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1. Renewable Energy Challenges in Developing Nations

Challenges Persist in the Adoption of Renewable Energy in Developing Countries

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chairman, Jim Skea, recently highlighted the urgent and ongoing challenges developing nations face in pursuing renewable energy. During the “Achieving Climate Outcomes for Transformation” seminar at the 57th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Tbilisi-Georgia, he emphasised the need for immediate action to prevent exceeding our carbon budget and missing the 1.5°C warming limit.

What are the challenges?

• Progress remains uneven despite increased attempts, with fragmented and gradual adaptations primarily focused on planning and no actions.

• Resource and institutional constraints pose significant challenges, particularly for low-income populations.

Are the mitigating measures effective?

• Current financing for mitigation falls short of projections for 2030 across various sectors, indicating a need for a substantial surge in financial allocations, especially in transportation, energy efficiency, agriculture, and forestry.

Conclusively,

• Addressing these obstacles is critical for sustainable development, aligning with the 57th ADB Annual Meeting theme, "Bridge to the Future." Collaboration is essential to accelerate renewable energy adoption, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in building a greener future. Pursuit of renewable energy

2. Renewable Energy Accounts for 71% of India’s Power Capacity Additions in FY24

In a significant stride towards combating climate change, India witnessed renewable energy (RE) accounting for over 70% of the 26 GW of new power added in FY 2023-24.

What’s the split in energy resources?

• Renewable Energy Contribution: India's total installed energy capacity reached 442 GW, with RE making up approximately 33% (144 GW) and hydro contributing 11% (47 GW).

• Coal and Lignite Share: Coal and lignite's share fell below 50% for the first time.

• Solar Power Leading the Way: Solar power led the charge, contributing 15 GW (81% of renewable additions), while wind capacity nearly doubled to 3.3 GW.

• Nuclear Capacity Addition: Nuclear capacity saw a 1.4 GW increase, the first since FY17.

 Is India pushing the trajectory forward?

• The CEEW-CEF Market Handbook reported that 95% of India’s targeted 50 GW annual renewable energy bidding trajectory was met in FY24, with bids issued for 47.5 GW.

• Innovative formats like wind-solar hybrids and renewable energy-plus-storage accounted for 37% of the auctioned capacity, with a 59% drop in battery energy storage systems (BESS) tariffs.

What modifications to policies are in place to allow for this change?

• Policy shifts, including amendments mandating the sale of surplus power on exchanges, aim to encourage competitive pricing and boost renewable energy beyond utility-scale projects.

• Initiatives like “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” target residential rooftop solar installations, potentially adding 30 GW to the country's renewable energy capacity. Foreign direct investment (FDI) towards non-conventional energy exceeded USD 2 billion for the second consecutive year. ET EnergyWorld

3. Philippines Set to Add Nearly 2 GW of Solar Capacity in 2024

The Department of Energy (DOE) in the Philippines is making significant strides in its renewable energy transition. With ambitious targets, the country is set to add over 4 GW of new power generation capacity in 2024, a testament to its commitment to sustainable energy. A significant part of this transition is the addition of nearly 2 GW of solar energy, with approximately 966 MW of solar PV capacity scheduled for commissioning by June 2024.

Will the Philippines grid be able to accommodate it?

• These additions meet escalating energy demands and enhance grid reliability, reducing the risk of power interruptions, especially during peak demand periods.

• The planned capacity (4.03 GW) is strategically distributed, with significant installations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, ensuring a balanced energy supply across the country.

According to IRENA, the Philippines had a total operational renewable energy capacity of 7.77 GW by the end of 2023, with solar PV accounting for a notable share. Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasizes the importance of expediting permit processes to improve the investment climate and foster economic growth. EnergyTrend

1. Vineyard Wind 1: Powering the Future, One Turbine at a Time

Off the coast of Massachusetts, Vineyard Wind 1 is shaping up to be a game-changer in clean energy production. It will be the nation's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. Let’s dive into the details: Vineyard Wind.

Project Overview

• Location: Situated approximately 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Vineyard Wind 1 benefits from optimal wind conditions for its 62 General Electric Haliade-X turbines, each boasting a capacity of 13 MW.

• Power Generation: With a total capacity of 800 MW, Vineyard Wind 1 is set to power over 400,000 homes and businesses in Massachusetts. It utilises the rotation of turbine blades to generate electricity.

Vineyard Wind 1 symbolises progress and innovation towards a greener future, promising cleaner skies and a more sustainable world while creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Vineyard Wind 

2. Nassim Nord, Wind Farm Complex project!

Project Overview

• The Nassim Nord wind farm complex project consists of two main components:

  • Koudia Al Baida Wind Farm (150 MW): Located in the northern provinces of Fahs Anjra and M’diq-Fnideq.

  • Nassim Dar Chaoui Wind Farm (250 MW): Situated in Tangier and Tetouan provinces.

• The project aims to promote private sector involvement in renewable energy deployment by inviting company bids for its construction and operation until June 24, 2024.

• Masen seeks to leverage project financing with commercial banks (both Moroccan and international) to achieve this goal.

Morocco has set an ambitious target to have renewables constitute at least 52% of its electricity mix by the decade's end. By the end of 2020, the country had operational and under-construction wind energy projects totalling an impressive 9 GW. This initiative reflects Morocco’s commitment to sustainable energy and its efforts to harness wind power as part of its clean energy transition.

1. Unleashing Ocean Power for a Greener Future

Dragon 12 is a groundbreaking innovation by the Swedish company Minesto. Unlike any other energy source, it harnesses the raw power of ocean currents, promising a sustainable future for our planet.

How Does It Work?

1. Dynamic Flight: The Dragon 12’s wingspan spans over 12 meters, elegantly slicing through the water. Its flight path mimics that of a soaring bird, but instead of wind, it harnesses the relentless force of ocean currents.

2. Acceleration: As the Dragon 12 manoeuvres, it accelerates water flow over its wings. This kinetic energy is the key to its magic.

3. Turbine Magic: Attached to the kite’s frame is a turbine—a marvel of engineering. As water rushes over the wings, the turbine spins, converting the kinetic energy into mechanical power.

4. Electricity Emerges: The mechanical energy generated by the turbine is transformed into electricity. The Dragon 12 can produce up to 1.2 megawatts of clean power—an impressive feat for an underwater kite.

   

   Source: Fox News

Challenges and Promises :

Yet, like any pioneer, the Dragon 12 faces questions. How reliable is this underwater ballet? What impact does it have on marine life? Minesto continues to refine its technology, seeking answers that will shape the future of tidal energy.

2. Addressing Wake Effects in Offshore Wind Power

Synopsis: A recent study highlights the critical impact of wake effects on offshore wind power generation, emphasizing the need for immediate action to optimize wind farm layouts and mitigate energy loss.

Key Points

• Wake Effect Explanation: Wake turbulence generated by one wind turbine adversely affects downstream turbines, reducing energy production.

• Energy Loss Due to Wake Effects: Wake turbulence can lead to a substantial loss of up to 38% in offshore wind power output.

• Challenges for Offshore Wind Farms: Densely packed wind farms exacerbate wake effects, underscoring the importance of proper spacing and arrangement for efficiency.

• Optimizing Wind Farm Layouts: Researchers advocate for advanced modelling techniques to design layouts that minimize wake effects, enhancing overall energy production.

• Importance of Wake Research: Sustainable growth in offshore wind energy hinges on effectively addressing wake effects, necessitating collaboration among developers, policymakers, and researchers…

In conclusion, mitigating wake effects is crucial for maximizing the potential of offshore wind power, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated efforts across the industry to optimize energy production and ensure a sustainable future.

• International Hydrogen Conference 2024

  📅 26^th May

   📍Singapore

• Solar PV & Energy Storage World ExpP.V.

  📅 10^th August

   📍 Guangzhou, China

• Global Summit and Expo on Sustainable and Renewable Energy (GSESRE):

  📅 26^th August

   📍 Barcelona, Spain