure, better maintenance, and promotion of energy efficiency measures. These examples underscore the importance of resilient and adaptive grid systems to ensure reliable power supply during extreme weather events.  #ClimateChange #EnergyResilience #HeatWaves #RenewableEnergy #GridManagement

"Over the past three years, battery storage capacity on the nation’s grids has grown tenfold, to 16,000 megawatts. This year, it is expected to nearly double again, with the biggest growth in Texas, California and Arizona." Texas is developing battery capacity fast, in an effort to become energy independent while meeting the demands of data centers and a growing population. These grid-scale batteries provide power during peak load times like evenings. We have worked with the energy industry for years on optimizing programs through better data collection, analysis, and information production. We build the software behind the scenes for energy, and are looking forward to more energy infrastructure projects in Texas! #energy #grid #energystorage

Great interview with Jigar Shah on the Catalyst Podcast with Shayle Kann highlighting the simple opportunities for virtual power plans (VPPs) in front of us today: https://lnkd.in/ejyZyVFG Shah makes the important point that while distributed, demand-side VPPs will play a crucial role in the energy transition, to scale they need to become much simpler and more reliable. In the short term, that means focusing on VPPs primarily as "an energy efficiency play" that leverages the unique load-shifting potential of different measures like heat pumps or electric vehicles.  We couldn't agree more with this timely message! Join RMI and the Flex Coalition for a webinar next week on the intersection of VPPs and the IRA’s home energy rebates, June 12th from 2-3 Eastern time. Industry stakeholders and policy experts will discuss how this federal investment in energy efficiency can enhance flexibility and create more resilient and responsive homes for a VPP future. Webinar – Saving Money and Supporting the Grid: How IRA Home Energy Rebates Enable Virtual Power Plants Thursday, June 13 2-3 p.m. ET Register: https://lnkd.in/eFCiSWPP Carmen Best Avery McEvoy, EIT David Hunter Kara Saul Rinaldi Stacey Paradis Maeve Allsup #virtualpowerplants #energyefficiency #ira 

🔋 Is the Texas Battery Boom the Future of the Power Grid? 🔋 Battery farms in Texas capitalize on fluctuating electricity prices by coming online during peak hours when solar generation diminishes, and wind turbines are revving up. Although currently contributing only about 1% of the state's electricity, many view this as a glimpse into the future of the U.S. power grid. With the Biden administration aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by 2035, Texas has become a testing ground for battery technology. Texas currently possesses around 3.3 gigawatts of battery capacity, second only to California, and this is projected to double by the end of next year. The lack of incentives in the state has not deterred battery developers due to the potential windfall from exploiting the state's volatile power prices. However, the challenge lies in scaling up battery farms to meet the demands of the entire U.S. power grid. While battery technology is capable of balancing the grid, it faces limitations in running continuously for days during periods of low wind or cloud cover. High costs remain an obstacle, but investors are drawn to the sector due to the lack of fuel requirements, minimal staff, and federal tax credits. The vision for the future power grid includes battery farms, electric cars, and home battery systems, charging during surplus electricity periods, and supplying energy during low supply times. However, there is still some skepticism among regulators about the technology's integration into the existing power grid. Despite these challenges, the Texas battery boom is promising a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. #BatteryTechnology #CleanEnergy #SustainablePower #EnergyTransition https://lnkd.in/gai4-4KW

The future of our power grids lie in the hands of innovative solutions like virtual power plants (#VPPs). Amidst massive load growth on utilities, VPPs offer a pathway to leverage distributed assets for greater efficiency, reduced infrastructure needs, and a revitalized #solar industry. Jigar Shah, of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), recently shared that simplifying VPPs to a one-way power flow can quickly scale their implementation, making the most of our existing #grid and preparing us for a cleaner energy future. At Sunnova Energy, we are leading the charge in VPP innovation. Our expanded network across California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Texas is transforming how we manage energy. By enabling rapid access to stored battery power during peak demand and sending excess back to the grid when possible, we reduce strain and minimize blackouts. Our VPPs offer increased reliability, reduced emissions, and lower costs, supporting both the grid and our customers. The future of energy services is here. More from Latitude Media.

Why are we still seeing problems with the Texas power grid? The simplest answer is that there's no easy solution. Texas is seen as a proving ground and so far, this doesn't bode well for other states moving forward...especially with significant EV increases in the coming years. This challenge is primed for implementing AI to effectively forecast demand and automatically add supply when the grid is stressed. #EnergyIndustry #Power #OilAndGas