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Mechanical Energy Storage

There is increasing discussion of linking renewable energy systems with pumped storage hydro facilities, with facilities that already exist such as in Norway and Canada. Or finding solutions for countries with an abundance of renewable energy production such as Denmark; because a large amount of its electricity generated from wind is generated at periods of low demand, necessitating export to Norway and Sweden. Although pumped hydro storage alone will not be enough to meet Denmark’s renewable energy targets. Pumped hydro storage is one of the most mature energy storage technologies with 100 sites operating worldwide. However, it is probably more viable to refurbish or repower an existing hydro storage plant to improve its efficiency than build new plants. These plants have very significant adverse impacts on the environment and require a suitable terrain, therefore their deployment is severely limited. During a typical day, “off peak” demand solar pv or other renewable energy s...
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Batteries? Let’s look at air for energy storage

Not a new technology by any stretch of the imagination, compressed air energy storage (CAES) is slowly gaining ground with a number of projects taking shape at various stages of the design and implementation process. Currently, only two utility-scale plants exist; one, in Germany, and the other in Alabama, in the United States. With the growth of renewable generation sources, energy storage is only set to grow. Why do we need Energy Storage? The nature of our electricity infrastructure and available technology dictates that the energy we consume must be simultaneously produced. I.e. supply from the generators must always be equal to or greater than the demand from consumers. Unfortunately, we don’t consume electricity at a consistent rate. For example, at night when the lights at the office are off, we consume far less energy than during the day when most people are working. Unfortunately, it’s at these times of low consumption that we often have a large supply of renewable ene...
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3 Barriers to implementation of the Smart Grid

By now, most of us are familiar with the concepts and technologies of the smart grid ; however, there is still a long way to go for full implementation and a realization of the potential that this technology can bring. In this article, we will discuss some of the barriers faced in the implementation of a smart grid. 1. Access to finance, especially in developing countries, considering market uncertainty, policy uncertainty and revenue uncertainty due to regulatory structures Though many electricity networks around the world are in a constant state of renewal and repair, implementing smart grid technology requires an additional investment not only in acquisition, but also training and implementation to be a technological success. The business case for the smart grid is there, but the willingness and ability to implement may be lacking. 2. Limited competition in the utility market, due to no or only partial deregulation of the market Not all energy markets are liberali...
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The cost of electricity in the future, the price of renewable energy

The cost of electricity is a complex calculation. Using a number of assumptions it is possible to calculate the cost of producing electricity in a fixed situation but there are still external variables, especially in a lifetime cost calculation, which an owner has to evaluate with additional risk and sensitivity analysis. These include political factors such as the impact of the two oil crises on the 1970s which have had a permanent effect on many countries’ energy policies, climate considerations, financial trends and many others. There are many occasions when the cheapest or most convenient solution is not the best. However, we have to have some cost estimation as a basis for the decision. Two approaches are most commonly used, overnight cost and levelised cost. Overnight cost is the cost of a construction project if no interest was incurred during construction, as if the project was completed “overnight." An alternate definition is: the present value cost that would have to b...
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What Are the Most Polluting Industries?

Despite what some global leaders may say and think, the world is in danger. Pollution levels are at an all time high and governments are not doing enough to limit the amount of carbon that is being emitted into the atmosphere. Pure Earth, a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to fighting pollution, released a list a few years ago of the most polluting industries in the world. Here is what its study brought to light. 10. Dyeing The dye industry was placed at number ten on the list. Dyes can be found in all manner of products, including plastics, paper, textiles, paint etc. Artificial dyes are often used instead of more expensive and less durable natural dyes, and contain a range of hazardous chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment. 9. Product Manufacturing The manufacturing of consumer goods contributes a lot of pollution to the atmosphere. Factories use a range of dangerous chemicals and their waste disposal methods are often not monitored sufficiently st...
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Why Is Natural Gas Hard to Transport

Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is rapidly rising in popularity due to the fact that it burns cleaner than coal and oil. It comes from decaying plant and animal sediment that has been compressed under the heat and pressure of the Earth for millions of years. The carbon atoms in the sediment eventually break down and form gas, which rises to the surface of the Earth until it eventually meets an impermeable layer. It then gathers under this layer of earth and forms a reservoir or deposit. Humans have now developed the technology to dig down to these reservoirs and extract the natural gas, which is comprised mainly of methane, but also contains butane, propane, ethylene and other gases. Methods of extracting gas from the Earth are numerous, but the most common are fracking and pumping it up through wells. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but they both get the job done. Once the natural gas has been extracted from the ground, it needs to be purified before being shipped of...
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Top countries leading the renewable revolution

The climate crisis is currently one of the most pressing issues on earth. Every day, scientists are researching new technologies and advancing their understanding of energy in order to further the fight against climate change. However, not all countries are equally invested in moving forward with regards to renewable energy. There are some that seem disinterested, while others are spearheading what is being referred to as the renewable revolution. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that our planet is suffering. The polar ice caps are melting at an alarming rate, the temperature is hotter than ever before, and natural disasters seem to be occurring with far more frequency than in previous eras. If we don’t act now, there may be precious little left for our children and grandchildren to inherit. Right now, these are the five countries doing the most to further the renewable revolution. Sweden Scandinavia has always been particularly impressive when it comes to fo...
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