Mux Weekly Newsletter - 7th Edition

Greetings, Watt Wizards!

Welcome to the sixth edition of “Renewable Insights Weekly”—your compass in the ever-evolving world of sustainable energy. As we embark on this exciting world of sustainable energy, we’ll unveil the latest trends in wind turbines, solar panels, hydrogen cells, market Insights and Upcoming events and conferences.

Stay curious, stay green, and let’s ride the renewable wave together!

Read previous editions here: https://muxenergy.beehiiv.com/

Table of Contents

• Wind Power Wonders

• Solar Spotlight

• Hydrogen Horizons

The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) has achieved a significant milestone by permitting over 25 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy projects, including solar, wind, and geothermal. This achievement surpasses the original goal set for 2025, demonstrating the commitment of the Biden-Harris administration to expand responsible clean energy development.

• Goal Surpassed: The DOI’s ambitious target of permitting 25 GW of clean energy by 2025 has been exceeded.

• Climate Action: The Biden-Harris administration aims to address climate change, enhance energy security, and create union jobs through clean energy initiatives.

• Resilient Infrastructure: Progress in permitting clean energy projects contributes to building modern, resilient climate infrastructure.

• Renewable Energy Rule: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has introduced a final Renewable Energy rule to lower consumer energy costs, streamline application processes, and incentivize responsible solar and wind development on public lands.

• Operational Solar Projects: The Arica and Victory Pass solar projects in California, approved under the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, are now fully operational, adding 465 MW of clean electricity to the grid. North America Wind Power

Africa’s wind resources harbour an astonishing promise: they can power the entire continent’s electricity demand 250 times over! This revelation emerges from a commissioned study conducted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC)

• Technical Wind Potential: Africa boasts an awe-inspiring technical wind potential, estimated at nearly 180,000 terawatt hours (TWh) per year. In perspective, it could satisfy Africa's electricity needs 250 times over! However, it’s essential to recognize that this figure represents the theoretical maximum, and practical constraints may reduce the actual achievable capacity.

• Optimal Wind Conditions: Two-thirds of Africa’s total wind potential lies in regions where average wind speeds exceed 7.5 meters per second—an ideal condition for wind turbines. These areas offer a sweet spot for harnessing wind energy effectively.

While Africa currently accounts for less than 1 per cent of global installed wind capacity, there are reasons for optimism:

• Increasing Wind Infrastructure: Africa witnessed growth in its wind infrastructure during 2020, signalling a positive trend.

• Expanding Wind Resources: Recent studies reveal that more African countries possess wind resources that have been available for generations than previously believed. This opens up exciting possibilities for wind development across the continent. Aowenergy

  

3. German Onshore Wind Sees Record Auction Volumes, Permitting Improvements, and Crucial New Port Investments

Things are looking up for onshore wind in Germany. Here are the key highlights:

• Record Auction Volumes: The German Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) has recently raised the onshore wind auction volumes for 2024 to almost 15 GW. To put this in perspective, that’s more onshore wind capacity than all European countries combined built-in 2023! Germany’s commitment to expanding wind energy is commendable.

• Permitting Reforms: Germany’s permitting reforms have led to a surge in approved wind projects. The “overriding public interest” principle for wind energy projects has unlocked previously stalled projects. In 2024, Germany permitted 7.5 GW of new onshore wind capacity, a remarkable increase of over 70% compared to 2022. The first quarter of 2024 alone saw an additional 1.2 GW in new onshore wind permits, hinting at similarly high permitting numbers for the entire year.

• Pipeline of Projects: The positive trend in permitting is expected to continue, creating a pipeline of permitted projects. Germany plans to auction 8 GW of offshore wind capacity this year in addition to the onshore wind auctions. The updated onshore auction volume is nearly 50% higher than the original target of 10 GW for 2024. These additional 5 GW were not awarded in undersubscribed auctions in 2023.

• Energy Security and Industry Impact: WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson praises Germany’s commitment to wind expansion. By approving more projects, especially in onshore wind, Germany enhances its energy security and provides large amounts of affordable electricity for its industry.

4. Vena Energy Breaks Ground on the Largest Onshore Wind Project in Fukui Prefecture

Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan Project Name: Nimaida Wind Project Capacity: 50 MW

• Significant Milestone: Vena Energy, a leading renewable energy company in the Asia-Pacific region, marked a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Nimaida Wind Project. This project represents a significant leap towards sustainable energy generation in the region.

• Largest Onshore Wind Asset in Fukui: The Nimaida Wind Project comprises 12 state-of-the-art wind turbines and is poised to become the largest onshore wind asset in Fukui Prefecture.

• Clean Energy for Japanese Households: Once operational, the project will have the capacity to provide clean, renewable energy to approximately 26,500 Japanese households annually.

• Environmental Impact: The anticipated annual generation from the project will be equivalent to avoiding approximately 57,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year and saving up to 98 million litres of water annually compared to traditional thermal energy generation methods.

• Collaborative Effort: The development of the Nimaida Wind Project aligns with the principles outlined in the “Act on Promoting Generation of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources Harmonized with Sound Development of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Fukui Renewable Energy Rural Revitalization Council.” This collaborative effort involves residents, industry experts, and government officials committed to fostering sustainable development across agriculture, forestry, and regional economies. Renewablesnow

1. Space-Based Solar Power: A Reality on the Horizon

By Khaled Abou Zahr in Arab News: The concept of harnessing solar energy from space has transcended science fiction and is now inching toward tangible reality. Advancements in technology bring us closer to tapping into the vast power of the sun, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries stand at the precipice of this transformative energy revolution.

Synopsis:

Space-based solar power (SBSP) offers a groundbreaking solution to our energy needs. Let’s delve into the two primary methods proposed for this endeavour:

Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP):

• How It Works: Satellites with photovoltaic panels orbit in geostationary positions, collecting solar energy. These satellites wirelessly transmit the harvested energy to Earth via microwaves or laser beams.

• Advantages:

  • Uninterrupted Supply: These satellites bask in constant sunlight unimpeded by Earth’s atmosphere or day-night cycles, ensuring an uninterrupted energy supply.

  • Energy Density: A single SBSP satellite could generate about 2 gigawatts of power, comparable to a conventional nuclear power station. That’s enough to power over 1 million homes!

• Challenges:

  • Cost-Effective Launch: Launching and maintaining these solar satellites efficiently remains a challenge.

  • Safe Transmission Systems: Developing safe and efficient energy transmission systems is crucial.

Direct Sun Reflection:

• How It Works: A constellation of mirrors in space reflects sunlight directly onto solar farms on Earth. These mirrors, placed in low Earth orbit, extend the productive hours of solar farms by adding up to two extra hours of peak sunlight per day.

• Advantages:

  • Enhanced Energy Production: By focusing additional sunlight onto the Earth’s surface, solar panels’ efficiency and output increase significantly—up to 60 percent annually.

  • Proven Experimentation: Russia’s Znamya project pioneered this method in the 1990s, demonstrating the feasibility of illuminating Earth points using space mirrors.

GCC’s Historic Opportunity:

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman have ambitious plans for space exploration. This is not just about energy; it’s about pioneering the commercialization of space. The GCC states can lead the way, leveraging SBSP and direct sun reflection to revolutionize our energy landscape. Arab News

2. Urgent: The U.S. Electric Grid Needs an Upgrade

A lack of power lines is one of the biggest obstacles to expanding clean energy in the United States. Building new lines can take a decade or more due to permitting delays and local opposition. However, a rarely used technique could play a significant role in fixing this challenge.

• The Surge in Power Use : A boom in data centers and factories is straining our electric grids, propping up fossil fuels, and threatening our climate goals. As demand for electricity grows, we face a critical juncture. How can we transition to cleaner energy sources while ensuring a reliable and resilient grid?

• The Solution: Upgrading Old Power Lines: Two recent reports highlight a fast solution: upgrading existing power lines. This technique, which has been underutilized, could significantly enhance our grid’s capacity and flexibility. By modernizing aging infrastructure, we can accommodate more renewable energy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Benefits of Upgrading Power Lines

• Increased Capacity: Upgraded lines can carry more electricity, allowing for greater solar and wind power integration.

• Reduced Transmission Losses: Modern lines are more efficient, minimizing energy loss during transmission.

• Enhanced Grid Resilience: A robust grid can withstand extreme weather events and cyber threats.

• Challenges Ahead: While upgrading power lines offers promise, it’s essential to address challenges such as funding, regulatory hurdles, and public perception. However, the urgency of our climate crisis demands bold action. Let’s prioritize grid enhancements and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Nytimes

3. SolarEX Istanbul

Key Takeaways

• Import Duties and Domestic Incentives: These factors continue to shape the Turkish solar market.

• Chinese Presence: Despite protectionism, Chinese suppliers were prominent at the SolarEX trade fair, eyeing opportunities in Turkey’s expanding module assembly market.

• Module Manufacturing: Over 80 module manufacturing businesses exist in Turkey, but consolidation may be necessary.

• Battery Market: Turkey aims to kick-start a domestic battery assembly industry, but challenges remain.

• Inverter Brands: Chinese inverter brands seem secure due to technology complexity and lack of domestic capability.

• Currency and Finance: The Turkish Lira’s poor performance and access to finance were also discussed. PV-Magazine

1. Germany’s Hydrogen Core Grid: Paving the Way for Clean Energy

Germany is embarking on an ambitious journey toward a hydrogen-powered future. Here’s a concise overview of their groundbreaking hydrogen core network

Here are the details

• Network Length: The optimized core grid spans approximately 9,700 kilometres.

• Composition: Primarily converted natural gas pipelines (about 60%).

• Investment: A hefty €19.8 billion.

• Capacity: 100 GW for feed-in and 87 GW for feed-out.

• Vision: By 2032, Germany aims for a nationwide, efficient, and rapidly deployable hydrogen grid. Energynews

2. Australia’s Hydrogen Revolution: Gladstone’s Electrolyser Facility

Australia is making waves in the clean energy sector with the opening of the Gladstone Electrolyser Facility, a groundbreaking milestone in hydrogen production. Here’s a concise overview

Key Details

• Facility Details:

  • Location: Gladstone, Queensland.

  • Purpose: To build hydrogen electrolysers at a commercial scale.

  • Significance: Australia’s largest such facility.

  • Method: Electrolysers use electricity to split water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen.

  • Initial Capacity: Over 2 gigawatts per annum.

  • Green Hydrogen Output: At full capacity, it can produce more than 200,000 tonnes annually.

• Next Phase: PEM50

  • Approval: Queensland’s Coordinator-General greenlit the PEM50 project.

  • Objective: To produce green hydrogen for local and export markets.

  • Local Manufacturing: PEM electrolysers are locally made in New South Wales.

  • Jobs Impact: These projects will create 240 jobs during construction and 93 ongoing operational jobs.

• Environmental Transition:

  • Net-Zero Emissions: “Green hydrogen” aligns with global efforts to reduce emissions.

  • Queensland’s Shift: As export partners move away from coal and gas, Queensland embraces clean energy solutions.

  • Exciting Prospects: Gladstone’s existing industries and infrastructure position it as a hub for hydrogen innovation. Energymagazine

3. RWE and Haltermann Carless Plan Green Hydrogen Facility in the UK

Synopsis: RWE and Haltermann Carless (HCS) have joined forces to develop an ambitious green hydrogen production facility in the United Kingdom. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two companies plan to construct an electrolyser unit at HCS’ Harwich site in Essex. This site currently produces various products for its agrochemicals and fuel additives businesses. The green hydrogen produced here is expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to a more sustainable product range.

• Partnership and Vision:

  • RWE and HCS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a green hydrogen production plant jointly.

  • The facility will be located at HCS’ Harwich site in Essex, which currently manufactures various products for its agrochemicals and fuel additives businesses.

• The Role of Electrolysis:

  • The heart of this project is an electrolyser unit that will convert water into green hydrogen using renewable electricity.

  • Feasibility studies have already been completed, and preparations are underway to assess grid and water connections.

• Environmental Impact:

  • The facility aims to reduce HCS’ carbon dioxide emissions by producing green hydrogen.

  • Sustainable hydrogen will also contribute to a broader range of eco-friendly products.

• Future Prospects:

  • While the specific applications for green hydrogen have not been confirmed, HCS envisions using it for various purposes.

  • HCS has broader plans to create sustainable aviation fuels from the Harwich site.

• Local Benefits:

  • The project will secure local jobs and promote skilled employment in the area.

  • Both RWE and HCS are committed to advancing clean energy solutions and contributing to a greener future.

This green hydrogen initiative represents a significant step toward decarbonization and underscores the importance of collaboration between industry leaders. As adjacent developments in offshore wind energy continue to thrive, the Harwich site’s strategic location near manufacturing facilities and RWE’s Galloper wind farm operations further enhances the project’s potential impact. h2-view

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