POWER
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Hydro
Flow State: The Connected Future of Hydropower Generation
As aging infrastructure meets rising demand, hydro plants are embracing modern control systems to unlock data, streamline operations, and power a more resilient, connected future. Hydro generation has been a
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Renewables
POWER Digest [July 2025]
GE Vernova’s Wind segment announced it has signed an agreement to provide Forestalia with eight of its 6.1-MW wind turbines to power a 49-MW wind project in Aragón, Spain. The deal is part of a framework agreement that the two companies first announced in December 2023 to support the development of projects in the region.
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T&D
Adding Stability and Reliability to the Western Australian Grid
Large distances are something you get used to if you live in Australia. Perth, on the west coast, is about 2,500 miles away from Brisbane on the east coast. Even within the state of Western Australia (WA), the
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O&M
How an Advanced Air Gap Measurement Tool Streamlines Hydroelectric Generator Maintenance
An air gap is the distance between the rotor and stator of a large-scale hydroelectric generator. This gap is a very small distance in relation to the size of the rotor. Its measurement to tight tolerances is critical to prevent damage to and maintain efficiency of the generator. Static measurement of the air gap (Figure […]
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Technology
NASA Empowers Energy Projects by Providing Global Earth Observation Data
NASA strives to understand the universe, whether that be the stars above us or Earth around us. One way NASA focuses on the Earth is through satellite, ground, and airborne Earth observations and modeling. NASA’s Earth Science projects work to further understand the Earth and its systems to better help humanity now and in the […]
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Power
Unlocking Power Plant Efficiency: How AI Models Are Revolutionizing Heat Rate Optimization
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a huge role in heat rate optimization. In some cases, AI-driven models have analyzed operational data to recommend control settings that reduce heat rates by 1.5% to
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Fuel
The Science Behind Propane: How It’s Made and Why It’s Still Relevant
Most people are familiar with propane. Large silver-colored tanks are often used to store propane intended to heat rural homes and propane is a common fuel used in backyard cooking grills. But behind these
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O&M
The Role of Lubricants in Wind Turbine Gearbox Applications
As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, so does the complexity of technology and equipment such as wind turbines, solar arrays, and transmission infrastructure. Gear oils and lubricants are crucial for the reliable operation of gearboxes, enabling wind turbines to run smoothly and efficiently.
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Legal & Regulatory
Nuclear Fusion, Climate Change, and IP Rights: Striking the Right Balance
Net power through nuclear fusion may finally be within reach. Fusion technology is moving out of the lab, and many companies, driven by the shared dream of carbon-free energy to combat climate change, are striving to commercialize technologies to make fusion a reality.
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Trends
Out of Sync: The Infrastructure Misalignment Undermining the U.S. Grid
U.S. power infrastructure—the intricate physical fabric that laces together generation, transmission, and distribution—is under intensifying strain. Outdated and overextended, it must now absorb relentless growth from electrification and data centers or risk escalating reliability threats, surging costs, and a weakened global competitive edge. POWER examines the dysfunction and what it will actually take to future-proof […]
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Legal & Regulatory
Decarbonization Whiplash Prompts a Power Sector Recalibration
What happens when a political U-turn suddenly upends years of decarbonization strategy? As the U.S. House of Representatives moves to dismantle key clean energy tax credits, POWER examines how utilities and developers are rethinking timelines, technologies, and financing, while racing to keep the energy transition on track. On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of […]
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Trends
The Great Shift: Navigating the Global Energy Transition
As the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is accelerating, driven by technological advancements and governmental directives. This global shift promises not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also to create a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The world stands […]
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T&D
How Decreasing Inertia Is Affecting Power Grids and What to Do About It
People in the power industry understand inertia and its importance to grid stability. As large thermal power plants and other inertia-providing units are replaced with renewable resources that provide no inertia, grid stability is at risk. Cost-effective solutions are available today, however, to maintain and even enhance grid operations. Concerning power grid operation, inertia refers […]
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Distributed Energy
Microgrids: Decentralized Power That’s Central to the Energy Transition
Resilience, sustainability, cost savings, and more are behind the increasing adoption of microgrids, as a variety of industries and enterprises seek greater control of their energy supply.
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Trends
IRA Incentives Fuel U.S. Solar Manufacturing Surge
The U.S. solar manufacturing landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. Through targeted domestic content incentives, the federal government has successfully ignited a manufacturing renaissance, boosting capacity nearly five-fold and creating thousands of jobs across the country. Catalyzing Growth Through Strategic Incentives The centerpiece of […]
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Commentary
The Risk of Political Rebranding in the Clean Energy Industry
The U.S. solar industry has increasingly begun to rebrand itself as “MAGA-friendly,” emphasizing cost savings, energy independence, and job creation over climate concerns. This shift marks a departure from its traditionally left-leaning roots, as companies attempt to appeal to conservative consumers and policymakers. Some solar companies have changed their messaging to align with Trump-era rhetoric, […]
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Renewables
Utilities, Grid Operators Grapple with Adding Renewable Energy
Power generators and transmission system engineers have to rethink their planning strategies, and must continue to develop tools to allow more solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy to populate the power grid. Integrating renewable energy resources such as solar and wind into the electric power grid involves addressing challenges, starting with the intermittent […]
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Solar
Innovation Continues to Drive Growth in Solar Power Sector
Energy experts think solar power still has a bright future, even as challenges impact the industry. Power generation from solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has increased dramatically over the past few years thanks to the need for less-costly power, and for cleaner forms of energy.
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Hydrogen
Hydrogen’s Power Play: What Comes After the Hype
As hydrogen production scales up, power professionals must weigh where—and when—it fits into a decarbonized grid. For now, experts say real progress may depend on addressing structural bottlenecks: project
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Electrification
How PG&E Is Supporting EV Growth Without Expensive Grid and Home Upgrades
As electric vehicles (EVs) surge in popularity, many American homeowners are discovering a hidden obstacle to the EV transition: the aging electrical infrastructure of the nation’s housing stock. While
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Nuclear
Groups Collaborate on Projects for Fusion Energy in Germany
Government officials in Germany are supporting development of a nuclear fusion pilot plant. Officials have said they want nuclear fusion to be a priority of the country’s energy agenda, barely two years after the country decommissioned its last three operating nuclear power plants in April 2023 at the direction of then-chancellor Angela Merkel.
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O&M
Optimizing Power Plant Performance: Innovations in Pump Efficiency and Flow Control
Modern pumping systems and precision control valves are revolutionizing how power generation facilities manage their critical fluid systems, delivering substantial energy savings, reduced emissions, and
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Electrification
Alberta’s Deregulated Grid Is Bracing for 11 GW of New Demand
While Alberta’s historical energy legacy has been defined by coal and crude oil, the Canadian province has embraced renewables and carbon capture over the past two decades, and is now exploring small modular
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Renewables
POWER Digest [May 2025]
Major German BESS Project Closes Financing. Energy transition bank NORD/LB announced it has closed an €87 million ($94 million) financing package with Nofar Energy for construction of a 104.5-MW/209-MWh
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Fiction
Marnie Surfaceblow: The Scrubber Corrosion Case: How Manganese Disrupted Operations
Plant wastewater is not only an increasing environmental concern, but improper monitoring and treatment may lead to unexpected operations and maintenance problems as well. “I have a question Mrs
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Power
How Super Crystalline Nanomaterial Applied to Solar Power Cables and Connectors Can Improve System Efficiency
In 2025, as the Paris Agreement marks its tenth year since its signing, the global energy structure has entered a critical transformation phase. While solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have become an important pillar that supports the goal of net-zero emissions, challenges in terms of power losses from generation remain. It is imperative to effectively minimize […]
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Connected Plant
Power in Unity: Strengthening OT Cybersecurity Through Collaboration
Cooperation across teams, technology, and institutions is the key to securing the world’s critical infrastructure. As the global industrial cybersecurity market grows toward a forecasted $41.4 billion in
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T&D
Delivering on the Promise of Smart Grid — Transforming Grid Operations with Improved Intelligence and Action
Smart Grid technology arrived with a bang more than two decades ago, but the first implementations often overpromised and underdelivered. Smart Grid 2.0, however, integrates new technologies to provide
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Renewables
Eye of the Storm: Mitigating Financial Risks of Extreme Weather on Renewable Energy Systems
Extreme weather events have increased in frequency and intensity, but renewable energy projects can maintain financial stability through sound technical and financial risk mitigation strategies. Extreme
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Cybersecurity
Artificial Intelligence’s Thirst for Power Demands Greater Focus on Cybersecurity of the Energy Sector
Behind the scenes of every new artificial intelligence (AI) app and program is a staggering amount of energy needed to power its data centers. We’re already in the throes of the AI revolution and with