A recent round table discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities currently facing the environmental sector. As a participant in the discussion, Alex Zachary shares some of the key points that were raised at the meeting, including the need for more government intervention in relation to energy policy and the potential repercussions Brexit could have for the industry.
29 March, 2016
In order to meet emission reduction targets, the challenge to engineers to develop clean, reliable energy technologies has never been so pressing. With the global potential for grid energy storage by 2017 expected to account for 185GWh (52GW) of capacity, renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power both offer potential solutions but the unresolved issue has always been consistency of supply and how to store power generated for use at a later date.
24 March, 2016
In light of the wind sector’s rapid expansion, Philip Buchan at Cyberhawk Innovations explains the safety issues being faced in the field of operation and maintenance, and explores the innovative technology that could ensure safer inspection of wind farms while maintaining quality and keeping costs low.
22 March, 2016
While tidal stream technology is seen as closer to commercial viability, tidal lagoon (tidal barrage) projects arguably could make an even bigger impact on electricity supply networks in the nearer term, says Gail Rajgor.
18 March, 2016
If it can be made to work at scale and cost-effectively the predictability of tidal power gives it a significant advantage over wind and solar PV technologies. Gail Rajgor takes a look at the latest project developments in the sector.
17 March, 2016
Michael Ryley discusses the apprenticeship levy and how it could kickstart an influx of fresh talent into the renewable energy sector.
15 March, 2016
Onsite power generation at remote locations presents an attractive business case for many renewable energy companies but at the same time requires considerable market introduction efforts, says Dr. Thomas Hillig.
10 March, 2016
In South Korea, battery company Kokam has deployed two lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) oxide energy storage systems (ESS) – rated at 24 MW/9 MWh and 16 MW/6 MWh – for frequency regulation on the national electricity grid. The company says that the 24 MW system is the world’s largest-capacity lithium NMC ESS used for frequency regulation.
07 March, 2016
Alex Herceg at Lux Research provides an analysis of the smart home market and explains why functions related to energy efficiency are still central to the appeal of this technology.
04 March, 2016