Renewable Energy Systems

Solar created the duck curve. Batteries are now flattening it. This chart shows average wholesale electricity prices in Victoria during the first quarter of each year. A few years ago, growing solar generation was pushing midday electricity prices deep into negative territory while evening prices remained extremely high. This year, the shape of the curve is noticeably flatter. Compared to 2024 and 2025: ✅ Midday prices are higher, and no longer negative ✅ Morning and evening peak prices are much lower ✅ Overall price volatility has fallen significantly The main reason is battery storage. By charging during the middle of the day and discharging during the evening peak, batteries are creating demand when prices are low and boosting supply when prices are high. And what's interesting is that this impact has largely been achieved using today's fleet of relatively short-duration batteries, typically providing 2-4 hours of storage. According to the Victoria's State Electricity Commission, this is a "great proof point" of the role batteries can play in intraday firming and reshaping electricity markets. The benefits extend beyond lower evening peaks. By absorbing surplus solar generation, batteries can also reduce curtailment risk and improve the value of renewable electricity during the middle of the day. And the story isn't over. Encouraged by the success of shorter-duration batteries, the SEC is now exploring investments in 8-12 hour storage to help manage longer periods of low solar and wind output. Solar changed the shape of electricity markets. Now batteries are changing it again. H/t Rebecca Tilbrook, SEC Victoria

What happens to a renewables-powered grid when El Niño changes the weather? With update from NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, this question is no longer hypothetical. The ENSO Alert System is on El Niño Watch, and the numbers have tightened sharply: 🌡️ 82% chance of El Niño emerging in May–July 2026 🌡️ 96% chance of El Niño continuing through December 2026–February 2027 🌡️ Equatorial subsurface temperatures in the Pacific have risen for six consecutive months Peak strength remains uncertain, but the direction of travel is clear. El Niño doesn't just warm the Pacific. It redistributes rainfall, shifts wind patterns and alters solar radiation across continents. For an electricity system increasingly built on weather-dependent generation, that has direct, measurable consequences: ⚡ Hydropower under stress. During the 2023–2024 El Niño, the Kariba Dam — which powers most of Zambia and Zimbabwe — saw output collapse as the reservoir hit record lows. In Colombia, 80%+ hydro-dependent, even mild El Niño years have reduced reservoir inflows by ~14%. Sudan and Namibia also saw sharp drops in hydropower availability. ⚡ Wind and solar shift, not stop. Wind speeds weaken across parts of South Asia and the Caribbean during El Niño; solar radiation increases in some drought-affected regions and decreases under shifted monsoon patterns elsewhere. The pattern is regional, not uniform — which is why granular forecasts matter. ⚡ Demand spikes. Hotter conditions surge cooling demand across South and Southeast Asia, Central America and the southern US, often at exactly the moment when supply is squeezed. The WMO–IRENA 2024 Year in Review shows that ECMWF seasonal forecasts can now successfully anticipate regional anomalies in solar energy potential and electricity demand months in advance. That is a genuine operational breakthrough for grid planners, traders and policymakers. https://lnkd.in/epwvHkhY Research on Latin America has shown that strategically combining wind, solar and hydro — exploiting their natural geographic and temporal complementarity — can reduce renewable power variability by up to 65% and increase the minimum monthly threshold of available renewable power by up to 5x, including during El Niño droughts. This is where World Meteorological Organization's energy-meteorological services meet energy security. And it is exactly the kind of work that will define whether the clean energy transition holds up under the stress tests climate change keeps sending its way. NOAA CPC ENSO Diagnostic Discussion (14 May 2026): https://lnkd.in/ez4REFDT

If we are serious about deploying heat pumps at scale, we need to get serious about the single most important metric for their adoption: the electricity-to-gas price ratio. For too long, the conversation has been dominated by upfront costs and technology. While grants and technical innovation are vital, they don't address the fundamental question every household asks: "What will my monthly energy bill look like?" The running cost reality is simple maths: A heat pump with a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of 3 needs the price of electricity to be less than 3 times the price of gas to deliver savings. If the ratio is 4:1 or above, even the most efficient heat pumps struggle to be financially viable for consumers. This isn't a technology problem; it's a policy design problem. Many countries still load policy levies and taxes disproportionately onto electricity bills, artificially inflating the cost of running a heat pump compared to a fossil fuel boiler. To unlock the market, policymakers must act decisively to rebalance these costs. Shifting levies from electricity to gas, or funding them through general taxation, would send the right price signal and make heat pumps the clear economic choice. The chart below is taken from the latest Climate Change Committee report. Link in comments.

Lower wind output was a major reason why electricity prices rose in Europe this November. Yet, just as wind was struggling across Europe, Greece was exporting record amounts of electricity—in part due to strong winds. This is not a fluke. The graph below shows the cross-country correlation in wind generation across the European Union in 2024 (the result is similar in other years). As expected, neighbors tend to have similar winds—if it is windy in one country, it is probably windy around it too. But there are some countries that have different wind patterns. Greece is one of them: wind generation is typically unrelated to wind generation elsewhere in Europe. From a system perspective, then, wind capacity in Greece is extra valuable because it can deliver something different. The same is true for other countries and for other resources (hydro, nuclear, solar, etc.). Unfortunately, our planning process rarely captures these complementarities. Instead, we tend to plan based on country-wide perspectives and priorities rather than system-wide needs and resource endowments. This is an area where a major shift is needed—to highlight these unique resources better—and then to design the European grid accordingly.

🚛 WHEN TRANSPORT LEARNS TO THINK GREEN I came across a concept today that stopped me — an autonomous hydrogen truck-trailer drone designed for long-distance freight. At first, it looked like another futuristic vehicle. But then it hit me: this isn’t just transport evolving — it’s intent evolving. For decades, we’ve designed logistics around speed and scale. Now we’re finally designing around sustainability. This new concept merges autonomy, aerodynamics, and hydrogen power to do something radical: → Eliminate carbon emissions in heavy freight. → Cut operational energy costs through intelligent routing. → Reduce highway congestion with coordinated drone convoys. It’s not just engineering — it’s a shift in philosophy. A move from moving faster to moving responsibly. We often talk about “green tech” as a feature — but the real shift happens when sustainability becomes the invisible infrastructure behind innovation. It’s not an addition to progress. It is progress. What’s needed now isn’t more invention — it’s integration. We need to: ✅ Build networks where clean energy and automation reinforce each other. ✅ Redefine “efficiency” to include environmental balance. ✅ Shift from carbon offsetting to carbon prevention at design level. Because the next breakthrough won’t come from faster engines — but from systems that make waste impossible by design. That’s when technology stops being an experiment in innovation… and becomes an expression of intelligence. So here’s the question I keep returning to — 👉 Will the next era of transport be powered by fuel — or by foresight? #Innovation #Sustainability #Hydrogen #AutonomousVehicles #GreenTech #Logistics #FutureThinking

Distributed energy is having a moment—whether the OBBBA planned it or not. As Energy Changemakers outlines, this legislation may unintentionally fast-track a shift to microgrids, off-grid systems, and flexible distributed models. The driver? Rising energy costs and the need for local resilience. One section stood out: Innovations in conventional utility models are emerging. Watch Xcel Energy’s “distributed capacity procurement” approach with Sparkfund, plus bold moves like Ann Arbor’s distributed utility. These models aren’t fringe. They’re proven, scalable strategies ready for real-world deployment. What we’re seeing: • Off-grid goes urban: Think data centers, apartment complexes, not just rural cabins • Microgrids = resilience and cost control • Utilities rethinking old playbooks, and doing it fast Full article via Energy Changemakers: https://lnkd.in/ephEDNGm

April 6th: A bright spring day in Germany, one that perfectly illustrates the need for battery storage systems. Like so many other sunny days, PV generation in Germany covered a large portion of the electricity demand for several hours in the middle of the day, thanks to the cloudless sky and millions of solar modules. But there is a darker side to the sunshine. Large amounts of daytime solar can overload the grid and cause severe electricity price fluctuations: on April 6th, intraday electricity prices dropped to -200€/MWh at their lowest point. In cases where more electricity is generated from solar energy than the grid can handle, grid operators regularly require solar installations to curtail their production. This means that energy that could otherwise be made available to consumers cannot be used. And when the sun goes down, most of the demand must quickly be met with flexible sources. This adds an extra layer of complexity: deciding which conventional power plants can be shut down during the day and switched on again in the evening is a careful balancing act. This is precisely the situation where battery energy storage systems (BESS) can bridge the gap, with several advantages: - By storing part of the solar energy at peak generation times and dispatching it later, BESS can help shift the curve to more closely align with evening demand. - Better management of volatile generation from renewables also helps keep prices stable. - Provided they are close to the overproducing solar systems, BESS contribute to grid stability by helping balance supply and demand. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all technology. A secure and flexible energy system needs a diverse mix. But batteries are playing an increasing role, especially as they become more and more affordable. We at RWE are harnessing the benefits: we have 1.2 GW of installed BESS capacity worldwide, of which nine systems totalling 364 MW of capacity operate in Germany alone. We’re scaling fast, with new large-scale projects recently commissioned in Germany and the Netherlands. And we have just decided to build a BESS facility in Hamm with an installed capacity of 600 megawatts. So, let’s continue to make the most of those sunny days — by creating the right framework conditions to build up affordable and flexible support.

Global renewable capacity is set to double by 2030 amid rising headwinds from supply chains, grid integration & financing. Solar PV dominates with 80% of growth. In addition to established markets, it also surges in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan & Southeast Asia. More in the International Energy Agency (IEA)’s Renewables 2025 → https://iea.li/48AJeSf Solar is leading the growth – but wind, hydropower, bioenergy & geothermal are all contributing too. Geothermal is on course to hit historic highs in key markets while pumped-storage hydro is growing strongly, helping integration of solar & wind. More in our full report → https://iea.li/3Ww4MYB The outlook for offshore wind stands apart, with the industry facing challenges due to policy changes, supply chain bottlenecks & rising costs. Our forecast for its global capacity growth to 2030 is about 25% lower than in last year's report. Major solar PV & wind manufacturers continue to face financial struggles despite strong deployment globally. In China, PV prices are down over 60% since 2023 due to a supply glut & fierce competition for market share. And wind manufacturers outside China are reporting losses. Despite these challenges, companies' confidence in renewables remains strong – with investors & buyers benefitting from low solar prices. Most major developers have maintained or raised their 2030 deployment targets from last year, reflecting resilience & optimism in the sector. As renewables take on a greater role, policymakers must play close attention to vulnerabilities. Global supply chains for solar PV & for rare earths used in wind turbines are highly concentrated in China and are set to only diversify slightly by 2030 under current policy settings. The rise of variable renewables is also placing growing pressures on electricity systems. Curtailment & negative prices are becoming more frequent, causing economic inefficiencies & deterring investment. This underscores the need for investment in grids, storage & flexible generation. Read more of the key findings in the press release → https://iea.li/48AJeSf Explore IEA’s full Renewables 2025 report, freely available on our website → https://iea.li/3Ww4MYB And to learn more, join the report's lead author Heymi Bahar & me for the LIVE launch event from 11:00 CEST → https://iea.li/48j7kR9

How does a solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant work? Most of us have seen solar panels installed across large fields or even on rooftops. The working principle of either a rooftop- or ground-mount solar plant is the same. The conversion process is simple ... considering a utility-scale PV plant. That’s from, sunlight → DC electricity → AC electricity → grid power. Here is how it works: 1️⃣ Solar panels capture sunlight Each solar panel contains cells, typically made from semiconductor materials such as silicon. When photons from sunlight strike the cells, they transfer energy to electrons and create an electric current through the photovoltaic effect. The output is DC power. 2️⃣ Panels are connected into strings and arrays One panel alone doesn't produce enough voltage or power for a utility-scale plant. Hence, modules connect in series to form strings, and many strings combine to form larger PV arrays. This is how a plant scales from individual modules to hundreds of megawatts of generation. 3️⃣ Inverters convert DC → AC Largely the grid operates on alternating current. Inverters are used to convert the DC electricity from the PV arrays into AC electricity while also performing important functions such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), voltage/reactive power control, and grid synchronization. 4️⃣ Transformers step up the voltage Transformers are used to step up the inverter output voltage to the plant's medium-voltage collection system. Depending on plant size, several inverter blocks then feed power through underground or overhead collection circuits toward the plant substation. 5️⃣ The substation connects the plant to the grid At the substation, a main power transformer steps the collector-system voltage up to the required transmission voltage. For example: PV Modules → Inverter → MV Transformer → 34.5 kV Collection System → Main Power Transformer → 138/230/345 kV Grid The actual voltages vary depending on the plant and interconnection requirements. 6️⃣ Protection, SCADA, and plant controls keep everything coordinated Behind the panels is an entire electrical infrastructure involving: ⚡ Protection relays ⚡ Circuit breakers and switchgear ⚡ SCADA and communications ⚡ Revenue metering ⚡ Weather monitoring ⚡ Plant Power Controller (PPC) ⚡ Reactive power and voltage control PV plants may seem simple at glance, however, there are complex like any other large power plant. It is a complete power generation facility engineered to safely, reliably, and predictably interact with the electric grid. 💡 The panels may capture the energy, but inverters, transformers, protection systems, controls, and the substation are what turn that energy into grid-ready power. Which part of a utility-scale solar PV plant do you think is most underestimated, is it the inverter, MV collection system, protection system, or substation and Why? #SolarPV #PowerSystems #RenewableEnergy #Substation #GridIntegration Video credit: Let’s Grow Up

I’m happy to share some big news: for the fifth year in a row, Amazon is the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world. Transitioning to carbon-free energy sources is one of the fastest ways we can address climate change. It’s why we’ve invested billions of dollars in hundreds of solar and wind projects around the world. But you don’t need to be a company of our size to make a difference. If you’re exploring renewables energy investments, here are three helpful things we’ve learned along the way: 1) Location = impact. We’re supporting projects in regions where they can have the greatest impact – including locations that rely heavily on fossil fuels. For instance, we invested in nine solar and wind projects in India, where the grid is primarily powered by coal. They’re expected to help avoid an estimated 55 times more carbon than if they were built in Sweden, which has one of the world’s most decarbonized grids. As more projects become operational, we’re seeing how they positively impact the grid – and local communities. In Mississippi, for example, three solar wind farms backed by Amazon account for nearly a quarter of the state’s operational solar power! 2) Open + collaborative mindset. We started with just a handful of projects when The Climate Pledge launched. Over the years, we’ve learned the value of collaborating across sectors – we’ve worked with various energy companies, utilities and experts outside Amazon. That’s all led to us supporting 600+ wind and solar projects in nearly 30 countries – which are expected to produce the same amount of energy it takes to power more than 8 million U.S. homes. 3) Build great teams. We recruited a diverse array of energy experts and gave them room to Think Big, because we believe innovation is critical to evolution. When smart people who care about our planet are empowered to find solutions, change accelerates. We’re also investing in other sources of carbon-free energy, like nuclear – more to come on that this year! https://lnkd.in/d9sN_Pq2 #energy #carbonfree #sustainability #renewablenergy