Eugénio P. A. Constantino

Grid connection reform continues the journey to a First Ready, First Connected approach. The latest proposals on connections reform from National Grid ESO, dubbed TMO4+, have been received positively by Ofgem. TMO4+ builds on several measures implemented last year to speed up connections, including the Transmission Acceleration Action Plan to reduce build times, and the introduction of Queue Management Milestones (read Charles River Associates' report for Centrica on that here: https://lnkd.in/eupkcvec). The dynamic, indicative connection offers proposed under Gate 1 of TMO4+ would ensure that, even at a very early stage, stalled projects would not be able to block those which are more viable. Furthermore, withholding a full offer until land rights and a firm indication of planning application dates are in place would bring GB closer to the process in some European countries such as Germany, where certain permits are a requirement for getting a firm connection date. (It will be interesting to see the exact criteria when the CMP process is underway). These should make a strong contribution to reducing wait times for viable projects. Two other interesting points: 1) Ofgem’s support of ESO’s commitment to consider “financial instruments at Gate 1 and Gate 2 to encourage only viable projects to enter and remain in the connections process” – it will be good to see more detail on this, and any impact it may have on project economics. 2) A one-off capacity auction being currently rejected due to the time it would take to set up. A market-based approach to connections continues to be discussed (e.g., see the latest from Britain Remade, endorsed by Ed Miliband no less) - with one eye on the political horizon, that "currently" may not last forever. ESO’s update: https://lnkd.in/eE7wk4Nk Ofgem’s response: https://lnkd.in/e2jwnibF Britain Remade’s Powerbook: https://lnkd.in/e_F9DAgY #grids #connectionsreform

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🔬 **Nuclear Energy: Dispelling Myths and Examining Facts** ⚛️🔍 Welcome to Energetica Insights! Today, we're tackling one of the most controversial yet impactful forms of energy: nuclear power. **Nuclear energy** has long been a subject of debate, with passionate arguments both for and against its use. Let's separate fact from fiction and explore the myths and realities surrounding nuclear energy: **Dispelling Myths:** 1. **Myth: Nuclear Power is Unsafe:** While nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have raised concerns about safety, modern nuclear power plants incorporate multiple layers of safety features and rigorous regulations to minimize the risk of accidents. 2. **Myth: Nuclear Waste is Unmanageable:** Nuclear waste is carefully managed and stored in secure facilities, with ongoing research into advanced fuel recycling and waste disposal technologies to minimize environmental impact and maximize safety. 3. **Myth: Nuclear Energy is Expensive:** While nuclear power plants have high upfront costs, they have low operational costs and can provide reliable, baseload electricity over decades of operation, making them cost-competitive with other forms of energy in the long run. **Examining Facts:** 1. **Low Carbon Emissions:** Nuclear energy produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a valuable tool for combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 2. **Reliable Baseload Power:** Nuclear power plants provide reliable baseload electricity, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind to ensure grid stability and security of supply. 3. **Energy Independence:** Nuclear power reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and resilience against geopolitical disruptions. **Challenges and Opportunities:** 1. **Safety and Security:** Ensuring the safety and security of nuclear facilities remains paramount, requiring robust regulations, oversight, and international cooperation. 2. **Waste Management:** Developing safe and sustainable solutions for nuclear waste disposal and storage is essential to address long-term environmental concerns. 3. **Public Perception:** Overcoming public concerns and building trust in nuclear energy through education, transparency, and community engagement is crucial for its acceptance and expansion. Join us as we delve deeper into the complex and nuanced world of nuclear energy, exploring its potential, challenges, and implications for the future of global energy systems. Together, let's navigate the path towards a more sustainable and secure energy future. #Energeticainsight #energy #powergeneration #technology #nuclearenergy #partnership

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In this ORS Consulting Insight Carsten talks around 'How to perform successful Bow Tie workshops', please take a break and have a read today. https://lnkd.in/eqDRy-Kd #technicalsafety #barriermanagement #bowties #processsafety #safety

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I have a couple of colleagues who are really into nuclear power. Every time I see them in the canteen, they ask me why we haven’t bought ourselves a reactor yet. My friends are very persuasive. So I usually tell them that we might get round to investing in nuclear power once they commission Hinkley Point C. Hinkley Point C is a nuclear power station being built in Somerset, England. It’s a massively impressive project, that will deliver 3.2 GW of clean power. How about the costs, you ask? Well, let’s just say if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. The plan was to spend £18 billion and start up next year. The current estimate is £46 billion and completion in 2029. A tad over budget, maybe. But the UK just announced they have selected a new site in Wales where they plan to build another reactor. Nuclear Power may be on the brink of a comeback. But why bother when the costs are so high? Because it’s hard to see how we can decarbonise electricity systems at scale without reliable, clean baseload power. The International Energy Agency says Nuclear Power needs to double capacity by 2050 to deliver on Net Zero goals. What do you think? Are we heading for a nuclear renaissance? Splitting the atom was one thing. But will we manage to split the bill? Artwork: At the core #energy #energytransition #nuclear #power

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Well some movement of the BBC now posting more realistic headlines on the UK Northsea impact from the EPL tax, instead of previous headlines of oil majors record profits which were never made in the UK. However I am still perplexed at the response from the treasury, that its industrial strategy would create "thousands of new jobs in the industries of the future". I am afraid they need the jobs 1st before they tax the current energy industry out the country along with the tax revenue and jobs. Has anyone actually seen an impact assessment of the last government or current governments plans with EPL? Surely they have assessed that before implementation? Maybe too much common sense to ask they fully assessed impact before implementation but as my previous post I am really struggling to see the logic as capital moves very quickly to places investors get better returns but we cannot create 100s of thousands of jobs over night. https://lnkd.in/epmG_qmQ

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