“Grid-forming technology is no longer experimental – it’s here and working”
In grids increasingly dominated by renewables, grid-forming technology is emerging as critical tool for maintaining stability and ensuring reliable power system operation. In this interview with ESS News, Rui Sun, Sungrow’s Deputy General Manager-Grid Technology Center, explains how grid-forming works, why it matters, and where the technology is already proving its value. He elaborates on technical challenges, regulatory gaps, and why grid-forming could soon become the new industry standard.
Grid operators plan billions for transmission to meet load and connect renewables
Industry experts discussed the forces driving regional transmission planning, the net benefits of transmission, and the impact of high-capacity transmission projects.
No photon left behind: NREL develops translucent solar panels for bigger, better crops
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory grew tomatoes under translucent solar panels, which could play a promising role in agrivoltaics.
Redwire deploys 60 kW roll-out solar array for the first lunar orbit space station
The company held the first test deployment of its solar arrays designed to power solar-electric propulsion systems for the Gateway space station.
Speeding interconnection through automation is a proven technology, says software executive
A major U.S. grid operator has shown that interconnection automation is feasible, but there is “much more to do,” said one software executive. Another said that eight transmission planners using his firm’s software can do the work of 80.
U.S. startup offers tin oxide, nickel oxide materials for flexible perovskite solar cells, modules
Sofab Inks, a spinoff of University of Louisville, said its transport layer materials enable perovskite solar cells with greater stability, efficiency, and scalability compared to incumbent materials.
Google aims to boost transmission capacity with advanced conductor upgrades
Google aims to help deliver more power to areas where it has data centers, by funding projects that increase the capacity of existing transmission lines using advanced conductors made by CTC Global. Large solar projects near reconductored lines could benefit.
Yes in my backyard: research rejects ‘NIMBY’ hypothesis for solar opposition
Most people who live near large-scale solar projects have positive or neutral feelings about the solar project and only 18% would be opposed to additional solar projects, found a national survey published in Frontiers in Sustainable Energy Policy.
Batteries are stabilizing the Texas power grid
A study by North American Electric Reliability Corporation found that ultra-fast response times of batteries help to stabilize the grid better than slower thermal sources.
Abandoned coal mines can host over 10% of global solar capacity
A survey of mines closed since 2020 and those planned to close by 2030 present an opportunity for installing nearly 300 GW solar on already-developed lands, finds a report from Global Energy Monitor.
