Wind energy hits new record high, smart grid can make it work

The World Wind Energy Association reports that in 2011 the global market for wind turbines set a new record: a total of 42 gigawatts (GW) installed capacity. This is up nearly 12% from 2010 — and more than double the 19 GW total growth in all power plants in the U.S. that same year. This brings the total worldwide wind energy capacity to 239 GW — enough to meet 3% of the world’s electricity demand.

While wind energy offers clear environmental benefits, this growth poses greater problems with intermittency for utilities. It also could lead to more frequent curtailments, when wind energy is wasted.

Fortunately, the smart grid and smart meters provide a powerful solution, by enabling consumers to time-shift their energy use to better match the timing of wind power generation.

Full post: Wind energy growth hits new record high, smart grid can make it work

Renewable energy: disruptive technology

I’m sitting in a café on the Champs d’Elysees amid the electric atmosphere of streetlights, neon signs, cars, trucks, shoppers, gawkers, storekeepers, and restaurateurs — an abundance of energy.

Energy has driven the development of modern civilization and conveniences. And renewable energy supplies are growing fast. But like any disruptive technology, the growing flocks of wind turbines and expanding acres of solar-equipped rooftops around the world are causing temporary growing pains for the energy industry.

Fortunately, these “problems” are really opportunities. And utilities like TXU Energy in Texas are pioneering solutions…

Full post: How renewable energy is a disruptive technology

Spain reaffirms focus on smart energy demand to support renewables, electric vehicles

Last week Spain’s power grid operator, Red Electrica de Espana (REE), announced its strategic plan for 2011-2015. In 2010, over 35% of the electricity used in Spain came from renewable resources — mostly from wind energy. Now, one of REE’s main challenges is to integrate even more renewables into the system.

REE’s commitment to smart energy demand is one key to making Spain’s electricity system work…

Full story: Spain reaffirms focus on smart energy demand to support renewables, electric vehicles

Spain: Public-private collaboration on smart grid R&D

In a pioneering move, the Spanish utility Iberdrola is promoting smart grid R&D through local private-public collaboration. This signals that regional authorities have a strong interest in moving Spain’s smart grid forward. Such collaboration among key stakeholders was an important reason for the success of Pepco’s PowerCentsDC smart meter pilot in Washington, DC.

Full story: Spain: Smart grid R&D through new public-private collaboration

Germany aims for 80% renewables by 2050

Last week Germany published guidelines for its energy road map through 2050. The goal is a market-oriented energy policy, with room to capitalize on technological advances.

Renewables are a core part of this Energy Concept document. In it, Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment (Bundesministerium fur Umwelt, or BMU) emphasized that renewables will gradually replace conventional energy sources. Also, nuclear power will enable this shift.

More about this plan…

Full story: Germany’s new “Energy Concept”: Renewable, grid goals through 2050