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Smart Electrification: Key Insights and Benefits for Distribution Grids

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As energy systems transition towards electrification, there is a growing need for smarter solutions to manage increasing demand and renewable energy integration. A recent study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights how smart electrification—integrating assets like electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, and decentralized solar photovoltaics (PV)—can optimize distribution grids. This article summarizes the key findings and insights from the study. What Is Smart Electrification? Smart electrification refers to the efficient integration and operation…

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Floating Offshore Wind: Key to Achieving Global Renewable Energy Goals by 2030

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The global push to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C includes decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. At COP 28, leaders pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Offshore wind, with its high efficiency and competitiveness, is key to these efforts. In 2022, offshore wind reached 63 GW of installed capacity, but to meet the 1.5°C target, this needs to grow to 494 GW by 2030 and 2,465 GW by 2050. Floating offshore wind, a promising subset, can…

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Global Renewable Energy Statistics

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Renewable Energy Capacity and Production (On-Grid and Off-Grid) In 2023, total global renewable energy capacity reached 3,864,522 MW, up from 1,698,295 MW in 2014, a more than twofold increase. Africa has also experienced growth, with a capacity of 62,066 MW in 2023, up from 32,511 MW in 2014. Countries like Angola, Ethiopia, and South Africa have led this surge, each achieving notable renewable capacity expansions. Angola, for example, expanded from 1,020 MW in 2014 to…

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Investment Opportunities for Utility-Scale Solar and Wind Areas in Mali

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The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has conducted a thorough zoning assessment to identify the most promising regions in Mali for the development of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind projects. This assessment serves to inform potential investors, policymakers, and developers on optimal locations, considering both technical feasibility and economic viability. The results are crucial for Mali’s renewable energy future, particularly as it looks to enhance its electricity supply and contribute to global climate…

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Shaping Sustainable International Hydrogen Value Chains

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The push for renewable hydrogen as a clean energy solution has the potential to reshape global energy systems. As hydrogen gains traction, especially in hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and transportation, sustainable international hydrogen value chains must be developed. This article provides a detailed exploration of hydrogen value chains, covering the production and demand, environmental impacts, and socio-economic benefits, as outlined in the 2024 IRENA report. Hydrogen Production and Demand: Current and Future Outlook As…

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Impact of Green Hydrogen Production on India’s Power System

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Green hydrogen (GH2) is set to play a pivotal role in India’s path toward decarbonization. The country’s goal of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 is a key part of its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This shift will require significant changes in India’s power system, particularly in the integration of renewable energy sources and grid flexibility. Below is a detailed analysis of the necessary adjustments to meet the rising…

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Global perspectives on rooftop solar energy: Leading economies and strategies

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The global energy transition is gaining momentum, and rooftop solar (RTS) systems are playing a significant role in addressing the world’s growing energy demand. With projections suggesting a 75% increase in global electricity demand by 2050 (IEA 2022), geopolitical disruptions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, have further underscored the need for a shift toward renewable energy (RE) sources. Solar photovoltaics (PV) in particular, including distributed solar technologies, are well-positioned to…

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Repurposing India’s Ageing Thermal Power Plants: Ensuring a Just Transition for Workers and Communities

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India’s thermal power plants (TPPs) with an installed capacity of 218 GW in 2024 provide over 70% of the nation’s electricity generation. These plants employ around 320,000 to 400,000 individuals across the country. However, 15% of this capacity comes from ageing plants over 30 years old, which need either decommissioning or repurposing. The transition involves creating viable alternatives for these plants while ensuring that the workers and communities dependent on them are not left vulnerable….

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India’s Power Generation Schemes: A Factual Snapshot

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India has implemented several schemes to increase power generation capacity and improve energy access. Below is an overview of the key power generation schemes, including the latest facts and figures: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) Launched: 2014 Objective: Strengthen rural power infrastructure and provide continuous power supply to rural areas. Achievements: As of 2024, over 100,000 villages have been electrified, and feeder separation has been completed in 19 states. Integrated Power Development Scheme…

AI’s Rising Energy Demand is Reshaping the Future of Data Centers and Power Supply

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At Climate Week in New York, discussions are centered on the rising energy demand driven by artificial intelligence. Last week, it was revealed that Microsoft would use electricity from the resurrected Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power its data centers. In a recent report, Bloomberg highlighted that OpenAI had approached the Biden administration regarding plans for large-scale data centers, each capable of consuming energy equivalent to that of a whole city. This trend is…