Nicholas J. Davis

Reconductoring could enable 764 GW of transmission-connected solar by 2035. (My latest for PV Magazine USA) Replacing existing transmission lines, known as conductors, with advanced conductors could enable 764 GW of transmission-connected solar by 2035 even if transmission in new corridors was limited, found a study by UC Berkeley and GridLab researchers. 3M CTC Global TS Conductor Amol Phadke #Reconductoring

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I do a lot of research and I like to think I'm fairly knowledgeable about the renewables sector...however, the data in the two graphics below about how many coal-fired power stations have been cancelled blew me away - https://lnkd.in/ga6vpa-w. Not just because of the numbers. Also, because if you only watch western media, you'd have a wildly false picture of what is really happening...! Shout out to the team at @terranindustries and @siennasimkins for the quality research and actionable insights that they produce. I highly recommend them. #renewables #coalfiredpower #fossilfuelenergy #sustainableconsumptionandproduction #SDGs #SDG7 #SDG13 #terranindustries

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DOE proposes ten “national interest” transmission corridors (my latest for PV Magazine USA) Eight of the ten transmission corridors proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy would facilitate transmission between grid regions; one would expand transmission within the Mid-Atlantic’s #PJM grid region; and one would expand transmission in the Northern Plains.

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Modo Energy - USA projects a "total battery #energystorage buildout of just under 150 GW by the end of 2030. California ISO and ERCOT both continue to see significant growth, each with around 40 GW of commercially operational capacity by the end of 2030. PJM Interconnection has the potential to experience the largest growth of all. By this method of projection, battery energy storage capacity in PJM could grow from around 400 MW today to nearly 30 GW by the end of the decade." https://lnkd.in/gf2sQTS5

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Monroe Capital’s managed fund is focused on helping small and medium-sized auto manufacturers transition to electric vehicle production. #renewables #power #energy #wind #offshore #onshore #solar #hydropower #floating #nuclear #geothermal #efficiency #transition #susteinability #circular #economy #esg #clean #decarbonization #electrification #climate #hydrogen #mobility #greensteel #ammonia #transportation #storage #fuelcell #smartgrid #der #powersystem #generation #transmission #distribution #electricity #machines #motors #drives #sensors #iot #education #engineering #innovation #entrepreneurship #creativity #technology #digitalization #cybersecurtity

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Canary Media: "Chart: Renewables generated a record 30% of global electricity in 2023." On the left margin of the chart, you can see that sustainable energy sources, almost only hydropower, accounted for 19% of global electricity generation. "[But] growth in hydropower has been stagnant for decades, and a global drought is now causing a five-year low in water-powered electrical generation." Solar however continues on a tear—the fastest-growing source of electricity for 19 yrs in a row, even during trade wars, supply chain disruptions + the coronavirus. Next, the figure on the right margin of the chart shows that in 2023 renewables jumped to 30% of the world's electric power. "This surge in clean generation helped slow the growth of fossil fuels by almost two-thirds over the last 10 years, according to energy analysis firm Ember’s ​“Global Electricity Review 2024.” In fact, it's likely that fossil fuel emissions in the power sector will turn out to have peaked in 2023, in spite of new coal + methane gas plants still being built. "The power sector is the world’s leading carbon emitterand will have to completely decarbonize by 2035 in major developed countries and by 2045 in the rest of the world in order to meet international emissions targets." As a final point, I put the red arrow on 'other renewable's to emphasize the critical role geothermal is going to be playing in decarbonization. Go Big Red!

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☑️ Agrivoltaics is a fresh, thriving practice that creatively blends conventional agriculture and solar power production. ☑️ Agrivoltaics projects, like the successful cattle grazing and solar power generation in Massachusetts, show the feasibility of this idea and generate interest in it among other states. ☑️ Combining solar power with various crops, such as soybean and sweet corn, allows for increased productivity and efficiency. Agrivoltaics, or combining traditional farming with solar power generation, has been steadily gaining traction in the renewable energy sector. This concept, central to the work of many solar companies, exhibits the potential benefits of coexisting farming and power generation rather than treating them as competing land uses. Despite the mixed public opinion on large solar plants, this approach has shown significant promise, exemplified by multiple successful projects in Massachusetts that combined cattle grazing with solar power generation, proving advantageous for both agriculture and energy sectors. Other states such as New Jersey and New York are also exploring similar initiatives, reflecting the growing interest in this sustainable model. Furthermore, the integration of solar power with various crops, including soybeans and grains like wheat, barley, and oats, presents exciting opportunities for overlapping productivity. However, agrivoltaics' success hinges on respecting and accommodating the needs of local communities and environmental considerations. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

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Informative summary of #carboncapture (CC) insights and progress in the US from BloombergNEF's Brenna Casey: • Capacity to increase 7X by 2035; • Capacity to reach ~164 million mtpa (equal to the next three markets combined) by 2035; • Global CC investment doubled last year to $11B, with the US getting 25%; • #Hydrogen and #power sectors to dominate CC; • Permitting for #CO2 transport pipelines and storage continues to be a challenge. #sustainability #energytransition #IRA #carbon #decarbonization #decarbonisation #ccs #ccus #carbonremoval #carbonsequestration #carbonstorage #carbonemissions

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This article brilliantly underscores the strategic implications of utility ROEs on the energy transition. The point about "capex bias" particularly stands out, illustrating how entrenched financial incentives can skew utility decisions away from energy conservation. It's intriguing to consider how adjustments to these rates could not only enhance competitive fairness but also foster a more rapid adoption of renewable energy. Promoting totex ratemaking could be a pivotal strategy for achieving more sustainable energy practices. What reforms do you think could effectively shift the focus from capex to totex in utility planning?

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💡 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered grid operator PJM Interconnection to plan for future transmission needs, a necessity for the advancement of solar, wind, and storage projects. 💡 Over 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects are awaiting interconnection studies by PJM due to the lack of transmission capacity. 💡 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed plans for a major “national interest” transmission corridor in the PJM region for a clean energy grid. As changes in the world of solar power pave the way for a greener future, the FERC has called for a transmission planning process that will satisfy the future needs of our ever-growing energy grid. With an impressive 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects currently awaiting interconnection studies, the need for a well-organized plan is clear. This step will ultimately support the rising momentum of solar home usage. As a consumer, you stand to gain from these advancements in the form of better reliability and lower costs. The DOE's plans for a major transmission corridor in the PJM region ensures a streamlined transition towards a clean energy grid catering for future growth. Despite some apprehension, PJM has shown a readiness to adapt to the unique circumstances and regional demands to fully implement FERC’s order. Together, these shifts indicate an encouraging future for those considering solar power. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising sector. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 🌞

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EROI latest: "Wind power and solar photovoltaics found to have higher energy returns than fossil fuels" "A key issue in net energy analysis is the omission of the effects of end-use efficiencies on the energy returns of technologies. Now, an analysis shows that these effects strongly favour the energy returns of wind power and solar photovoltaics, which are found to be higher than those of fossil fuels." HT Steve Forden https://lnkd.in/eVNeSiDK

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President Bidens disruptive green energy tax stimulus IRA is set to become more disruptive . The US government has announced its expanding the lucrative tax credits that have boosted U.S. solar and wind projects to cover a wider range of clean energy technologies, including marine and hydrokinetic energy, nuclear fission and fusion, hydropower, geothermal and some forms of waste energy recovery. "Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told reporters that the IRA has already driven over $850 billion in clean energy and manufacturing investment from the private sector and led to record additions of renewable energy capacity.... "These credits ... make an unprecedented long-term commitment to the clean energy sector to ensure the U.S. is a major market for new clean power generation over the next decade and beyond," she said. "Research firm the Rhodium Group estimate that the tax credits could result in a reduction of 300-400 million tonnes of GHG emissions compared to no tax credits in 2035, a cut of 29%-46%". Time for Europe to follow the example of IRA? European Commission REC4EU Renewable Energy Communities for EU regions Renewables Norway EUREC - The Association of European Renewable Energy Research Centres Valerie Volcovici Reuters

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Grid analysts challenge Bonneville Power’s pace in adopting advanced conductors--my latest for PV Magazine USA. As the White House encourages utilities to use advanced conductors to help interconnect new renewable generation, the federally-owned utility Bonneville Power is moving slowly to use the high-capacity conductors, analysts said. Mike O'Boyle, Casey Baker, Michelle Solomon #AdvancedConductors

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It is common to find people who don't like good news about clean energy. I was told by a self pro-claimed expert that large scale battery storage wasn't viable. That was less than a year ago. Another criticism I hear is that you need longer storage than four hours. While this is correct, it is outdated. Here is a project that will be for 100 hour storage. Another criticism is that batteries are dirty due to the mining involved. While it is correct that the mining industry has a horrible track record on many things, these are Form energy batteries made from the widely available iron and air. Expect a lot more of these. https://lnkd.in/eiVHPt3x

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#climateactivists and #legislators in #Massachusetts are working together on an #omnibus aimed at reshaping the state's energy landscape. While there's a clear goal of transitioning away from traditional #naturalgas, it's essential to consider alternative pathways that could facilitate a smoother transition to #carbonneutrality by #2050. #renewablenaturalgas presents a promising opportunity to bridge the gap between our current energy infrastructure and a sustainable future. By harnessing RNG, we can #reduceemissions while leveraging existing pipelines and infrastructure, minimizing disruption to communities and industries. As discussions progress, it's crucial to explore all viable options striking a balance of environmental objectives and practical considerations. Ultimately, all parties seek an outcome benefitting both the planet and communities. #rng #energytransition #renewableenergy 

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