Every time hydrogen is critiqued as an energy carrier for the power sector, the same question reappears. If not hydrogen, where does long duration storage come from? I received it related to my recent critique of Germany’s attempt to force the EU to double green hydrogen and synthetic fuel quotes … [continued]
A new, compact pumped hydro energy storage system uses lower elevations and sloping hills, avoiding the cost and environmental impacts of mountain-based storage systems.
Being invited to speak (virtually) at an upcoming hybrid Ottawa Lunch and Learn on peak grid load and battery energy storage provided an opportunity to extend several ongoing lines of analysis. This article is an extension of the brief remarks I will be making at that event, written to unpack … [continued]
The proposed Goldendale Energy Storage Project in Washington State is one step closer to adding 1.2 gigawatts of pumped hydropower storage to the nation’s renewable energy profile.
Germany has now completed and pressurized roughly 400 km of hydrogen backbone pipeline with no connected suppliers and no contracted customers, a pipeline from nowhere to nowhere. The infrastructure exists and is operational, but no hydrogen is flowing to anyone who has agreed to pay for it. This is not … [continued]
A few months ago, I was invited by Dr. Sebastian Husein of the Battery Centre Twente to speak at the University of Twente’s 2025 Climate Event, a hybrid discussion with multiple speakers engaging with an audience of academics in the Netherlands and neighboring countries. That event occurred on November 5th, … [continued]
A new, floating pumped hydropower system aims to cut the cost of utility-scale energy storage for wind and solar farms.
Building upon my initial experiences at Climate Week NYC, I shifted from thinking globally to focus on how actions are being taken on the state and city level. While the foolish actions of Trump seem intent on taking the wrong side of history, states are showing leadership. New York is … [continued]
Molten salt has long been positioned as the workhorse of high temperature thermal storage. Its story began with research in the 1980s and early deployment in Spanish parabolic trough plants in the 2000s. The technology was appealing on paper. A mixture of sodium and potassium nitrate has a high heat … [continued]
Canada is preparing to spend potentially half a trillion dollars on major infrastructure projects that will shape the economy and society for decades. The list spans ports, high speed rail, hydroelectricity, nuclear, mining, oil and gas, carbon capture, offshore wind, and transmission. On paper it looks like a bold nation … [continued]
