Engineers are focusing on extracting more performance from the electricity network using electronics, software, and control systems. The grid is evolving to become smarter, similar to the evolution of transportation systems. FACTS and APFC technologies help operators guide the flow of electrons, allowing the existing grid to carry more power than originally expected. This approach does not eliminate the need for new infrastructure but maximizes the capacity of the current network.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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New modelling shows renewable electricity can meet NZ future demand
The government's plan to import LNG for energy security in New Zealand is questioned due to price volatility and the country's goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Analysis shows that investing in renewable energy generation and storage systems can meet future demand and exceed it, with offshore wind projects reducing the need for hydro electricity generation. The article discusses the use of excess grid power for pumped hydro storage and highlights the need for additional long-term storage capacity, such as the proposed pumped-hydro project at Lake Onslow. The country already has a regulatory roadmap for battery systems, with significant renewable generation and battery storage projects in development, suggesting that the electricity sector may not actually need the new LNG terminal infrastructure. Storage capacity, both short-term and long-term, is crucial for stabilizing a 100% renewable grid.
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Tunisia ussues tender for 300 MW solar plant with 150 MW/540 MWh storage
Tunisia is making significant strides in its renewable energy sector with the issuance of a tender for a 300 MW solar plant with storage, the country's first solar-plus-storage project located near Kébili. Independent power producers have until October 14 to submit offers, as Tunisia aims to reach 1 GW of operational solar capacity with the commissioning of a 120 MW solar project by Amea Power. The government has also granted licenses for four new utility-scale projects totaling 500 MW under a renewable energy tender, highlighting Tunisia's commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure.
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District Cooling From the Pacific: A Targeted Efficiency for Oʻahu
The article discusses the fully electrified energy system on Oʻahu, focusing on the island's transition to electric technologies and renewable energy resources. Seawater district cooling systems offer a more energy-efficient approach to meeting the cooling demand of densely populated areas in Hawaii, such as Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu. These systems could potentially serve over 50,000 tons of cooling demand in these areas, resulting in energy savings of up to 92.5%. Seawater cooling systems in Oʻahu help reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, lowering the need for generation and storage capacity, and complement other renewable energy strategies in the island's electrified energy system.
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The US Offshore Wind Industry Gets An Assist From Singapore
The Empire Wind offshore wind farm off the coast of New York, initially halted by President Trump, is back on track with the use of shuttle models and a Jones-compliant vessel from Singapore for construction. Seatrium has built a new WTIV for the US offshore wind industry, designed to handle large turbines and comply with the Jones Act. Despite challenges, including Trump's attempts to halt projects, the vessel is now in use at the Empire Wind project. The global offshore wind industry is growing, with advancements in technology and construction progressing worldwide, showcasing the potential for renewable energy industries to thrive.
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Unlocking Vehicle-to-Grid at Scale
The article discusses the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Electric Vehicles (EVs) to support the electricity grid, integrate renewables, and lower charging costs. It emphasizes the need for EU vehicle type approval standards to enable large-scale deployment of V2G, proposing the introduction of a voluntary 'V2G-ready' label on new EVs with specific requirements such as compliance with interoperability standards and sharing of battery data. By 2032, these requirements should be incorporated into mandatory EU vehicle type approval for all new EVs, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy system.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/06/unlocking-vehicle-to-grid-at-scale/
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Texas Seizes the Solar Crown From California, and Other Key Points From the Latest Electricity Data
Texas has surpassed California as the leader in utility-scale solar generation, producing 58,634 gigawatt-hours in 2025, while California remains ahead in small-scale solar electricity generation. Utility-scale solar was the fastest-growing electricity source in the US last year, increasing by 35 percent, with renewable energy, including wind and hydropower, as the second largest electricity source after natural gas, showing a 9.5 percent increase. Data centers and electrification are driving the trend of total electricity generation from all utility-scale sources increasing by 2.8 percent in 2025. Indiana is increasing its use of coal power despite concerns about costs and environmental impacts, but there is also investment in utility-scale solar projects, such as the Mammoth Solar project. The energy transition is accelerating, with large-scale solar projects becoming more common, highlighting the importance of renewable energy solutions in the face of climate change.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/05032026/inside-clean-energy-texas-utility-scale-solar/
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AI energy management system to unlock VPP potential
UNSW researchers are collaborating with Aussie Solar Batteries to develop AI-driven energy management platforms for optimizing solar and battery systems to support virtual power plant deployment. The project aims to improve grid stability, lower costs, and unlock greater value from distributed energy assets through forecasting, demand-side management, optimization algorithms, and digital-twin modeling. The partnership is part of the TRaCE initiative funded by the Australian government to fast-track advanced clean-energy technologies. The project, scheduled to run until the end of 2026, focuses on accelerating the commercial readiness of smarter batteries and AI-driven energy systems for more efficient solar and battery networks in Australia.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/05/ai-energy-management-system-to-unlock-vpp-potential/
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PPC Group, METLEN sign JVA for 1.5GW BESS projects
PPC Group, METLEN, and Jinko ESS have formed partnerships to develop over 4.5GW/6,000 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage system projects in various European and South American countries. The projects will utilize advanced battery technology to store excess energy from nearby solar and wind parks, aiming to stabilize electricity systems, optimize renewable energy management, and enhance grid reliability. These collaborations align with the companies' strategies to establish a significant presence in energy storage markets and support the transition to cleaner energy sources, ultimately contributing to the maximization of renewable energy contributions and improvement of grid stability.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/ppc-group-metlen-jva-bess-projects/