Articles tagged with "power-grid"
Inside The Iberian Grid Collapse: What Really Went Wrong - CleanTechnica
On April 28, 2025, the Iberian Peninsula suffered a major blackout when the Spain and Portugal grids disconnected from the wider European system due to a cascading failure at 12:33 PM. Despite occurring during mild spring conditions with moderate demand and abundant renewable energy, the blackout was not caused by renewables themselves. Instead, it resulted from multiple failures: 50% due to human errors in planning, 30% from legacy generation units not performing as expected, and 20% from renewables disconnecting because they were not configured to handle the scenario—highlighting human and system design shortcomings rather than technological faults. Prior black-start procedures, relying heavily on hydroelectric plants with autonomous restart capabilities, were successfully executed to restore the grid, underscoring the continued importance of such resources even as battery storage and inverter-based technologies grow. The blackout was precipitated by persistent voltage fluctuations and frequency oscillations throughout the morning, revealing structural weaknesses like insufficient dynamic voltage regulation and poor oscillation damping.
energypower-gridrenewable-energyblackoutelectricity-systemgrid-stabilityhydroelectric-powerThe "EVs Are Big Polluters" Circus Is Back In Town - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica addresses renewed criticism of electric vehicles (EVs), sparked by comments from Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, who argued that in Japan—where electricity generation relies heavily on thermal power plants—producing EVs could increase carbon emissions compared to hybrids. This statement was seized upon by anti-EV groups to claim that EVs are worse polluters than hybrids or gasoline cars. However, the article highlights that such claims often stem from misinformation or ideological bias against EVs and fail to consider the full lifecycle emissions of vehicles. Scientific studies, including one published by IOP Science, acknowledge that EV manufacturing produces higher initial carbon emissions due to battery production, creating a "carbon debt." Yet, over their operational lifetime, EVs offset this debt by producing significantly lower emissions during use, especially as electricity grids become cleaner. The breakeven point for EVs to become cleaner than hybrids is typically between 20,000 and 30,000 miles, and even shorter when
energyelectric-vehiclescarbon-emissionsbattery-manufacturingrenewable-energypower-gridsustainabilityAmazon announces $20B nuclear-powered data center expansion in US
Amazon has announced a historic $20 billion investment to build two large data center complexes in Pennsylvania, marking the largest private sector investment in the state’s history. One complex is under construction near Philadelphia, while the other is planned adjacent to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in northeastern Pennsylvania. Amazon intends to power the latter data center directly from the nuclear plant, a move that has drawn federal scrutiny and is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). This direct power connection could provide Amazon with up to 960 megawatts—about 40% of the plant’s output—enough electricity to power over half a million homes, potentially at a premium price. The Pennsylvania governor, Josh Shapiro, emphasized that this investment aims to revitalize local communities and reverse the trend of young workers leaving the state for better opportunities. Amazon’s acquisition of the nearby data center and land from Talen Energy for $650 million last year enables the company to expand significantly on that site. This expansion is part of Amazon’s broader strategy, which has seen about $10 billion pledged in 2024 alone for data centers across several states, driven by the growing energy demands of AI technologies. However, the direct power deal raises concerns about grid fairness and energy access, as it may limit availability for others and bypass grid improvement fees, prompting ongoing regulatory review.
energynuclear-powerdata-centersAmazonenergy-infrastructurerenewable-energypower-gridEnergy Department Orders Michigan Coal Generating Station To Remain Open - CleanTechnica
The U.S. Energy Department, led by Chris Wright, issued an emergency order mandating that the 63-year-old J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan remain operational for at least 90 days, overriding a previously approved decommissioning plan set by the Michigan Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2022. The plant was scheduled to close as part of a transition plan that included replacing its capacity with a methane-fired power plant already purchased by Consumers Energy, the utility owner. Wright justified the order by citing concerns over potential electricity shortages in the Midwest during the summer due to insufficient baseload power from coal, gas, and nuclear plants. However, the Michigan PSC and the utility company stated they neither requested nor were consulted about the emergency order, highlighting a lack of coordination and transparency. The decision has drawn criticism for bypassing the usual regulatory process, which typically involves public comment and agency review, and for imposing significant financial burdens on consumers. Dan Scripps, chair of the Michigan PSC, estimated that keeping the coal plant running could cost ratepayers across 15 states tens of millions of dollars, potentially nearing $100 million. The Energy Department defended the order by referencing longstanding warnings from grid operators about the risks of decommissioning baseload power sources but did not provide evidence of a cost-benefit analysis or acknowledge the existing replacement plan. Emergency orders of this nature are described as highly unusual, underscoring the controversial and unprecedented nature of this intervention.
energycoal-powerenergy-policypower-gridelectricity-generationfossil-fuelsenergy-departmentKý hợp đồng tín dụng đầu tư của nhà nước dự án nâng công suất Trạm biến áp 500kV Hòa Bình
energypower-transmissioninvestment-projectelectrical-infrastructureenergy-capacityrenewable-energypower-gridĐóng điện Trạm biến áp 110kV Nam Cấm dự án sử dụng vốn ưu đãi từ Chính phủ Đức
energypower-gridrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyinfrastructure-developmentelectricity-supplysmart-grid