Entso-E's final root cause report on the April 28, 2025 blackout in Spain and Portugal identified systemic failures in voltage control, reactive power management, and regulatory frameworks, with manual disconnections and lack of real-time monitoring contributing to the blackout. The investigation was hindered by incomplete data, particularly from generators below 1 MW. Entso-E issued 22 recommendations to strengthen European grid resilience, focusing on voltage control, oscillatory stability, disconnection behavior, and defense and restoration, including improving reactive power resources, real-time visibility, and harmonizing operating voltage ranges. The article also discusses recommendations for improving small-scale generation, defense, and restoration in the context of climate-related incidents, suggesting adaptive load shedding schemes, better coordination among operators, and standardized data collection frameworks for future investigations.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Google boosts grid flexibility in South and Midwest
Google is integrating 1 gigawatt of "demand response" into its utility contracts in the South and Midwest to make the U.S. power grid more stable and affordable. Demand response involves energy customers adjusting their operations based on the needs of the power grid, offering a potential solution to rapidly growing energy load forecasts. Google's data centers can help balance supply and demand, making electricity systems more affordable and reliable.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/google-boosts-grid-flexibility-in-south-and-midwest/
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Edify Energy awards EPC contracts for 1.8 GW of solar and storage in Australia
Renewables developer Edify Energy has awarded DT Infrastructure the EPC contracts for two massive solar and battery energy storage projects in Queensland, Australia, totaling 900 MW of solar and 900 MW/3,600 MWh of battery storage. The use of grid-forming inverter technologies will enhance power network stability and resilience. These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the National Electricity Market and support the transition towards an affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy future. Construction is set to begin soon with a target delivery and operations date of 2028, showcasing a major step towards climate solutions in the renewable energy sector.
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Why technical due diligence is becoming the backbone of Europe’s solar-storage boom
The European energy transition is accelerating with the growth of hybrid solar-plus-storage projects, which are becoming more complex and require rigorous technical due diligence to ensure reliability, investor confidence, and a resilient clean-energy transition. SolarPower Europe has developed new guidelines for these projects, integrating environmental and social governance, supply chain sustainability, cybersecurity, and financial risk analysis. Technical due diligence is crucial for earning trust in asset performance and ensuring a resilient, bankable, and sustainable clean-energy future in Europe.
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Environmental News Network – From Idaho to MIT, on a Quest to Cut Methane Emissions
PhD student Audrey Parker is researching methane mitigation strategies in dairy farms and coal mines to reduce emissions of the potent greenhouse gas. She is exploring advanced yet practical technologies to address methane emissions, which are more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Parker's work involves measuring methane concentrations in dairy farms, a major source of methane emissions. Her research is focused on finding impactful climate solutions hidden in plain sight.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77863-from-idaho-to-mit-on-a-quest-to-cut-methane-emissions
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From shuttered coal plant to gigascale battery: AGL begins commissioning of Liddell BESS
AGL Energy is set to commission a new 500 MW, 1000 MWh battery at the site of a shuttered coal plant in New South Wales by mid-year, with support from federal and NSW governments. The Liddell battery will help firm up the state's grid as more coal exits and renewable energy comes online, part of a trend of transforming coal generation sites into battery storage hubs in NSW. This transition reflects the need to move away from aging coal-fired power stations, with the aim of supporting reliable renewable energy for years to come. The milestone at Liddell coincides with a new policy from the Minns government regarding coal mining, highlighting the shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
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Business Provides Over 50 EV Chargers Onsite For Employees
Packsize, a company in Salt Lake City, has implemented over 50 onsite EV chargers for its employees, resulting in a 30% EV adoption rate among staff. This initiative not only serves as an employee perk but also supports employee retention and company performance. Electric vehicles are beneficial for the environment and human health due to their lack of carbon emissions and toxic air pollution. Packsize's founder's initial focus on reducing harmful air pollution led to the installation of a 200 kW solar power system to generate electricity for the chargers. It is crucial to consider the source of electricity when charging EVs to minimize environmental impact, as some chargers may contribute to pollution by using electricity from coal and natural gas power plants.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/business-provides-over-50-ev-chargers-onsite-for-employees/
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China’s new five-year plan deepens shift toward focus on renewables system
China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes clean electricity as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to meet incremental electricity demand with incremental clean power generation while peaking fossil fuel consumption. The plan includes a "new energy system" concept that expands beyond wind and solar to include hydropower, offshore wind, nuclear, and more, with non-fossil energy expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption by 2030. Aligning renewable energy policy with wider industrial and regional development strategies, the plan sets targets for wind and solar capacity doubling by 2035, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration to combat climate change.
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“Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid
Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.
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Vena Group and InCommodities sign $142m battery deal
In a $200m agreement, Vena Group has partnered with InCommodities to establish the Bellambi Heights Battery Energy Storage System in New South Wales, Australia. This initiative is designed to enhance grid stability in response to the increasing expansion of renewable energy generation in the region. The BESS will play a crucial role in utilizing surplus solar power to supply approximately 280,000 homes with electricity. InCommodities' investment demonstrates a long-term dedication to the Australian energy market and supports the growing emphasis on renewable investment and strengthening critical grid infrastructure.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vena-group-incommodities-142m-battery-deal/