Akintonde Abbas, Ph.D.

"Utilities have for decades “been using the same playbooks to build centralized generation and associated transmission and distribution to meet long-term demand needs. And it’s largely worked,” Shah said. “But with demand growth accelerating from data centers, new manufacturing, a surge of electric vehicles and electrified appliances ... an old grid operations paradigm needs to be updated.” After roughly two decades of stagnant electricity demand, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. now forecasts an approximately 15% to 20% increase in electricity consumption over the next decade, DOE noted in its brief. And by 2050, demand could double to meet net-zero emissions targets. Importantly, this demand growth is not unprecedented, according to Louise White, a senior consultant with the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions and Loan Programs Office. Before 2005, the U.S. experienced periods of 10-year load growth of up to 30%, she said." https://lnkd.in/eZXGKWHf

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Nigeria's national grid has collapsed ten times in 2024, leaving major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano in darkness. The latest incident, on November 5, underscores ongoing issues in the power sector, including: → Aging infrastructure → Insufficient maintenance → Investment shortfalls With an estimated demand of 30,000 MW and only 4,000 MW generated daily, millions of Nigerians face severe power shortages. While the government is making strides with reforms allowing state-level power initiatives, these solutions are still in early stages. What’s needed: Modernized infrastructure, proactive maintenance, and robust investment. Reliable electricity is crucial for Nigeria’s growth and stability. Read the full article on how Nigeria can overcome these challenges and power its future: https://lnkd.in/exqQ3Gdt

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A key aspect in the transition toward a more resilient grid requires more attention: how the impacts of future climate change intersect with the transformations required to decarbonize the energy system. We looked at this question with NYSERDA, coupling temperature projections under three climate scenarios (mild, moderate, severe) with two infrastructure cases (reflecting varying levels of decarbonization). In a reference case, climate-driven increases in temperatures can place significant additional pressure on summer peak demand, and the challenge of maintaining reliability during heat waves would be compounded by the impacts of rising temperatures on electric infrastructure, including both generator availability and transmission capacity. Investments in building decarbonization, like insulation and efficient heat pump technologies, can help to mitigate the impacts on summer peak demand. Building an energy system that is both clean and resilient is possible, and investments in building decarbonization can even have additional climate resilience benefits. Read our new opinion piece in Utility Dive, by Kevin Steinberger, Vignesh Venugopal, and Tory Clark, on what New York can teach us about planning well for deeply decarbonized energy systems, even under climate uncertainties: https://lnkd.in/gbhCuYYs

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ICYMI: Check out this recently published “Energy Policy” journal article investigating how the strategic early retirement of younger #coal-fired power plants can boost enterprise value, particularly when paired with investments in #renewableenergy: https://bit.ly/4d3aHu5 The authors, Lawrence Ang and Matthew Carpio of Climate Smart Ventures, Dr. Christoph NEDOPIL WANG of the Griffith Asia Institute, and Mengdi YUE of Green Finance & Development Center (GFDC), specifically conducted a plant-level analysis of Chinese-sponsored #coal stations in #Vietnam and #Pakistan. 🏭 Key findings include: ✅ Early retirement of Chinese sponsored #CFPPs in Vietnam and Pakistan can increase enterprise value. 📈 ✅ Younger CFPPs can achieve greater lifetime reductions while preserving economic value.💰 ✅ Country factors, such as Pakistan's circular debt, influence feasibility of early retirement strategies. 🗺 ✅ Immediate refinancing action promises better results while allowing transition planning. 📑 ✅ Concessional finance and innovative tools can speed up CFPP retirement in Asian economies. 🛠 👉 Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4d3aHu5 #energytransition #decarbonization #cleantech #ESG #sustainability #sustainablefinance #transitionfinance #renewables #renewableenergy

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🚨 New Resource Released: State Toolkit for Industrial Decarbonization 🚨 The Industrial Innovation Initiative (I3) just released its State Toolkit for Industrial Decarbonization. The toolkit provides: ✅ Resources and targeted education on industry's role in the energy transition ✅ Actionable steps states can take to accelerate emissions reductions ✅ Connecting stakeholders to key technical partners and peer projects. Reaching midcentury climate goals will require states and manufacturers to lead in tackling industrial emissions. This toolkit by I3, an initiative of Great Plains Institute and World Resources Institute, is designed to help them do just that. Explore the toolkit on I3's website: https://lnkd.in/gx4aAnP6 #IndustrialInnovationInitiative #IndustrialDecarbonization Anna Schutt | Jessica Bennett | Madelyn Wiseman | Jordan Flanagan | Cassie Lopina | Haley Armstrong

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Current power grids don't have the flexibility to support the energy transition and updating them will take years. National Grid and LineVision have found a faster solution unlocking unused potential in power lines. Hudson Gilmer, Co-Founder and CEO at LineVision, says: “With accelerating load growth and congestion, a diverse set of solutions is crucial to enhancing grid capacity, starting with maximising the potential of the existing grid.” Have a read to find out how they've done it in New York #Sustainability #Energy #US Brian Gemmell John Pettigrew Jon Marmillo Stephen Smith

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"The vision is to have these distributed power plants — which can be stood-up, scaled and dispatched far more quickly and affordably than conventional centralized power plants — drive down costs and boost reliability for all the grid’s users. The problem is that only one of the six FERC-jurisdictional grid operators, the California Independent System Operator, has successfully developed — and begun implementing — a wholly compliant Order No. 2222 implementation plan. But it’s the case of the nation’s largest grid, the PJM Interconnection, that best illustrates the costs of non-compliance. Case in point are the results of what’s known as its July “capacity auction,” a process by which power plants are paid to commit to be available, and consumers are paid to conserve during future emergencies. Beset with an extraordinary mismatch of power supply and demand, the results of that July auction tell us that the price of electricity for 65 million people across the mid-Atlantic and Midwest is set to increase significantly next year, and it threatens to keep climbing thereafter. Regrettably, in a region with growing fleets of rooftop #solar panels, #batteries and #electricvehicles, distributed power plants, or DPPs, were not afforded a chance to mitigate this summer’s record-shattering capacity auction. Though, to PJM’s credit, it’s not for lack of trying; after one failed attempt, earlier this year PJM’s plan for integrating DPPs into its wholesale energy markets was accepted by FERC just a few days prior to the capacity auction. Yet, despite the proverbial canary in the coal mine, PJM has since informally proposed delaying their approved plan’s effective date by two years — or at least four additional capacity auctions — from February 2026 to February 2028. That would mark more than seven years since Order No. 2222 was handed down." #FERC2222 #VirtualPowerPlants

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Today in #RenewableEnergy News: New Study: More Renewable Energy on the Grid May Prevent Severe Blackouts "New research out from the University of Tennessee suggests that integrating renewable energy sources into power grids may enhance – rather than weaken – overall grid resilience. The study, which was published in the journal “Nature Energy”, analyzed over 2,000 blackout events across 278 U.S. cities, and ound that regions with high renewable energy integration experience fewer severe blackouts than those using traditional power systems. In 2022, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected that wind and solar will contribute 44% of the nation’s electricity by 2050, which is likely a lowball figure. Renewable energy’s growth has consistently outpaced projections." To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gSy_kxQN #Local #GreenPower #RenewableEnergy

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States need to engage in transmission planning. What policies can enable them to do so? We are pleased to announce the publication of a new report from Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG), "State Policies to Advance Transmission Modernization and Expansion." Developed through expert interviews and survey responses, the report explores the role that state policies can play in advancing cost-effective transmission modernization and expansion. The report is divided into three parts: 1️⃣ Background on the need for transmission expansion and modernization, key players in transmission development, and the authority and role of states in transmission. 2️⃣ The policies identified by the surveyed experts as playing critical roles in helping or hindering the development and modernization of high-capacity interconnected transmission solutions. 3️⃣ Excerpts of legislative and regulatory language from some of the state policies discussed in the report. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eskTiN6a #cleanenergy #electricgrid #transmission

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📣 Announcing an exciting opportunity for energy sector leaders!  Join us for the Grid Resilience Metrics, Resilience Valuation and Regulatory Mechanisms Cohort Workshop, taking place in Detroit, MI from July 31 to August 1, 2024. We invite members of NARUC, NASEO - National Association of State Energy Officials, NASUCA and other state government agencies involved in energy and emergency management related activities to collaborate on critical discussions shaping the future of grid resilience. Hosted as part of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s "Energy Security and Grid Resilience Cohorts" series, supported by the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) and DOE Grid Deployment Office in partnership with NASEO and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, this workshop focuses on resilience metrics, valuation methodologies and regulatory mechanisms crucial to enhancing grid resilience nationwide. Participants will engage in structured dialogues with industry experts, gaining insights into ongoing cohort activities and contributing to the development of frameworks that inform regulatory decision-making. This is a unique chance for states to align strategies, share best practices and influence decision-making in the energy security landscape. 🔍 Interested in attending? Learn more and register today! https://bit.ly/4d3uTg7 ✅ #EnergySecurity #GridResilience #RegulatoryFrameworks #EnergyPolicy #EnergyLeadership

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🌟 Exciting Recap: Pathways Toward Grid Decarbonization 🌟 A dynamic half-day virtual workshop alongside Schneider Electric, aimed at unraveling new methods to amplify the impact of corporate clean energy efforts. The highlighted session, Pathways Toward Grid Decarbonization, where we dived into the challenges and possibilities within the U.S. transmission grid's current scenario. Grasp the significance of policy shifts, tax incentives, and the vital role of compliance in shaping our energy landscape. Plus, witness how solar and wind energy's momentum is being effectively utilized for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow by: 🔍 Exploring evolving policies reshaping grid decarbonization. 🚀 Unveiling trends/technologies set to offer fresh opportunities. 📈 Evaluating if market capabilities can match the growing clean energy demand. 🔄 Discussing strategies for optimal asset deployment. Special insights were shared by our esteemed experts: - Ron Taglieri from Schneider Electric - Charles Cannon at RMI - Henry Richardson of WattTime 🎥 Don’t miss out on the insights at http://spr.ly/6046bq8pp #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonization #InflationReductionAct #TaxCredits #SustainableInvestment #SchneiderElectric #GreenEnergy #Webinar

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In order to meet growing energy demands, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced investment in three major programs: -Transmission Facilitation Program -Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program -Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Program Among the awardees included projects led by several of our members, including LS Power, Invenergy, Pattern Energy Group, Generac, Highland Electric Fleets, Utilidata, and Mainspring Energy. Learn more about how United advocates for key investments, like these, that promote advanced energy technologies: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ww2Df0

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"Adaptation is key: As 'moderate' weather increasingly impacts grid reliability, understanding these changes can aid in planning a resilient renewable energy future. Learn how NREL's groundbreaking study shifts the focus from extreme to moderate weather events in renewable grid operations. #RenewableEnergy #GridReliability #NREL #ClimateAdaptation" For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/gYPNSh7w

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🌍 National Grid's Innovative Leap Toward Clean Energy 🌍 National Grid is making waves in the clean energy transition by deploying cutting-edge technology to enhance energy efficiency and decarbonize the grid. These advancements will support renewable energy sources and accelerate the shift to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Read the full article to discover how National Grid is leading the way with innovations reshaping the energy landscape. #CleanEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #NationalGrid #Sustainability #Decarbonization #GreenTech #WexEnergy #EnergyTransition #ClimateAction #LinkedIn

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Are you planning for the resource adequacy of yesterday or today? Join Ascend's Brent Nelson, Ph.D. today at RE+ to learn about analytics and modeling in today's modern grid, where increasing renewables and storage means reaching reliability and resiliency goals requires different tools.

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Biden-Harris Administration publishes the first-of-its-kind Climate Resilience Game Changers Assessment. In it it highlights game-changing technologies including advanced grid control systems for our energy sector, next-generation desalination and recycling technologies for our nation’s water, and Resilience Hubs that support public safety and promote community health. The Assessment also highlights innovations like next-generation remote sensing, analytics, and forecasting technologies, which can be useful across a wide range of sectors, as well as novel approaches for harnessing the resilience benefits of natural systems. https://lnkd.in/gDP5hpQb

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#PowerPlantInterview Our next installment of the ESM power plant interview highlights ESM second year student Riya Bhandari! Riya joined the ESM program with a background in policy focusing on decarbonization pathways on state and national levels. Riya was interested in the ESM program to learn about finance and technology within the energy industry merging her background in policy. Riya, we are excited for you in your second semester. We are looking forward to sharing more opportunities with you! #WomeninEnergy #EnergyFinance #EnergyPolicy

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Between grid resilience, crop inputs, wildfire resilience, and climate risk analysis systems, which innovation and venturing opportunities will enable #Adaptation and #Resilience? Last week, Cleantech Group's 1 day event in Boston gathered local leadership and emerging innovators of the adaptation and resilience sector. As we face increasing climate risks, such conversations spotlight the multi-trillion-dollar opportunities available to invest in a resilient future. Currently, investments in adaptation technologies are only 4-5% of global #cleantech funding. The event highlighted that adaptation shouldn’t just be an adjustment to climate change, but a catalyst for #decarbonization, and while mitigation is vital, adaptation is essential to reduce risks and build resilience. Takeaways from the panels lead by our team concluded: ⚠️The insurance sector must work with innovators - quantifying physical climate risks can enable greater policyholder engagement and risk reduction. 🔥 As extreme weather and consequent outages increase, utilities must have systems in place to understand and calculate risk. Given our reliance on the grid, it is critical that solutions related to improving grid reliability are adopted. 🌽 Crop science innovation is key to a climate-resilient food system. While a range of technologies are improving how crops withstand impact, intake nutrients boost yields and protect against diseases and severe weather conditions, market adoption still hinges solutions being affordable to farmers.
 💧 As the water crisis affect 4 billion people by 2030, growing industries (#electrolyzers, #biogas, and #hydrogen) will also increase water demand. Currently, solutions for water scarcity problems include waste-to-value solutions such as methane capture from wastewater, or utilizing AI for system efficiency. See how innovation for adaptation and resilience is evolving and what the next steps are in Holly Stower's latest perspective:https://hubs.li/Q02Qr4fn0 National Grid Partners, Clean Energy Ventures, VEIR, Rhizome, Enko®, BASF, Veolia, Xylem, Imagine H2O, Aqua Membranes, Inc., Zainab G., Gabriella Rufo, MBA/MA, Veronique BOURGIER, PhD 🌎, Christopher Kurth, Snehal Desai, Taylor Evans, Joshua Speros, Tom Meade, Sander Cohan, David Miller, Jessica Harrison, Mishal Thadani, Christopher Lowell, CPCU, MBA, Valkyrie Holmes, Peter Ortez

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