Macro problems for microgrids in California
Devastating wildfires in Southern California last January exposed severe grid resilience issues. Damage to the electrical infrastructure caused far-reaching power outages. Furthermore, PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)—deactivating power to prevent utility-sparked fires—resulted in economic losses and risks for people with medical needs. Microgrids are a potential solution, but they face significant utility company opposition.
Rondo Energy’s 100 MWh heat battery powered by 20 MW of onsite solar
Heat batteries for storing industrial heat can also be powered by low-cost grid electricity generated at sunny and windy hours, the company said.
New tech can tell if your EV will make it home
Researchers in California have created a new diagnostic metric that can reportedly predict if a battery can successfully power a specific task. The proposed model could be used in electric vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and grid storage applications.
California proposes order of 6 GW by 2032 to get ahead of expiring tax credits
A California Public Utilities Commission Judge called for a “premature” order of additional electric capacity in the state to take advantage of lucrative renewable energy federal tax credits while they still exist.
Newsom vetoes another bill to curb California’s rising energy demand
Gov. Newsom said the virtual power plant bill would not have improved electric grid reliability planning because it did “not align with the California Public Utility Commission’s Resource Adequacy framework.”
Why California’s closed $2 billion solar plant is not a signal of industry failure
Beginning operations in 2014, the Ivanpah Solar plant cost $2.2 billion to build. It is now closing operations, but the plant’s closure is not an indication cost problems for the solar industry.
California required new hardware for dynamic pricing, and manufacturers built it
As California works to launch opt-in dynamic pricing of electricity that favors low-cost renewables, three manufacturers now offer 73 models of a type of price-responsive device.
Solar is reshaping California’s Central Valley. What happens to the rural farming communities next door?
A democratically organized nonprofit is giving a seat at the clean energy table to 36 communities in Western Fresno County.
Newsom strikes down bill to help reduce electric demand despite unanimous approval
Gov. Newsom said the bill would not have improved electric grid reliability planning because it did “not align with the California Public Utility Commission’s Resource Adequacy framework.”
California hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery storage facility is now online
The Calistoga Resiliency Center offers long-duration emergency microgrid services during service interruption from wildfires and severe weather events with a combination of hydrogen fuel and lithium-ion batteries.
