Distributed Energy
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Berkeley Lab releases interactive decision framework for integrated distribution grid planning
The tool helps stakeholders navigate increasingly complex grid investment considerations as more states require utilities to file distribution plans, the lab said.
By Brian Martucci • July 8, 2024 -
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US to add 217 GW of distributed energy resource capacity through 2028, Wood Mackenzie projects
EV charging, solar and fuel-based generation will be the largest sources of added distributed capacity, according to WoodMac’s 2024 U.S. distributed energy resource outlook.
By Brian Martucci • July 3, 2024 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineSustainability
Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.
By Utility Dive staff -
Permission granted by Kraken Technologies Ltd
Sponsored by KrakenTo efficiently electrify everything, utilities will need a better customer IT stack
While utilities need to invest in new technologies, they should consider reinvigoration of an underappreciated tool that they already have: the customer IT stack.
By Emma Rodvien — Senior Manager of US Regulatory Affairs and Market Development, Kraken • June 24, 2024 -
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Successful VPP programs have long-term outlook, multiple energy technologies: RMI flipbook
The interactive resource draws lessons from 15 U.S. virtual power plant programs with nearly 4 million customers and 1.5 GW of enrolled capacity.
By Brian Martucci • Updated June 20, 2024 -
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Residential DERs could compensate for rise in peak energy demand by 2035: Deloitte
Most utilities, however, will need to increase coordination with residential customers to maximize the potential of distributed energy resources, according to Deloitte.
By Emma Penrod • June 12, 2024 -
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Deep DiveAs NVIDIA, IBM and others apply AI to boost utilities, regulatory and data privacy obstacles abound
The “move fast and break things” business model of the technology sector is meeting the regulated spending and reliability imperatives of the utility sector.
By Herman K. Trabish • June 11, 2024 -
Yujin Kim/Utility Dive
Q&A‘Any utility today can have a VPP program’: Sunrun virtual power plant head
Chris Rauscher discusses best practices for VPP design, the grid value of demand response and why targeting early adopters could lead distributed energy providers astray.
By Brian Martucci • June 5, 2024 -
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Duke to offer expanded suite of clean energy options to Amazon, Google, other large customers
The proposed framework — developed in collaboration with Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Nucor — includes “innovative financing” to support emerging technologies like advanced nuclear and long-duration storage in the Carolinas.
By Ethan Howland • May 30, 2024 -
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Colorado law requires Xcel VPP program by February with performance-based tariff
The law also requires the company to proactively invest in distribution upgrades to reduce interconnection delays for distributed energy resources.
By Brian Martucci • May 29, 2024 -
Courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Voltus, Resideo expand residential virtual power plant to 11M ComEd, PSEG-LI customers
The smart thermostat demand response program will help manage loads in the PJM Interconnection and NYISO regions during grid emergencies, company representatives said.
By Brian Martucci • May 16, 2024 -
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AEP in $315M deal to sell distributed resource business to Basalt Infrastructure funds
While AEP has been moving to sell its unregulated assets, it has decided to retain its AEP Energy competitive power and gas subsidiary, finding it may be able to serve load growth in deregulated states.
By Ethan Howland • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by sonnen, Inc.
Virtual power plants, DERs and home electrification get boost from trio of new Maryland laws
The laws could help Maryland meet its goals to generate 14.5% of electricity from solar by 2028, achieve a 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and install 3 GW of energy storage by 2033.
By Brian Martucci • May 13, 2024 -
Courtesy of BMW Group AG
BMW’s future EVs will support bidirectional charging
BMW joins General Motors, Ford and Volkswagen in the development of vehicle-to-home charging technology to help homeowners reduce energy costs and reduce CO2 emissions from power generation.
By Eric Walz • May 8, 2024 -
Permission granted by sonnen, Inc.
OpinionIf you want ‘virtual power plants,’ first define them
Persistent confusion around VPPs may impede successful policymaking, challenging regulatory commissions, stalling deployments and delaying important benefits to our electricity system.
By Ted Ko • May 7, 2024 -
Permission granted by sonnen, Inc.
VPPs could boost utilities’ credit profiles, but it’s ‘premature’ to consider impact: Morningstar DBRS
Though obstacles are impeding virtual power plants in the short term, the technology will be a plus for utilities and for reliability in the long run, the credit rating company predicts.
By Brian Martucci • May 6, 2024 -
Courtesy of Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric’s new battery energy storage system aims to boost microgrid efficiency
The system allows energy to be stored during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower, and used during peak demand periods, a company executive says.
By Nish Amarnath • May 6, 2024 -
FernandoAH via Getty Images
NYISO launches first-in-nation DER integration program in move toward FERC Order 2222 compliance
New market rules by the New York Indepdent System Operator require participating distributed energy resources to be at least 10 kW, which critics say will significantly limit DER participation, at least initially.
By Robert Walton • Updated April 19, 2024 -
Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group.
DOE cites cost, reliability concerns for new gas plants as it details how to meet surging power demand
Rising electricity demand will require a portfolio of resources, including energy storage, hydropower, nuclear, grid-enhancing technologies and demand-side management, DOE said.
By Robert Walton • April 18, 2024 -
Permission granted by sonnen, Inc.
Deep Dive
Tackling 3 key issues can help scale virtual power plants and spur a wave of benefits, analysts say
Advanced operational software, communications standards and customer compensation are needed to scale VPP size and services, cut system and customer costs and enhance reliability, key VPP players agree.
By Herman K. Trabish • April 17, 2024 -
Mario Tama via Getty Images
Virtual power plant adoption could save California ratepayers $550M annually: Brattle report
The report called for the state to facilitate virtual power plant growth in California, noting that “more can be achieved” to scale VPP adoption by 2035.
By Brian Martucci • April 15, 2024 -
Eloi_Omella via Getty Images
DOE awards $27M for communities to plan a clean-energy future
This is the first funding round for the Energy Future Grants initiative, which launched last year to help communities plan for transportation and building electrification, microgrids and solar projects.
By Ysabelle Kempe • April 12, 2024 -
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Green Mountain Power, RMP offer strong virtual power plant blueprint: RMI webinar
VPP policy should promote widespread distributed energy resource adoption while enabling retail and wholesale market participation and preserving customer choice, webinar participants said.
By Brian Martucci • April 11, 2024 -
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER via Getty Images
Bidirectional EV charging, VPP bill passes Maryland Assembly, heads to governor’s desk
“Pairing battery storage with renewable generation will help Maryland achieve its clean energy goals, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the negative impacts of climate change,” Del. David Fraser-Hidalgo said.
By Brian Martucci • April 8, 2024 -
Eloi_Omella via Getty Images
Sunnova expands virtual power plant accessibility in 6 states and Puerto Rico
The residential solar company’s announcement covers solar-and-storage customers in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and Texas.
By Brian Martucci • April 5, 2024 -
Gregory Zamell via Getty Images
Hawaiian Electric offers new incentives to customers with rooftop solar and battery storage
The company says it is streamlining programs for rooftop solar users to help the state meet its clean energy goals, but some customers could see smaller financial benefits.
By Patrick Cooley • April 3, 2024
