POWER
-
Trends
A Complex Landscape for the Future of Combined Heat and Power
Few power-generating resources present the combination of workhouse abilities that combined heat and power (CHP) does. But, powered predominantly by fossil fuels, will CHP find its unique footing within the
-
Energy Storage
New Technologies, New Sites Supporting Growth of Energy Storage
Advancements in energy storage, including new battery types and longer-duration batteries, are driving innovation in the sector. Retired power generation plants are being repurposed as storage sites, and the
-
Environmental
Deployment of Carbon Capture Technology Likely to Explode in Coming Years
I haven’t always believed carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology would play a big role in the energy transition. While I knew the technology was sound and has been used at
-
Hydro
Trial Operation of Innovative Horizontal Pelton Hydropower Turbine Underway in Austria
A pioneering horizontal, six-nozzle Pelton turbine developed by Voith Hydro at the 326-GWh Gerlos 1 pumped storage facility in the Ziller Valley, Austria, is setting new benchmarks for the 140-year-old
-
Coal
South Africa Energy Crisis at Critical Stage as Load-Shedding Continues
The energy crisis in South Africa has prompted continued calls for government action, and officials in January said an energy action plan announced last year is starting to be implemented. The plan was laid
-
O&M
The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Power Companies Today
The power system is changing and electricity suppliers need to adapt or get left behind. Experts weigh in on what leaders should be focusing on and how these items will affect utilities in the future. The
-
Solar
Solar Power/Hydrogen Project Underway in DRC
Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) has entered into a partnership with the government of Kinshasa, a city-province and capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa, for construction and operation
-
News
Understanding How Securitization Can Help with Power Plant Retirements
Power companies across the nation are being pressured to retire fossil-fueled power plants and transition to cleaner energy resources. But many existing fossil plants have not been completely paid off or
-
Trends
POWER Digest [March 2023]
Pakistan Begins Commercial Operation of 1.3-GW Coal Plant. Pakistan on Feb. 7 began commercial operation of a 1.3-GW coal-fired power plant in the Thar Desert in Sindh province, southern Pakistan. The project
-
Power
Cyber Resilience for Wind Power Installations
A tailored approach to evaluating and implementing benefit-based cybersecurity technologies for wind power plants. Recent research and development (R&D) have provided insights into cybersecurity strategies and business cases for cybersecurity investments. These findings will help renewable sector entities tailor an approach to evaluating and implementing cybersecurity technologies for wind power plants. A Cyber Resilient Reference […]
-
Gas
An Unplanned Outage, an Unconventional Plan, and a Global Collaboration
When problems strike and normal supply channels are constrained, it can be advantageous to consider alternatives. The Rocksavage plant in the UK found needed parts at a station in Argentina and was able to get
-
Gas
Protecting Gas Turbines from High Temperatures, Humidity, and Dust
Gas turbines require high-quality air to operate reliably. However, increasing temperatures and reduced rainfall are increasing the frequency of dust storms in many parts of the world. In these circumstances
-
Commentary
America—and the World—Needs More Nuclear Power
Nuclear energy is making a comeback—at home in America and worldwide. The 118th Congress presents new opportunities to make sure America leads the world on this crucial clean energy technology. The drumbeat
-
Legal & Regulatory
Renewables Need More Domestic Production of Minerals
Climate legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions up to 43% below 2005 levels by 2030, has shifted the already critical need for domestic minerals into
-
Energy Storage
Improve Electric Grid Resilience Through Integration of Energy Storage at EV Charging Stations
By 2030, it’s expected that half of U.S. car sales will be electric, and while this is a positive step forward in transportation decarbonization, this change also comes with challenges and concerns
-
Cybersecurity
Modernizing Cybersecurity Practices Within Utilities
The utility industry needs to be prepared to adapt at this time of uncertainty and change, rising prices, and international turmoil. However, it is becoming more challenging to comply with regulations and
-
Power
Marnie Surfaceblow: When Theory Becomes Practice, Rely on Practical Experience as a Foundation
As new energy technologies are employed to solve today’s renewable energy challenges, think flexibly while relying upon established safety measures. “Is this your first time in the Philippines, ma’am?”
-
Infographics
THE BIG PICTURE: U.S. Combined Heat and Power and Microgrids
As of December 2022, the Department of Energy (DOE) CHP Installation Database recorded 4,674 combined heat and power (CHP) installations in the U.S., with a combined capacity of 80.4 GW. Installations were all sizes, from large industrial systems that are hundreds of megawatts to small commercial microturbine and fuel cell systems that are tens of […]
-
Solar
New Rules, Incentives Shaping Solar-Plus-Storage Market
An evolving regulatory environment, expanded tax credits, and moves for more reliability and resilience in the power space are impacting the growth of solar-plus-storage installations. Several state utility
-
History
Why Constellation Energy, a Nuclear-Heavy Giant, Is Primed for Power Futurity
Spun out of Exelon Corp. a year ago, Constellation Energy’s competitive generation and customer-facing energy businesses represent a new power company paradigm that conforms to decarbonization. But the company that today holds the largest nuclear fleet in the U.S. will still face a unique array of challenges.
-
Research and Development
What Will a Fusion Power Plant Look Like?
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Dec. 13 “the achievement of fusion ignition.” The milestone is a major scientific breakthrough, decades in the making. Fusion, of course, is the process by
-
Trends
Floating Nuclear Power Buoyant on New Prospects
In July 1968, the U.S. Army sent the world’s first floating nuclear power plant, the Sturgis, to the Panama Canal to help overcome a regional hydroelectric power plant shortage, which was driven by a severe
-
Workforce
Power Industry Jobs Outlook and How to Find the Best Talent
The number of power plant operator jobs is shrinking, but paradoxically, the number of job openings in the field is growing. Managers have their hands full finding and retaining the people they need. In this
-
Biomass
Researchers Exploring Ways to Expand Use of Biomass
A resurgence in the use of biomass to produce energy is underway, in part as a way for countries to continue the transition away from fossil fuels for electricity production. Groups are working on ways to burn
-
Infographics
The Big Picture: Off-Grid Power [Infographic]
An estimated 91% of the world’s population had access to electricity in 2020, marking substantial progress toward goals to ensure universal access to power. Still, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 733 million people remain unserved. Off-grid and decentralized energy systems may be emerging as an alternative to facilitate energy access and resilience, […]
-
T&D
The Journey to a Smart Grid: Funding and New Technology Make It Possible
With the U.S. government funneling billions of dollars into new grid infrastructure, and private companies rolling out new systems to mitigate outages and developing artificial intelligence that can predict
-
Marmaduke
Marnie Surfaceblow: When Exploring Unknown Territory, Bring a Guide [FICTION]
New technology requires new ways of thinking, especially because safety is paramount. This is even more true for any situation where an established industry experience base is lacking. “Did you have a good
-
Energy Security
2022 Set a Global Record for Coal Generation
The recent shake-up in natural gas markets and their ensuing impact on energy security, and geopolitical tension, dramatically altered the trajectory of global coal-fired generation, sending it soaring to
-
Coal
POWER Digest [February 2023]
Geothermal Plant Planned in Colombia. Colombian petroleum company Ecopetrol in December announced plans to build a 250-kW geothermal power plant in the Apiay oil complex in Meta, Colombia. The power plant will
-
Solar
Repowering PV Sites: Challenges and Opportunities
More inverters are coming to the end of their life, and needing replacement, as the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry matures. Inverter failures usually occur on systems that are 10-plus years old. At that age