As we explained in our previous article, high temperatures challenge the lifespan of batteries and pose potential safety issues. This article will be focused on proposing possible solutions to mitigate these issues.
Roughly speaking, there are two main solutions: the first one is cooling the system down and the second one is using a chemistry that is resistant to high temperatures.… Read more
Microgrids with high renewable penetrations bring many benefits (such as reductions in costs and increased sustainability), however, they also come with many challenges. In particular, the integration of intermittent renewables (such as solar PV) requires the usage of energy storage. This is mainly done by utilizing batteries.
However, the conditions at many microgrid locations make energy storage challenging.… Read more
As 2015 draws to a close, it is time to review the progress and status of renewable microgrid development around the world. The past year has been a good one for renewable microgrids. There has been significant growth in the deployment, implementation and interest in renewable microgrids globally. Importantly, this growth seems set to continue into 2016.
The activity in microgrids is growing in all regions of the world. In… Read more
The Katanga region in the south of the Democratic Republic of Congo has an energy problem. Though blessed with abundant natural resources, including large flowing rivers that have provided hydro power to the region for decades, the region is turning to fossil fuels. The local grid power supply is based entirely on hydro and is not only 100% renewable but is also very affordable at 0.06 USD per kWh. Unfortunately,… Read more
The fall in oil prices has created a number of knock-on effects for renewable energy and other emerging clean technologies. Some of these effects are clear cut; for example lower gas prices makes the economic case for electric vehicles more difficult. Other impacts are less clear-cut; for example how potentially lower electric vehicle sales will change the future technology development and price reductions of lithium ion battery storage.… Read more
The recent market turmoil has led to continued drops in commodity prices including oil and most metals. Lower prices and high price volatility is putting pressure on companies in the resource sector. In general, renewable energy companies have also been affected as the market seems to believe that lower oil prices will either indirectly lead to lower power prices or at least signal that power prices may come under pressure from some of the same factors impacting oil. … Read more
An interesting application of renewable microgrids is for enhancing value in real estate developments. There is increasing demand and interest in sustainable buildings, and real estate developers are exploring options on how to meet this demand and create additional value for their clients and themselves. A renewable microgrid that is acts as localized renewable energy system integrated into the project development can be a compelling alternative for developers looking to maximize their offering and value.… Read more
As interest has grown in localized renewable generation, the discussion is shifting to what value these systems create for their owners and users. Indeed, from policy makers determining regulatory and legal frameworks, to individuals looking to invest in home energy systems, to companies trying to secure their power, the underlying value creation and economics of renewable microgrids is critical to determining appropriate applications and configurations. Renewable… Read more
Renewable energy continues to make inroads in the mining industry. There are now a large number of mining sites using renewable power to provide energy for their operations and many more evaluating potential renewable energy alternatives. This trend has gained momentum in recent years as the mining industry has focused on cutting costs and improving environmental performance. Over… Read more
Electric vehicles are gaining traction in markets around the world. Most car manufacturers now offer electric vehicles and the charging infrastructure is rapidly being constructed and installed. As has been discussed in a previous article, electric vehicles and the broader trend of electrification of transport only makes sense in areas where the power sector has been de-carbonized. For… Read more