Energytics Limited’s Post

According to recent analysis by independent energy think tank Ember, wind and solar energy have overtaken fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) during the first half of 2024.  Wind and solar generated 30% of the EU’s electricity, surpassing fossil fuels, which accounted for 27% during this period.  Wind and solar capacity additions in 2023 contributed significantly to this shift.  Despite a 0.7% increase in electricity demand compared to 2023, due to pandemic recovery and gas price crisis, fossil fuel generation fell by 17%.  Coal saw a sharp drop of nearly a quarter, and gas fell by 14%.  In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU introduced policies to reduce reliance on gas imports and boost renewables. These factors also contributed to the decline in fossil fuel generation. Thirteen EU Member States now generate more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels.  Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands hit this milestone for the first time during the first half of 2024.  This shift represents a significant milestone in the transition toward cleaner energy sources.  With wind and solar on the rise, fossil fuel power’s role is narrowing, and the EU continues to prioritise renewable energy. Scaling up renewables presents both opportunities and challenges.  Wind and solar energy are intermittent sources.  Their generation depends on weather conditions, time of day, and season.  To address this, we need effective energy storage solutions, like batteries, and grid management strategies.  Expanding renewable capacity requires significant infrastructure investments.  Upgrading transmission lines, substations, and grid management systems is essential to accommodate higher renewable penetration.  Large-scale wind and solar farms require land.  Balancing energy needs with environmental and aesthetic concerns is crucial.  Rooftop solar and offshore wind mitigate land use challenges. Renewable technologies rely on materials like rare earth metals and photovoltaic panels.  Ensuring a sustainable supply chain and minimising environmental impact are critical.  Clear policies, incentives, and supportive regulations are necessary.  These can drive investment, research, and development in renewables.  While costs have decreased, renewables still face competition from fossil fuels.  Continued cost reduction and market parity are essential for widespread adoption. Integrating renewables into existing energy systems requires coordination among stakeholders.  Balancing supply, demand, and grid stability is complex.  Advancements in energy storage, grid management, and efficiency are crucial.  Research and development play a pivotal role.  Climate change is a global challenge.  International collaboration is necessary to accelerate renewable adoption and reduce emissions. Terence Nunis Terence K. J. Nunis, Consultant President, Red Sycamore Global

Squadron Energy is advancing Australia’s renewable future with bold new projects. The company has applied for federal approval to develop the 300 MW Conargo Energy Hub in NSW’s southwest Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), featuring a cutting-edge battery capable of up to eight hours of storage. This initiative coincides with the first power injection from Squadron’s 450 MW Clarke Creek Wind Farm in Queensland. As reported by RenewEconomy, the Conargo hub will host approximately 53 turbines up to 270 metres tall. Its battery component remains flexible, with several technologies under consideration, including lithium-ion and flow batteries like vanadium and compressed air storage. As Squadron highlights in its application, “A range of technologies are under consideration,” showcasing its commitment to innovation and adaptability. In Queensland, the commissioning of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm, poised to exceed 1GW with its second stage, represents a game-changer. The project complements other significant developments like the 923 MW MacIntyre Wind Farm, positioning Queensland to double its wind capacity to over 2.5 GW by mid-2024. Such advancements are pivotal for a state still reliant on coal for 70% of its power, as it strives to hit 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 80% by 2035. We are thrilled to witness the southwest REZ emerging as a renewable energy hotspot, thanks to its excellent wind resources, flat terrain for easier construction, and strong local community support. Projects like Conargo and Clarke Creek underscore the enormous potential for Australia to lead the world in wind energy innovation and deployment. #renewableenergy #windpower #energytransition #sustainability #australia #rez #conargohub #windfarm #evoegy

The companies of Infinity Power, Hassan Alam Utilities and Masdar, have just signed a land access agreement with the Egyptian Government to mark another step towards the construction of 10GW Egypt Wind Farm. The mega wind farm project is expected to be one of the largest in the world and will be constructed on a 3,025 sq km area of land acquired by the consortium in the agreement reached. Necessary development studies to enable the progress of the project will now be conducted on the land which is located in West Suhag, inclusive of the resource measurement campaigns, geotechnical and also the topographic surveys, also the environmental studies so as to ensure that there is minimal environmental impact during the execution of this mega project. Cost of the 10GW Egypt Wind Farm Project Once the development studies are conducted, eyes will then turn to commence construction of the US$10bn project in a process that is foreseen to deliver very significant benefits to the surrounding local communities. Amr Allam, who is the Co-CEO of Hassan Allam Holding, said, “In a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Egypt as a nation, the signing of the land access agreement for the 10GW wind farm project alongside our esteemed partners i.e. Infinity Power and Masdar, marks a very key moment for this key project. This initiative underscores our commitment to renewable energy and environmental responsibility, indeed we are proud to be a part of this transformative project that will have a positive impact on the energy landscape of Egypt and even beyond.” The agreement was signed by Mohamed Ismail Mansour, who holds the position of chairman of Infinity Power; Karim Hefzy, the chief operating officer at Hassan Allam Utilities; and Mohamed Asaad Taher, who holds the position of senior manager, business development and investment at Masdar. The witnesses of this agreement that was signed were were the Prime Minister of Egypt, HE Moustafa Madbouly and HE Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt. Significance of the Project to Egypt. The initial project agreement to developing and constructing the 10GW wind farm was signed and reached between the Consortium and the Egyptian Electricity Transmission company on the sidelines of the UN climate change conference, COP27. When this mega wind farm project is delivered, it is expected to reduce around 9% of the country’s annual carbon emissions and will generate up to 47,790GWh of clean energy annually. It will represent a significant step forward in the objective of Egypt of sourcing 42% of its overall energy from renewables by the year 2030 while saving approximately US$50bn in natural gas costs annually.

During the full-scale war, Ukraine lost a significant portion of its generating capacity—around 9 GW in 2024 due to attacks on the energy infrastructure. In response to these challenges, the government approved the National Renewable Energy Action Plan through 2030, which aims to achieve 24 GW of capacity from renewable sources. Specifically, it is planned to build 6.1 GW of onshore wind farms (WPPs), which will become a crucial element of Ukraine’s energy strategy. Why should wind energy become the main focus of Ukraine's energy sector development? This question was addressed by Anastasiia Vereshchynska, Director of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency, as well as by members of the EUEA—DTEK Renewables and NOTUS energy—in a comment for Forbes Ukraine. «Ukraine has significant potential for the development of wind projects. Almost the entire territory of the country is suitable for wind energy, as the average annual wind speed in most areas reaches 7–8 m/s, which is a very favorable indicator», noted Anastasiia. One important aspect of this development is investment in the modernization of grid infrastructure, which will enable the integration of new capacities into the country's overall energy system. Oleksandr Selishchev, General Director of DTEK Renewable, states: «We need to focus on projects that can be quickly implemented. In the context of electricity shortages, restoring wind capacities is the most effective solution. Currently, 4 GW of new wind farms are ready for construction and can be commissioned within 1–2 years. This will help stabilize the energy system and quickly restore lost capacities». Despite the ongoing military actions, Ukrainian wind energy continues to develop. Some companies have managed to build and commission new wind farms even under challenging conditions. For example, DTEK Renewable completed the construction of the first phase of the Tylihul Wind Farm in the Mykolaiv region, which is already operating at full capacity. Oleksandr Podprugin, Regional Director of the Ukrainian branch of Notus Energy, also shared his perspective: «Wind farms can significantly accelerate Ukraine's energy recovery. We are confident that focusing on wind will allow Ukraine to eliminate power outage schedules within two years. Other types of generation require more time, while wind farms can be built much faster». However, one of the biggest challenges in the sector remains the lack of long-term power purchase agreements, which complicates attracting funding for new projects. Wind energy must become the cornerstone of Ukraine's sustainable development. Due to its environmental and economic efficiency, wind energy is the most promising option for the rapid restoration of the country's energy independence. It will contribute to decarbonization, job creation, and investment attraction, helping Ukraine restore its energy infrastructure and strengthen its position on the international stage. Read more: https://salo.li/Ed9F18c

Over the past number of years now, there’s plenty of debate about offshore wind (OSW) development in Ireland;- it has the potential to transform the economy, make a big impact on our decarbonisation ambitions, bring employment and economic success to coastal communities and secure the country’s energy independence. A former Taoiseach described it as Ireland’s “Moon-shot”. One thing that has been somewhat lost in the debate and discussion is the role that demand plays in the delivery of OSW…………without demand and a route to market, getting investors to spend the huge amounts of capital becomes a difficult sell. This recent Baringa report (https://lnkd.in/ebYj-iai),  covered in the Irish Times today (https://lnkd.in/e4J-3WD2) , is timely. It highlights the critical importance of data centres – Ireland’s most significant class of energy user – in helping to deliver OSW in Ireland, and thus securing both our economic AND environmental future. There are a couple of key findings in the report that resonate with me……………First, many of the planned OSW projects in Irish waters simply won’t be built at all unless they are underpinned by corporate power purchase agreements (CPPAs), which guarantee a market for the developer and reduce (or eliminate entirely) any cost to the state. Big tech firms that operate data centres, are amongst a handful of global entities that have pockets deep enough and the required renewables expertise to enter into those CPPAs. Second, as a nation, we have a stated intent to generate 20GW of offshore wind by 2040 and 37GW by 2050. To put that in context, that is just more than 3X the current national peak demand, which is about 6GW. As a nation, Ireland will need an energy-intensive market for all that renewable energy, because unlike many of our European neighbours, we don’t have any substantial heavy industry (steel, petrochemical etc.) What we do have though, is a world-leading expertise in the factories of the future;- the cloud-computing infrastructure that powers our every-day lives in ways that we all now largely take for granted. The load profile associated with data-centres make them pretty much the ideal OSW customer, and by locating them closer to the source of the renewable zero-carbon energy, we can also minimise required grid upgrades. This will allow us as a nation, to add substantial additional value to the raw material (OSW) and drive even more economic benefit for the country. There is a window of opportunity here for us as a nation, to deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits through the next two decades and beyond………….we should be careful not to miss it. Michael McCarthy Baringa

“China set a target of installing at least 1,200 gigawatts (GW) by the end of the decade, but it is set to surpass that amount in the next couple of months, said Heymi Bahar, a senior analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA) in an interview with Caixin Thursday. As of April, the country’s total wind and solar capacity already stood at 1,130 GW, according to an IEA report published earlier this month. Total capacity will hit 1,200 GW this year — six years ahead of schedule — based on its recent trajectory of renewable deployment. Bahar, lead author of the report, said: ‘This did not surprise us because, historically, China has always overperformed on renewables and surpassed its previous goals by far.’ The country’s cumulative wind and solar power capacity will ‘be at least 2,200 gigawatts (GW)’ and is ‘very likely’ to reach 2,400 GW by the end of the decade, Huang Zhen, an energy expert and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said at a solar power conference in Shanghai this week.” “Huang’s projection is nearly double China’s target of installing a total of over 1,200 GW of wind and solar power capacity by 2030. China’s rollout of renewable energy is likely to keep ‘snowballing’ because the country not only boasts great research, development and manufacturing capabilities in the sector but also has ‘strong political, economic and environmental self-interest’ in pushing it forward, Li added. The country generated 37% of the global wind and solar power in 2023, enough to power the whole of Japan, according to Ember, a London-based energy think tank. China’s wind and solar generation also hit a record high of 16% of the country’s total power generation last year, compared with the global average of 13%, it said. But while the country continues to build wind and solar farms at breakneck speed, Bahar warned of an increase of the wind and solar curtailment rate in the short term.” “A growing portion of renewable power is being wasted because users do not need it in real time. China has been building renewable power projects far more quickly than it is adapting its power grid to accommodate them. China’s fossil-fuel-centric power system also faces challenges to absorb solar and wind power output, which can be intermittent and unpredictable. As China builds its renewable energy rapidly, it has not retired coal power and other fossil fuels on a large scale, said Li. ‘Therefore, the two have been developing simultaneously.’ ‘This will for sure cause a major challenge in the large-scale utilization of renewable energy in its power system in the future.’ Bahar also predicted a likely consolidation of solar manufacturers in the Chinese market. ‘There are too many players. There is overcapacity and there is fierce price competition,’ he said. ‘It will take some time for the market to adjust, but it will. New manufacturing projects are currently put on hold or cancelled.”

“The rise in British renewables will play a much larger role in bolstering the UK’s energy security than potential new domestic oil and gas production." - The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU). In analysis published last week on Britain's energy security, the ECIU underlined the stark reality facing the nation's energy landscape. With diminishing output from North Sea oil fields, their analysis projects a growing dependence on imported energy, unless there is a significant boost in renewable integration. At Storelectric, we welcome these findings. There is an urgent need for the UK to embrace renewable power in order to ensure our energy independence and meet our #decarbonisation goals. However, achieving this hinges on widespread adoption of Long-Duration Energy Storage (#LDES) – the energy transition’s missing link. Despite already having the capacity to generate enough renewable power to meet 103% of its energy needs, annually the UK squanders millions of pounds worth of renewable energy. Without effective energy storage, surplus power generated during low demand periods goes to waste. In 2022 over a four-month period the UK curtailed 1.35 TWh of renewable energy, which is enough to power 1.2 million homes! Storelectric's CAES technology offers a solution to this problem. By storing excess renewable energy in salt caverns, we can establish a reserve of renewable power to be dispatched during peak demand, reducing waste and keeping consumer costs stable. Over-reliance on energy imports exposes consumers to volatile prices, as demonstrated by the recent cost inflation following the war in Ukraine. In 2020, Storelectric conducted a study on the trajectory of Europe’s energy transition. We projected that by 2040, only Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland would have a surplus large enough to export. Consequently, there won't be enough energy to meet Europe’s import demands, meaning soaring energy costs. This underlines how crucial the implementation of LDES is to safeguard the UK's energy security, shielding consumers from price spikes and supply shortages. Energy storage is the only way to enable a secure, renewably powered grid. As the #EnergyTransition progresses, LDES is more crucial then ever to ensure the UK’s energy independence. For more insights on this topic: ✔️Read Storelectric’s analysis on Europe’s energy transition here: https://lnkd.in/gMqgMCsr ✔️Read the ECIU’s analysis of UK energy security here: https://lnkd.in/eQSamNJY #EnergySecurity #EnergyStorage #EnablingRenewables

According to recent analysis by independent energy think tank Ember, wind and solar energy have overtaken fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) during the first half of 2024.  Wind and solar generated 30% of the EU’s electricity, surpassing fossil fuels, which accounted for 27% during this period.  Wind and solar capacity additions in 2023 contributed significantly to this shift.  Despite a 0.7% increase in electricity demand compared to 2023, due to pandemic recovery and gas price crisis, fossil fuel generation fell by 17%.  Coal saw a sharp drop of nearly a quarter, and gas fell by 14%.  In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU introduced policies to reduce reliance on gas imports and boost renewables. These factors also contributed to the decline in fossil fuel generation. Thirteen EU Member States now generate more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels.  Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and the Netherlands hit this milestone for the first time during the first half of 2024.  This shift represents a significant milestone in the transition toward cleaner energy sources.  With wind and solar on the rise, fossil fuel power’s role is narrowing, and the EU continues to prioritise renewable energy. Scaling up renewables presents both opportunities and challenges.  Wind and solar energy are intermittent sources.  Their generation depends on weather conditions, time of day, and season.  To address this, we need effective energy storage solutions, like batteries, and grid management strategies.  Expanding renewable capacity requires significant infrastructure investments.  Upgrading transmission lines, substations, and grid management systems is essential to accommodate higher renewable penetration.  Large-scale wind and solar farms require land.  Balancing energy needs with environmental and aesthetic concerns is crucial.  Rooftop solar and offshore wind mitigate land use challenges. Renewable technologies rely on materials like rare earth metals and photovoltaic panels.  Ensuring a sustainable supply chain and minimising environmental impact are critical.  Clear policies, incentives, and supportive regulations are necessary.  These can drive investment, research, and development in renewables.  While costs have decreased, renewables still face competition from fossil fuels.  Continued cost reduction and market parity are essential for widespread adoption. Integrating renewables into existing energy systems requires coordination among stakeholders.  Balancing supply, demand, and grid stability is complex.  Advancements in energy storage, grid management, and efficiency are crucial.  Research and development play a pivotal role.  Climate change is a global challenge.  International collaboration is necessary to accelerate renewable adoption and reduce emissions. Terence Nunis Terence K. J. Nunis, Consultant President, Red Sycamore Global

As the offshore sector continues to evolve, here are a few industry updates that have caught our attention this week at GGS. 🔌 SSEN Transmission has started work on a new electricity substation in Finstown, marking a major milestone for the Orkney-Caithness 220kV Subsea Link, which will connect the Orkney Islands to the UK mainland for the first time. In partnership with BAM and Siemens Energy, SSEN Transmission broke ground on the site, while Nexans will supply offshore interconnector components from facilities in Norway, Belgium, and Switzerland. The project includes 14 kilometres of underground cables to Warebeth and 53 kilometres of subsea cables to a new substation in Dounreay, Caithness. Expected to energise by 2028, the link will connect over 220MW of renewable energy to the GB grid, supporting SSEN’s Pathway to 2030 program, a £20 billion initiative to upgrade transmission infrastructure in northern Scotland. A community Q&A event is scheduled for November 14 to discuss project details with local residents. 🌊 Ofgem has approved five new undersea energy links, two of which will be Great Britain’s first offshore hybrid assets (OHAs), all targeted for completion by 2032. These OHAs include the 1.8 GW LionLink, connecting Dutch offshore wind farms to the British grid, and the 1.4 GW Nautilus, linking Belgian wind farms to the UK. Nautilus also connects to Princess Elisabeth Island, forming a basis for a meshed offshore grid. Additional interconnectors include the Tarchon Energy Interconnector (East Anglia to Germany), MaresConnect (Wales to Ireland), and LirIC (Northern Ireland to Scotland). Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator project that Great Britain could become a net energy exporter by 2030, reducing reliance on gas imports. ⚓ Portsmouth International Port has begun installing a shore power system that will allow ships to connect to clean electricity while docked, enabling them to switch off engines and reduce emissions. The project, funded with £19.8 million from the UK Department for Transport and £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, includes a 600-metre, 33-kilovolt cable linked to renewable power. Set to go live in spring 2025, the system will support up to three ships simultaneously and will primarily serve Brittany Ferries' new hybrid LNG-electric vessels. The system is expected to cut around 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually from 2027. ✉️ Connect with us on LinkedIn or email [email protected] to explore how our expertise can support your offshore energy projects. Image source: SSEN Transmission Transmission

Here are some of the latest updates in the offshore energy sector: 🌊 Oceans of Energy, a Dutch firm, completed North Sea Three (NS3) floating solar farm near Oostende, Belgium. This modular and efficient design enables assembly in less than a day and can be scaled up to 200 MW. The NS3, which is part of the EU-SCORES project and financed by CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency, is the Blue Accelerator platform's first grid-connected offshore solar farm. Oceans of Energy seeks to incorporate floating solar and wave energy into multi-source parks, addressing space constraints in densely populated nations like Belgium. Solar panels combined with offshore wind turbines can provide up to five times more renewable energy in the same area. The company intends to examine the potential of offshore solar in Belgium's energy transition and has cooperated with WavEC - Offshore Renewables to scale up its technology to 150 MW, with the goal of eventually establishing gigawatt-scale farms. 🔌 The Celtic Interconnector, a subsea cable connecting Ireland and France, progresses, with offshore work scheduled to begin in 2025. The project, including Ireland's EirGrid Group and France's RTE, will enable electricity exchange between the two countries. Nexans of France has commenced onshore cable work in Ireland, while marine preparations are underway in France. The project incorporates environmentally friendly construction materials and methods for reducing concrete use. Marine surveys and trenching works are ongoing, with numerous vessels doing surveys and cable-laying jobs. The 575-kilometer interconnector, which has received €530.7 million in EU financing, is projected to be completed in 2026, delivering a 700 MW HVDC link capable of powering 450,000 houses. 💨 A new marine research programme, led by ORE Catapult's Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence (FOW CoE), seeks to address underwater noise from floating offshore wind farms. Equinor, JASCO Applied Sciences, the Scottish Association For Marine Science (SAMS), and Xi Engineering are among the collaboration partners. The FLOWN-MIT programme, funded by The Crown Estate and FOW CoE, will create new designs and methods for noise monitoring and mitigation, using real-time data from commercial floating wind farms to properly estimate noise emissions. The project, continuing until spring 2026, aims to make the consenting process more efficient and evidence-based, while also safeguarding marine life and boosting biodiversity. The effort is part of The Crown Estate's £50 million Offshore Wind Evidence and Change programme. In addition, ORE Catapult has established the National Floating Wind Innovation Centre in Aberdeen and received GBP 86 million in financing to improve its testing facilities in Northumberland. ✉️ Connect with us on LinkedIn or email [email protected] to explore how our expertise can support your offshore energy projects. Image source: EirGrid Group