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Europe’s electrification stagnates as industrial slowdown impacts power demand

Global, News

A new report by Eurelectric, titled Power Barometer 2024, reveals that Europe’s electrification rate has stagnated at 23% for the past decade, falling short of its 50% target by 2040. The stagnation is largely driven by an industrial slowdown and decreased electricity demand, with EU power consumption dropping by 7.5% between 2021 and 2023. Industries have struggled to electrify, with only a third of their energy consumption coming from electricity, and just 4% of process…

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Pioneering Change: Coal-to-Clean Energy Success Stories

Analysis, Features

Financial institutions (FIs) are stepping in with coal transition mechanisms (CTMs), financial tools designed to help overcome challenges such as high capital costs and the insulation of coal assets from competition. These tools have enabled early coal plant retirements in various markets worldwide. This article presents case studies on the successful early retirement of coal plants, including the Tocopilla power station in Chile, the Logan and Chambers generating stations in the United States, and the…

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REC forms eight SPVs for interstate transmission projects

India, News

The board of REC Ltd has approved the establishment of eight special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for the development of interstate transmission system (ISTS) schemes. In a stock exchange filing, REC stated that the board, during a meeting on September 30, 2024, authorized the formation of these SPVs as wholly-owned subsidiaries of REC Power Development & Consultancy Ltd (RECPDCL), which is itself a wholly-owned subsidiary of REC Ltd. These SPVs will serve as shell companies for…

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Australia provisionally approves Spinifex offshore wind project in Victoria

Global, News

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has granted provisional approval for a feasibility licence for the 1.2 GW Spinifex offshore wind project, located in the Southern Ocean near Victoria’s coast. The project, led by Alinta Energy and Parkwind (a subsidiary of JERA Nex), has now entered the next phase of the feasibility licensing process. This phase will include extensive consultations with stakeholders, including First Nations groups, and comprehensive environmental studies to evaluate…

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

Analysis, Features

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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GE Vernova expands HVDC manufacturing in UK

Global, News

GE Vernova has announced a major expansion of its manufacturing facilities in Stafford, UK, to meet growing global demand for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission systems, essential for transmitting renewable energy across Europe, Asia, and North America. The expansion focuses on two key Stafford sites within GE Vernova’s electrification systems grid solutions business. The HVDC facility at Redhill will double its valve manufacturing capacity, adding a new voltage-sourced converter valve assembly line. The transformer facility,…

Institutional Infrastructure of Energy in India

Power 101

India’s energy sector is supported by a vast and multi-tiered institutional infrastructure that includes ministries, regulatory bodies, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and research institutions. These entities work together to manage, regulate, and oversee energy production, distribution, and policy implementation. Below is an overview of the key institutions involved in India’s energy landscape. Ministries Ministry of Power (MoP): The Ministry of Power is responsible for developing and managing the country’s power sector. It oversees electricity generation,…

Understanding the Global Institutional Infrastructure of Energy

Power 101

The global energy sector is a complex web of organisations, regulators, and private corporations working together to ensure that the world’s energy needs are met while promoting sustainability, innovation, and policy alignment. From setting regulations to facilitating international cooperation, these institutions play an essential role in shaping how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed. This article will explore the key players in the global energy infrastructure, including international organizations, national regulatory bodies, industry associations, and…

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4. Energy Storage: Powering the Future of Balance

Analysis, Power 101

Imagine a world where energy is always available when needed, regardless of the time of day or the whims of nature. Energy storage is a big part of making that dream a reality. But what exactly is energy storage, and why is it so crucial? Let’s break it down. Types of Energy Storage When we talk about energy storage, it is easy to think of batteries first, but there is so much more going on….

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Transformer Protection: Ensuring Safety and Reliability in Power Systems

Analysis, Deep Dive

Transformers face several risks and potential faults that, if left unaddressed, could lead to system failures. Transformers can experience both external and internal faults. External faults include short circuits, overloads, and over-voltages that originate outside the transformer but impact its operation. On the other hand, internal faults occur within the transformer itself and may include short circuits between turns or windings, ground faults, excessive temperature or pressure, and the loss of transformer oil. Each of…