Kaivan Desai

I was thrilled to attend the Reuters Global Energy Transition #GET24 conference in New York last week, where I had the opportunity to discuss innovating a future-ready grid in the US.    There’s no doubt about it – we need to build new electric infrastructure and streamline the permitting process to deliver the energy transition at pace. But by harnessing innovation, we can make sure that we only build the network infrastructure we need for 2050. ‘Smart’ is cheaper than ‘dumb’.   We’ve already started investing in and deploying grid-enhancing technologies (GETs). In Upstate New York, we recently installed National Grid Partners' portfolio company LineVision’s DLR system on four transmission lines, marking the largest operationalisation of DLR in the US. Based on pilot deployments in New York and Massachusetts, LineVision’s sensors can increase the capacity of select transmission lines under specific constraints by material amounts. #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #Energy

87

The energy transition has already begun, the question now is how we can transition with enough speed and scale to prevent the most extreme impacts of climate change. Industry leaders recently gave their insights at Stanford University, read this article to learn how experts believe we can achieve our energy transition goals!

5

$250 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙀𝙋𝘼 𝙂𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙁𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 Harris County, in partnership with the Texas Solar for All Coalition, has secured nearly $250 million from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at fostering the adoption of clean solar energy across disadvantaged communities in Texas. This initiative, funded by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, is set to create significant economic and environmental impacts. The grant will facilitate the installation of solar panels, significantly reducing energy costs by over 20% for lower-income households, with average annual savings projected at $1,740 per household. This initiative not only supports affordable energy access but also contributes to job creation in the green sector. The strategic focus on community solar projects is expected to enhance the resilience of Texas' power grid, particularly for vulnerable communities frequently affected by outages. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources, the program aims to ensure a more stable and affordable electricity supply throughout the year while also lowering carbon emissions statewide. Harris County officials are optimistic about this funding's transformative potential, which promises to bolster regional growth and sustainability for future generations. https://lnkd.in/gwdcFH6y

2

Our CEO, Kristina Skierka, discussed Power for All's global campaign to end energy poverty, with Ed Crooks, on The Energy Gang podcast at the Reuters Global Energy Transition 2024 (#GET24) conference. She explained how integrated energy solutions and our partner driven Utilities 2.0 initiative are crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (#SDG7). The Power for All led initiative, looks for ways to combine centralized and decentralized energy to create robust, integrated systems that will improve service delivery and stimulate increased demand. You can listen to the entire segment here: https://lnkd.in/gRudNcaB #EndEnergyPovertyFaster #EnergyAccess #JustTransition

6

Proud to be part of Correlate Energy as it Enters Landmark Partnership for an Estimated $400M Project to Launch Nation's First Microgrid Utility The Cuyahoga County Microgrid Utility is designed as a model that can be replicated across other U.S. markets, showcasing a scalable approach to addressing climate change through community-level renewable energy solutions. The teams have begun discussions with other municipalities to explore similar microgrid partnership models. Unlike traditional microgrids, CGE’s project will serve multiple interconnected customers, including commercial, industrial, and later, government and community loads. This ensures a strategic and efficient use of shared resources like solar panels and batteries. #microgrid #vpp #microgridutility #carbonneutral https://lnkd.in/gNUQTx9k

32

6 Comments

🔌 Exciting Developments in U.S. Energy Policy! 🔌 The recent (May 13, 2024) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the U.S. transmission system. This initiative is set to revolutionize our energy infrastructure, facilitating a substantial increase in renewable energy capacity to meet modern demands driven by advancements in technology and a shift towards sustainable energy sources. Key Highlights of the New FERC Order: - Streamlined Processes: The introduction of reforms to the interconnection queue will expedite the integration of over 2,000 GW of renewable projects, enhancing the grid's capacity to handle renewable sources efficiently. - Increased Transparency: Mandatory "heatmaps" will identify potential congestion bottlenecks, improving investment and strategic planning across the energy sector. - Enhanced Grid Flexibility: This order will allow for more dynamic grid management, crucial for integrating intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. - Strengthened Infrastructure: Revisions in backstop siting authority will address regulatory hurdles, ensuring that essential transmission projects can proceed without unnecessary delays. - Economic and Environmental Benefits: The move towards a more resilient and sustainable grid supports the Biden Administration's decarbonization goals and aims to bolster local economies by enhancing grid reliability. As we embrace these changes, it's clear that the path towards a more sustainable and efficient power system is well underway. This transformation not only supports the operational needs of today but also secures a robust energy future. Let's discuss how these developments can create new opportunities and what this means for the future of energy in America. #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #FERC #GridModernization #SustainableEnergy #EnergyPolicy #Infrastructure #Flexibility #PowerSystems

8

G7's recent agreement to phase out coal by 2035 significantly boosts the natural gas industry. This shift underscores the increasing demand for cleaner energy sources, highlighting natural gas as a critical player in the sustainable energy transition. 🇨🇦 CSE: TCF 🇺🇸 OTC: TRLEF 🇩🇪 FSX: Z620 #energy #naturalgas #stocks #oilandgas

8

1 Comment

Talking about an exponential curve. The economics of renewables are paving the way for renewables and storage.

37

9 Comments

The #EnergyTransition will require modern technologies and new ways of doing business. We continue to collaborate with industry partners to further our decarbonization and carbon sequestration efforts. Read more about our progress in the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report: https://bit.ly/4dSAMOa

52

Thanks to Tigercomm and Mike Casey for this recent interview with our CEO Katie Mehnert — a ‘leading clean energy thinker’ She got her start in oil and gas, and she’s become a leading thinker and evangelist for growing the energy talent pool. Katie’s journey through the incumbent parts of the energy sector has given her an enhanced perspective on being an energy CEO. Here are Katie’s B3P’s 12:38 - As a leader, you have to surrender the notion that you can control everything, because you can’t. CEO doesn’t stand for “Chief Everything Officer.” Rather, it’s about making sure you pull in the best team you can, and help them make things happen. 16:28 - Visible leadership is when someone leads a company, rather than runs it. To be a visible leader, determine what your “why” is, and march forward. My “why” is to help give my child a cleaner future. But, the world will not be a better place if you are on the sidelines, playing it safe. 23:26 - When you look to hire someone, it is important to consider what the workforce values right now. The job search is no longer about the gold watch – the best benefits and pay can only get you so far. People instead look for a purpose. Create a purpose within your company that attracts people and gives them a reason to enjoy their work. Have a listen!

27

5 Comments

It is worth a reminder that the IPCC views Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage as critical in meeting Paris Accord goals as articulated in this open letter of last year from the Global CCS Institute.

5

Our grid and our grid security is in serious need of upgrades. We need to upgrade the security of our existing grid while also ensuring our new grid deployments are secure. The DOE recently announced $15 million in grants to establish six university-based centers to address a region’s unique cybersecurity and workforce training needs. The lead campuses for the other centers will be in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas. Recent funding will create a new cybersecurity center based at Iowa State called CyDERMS, the Center for Cybersecurity and Resiliency of DERs and Microgrids-integrated Distribution Systems. DERs are distributed energy resources such as wind and solar farms or energy storage technologies. Microgrids are local DER grid systems that can be connected to or isolated from the larger grid. Closing or isolating grid connections can help maintain service during cyberattacks or damaging storms. #gridsecurity #microgrid #vpp https://lnkd.in/eitAFWVY

11

1 Comment

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation's largest public utility, is proceeding with constructing a new #naturalgas plant in Tennessee despite not complying with federal environmental law and opposition from environmental groups. The decision comes as the utility plans to retire the #coal-burning Kingston Fossil Plant by 2027, a site historically known for a significant coal ash spill. Despite evaluations that included alternatives like solar combined with battery storage, TVA chose the gas route due to time constraints, which the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criticized for narrow project definitions and inadequate analyses. This move deviates from recent trends where utilities are capitalizing on declining renewable prices and government incentives. Critics, including energy analysts and the EPA, argue that TVA is missing opportunities to adapt to cleaner energy solutions and is not aligning with the Biden administration's climate goals. The utility claims a majority of its energy is carbon-free, citing nuclear and hydropower contributions, yet its reluctance to fully transition to renewables is noted amidst broader national shifts away from fossil fuels. https://lnkd.in/gq-DDNFm

1

Don’t miss out on W. R. Grace & Co.’s latest white paper for Hydrocarbon Engineering: https://bit.ly/3RxUx42    This white paper reveals how breakthrough research has led to major FCC catalyst iron tolerance advancements.   Grace’s research team has pioneered a three-pronged approach to address iron tolerance, which icnludes matrix surface area optimisation, enhanced macroporosity and pore size distribution, and novel catalyst treatments.   When combined, these R&D advances empower refiners to respond swiftly to iron-related challenges. They also enable greater flexibility in feedstock selection, ultimately leading to increased profitability.   Access your free copy here: https://bit.ly/3RxUx42   #Grace #FCC #Catalysts #Refining #IronTolerance

26

Our partners are on the road to #decarbonization! Check out our Better Climate Challenge Road Show series to learn how organizations across sectors are taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions, featuring insights from DOE's technical experts: https://bit.ly/3VP4JX7

13