Stuart Barnes

How can California save consumers $550 million annually? How can the U.S. avoid $10 billion annually in grid costs? 🤔 Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) might just be the answer! By using distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles to balance supply and demand, VPPs reduce the need for costly power plants and transmission upgrades. A smart, scalable solution to enhance the grid, save money, & ultimately reduce ultimately reduce emissions.

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$71 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧! Clean Energy sees record investments 💰🚀 Speaking with a number of leaders across the Clean Tech spaces, it seems almost everyone is waiting for funding to land or struggling to find it altogether. Strange to see then, the U.S. set a new record with $71Bn in clean energy investment in Q1 2024, up 40% from Q1 2023! 🏭💡 The funds were split across manufacturing emissions-reducing tech, deploying clean energy and industrial decarbonization, and retail sales like EVs, solar, and heat pumps. Retail led with $31B, followed by $24B in deployment, driven by utility-scale solar and storage ☀️🔋 Emerging techs like hydrogen and sustainable fuels also saw huge growth ⛽ EV supply chain investments dominated manufacturing, with $11B in battery production 🔋 Clean energy now makes up over 5% of U.S. private investment 📈 But further growth is necessary. While zero-emissions vehicle sales are on track to meet domestic climate goals, clean energy deployments are not. Average annual capacity additions of 70 to 126 gigawatts between 2025 and 2030 will be needed - that’s more than twice the amount of clean energy the country added last year 🏭🏭 Ramping up the rollout of clean energy will require private investment to keep breaking records in the quarters to come 🚀 (Full article -> https://lnkd.in/eR3U7VZa) #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #Investment #Battery

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It was recently announced that 30% of global electricity generation came from renewable sources, marking a new era of energy where a permanent decline in fossil fuels is inevitable. The United States, although a major player in solar and wind energy generation, still has strides to make to fully commit to phasing out fossil fuels. Meeting climate goals and achieving a near phaseout of fossil fuels would require significant ramp-up of renewables in the power sector, increased energy efficiency, and electrification across various industries. Do you think the US is moving away from fossil fuels fast enough?

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On the back of the latest investment to land in LDES, with Allegro's Series A, it appears that funding of longer duration storage technologies is on the rise! Great to see! I've long been an advocate for backing of LDES technologies. Here's a piece from January this year. #energystorage #longdurationenergystorage #ldes #investments https://lnkd.in/ebs7BaJk

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Cultivating Tomorrow's #SolarLeaders! In the rapidly evolving landscape of #renewableenergy, the #solarindustry stands at the forefront of innovation and #sustainability. However, sustaining this momentum requires a constant influx of skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. #Talentpipeline development emerges as a crucial strategy in ensuring the industry's future success. By fostering partnerships with educational institutions, offering apprenticeships, and implementing robust training programs, solar companies can groom a new generation of leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to drive innovation and growth. Moreover, a proactive approach to talent pipeline development not only addresses current skill gaps but also anticipates future industry needs, positioning companies to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic market. In essence, investing in #talentpipeline development is not just an investment in individuals but in the enduring success of the #solarenergy sector as a whole. What are your thoughts on the importance of #talentpipeline development in shaping the future of the #solarenergy industry?

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"The Meta Model" How will #Meta get from initial contract to energize in sub 36 months (an unheard of timeline, never been achieved before)? The got all the key stakeholders (#Owner, #Developer, #Regulators & #Government) in a room and talked through the issues and then solved them. Such a simple and obvious solution to the ongoing issue of permitting and grid interconnection timelines. 👏 Who'd have thought it 🙄 https://lnkd.in/ehjXncHn

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🚀 How can we advance diversity across the energy & renewables sector? 🌿 Join us on our latest episode of "The Infra Insider" podcast as we dive into this critical topic with the amazing Elizabeth Baxter of POWERful Women. 🗓️ The episode is now live on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts! 🔗 Link in the comments to subscribe. Don't miss it! #diversity #energy #infrastructure

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Our Q3 2024 Newsletter is Live! 📢 You may received it directly but it not... We’re excited to share our latest quarterly update on the renewable energy market, packed with key insights and trends from around the globe. 🌍 Here’s a quick preview: Grid Connections: Persistent challenges keeping T&D experts in high demand. Capital Raising: Companies with strong funding are leading the talent race. Hiring Trends: More firms are shifting to proactive strategies and investing in employer branding. We also highlight come current industry news, including: UK closes its last coal plant—setting the pace for clean energy. The Netherlands takes the lead in renewable innovations. US sees clean energy jobs expanding at twice the national rate. We’ve also curated top podcasts for energy leaders and a roundup of our most popular LinkedIn posts. Read the full newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eFtsRgMy We’d love to hear your thoughts! 😀

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Interesting stats out of BloombergNEF. In 2023, the global energy storage market experienced a significant surge, nearly tripling in size, marking the largest year-on-year increase on record. This growth is attributed to plummeting prices, particularly notable in China, where costs for turnkey energy storage systems hit a record low of $115 per kilowatt-hour. Following last year's record global additions of 45 GW (97GW-hours), further robust growth is anticipated in 2024, with global capacity expected to surpass 100 GW-hours for the first time. Forecasts by BloombergNEF project a substantial expansion, with the global energy storage market reaching 137 GW/442 GW-hours by 2030, driven by mandates, subsidies, and emerging support schemes worldwide. Additionally, compound annual growth rates of 9% for solar and 7% for wind markets are anticipated during the same period. #EnergyStorage #RenewableEnergy #BatteryStorage #EnergyIndustry #DER #Utilities #Solar #Wind #PowerGeneration

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No one-size-fits-all solution for our energy challenges — it’s all about a little give and take. ⚡ 🌍 Perry Fontana - dropping more gold - on the Reality of grid transitioning with multiple different resources while managing complex process of meeting varied stakeholders needs on each project (And you wonder why he is in such demand for his services! 👊 ) Do you agree? (Full episode link in the comments) #Projectdevelopment #carboncapture #greenchemistry #renewableenergy #cleantech #hydrogen #BESS #recruiting #solar #wind #innergeniuspodcast #confiogroup #environmental #cleanenergy #decarbonization"

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𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞... Entergy 𝐚𝐧𝐝 NextEra Energy, Inc. 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟒.𝟓 𝐆𝐖 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 ☀ This will bring a new wave of solar and storage development to the Southern United States that will significantly bolster the portfolio of renewable in the region. National Grid Renewables 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐎𝐓 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 + 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 🌱 National Grid Renewables announced the start of commercial operation at its Copperhead Solar and Storage Project located in Falls County, Texas, further expanding the company’s presence in ERCOT territory. Copperhead is a 150-MW solar and 100-MWh storage project that celebrated its groundbreaking in the fall of 2022. The project will also contribute $600,000 through the Copperhead Community Fund to three volunteer fire departments and a youth athletic organization in Falls County, Texas. Ampelmann Operations 𝐚𝐧𝐝 Seaway7 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝐒 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 🌊 Dutch offshore access provider, Ampelmann, has received an order from Seaway7 to supply an E5000 gangway, which will support the construction of a major US coast offshore wind project. The order not only marks the first collaboration of Seaway7 and Ampelmann in the Americas but will also see the first tour of duty of the E5000 outside of Europe, said the Dutch company. According to Ampelmann, the E5000 is the biggest motion-compensated system in the world. The gangway has a lifting capacity of 4,600 kg. #renewablesnews #renewableUS #renewableenergy #offshorewind #solar

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🔋⚡ Exciting Times at RE+ 2024 🌎 This week, the spotlight is on battery technology and energy storage innovations at RE+ 2024! 🚀 As we gather in California, leaders from across the industry are unveiling the future of energy storage solutions that will transform how we store and manage clean energy. 🌿 Why It Matters: - Energy storage is the key to unlocking the full potential of renewable energy. Whether it’s stabilizing the grid or powering entire cities, the innovations being showcased at RE+ will drive the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. 💡 What to Watch For: - Next-Gen Battery Technologies: Cutting-edge advancements in lithium-ion, solid-state, and beyond. - Energy Storage Systems: Scalable solutions for homes, businesses, and utilities, improving energy reliability. - Grid Integration: How storage solutions are optimizing energy flow and increasing renewable adoption. - Policy & Market Trends: Insights on incentives, regulations, and the future of energy storage markets. If you're at RE+ or following the buzz, what are you most excited about in the world of battery technology and energy storage? #Let’s connect and discuss how these innovations are reshaping the future of energy. 🔋🌱 #REPlus2024 #EnergyStorage #BatteryTechnology #CleanEnergy #GridIntegration #Renewables #Sustainability #FutureOfEnergy

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Amazon are following Google's approach to nuclear power to meet the data center demand! Amazon is investing in nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) to power its data centers. This is a big step towards achieving their goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. They've signed agreements in with Energy Northwest and Dominion Energy to develop SMR projects in Washington and Virginia. They've also invested in X-energy, a developer of SMRs. Under the agreement, Amazon can buy electricity from four modules. Energy Northwest can add up to eight 80 MW modules, with a total capacity of up to 960MW, enough to power 770,000 US homes. The extra power can be used by Amazon and utilities to power homes and businesses. SMRs are a promising new technology that could provide clean and reliable energy for data centers. They're smaller and safer than traditional nuclear reactors, making them a more attractive option for many companies. #amazon #sustainability #SMR #datacenters #climatechange #AWS #nuclearpower

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The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has been making significant strides in the realm of renewable energy. Here are some recent highlights: - ENGIE Completes $1B in Tax Equity Financing for Wind and Solar Projects: ENGIE, a major player in the energy sector, has successfully secured $1 billion in tax equity financing for its renewable energy portfolio. This portfolio comprises six projects across ERCOT, MISO, and SPP. Notably, it includes 950 MW of solar capacity and 353 MW of wind capacity1. - Large Grid Expansion Approval: MISO recently approved 18 new high-voltage transmission lines, paving the way for adding an impressive 53 gigawatts of renewable energy to the grid. This decision marks the most U.S. power lines ever approved at once and serves as a model for the nation’s clean energy transition2. - Record-Setting Interconnection Queue: In a remarkable development, MISO received a record 487 applications for interconnection this year. Of these, 64 gigawatts (approximately 83%) represent renewable energy proposals. The total submissions in 2021 exceeded the 2020 total by nearly 50%, demonstrating the growing interest in clean energy projects within the MISO region. 🌿🔌 #MISO #MISONews #MISORegion #MISOJobs #MISORenewables #MISOGrid #ProjectDevelopment #Utilities #Solar #Wind #BESS #GreenHydrogen #RenewableEnergy #Renewables

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Did you know the average tenure for engineers in Solar and Wind is just 1.8 years? In a field where innovation and expertise are key, this short tenure raises important questions: Are teams getting the support they need to grow? Are organizations offering clear career paths and opportunities for development? Retention is just as critical as recruitment—especially in the renewables sector, where competition for talent is fierce. What do you think is the biggest factor driving turnover in engineering?

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☀️ 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨.𝗦.! ☀️ On Friday, Google unveiled the 𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝘁 in Buckholts, Texas—a massive solar project delivering 𝟴𝟳𝟱 𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝘁𝘀 of clean energy, nearly the size of a nuclear plant! 🔋 👷‍♂️ Built by SB Energy, this trio of solar farms is a renewable energy milestone, backed by 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲. Google has committed to spending $𝟭𝟲 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟰𝟬 to expand clean energy. 📊 With tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft increasingly turning to solar and nuclear energy to power their 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, the renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm remarked: “We are in the middle of history being made.” And this couldn't come at a better time—data centers are forecasted to consume 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝘁-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, more than doubling since 2022. For context: 𝟭 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘁𝘁-𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 can power 70,000 homes for a year! 🔍 AI advancements and the rise of electric vehicles are driving this surge in demand. (Worth it for the bizarre images as seen below? Debatable 🤔 😂). 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 💵 The Inflation Reduction Act is fueling domestic solar manufacturing. 🌎 Google will use 𝟴𝟱% of this solar power for data centers in 𝗘𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆, 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀, with the rest feeding the state's power grid. 🐑 Fun fact: Sheep help manage the vegetation around the solar arrays! 🐑 💡 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗮 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 in shaping the infrastructure for these advancements. Will the solutions keep pace with rising demand and challenges? 👉 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 Technical Hires for more insights on civil engineering and industry updates! #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CivilEngineering #Infrastructure #Sustainability

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Hi all Recent political developments in the U.S. highlight the variability of federal support for renewable energy. With proposals from Donald Trump to reduce funding for green initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s a reminder of the importance of strong, diversified energy strategies. For those of us outside the U.S., such shifts emphasize the need to stay adaptable and committed to sustainability, regardless of policy changes abroad. Renewable energy, especially solar, wind, and battery storage, continues to grow globally, driven by market demand and the resilience of local and regional commitments. As leaders, we must stay focused on delivering clean, cost-effective energy solutions that aren’t solely dependent on political trends but reflect enduring value for both our communities and investors.  Let’s keep pushing forward in the clean energy transition, leveraging innovation to create a sustainable future that transcends borders. #SustainableFuture #GlobalRenewables #ResilientEnergy https://lnkd.in/eK-THJyQ https://lnkd.in/egkBEzc8

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Capital cost of energy transition ‘only one part of the picture’ The yearly $1.9-trillion being invested currently on clean energy would have to more than double and be more evenly distributed to place the world on track to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, a new International Energy Agency (IEA) report confirms. However, it also stresses that such investments cou... https://lnkd.in/deaBjtK6 International Energy Agency (IEA) International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) Global Renewables Alliance Global Solar Council (GSC) South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA) Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) The World Bank WindEurope Hydrogen Europe Hydrogen Council Oxyon People Solutions (Pty) Ltd.

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🌍 Thinking about a career shift into renewable energy? The renewable energy sector is booming, offering a wealth of opportunities for engineers. However, making the transition isn't without its challenges. Let's dive into both sides of the coin. **Challenges:** - **Skill Gap:** Engineers from traditional sectors might find they lack specific knowledge in renewable technologies. 📚 - **Regulatory Hurdles:** Understanding the complex regulations and compliance standards in the renewable sector can be daunting. - **Market Dynamics:** The renewable energy market is rapidly evolving, which means staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. **Opportunities:** - **Growing Demand:** The UK government aims to generate 40GW of offshore wind power by 2030. This creates a massive demand for skilled engineers. 🌬️ - **Innovation:** The sector is ripe for innovation, offering engineers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. - **Sustainability Impact:** Transitioning to renewable energy allows engineers to contribute to a more sustainable future, making a real difference. 🌱 If you're an engineer considering this shift, focus on upskilling through courses and certifications. Networking with professionals already in the sector can also provide valuable insights. What are your thoughts on transitioning into renewable energy? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below! #RenewableEnergy #Engineering #CareerTransition

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