Aniko Lilla Hegedus

A common european energy policy is mandatory!

11

ELECTRICITY: WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE THE MOST EXPENSIVE BILLS IN 2024 Electricity bills vary significantly from one country to another, influenced by factors such as energy production methods, government subsidies, infrastructure costs, and consumption patterns. As of 2024, several nations are known for having some of the most expensive electricity bills globally. Germany ranks among the countries with high electricity costs due to its ambitious renewable energy transition (Energiewende) and the phasing out of nuclear power. While renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have become prominent, the transition has led to increased costs passed on to consumers through surcharges and taxes. Denmark is another nation with notably high electricity prices. Despite its strong commitment to renewable energy, including wind power, Denmark's electricity prices are among the highest in Europe. This is partly due to the country's heavy reliance on imported energy and significant taxes on electricity consumption. Australia is known for its relatively high electricity prices, particularly in regions with limited competition and reliance on fossil fuels for power generation. Factors such as aging infrastructure, network maintenance costs, and the closure of coal-fired power plants have contributed to rising electricity bills for consumers. In the United Kingdom, electricity prices have been influenced by various factors, including the transition to low-carbon energy sources, network infrastructure investments, and government policies. While the UK has made significant strides in renewable energy deployment, the costs associated with transitioning to cleaner energy sources have impacted electricity prices for consumers. Several other countries, including Belgium, Italy, and Spain, also have relatively high electricity prices compared to global averages. These nations often face challenges related to energy market regulation, infrastructure investments, and balancing the costs of transitioning to cleaner energy sources with affordability for consumers. In conclusion, while electricity prices vary worldwide, several countries stand out for having some of the most expensive bills in 2024. Factors such as energy policies, reliance on renewable energy, infrastructure investments, and market regulations all play significant roles in determining the cost of electricity for consumers.

1

Is #Germany coming back to #Nuclear? Has the country been damaged by the nuclear phase-out? CDU and CSU, by far the largest federal committee, prepare the return of nuclear power. Their chance to implement this resolution is to win the federal election in 2025! Old reactors are to be put back online, new reactors are to be built; "The CSU calls for the continued use and further development of nuclear energy!" The last nuclear power plants which have been shut down, still have the chance to be easily reactivated and put back on the grid as quickly as possible, as the dismantling has not yet begun. let's remembrer that the German response to the Fukushima nuclear power plant incident (march 2011) was possibly the most significant change of policy towards nuclear power outside Japan, leading to a sudden and very substantial shift in the underlying power generation structure in Germany, that even #Angela_Merkel (a trained physicist who believed in the peaceful use of nuclear energy & even attacked the center-left coalition government of her predecessor, Gerhard Schröder), changed her mind at the time and triggered Germany's nuclear phaseout. Three months later, the German parliament voted to phase out atomic energy by the end of 2022. But was it a decision taken in an emotionally charged moment or did it really benefit the country? A number of governments, such as those of France, the UK, and the United States, consider nuclear energy, with its low CO2 emissions, as a tool in slowing climate change. And the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agrees. The Grohnde, Gundremmingen C and Brokdorf nuclear power plants were shut down on 31 December 2021. The last three nuclear power plants in Germany were shut down on 15 April 2023: Isar 2, Emsland and Neckarwestheim 2. Framatome, a subsidiary of the French energy group Areva, confirmed that five nuclear reactors that have not yet been dismantled "can be easily reactivated and put back on the grid as quickly as possible." This follows the recommendation from energy consultancy Radiant Energy Group. Last year they released a report showing that eight of the shuttered reactors could be restarted. #CDU and #CSU are the major party calling for a return to #nuclear_power, citing concerns over the #energy supply.  "We need cheap, base-load electricity for industry." Nuclear energy seems to be a winning topic for the CDU and CSU, as there are mentions of it in the upcoming state election campaign programs. Read more : https://lnkd.in/dQaKDJ_A

54

2 Kommentare

Germany recently activated its first hydrogen-powered electricity generator in Leipzig, marking a significant step in the nation's push for climate neutrality by 2045. The generator, using "green hydrogen" derived from renewable sources, ensures carbon-neutral energy production while offering flexibility by also operating with natural gas. This innovation showcases Germany's commitment to decarbonizing its energy grid and supporting the energy transition. With €20 billion invested in hydrogen infrastructure, including a 9,700 km pipeline network, Germany aims to achieve 10 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030. This would meet up to 130 TWh of hydrogen demand, reducing energy imports and fostering sustainability. 🌍⚡ #HydrogenEconomy #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition https://lnkd.in/exhHwW6C

20

2 Kommentare

GERMANY: Renouncing nuclear energy Majority of Germans think nuclear phase-out is wrong A year ago, the last nuclear reactors in Germany were taken off the grid, and criticism of the decision continues unabated: more than half of Germans would have decided against the phase-out, and in the east the figure is even higher. 15.04.2024 Even one year after Germany's last three nuclear power plants were shut down, many people still take a critical view of the move. In retrospect, 51.6 per cent of respondents believe the nuclear phase-out was a mistake, according to a recent representative survey commissioned by the comparison portal Verivox. 28.4 per cent do not think so. One fifth are undecided on this question. This month, 1019 people between the ages of 18 and 79 were surveyed. Only a small sample, but one that seems to confirm the overall mood. The results of the survey were also reflected in a trend barometer by the television channel RTL. According to this, 58 per cent of people in Germany thought the nuclear phase-out was wrong. In the east of the country, the figure was as high as 78 per cent. One year after the phase-out, Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) is nevertheless satisfied with the decision. "Security of supply was ensured at all times," said Habeck. Electricity prices had fallen significantly again and CO₂ emissions were falling. "In this respect, it has to be said that the pessimism was unnecessary," said Habeck. The decision to phase out nuclear power was a joint effort by all democratic parties, Habeck added in a post by his ministry on X. The reaction to Habeck's post on social media was predominantly negative. "Nuclear power from Germany is bad nuclear power. Nuclear power from France is good nuclear power," commented one user ironically on the Federal Ministry's video on X. "The world is laughing at Germany." Another called the nuclear phase-out a "senseless work of destruction". The energy market has changed since the last German nuclear reactors were shut down: Average prices for consumers have fallen by 17 per cent, according to Verivox. While a family with an electricity consumption of 4000 kilowatt hours was still paying 1703 euros for electricity in April 2023, it is currently 1412 euros. If the last three nuclear power plants had still been on the grid, Germany would not have had to import. https://lnkd.in/gjrdmqvP

3

3 Kommentare

We need more nuclear power. Countries are taking action to triple capacity. This is how they plan to do it: 🇨🇳 China:  ↪ Currently, nuclear energy accounts for only 4.9% of China's electricity. They approved 11 new units in one month and plan to have 150 units by 2035. 🇫🇷 France: ↪ Plans to modernize existing reactors and construct new ones to replace older units by 2035 🇰🇷 South Korea:  ↪ Aims to expand nuclear capacity domestically and through international partnerships, enhancing technology and safety standards. They plan to raise nuclear's share to 34.6% by 2036 🇮🇳 India: ↪ Committed to net-zero by 2070, India has increased its nuclear energy by nearly 35% over the past decade and aims to triple capacity by 2030 with large reactors and SMRs. 🇸🇪 Sweden: ↪ A new government is set to overcome initial challenges and establish a successful nuclear program, with plans for new reactors. 🇨🇦 Canada: ↪ As the second-largest uranium exporter, Canada is refurbishing its nuclear plants on time and budget. SMRs are opening new possibilities Global Cooperation: ↪ The UN Climate Change Conference called for accelerating low-emission technologies, including nuclear. Over 20 countries pledged to work towards tripling global nuclear power capacity by 2050. Challenges and Optimism ↪ The challenge is enormous. But with cooperation and the right strategies, countries are making significant progress. Nuclear, along with other low-carbon energy sources, is crucial for meeting climate targets. By working together, we can achieve a sustainable future with nuclear power leading the way. #EnergyTransition #TrippleNuclear2050 #NuclearEnergy

122

11 Kommentare

🚀 Exciting news! The EVEREST project has officially launched! Our Kick-Off Meeting is underway in Garching, Germany, hosted by Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit gGmbH. Over the next 48 months, this Horizon Europe-funded project will enhance nuclear safety by advancing multi-physics models for nuclear reactors, delivering more accurate, high-resolution data for improved safety margins and decision-making. The EVEREST project aims to tackle a significant challenge in nuclear reactor safety by improving the accuracy of simulations using advanced multi-physics solvers. These solvers will reduce conservatism in Pressurized Water Reactor models by utilizing finer spatial resolution, thanks to increased computing power. The project's focus is on validating these models with dedicated experimental data, ensuring they are both useful and trustworthy. Through enhanced resolution and improved data accuracy, EVEREST will better quantify safety margins in VVER reactors, contributing to more informed regulatory decisions and even enabling potential power uprates in reactors. In addition to improving reactor safety, the EVEREST project will have a long-term impact on knowledge preservation by organizing summer schools, providing training, and offering mobility grants for students and researchers. The project is set to contribute significantly to achieving a safe, climate-neutral energy system for Europe and beyond. Coordinated by Yann Perin Perrin from Gesellschaft für Anlagen- und Reaktorsicherheit gGmbH, our consortium includes partners from GRS, PSI Paul Scherrer Institut, EPFL, VTT, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Jožef Stefan Institut, Energy Efficiency Centre, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, LGI Sustainable Innovation, North Carolina State University, PreussenElektra, IRSN, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, TRACTEBEL, MVM paksi, and Axpo Group. Stay tuned for updates on our journey! 🌍 #EURATOM #HorizonEurope #NuclearSafety #VVER #ClimateNeutralEnergy

37

One of the biggest recurent investments during the #NuclearPowerPlant life is the #NuclearFuel... And once the #NPP is shutdown, the history is the same, the procesing and management of #SpentNuclearFuel remain being one of the main cost for the owners... In line with this, #NuclearIndustry is innovating to create better fuel designs fcused on achieve: ♦ #EnhancedSafety: Innovation in nuclear fuel can lead to the development of fuels that are more resistant to accidents, such as those that can withstand higher temperatures or have reduced risk of meltdown. This enhances the overall safety of nuclear power plants. ♦ #IncreasedEfficiency: Advancements in nuclear fuel can improve the efficiency of reactors, allowing them to produce more energy from the same amount of fuel. This means better resource utilization and reduced waste. ♦ #ReducedWaste: Innovative fuel cycles and technologies can minimize the production of long-lived radioactive waste. This makes nuclear power more sustainable and addresses one of the key challenges associated with nuclear energy. ♦ #Support for Advanced Reactors: New types of nuclear reactors, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) or fast reactors, require advanced fuels to operate effectively. Innovation in fuel design is essential to unlock the potential of these next-generation reactors. ♦ #EconomicCompetitiveness: Developing more efficient, safer, and versatile nuclear fuels can reduce the costs associated with nuclear energy. This helps make nuclear power more competitive with other forms of energy, supporting its role in a low-carbon future. In this arena, Westinghouse Electric Company has just developed safer, long-lasting uranium fuel pellets for nuclear plants. The first batch of this new designed #NuclearFuelPellets with #Uranium levels enriched to eight percent was pressed at Westinghouse Electric Company’s #Springfield manufacturing facility in #Lancashire, #UK. It has been developed in association with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and it will be tested at the #Vogtle Unit 2 reactor in #Waynesboro, #Georgia, in 2025...

9

A reliable supply of #RenewableEnergy requires modernizing #GridInfrastructure. Researchers at ETH's Energy Science Centre are exploring smart methods to adapt the #ElectricityGrid for the energy transition without costly expansions. In brief • The Swiss #ElectricityGrid must become stronger and smarter so that it can integrate the #FluctuatingPower generation from renewable energies. • The decentralised expansion of #Photovoltaic's is considered the most important driver of grid expansion. • Investment is needed both in the physical expansion of the grid and in new #ControlConcepts. Both are important. Article: Michael Keller / ETH Zurich Image: Valentin Lauraud / KEYSTONE-SDA-ATS Related: Energy Science Center, ETH Zurich, Christian Schaffner, Gabriela Hug-Glanzmann

55

3 Kommentare

Automatic Frequency Restoration Reserves (aFRR), previously called secondary reserves, are an essential part of the Continental European Grid to restore the grid balance. Germany and Austria are conducting a daily common auction to reserve aFRR capacity. The auction is divided into aFRR up (increase generation) and down, as well as divided into 6 blocks of 4 hours per day (0 to 4 AM, 4 to 8 AM, etc.). Hereunder are the average prices per block and per month from January 2023 to April 2024. The prices are expressed in €/MW per hour. We can observe some very large price fluctuations from almost nothing (2 in May during the night) to very high prices of 129 €/MW per hour in July for the afternoon hours. Actually, the most expensive blocks are concentrated during the best solar moments and lower loads (summer months), indicating a lack of flexibility. It is also interesting to note that the capacity to reduce generation is the most expensive one during these moments. With a demand of slightly more than 2000 MW, the cost of reserving capacity for aFRR becomes less negligible in the total system cost. Indeed, for the most expensive block of 2023, the capacity price is in total 197 €/MW per hour (both up and down). Compared to a total load of around 60 GW, adding 197 €/MW per hour multiplied by the aFRR demand of 2000 MW, is similar to adding 6.5 €/MWh to all MWh consumed. For more insights on energy and market, check my site: https://lnkd.in/d6w2xm3T I am planning to go more in depth in the fascinating world of European power reserves.

79

11 Kommentare

Want to see how Net-Zero Carbon policies affect the economy of a country? Check the case study of Germany.....Thank you T Nemeth and Doug Sheridan #Climatepolicies #Energyreality

2

☢ 🏗 Sweden's new nuclear energy path announced: - Build a new nuclear reactor - Start by 2026 - Massive expansion to follow by 2045 No more energy shortages. Here's the detailed plan: 1. Start construction before the 2026 election. 2. Partner with the far-right Sweden Democrats. 3. Aim to double electricity production. 4. Use small modular reactors (SMRs). 5. Vattenfall to lead the project. 6. First SMR operational by early 2030s. Sweden is committed. It is now the time for industry leaders to act and make this vision a reality. Image: Ringhals NPP, PWR with approx 1000 MWe output each

105

12 Kommentare

Germany has spent more than $75OB on its failed energiewende. The results are obvious: Germany’s industrial base is collapsing, and last week, the coalition government collapsed at the same moment the country was hit by a wind drought. Germany provides a vivid example of how bad energy policy leads to failing industry, and now, failed government. #germany #energiewende #wind #solar #alternativeenergy #greenenergy #climate #climatechange #climatepolicy

282

60 Kommentare

Nuclear Power is the future

2