Preparing for Continued Renewable Generation Growth
Green Mountain Power Deploys V2G Charger to Reduce Demand on Grid
T&D World – Green Mountain Power (GMP) recently announced the successful deployment of what the company says is a first-of-its kind vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger to reduce energy use on the grid during peak demand. The GMP is the first utility to install and successfully integrate this new charger technology with the grid and one of its electric fleet vehicles to draw energy from the car to help lower demands on the grid when peaks in energy needs occur. This work shows how electric vehicles (EVs) and the clean energy they store can become a reliable source of power to reduce peak demands which will, in turn, save money and reduce carbon.
“This is an important first step in proving that V2G technology is possible. The GMP has long committed to using advancements in energy technology to increase clean energy storage capabilities so that we can deploy that power when it’s needed the most to reduce carbon and costs for all customers,” said Mari McClure, the GMP’s president and CEO.
Companies Announce New Residential Virtual Power Plant for California
(PowerMag) – A distributed energy power plant, designed to help bring more reliability to California’s power grid, is being developed by a company whose investors include Alphabet, the parent company of Google. The project when fully developed would be the world’s largest residential virtual power plant (VPP).
Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), a group that builds, owns, operates, and invests in advanced infrastructure projects and technology companies, on Dec. 7 released details of a $100 million deal as part of Resilia, the company’s new advanced power grid platform. The agreement includes an $80 million commitment to finance the 550-MW Resi-Station project, along with a $20 million investment in OhmConnect, a partner in the VPP.
Growth of VPP installations has accelerated, particularly in areas that have sustained rolling blackouts and power outages. A project in South Australia, with Tesla taking a lead role, was touted as the world’s largest VPP when development began in 2018.
OhmConnect is a demand response and energy services technology company that works with residential electricity customers to predict, incentivize, and coordinate consumer energy savings. Resi-Station is expected to bring together thousands of electricity customers with in-home smart devices that can deliver targeted energy reductions supported by OhmConnect’s technology, according to SIP. The project’s investors also include the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, based in Toronto, Canada, which has long been a financial supporter of institutional infrastructure projects.
How Safe Is Wind Energy When There Is TOO Much Wind?
From time to time, wind turbines can fail. Faulty equipment or extreme weather is often the cause of these failures. Lack of maintenance can also be a major contributing factor. Today we’re taking a look at wind turbine failure events. DailyTop10s brings you the top ten wind turbine failures on our YouTube video channel.
Solar Power and Battery Storage Efficiencies Continue to Improve
The Solar Power and Battery Storage Industry continues to improve with greater efficiencies and lower costs mainly from better manufacturing practices of using newer silicon type materials. Management of these renewable systems are also adding enhanced productivity and control from advanced software solutions.
CLICK HERE to try out a free and basic online Grid-Tied Solar System Calculator (by 3 Phase Associates)
Southern Company’s Mississippi Power Is Developing a Smart and Renewable Community
This new smart neighborhood will consist of over 100 homes that will feature Tesla Solar Roof Panels and Powerwalls along with smart home appliances and automation, allowing homeowners much more control over their household and electricity demand. The smart neighborhood will be located in Lauderdale County with construction beginning in 2021.