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On April 19, 2019, a thermal runaway event took place in a battery energy storage unit (ESS) located within a building in Surprise, Arizona. The ESS was provided with fire detection and fire suppression, which both activated. Approximately five hours after arriving on the scene, the responding fire department opened a door on the ESS, and a deflagration event occurred, severely injuring four firefighters. The event was a catalyst for the need for....
America’s seas are changing. Our first commercial-scale projects now stand with turbines towering over the water, providing electricity to communities and tens of thousands of homes across the East Coast. This burgeoning industry promises a cleaner future, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and a surge in domestic energy production. However, unlocking its potential hinges on developing a skilled workforce ready to design, build, and maintain the....
A key challenge in the offshore wind industry is the assessment of the resource, essential throughout the different stages of a development project, from screening of areas of interest, to optimization of wind farm layouts to account for spatial heterogeneities and wake losses. Floating lidars have been established since 2023, with the University of Maine collaborating on the first deployed unit. This enhances the array of solutions avai....
Image data from visual inspections is nearly always the starting point for planning a blade maintenance campaign. Historically, external visual inspections of the outside of the blades have been the dominant dataset because they are less expensive to collect; no one needs to climb the tower to gather images of the blades. Ground-based cameras were initially employed, which then gave way to drones and automation that increased both the quality of ....
Energy Storage
Brian Cashion
Energy Storage
Accure Battery Intelligence
Energy Storage
Jim Brown
To accelerate regional and national hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development, KeyState Energy (KeyState), CNX Resources Corp. (NYSE: CNX), and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) announced a collaboration to bring yet another transformational project to PIT property.
The integrated facility can produce hydrogen solely, reaching up to 68,000 metric tons annually, or SAF exclusively, up to 70 million gallons per year. The plant will offer the flexibility to produce both products simultaneously at lower varying individual volumes and customize production to meet specific demands. Building upon CNX and PIT's previously announced alternative fuel strategy in 2022, this initiative supports the national goal of significantly reducing hard-to-abate sectors' emissions by 2030, positioning the region as a key player in the hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel industries.
KeyState and CNX recently signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to advance the approximately $1.5 billion project that, if the U.S. Department of Treasury enables a pathway for ultra-low carbon intensity fugitive coal mine methane (CMM) under the 45V Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, is expected to support 3,000 direct construction jobs through the development phase. The partners are evaluating several potential market targets for the usage of SAF in the aviation industry and clean hydrogen for local heavy trucks and equipment, and power generation, among other applications for hard-to-abate sectors of the economy.
"Because of this exciting new project, Pittsburgh International Airport will become home to one of the largest facilities in the Nation that specializes in the innovative process of using hydrogen gas to produce sustainable aviation fuel," saidSenator Bob Casey (D-PA). "It will help support thousands of new union jobs and provide a look at how cutting-edge innovation in Pennsylvania is helping to build the energy economy of the future."
"As the only state to secure two regional clean hydrogen hubs, the future of clean energy is running through Pennsylvania, and as we build out these hydrogen hubs over the next several years, we'll see more innovation, job creation, and opportunity coming to our Commonwealth," said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. "We're proving that you don't have to choose between protecting the planet and protecting jobs – and the partnership between KeyState Energy, CNX Resources, and Pittsburgh International Airport will create thousands of jobs and cut fuel costs for airlines, all while reducing pollution and making our communities safer and healthier. My Administration will continue to bring people together to drive innovative projects to the Commonwealth that reduce emissions, tackle climate change, and create family sustaining jobs."
Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO President Darrin Kelly said, "This project is the economic shot in the arm the region needs and I'm proud of the diverse coalition working to make Pittsburgh the leader in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel. The commitment by our coalition to work together to ensure that the men and women of our regional union workforce lead the way on the jobs associated with these new sectors of the economy is exactly what we need more of – labor, business, and government finding ways to tear down old narratives and move our region forward. This would be the most significant energy project the region has seen in years, and it can help trigger a broader transformation and position us for a lower carbon future. We will continue our advocacy to ensure the forthcoming hydrogen and SAF tax credit rules provide western Pennsylvania the opportunity to bring this project and our vision to fruition."
Produced from a variety of sources, including waste feedstocks, SAF can drastically reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of air travel, making it the best decarbonization lever available to the aviation industry to reach net zero. However, due to production and cost issues, SAF currently accounts for less than one percent of global commercial airline consumption. A facility of the proposed size and scope would produce enough alternative fuel to supplant nearly all traditional jet fuel consumption at PIT at a price on par with conventional Jet A.
Mixing just 10 percent SAF with regular jet fuel can power thousands of flights annually, significantly reducing emissions. The integrated facility further positions PIT as an industry leader, making it even more attractive for passenger and cargo flights.
A 2021 study from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) confirmed that constructing and operating a gas-to-liquids SAF facility at PIT is technically feasible through the use of onsite natural gas production and net-zero or net-negative greenhouse gas emissions feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuel.
Additionally, the groups announced they are seeking a federal grant to conduct a logistics study to inform a project hub and transportation network investment strategy. Using FAST SAF grant funds under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Tier 1 logistics study would advance local SAF development by informing how fuels produced at PIT can be cost-effectively transported to nearby airports throughout the Northeast and Midwest. The entities plan to evaluate transporting SAF through various modes, including the use of existing or constructing new pipeline infrastructure, barge, and rail. Providing excess SAF to other regional airports will increase energy security, reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, and reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Successful completion of the logistics study could yield significant investment in constructing the hydrogen and SAF facility on PIT grounds, which would double onsite fuel storage and further stabilize fuel supply in the event of disruptions.
"This exciting project opens the door for Western Pennsylvania to lead the nation in sustainable aviation fuel—and that could be a big win for our workers, local economy, and efforts to cut emissions and meet new energy standards," said Congressman Chris Deluzio (D, PA-17). "I am proud that my office is supporting federal grants that will help this venture get off the ground and start using cleaner aviation fuel as soon as possible."
Allegheny County Chief Executive Sara Innamorato said, "I'm very pleased that Pittsburgh International Airport, KeyState Energy, and CNX Resource are bringing this transformational collaborative project to Allegheny County. Our region should be out front on more sustainable options for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation fuel industries. The onsite potential for a SAF facility on PIT's campus will create jobs and help our region lead on climate solutions for the energy sector."
"For more than 300 years, Pennsylvania and Appalachia have lived and led America's energy transitions; first from wood to coal, then oil was added, then natural gas added, then nuclear, then the shale gas revolution and now the beginning of a next energy revolution, this in clean hydrogen," said Perry Babb, CEO of KeyState Energy. "The innovations contemplated for the PIT hydrogen and SAF Hub have the potential to produce the lowest-carbon, lowest-cost, large-scale aviation fuel in the world."
Commencing in 2014, the innovative partnership between PIT and CNX has helped transform the Pittsburgh region's economic development hub into one of the most sustainable and resilient airports in the world. Innovations include development of a first-of-its-kind microgrid making PIT the first airport in the world to be completely powered by natural gas and solar energy.
"Pittsburgh is once again leading the way on energy toward a more sustainable future," said Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis. "Increasing SAF and hydrogen production in the U.S. is a necessary first step in reducing carbon output to meet upcoming industry goals, helping aviation earn its right to grow and moving further toward a cleaner, greener future. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners, CNX and KeyState Energy, in cementing Pittsburgh International Airport and our region as a global leader in sustainable energy."
The project would leverage, pending the outcome of forthcoming U.S. Department of Treasury implementation rules for the IRA's tax credit provisions, ultra-low carbon intensity waste CMM emissions as feedstock to create low-cost, low-carbon alternative fuels. As part of the project's development, the partners intend to clarify that the products meet the requirements and specifications for clean hydrogen and SAF as determined by the applicable agency.
KeyState serves as project developer and, with its development partners, will secure project financing while CNX will provide feedstock services and other technical engineering support to the project. The airport will provide strategic advisory planning and industry expertise.
"First and foremost, we would not be in position to announce this project without the support and advocacy of our western PA labor leaders, and we are not going to proceed without them on this or any other hydrogen or SAF project in the region. Our goal is to expand end-use opportunities of our abundant, ultra-low carbon intensity natural gas to drive further emission reductions, create good paying, local jobs, and enhance PIT's position as an innovative sustainable fuel hub," CNX President and CEO Nick Deiuliis said. "Our decade-long partnership with PIT has contributed to the airport's international profile as a pioneer in the industry and we look forward to taking the next step together in catalyzing a first-of-its-kind, large scale hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel hub right here in the Pittsburgh region."
The Allegheny Conference on Community Development recently completed an analysis of CMM as a pathway to a hydrogen economy in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. The findings identified over 30 projects that can be deployed within the next 15 years if the full IRA tax credits can be utilized potentially creating over 200,000 direct construction jobs and more than $213 billion in economic output.
KeyState Energy | www.keystate.net
CNX Resources Corporation | www.cnx.com
Pittsburgh International Airport | www.flypittsburgh.com
EcoFlow, a leading portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company, will expand its suite of On-the-Road Power Solutions with the launch of the new Alternator Charger — an industry-first providing travelers and outdoor enthusiasts with fast charging capabilities by harnessing their excess vehicle alternator energy.
3-in-1 Charger, Jump Starter and Battery Maintainer
Beyond an 800W alternator charger, the EcoFlow Alternator Charger also serves as an emergency jump starter for vehicles and includes a built-in battery maintainer to enhance the longevity of the vehicle starter battery.
With demand for accessible energy and off-grid comfort across the RV, overlanding and van life communities, there is a need for unrestricted access to electricity that isn't dependent on fixed power locations or gas generators.
Connecting directly to a vehicle's starter battery, the Alternator Charger installs easily and allows users to drive and re-charge select* EcoFlow devices and DELTA series power stations simultaneously, ensuring endless energy and providing home-like comfort for any adventure.
With an unprecedented 800W of power output and DC-to-DC charging, the Alternator Charger efficiently replenishes 1kWh worth of power in just 1.3 hours while in transit, 8X faster than the 12V cigarette charger in the vehicle.
The Alternator Charger can back-feed the vehicle battery from a connected portable power station, allowing it to operate as a jump starter to prevent users from being stranded. Its battery maintainer also ensures the vehicle starter battery stays in peak condition consistently.
Pass-through charging capability allows simultaneous operation of onboard appliances and devices while harnessing solar energy from any connected solar panels — an unparalleled convenience compared to conventional generators.
"With more of our customers looking for ways to enhance off-grid living, the EcoFlow On-the-Road power solutions provide them with home-like comfort while traveling," said Brian Essenmacher, EcoFlow's North American head of business development. "Say goodbye to the inconvenience of searching for power sources, the new Alternator Charger bundled with EcoFlow portable power solutions underscores our dedication to expand electrification in the RV and auto industry, fueled by sustainable and efficient power solutions."
EcoFlow's On-the-Road Power Solution
The Alternator Charger builds on EcoFlow's expanding suite of user-friendly power solutions designed to make the on-the-road journey feel like home. It joins EcoFlow's On-the-Road Power Solution lineup, which includes:
The Alternator Charger with DELTA series enters EcoFlow's lineup as a flexible DIY power solution for a wide range of vehicles, including cars and motorhomes. It complements the company's existing fully integrated power system for RVs and camper vans — the compact and modular Power Kit. EcoFlow Power Kit is designed to provide the ultimate RV and camper van power solution, providing up to 15kWh of power to keep onboard appliances and devices running while off the grid.
EcoFlow recently expanded its availability for RV enthusiasts with its Winnebago Industries partnership, and integrated Power Kits are now available in Winnebago Solis Pocket 36B. Developed in partnership with the RV manufacturer, these Power Kits feature an exclusive 5-in-1 power management controller that allows hookups from batteries, solar and alternator, all controlled through an intuitive digital touchscreen.
Product Availability
The Alternator Charger is currently available for pre-order with DELTA Series portable power stations at up to 35% off, including a complimentary solar panel, until June 24, on the EcoFlow website and Amazon.com. On May 24, it will become officially available at $599.
* EcoFlow Alternator Charger is compatible with Delta 2, Delta Max, Delta 2 Max, Delta Pro and Wave 2 Add-on Battery.
EcoFlow | https://www.ecoflow.com/us
Building on the momentum of their recent successful Earth Day initiative, We Recycle Solar announced the evolution of its partnership with Renewables.org. The expanded collaboration introduces a major opportunity for commercial and utility-scale solar developers, as well as Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and manufacturers, to make tax-deductible donations of surplus, residual, and used solar panels.
"This is far more than just a recycling program – we're actually clearing pathways for meaningful community impact and substantial financial benefits," said AJ Orben, Vice President of We Recycle Solar. "By partnering with Renewables.org, we enable our clients to leverage their unused assets in a manner that's both eco-conscious and economically advantageous – striking that perfect balance companies need to jumpstart their own eco-friendly commitments."
Renewables.org offers real investment opportunities in solar energy projects across India and Africa, allowing investors to provide zero-interest loans that aid the expansion of solar power – especially in regions critically impacted by CO2 emissions and hindered by limited access to affordable financing. Creating a powerful carbon impact that investors can see, while ensuring they also receive monthly repayments over a five-year period.
Many investments are directed towards solar developers in the Global South, aiming to accelerate solar adoption in areas where environmental challenges are most acute. Other key benefits of recycling with Renewables.org and We Recycle Solar include:
The initiative supports We Recycle Solar's broader mission for the lifecycle management of solar assets, with many overarching benefits including:
Environmental Conservation:
Major Economic Benefits:
Important Social Impacts:
Enduring Climate Action:
"Each donation through our shared program has the potential to generate five times the impact per dollar compared to other U.S. solar developments," explained Lassor Feasley, CEO of Renewables.org. "Our clients see a return on their investment through tax savings and also play a crucial part to empower energy independence in underserved communities. It's a win-win for all of us."
Visit We Recycle Solar online to learn about the partnership, along with upcoming major projects, other initiatives, and to join the overall mission transforming the planet's energy future: Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram.
Renewables.org | www.renewables.org
We Recycle Solar | www.werecyclesolar.com
On April 30, 2024, the Interior Department announced its Proposed Sale Notice (PSN) for the first offshore wind energy auction in the Gulf of Maine, opening a 60-day public comment period that ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 1, 2024.
BOEM invites public comment on the PSN and will hold a series of in-person and virtual public meetings. Meeting information and registration is available on BOEM's website and listed below. All times are Eastern Time (ET).
In-person Meetings
BOEM will host three “open-house” style meetings to allow the public to talk with BOEM’s scientists and other personnel. This informal format allows people to ask questions and share information directly with BOEM employees on the Proposed Sale Notice. Registration is encouraged.
Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force
BOEM will host the fourth Gulf of Maine Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force meeting in Plymouth, MA. This meeting will be in-person and also livestreamed; however, virtual attendees will only be able to watch and listen, and not actively participate. Registration is encouraged.
Virtual Meetings
BOEM will host a series of virtual meetings for various target audiences, ranging from the general public to specific ocean user and stakeholder groups. All virtual meetings will be recorded, with recordings later posted on BOEM's website. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers focused on the Proposed Sale Notice. Registration is required.
More information on the public meetings can be found on BOEM’s website.
How to Submit Comments
BOEM | https://www.boem.gov/
Governor Kathy Hochul introduced 60 new electric buses that will operate in routes in Queens, Staten Island and Brooklyn. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the New York Power Authority are building critical infrastructure to power a zero-emissions bus fleet, including installing 17 new bus charge points at Grand Avenue Bus Depot in Queens. Today’s announcement supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and the MTA’s goal of operating a 100 percent zero emission bus fleet by 2040.
“These new electric buses will play a key role in ensuring New Yorkers can get to where they’re going safely and sustainably,” Governor Hochul said. “Zero-emission buses are becoming the hallmark of our transit systems, demonstrating the importance of building healthy, environmentally friendly cities."
The buses feature lightweight electric traction drive systems that allow buses to recover up to 90 percent of energy during braking. This regenerative braking reduces wear and tear on brakes and maximizes energy efficiency. These buses are paid for with almost $70 million in formula funds from the Federal Transit Administration, including almost $20 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is working closely with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to build the critical infrastructure required to power a zero-emissions bus fleet. The Power Authority recently completed the installation of 17 fast charging systems points – known as autonomous pantograph dispensers because they “dispense” energy through roof mounted arms that automatically connect with the buses. Buses will park underneath the arms at the Grand Avenue Bus Depot and Central Maintenance Facility in Queens. Another 46 are under construction at the Herkimer lot in East New York in Brooklyn and the Charleston facility in Staten Island, to be complete by the end of the year. An on-street pantograph that will serve buses needing to “top off” their batteries between daily runs is almost complete under the Williamsburg Bridge Plaza in Brooklyn.
The $188 million second phase of work will bring 220 additional overhead pantograph charging systems to Grand Avenue and four other depots in Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and Brooklyn. In addition, several depots will require electric distribution upgrades in conjunction with Consolidated Edison. The contract will deploy multiple charging manufacturers, a sophisticated charge management system to help balance the electrical loads, and a long-term service agreement to help maintain reliable bus charging.
Governor Kathy Hochul | https://www.governor.ny.gov/
The Biden Administration announced plans to increase tariffs on solar modules and cells imported from China to help level the playing field for domestic clean energy manufacturers.
In response to this announcement, Qcells President of Corporate Affairs, Danny O’Brien issued the following statement:
“President Biden’s decision today is an important step toward building a durable clean energy economy that will grow domestic manufacturing and create more U.S. jobs. By aggressively enforcing our nation's trade laws, President Biden is pursuing a dynamic industrial strategy that furthers the goals of the Inflation Reduction Act by shielding the emerging U.S. solar manufacturing industry from unfair competition.”
Qcells | https://us.qcells.com/
Rise Light & Power achieved a significant milestone in its plan to deliver offshore wind to New York City when the New York State Department of Public Service (NYS DPS) deemed its application complete last week and officially launched public review under Article VII of the New York State Public Service Law, which governs siting of major utility transmission facilities.
“Today’s action keeps us on track to transform New York City’s largest power plant into a clean energy hub, with offshore wind at its center. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, our partners in government, labor and our community for sharing the vision for a Renewable Ravenswood,” said Clint Plummer, CEO, Rise Light & Power. “We are looking forward to a robust public review that will set the standard for a responsible energy transition by listening to our neighbors, collaborating with labor, and delivering benefits for all New Yorkers.”
Rise Light & Power owns and operates New York City’s largest fossil power plant, the Ravenswood Generating Station, which provides 20% of the City’s generating capacity. In July 2022, Rise published a comprehensive redevelopment plan called Renewable Ravenswood, which seeks to transition Ravenswood into a state-of-the-art clean energy hub using a variety of renewable energy technologies including offshore wind.
Rise submitted this Article VII application in December 2022, after completing 255 miles of geophysical surveys in New York Harbor to determine the safest and most efficient location for buried, underwater, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission cables. Multiple sets of these cables will bring up to 2.6 GW of offshore wind power from the Atlantic Ocean, through the Verrazzano Narrows, Upper New York Bay, and East River to the Ravenswood site. This approach avoids any impacts to beaches, public streets, or other private property, while also leveraging existing energy infrastructure at Ravenswood to lower costs and improve efficiency. Also in December 2022, Rise acquired an interest in the 1.4 gigawatt Attentive Energy One offshore wind project.
The Article VII permit is a key step towards Renewable Ravenswood, unlocking the delivery of clean energy and numerous other economic and environmental benefits. Offshore Wind, as part of the Renewable Ravenswood vision, has numerous benefits to New Yorkers, including:
Retirement of Fossil Generation
Offshore wind power, delivered directly into New York City, can replace existing fossil fuel generation and reduce the city’s emissions. The first offshore wind project interconnecting at Ravenswood will permanently retire an operating fossil-fired generator and replace its output with renewable energy from offshore wind.
Creation of Permanent Jobs
The Renewable Ravenswood plan also includes a new multi-story industrial building that contains a permanent offshore wind operations and maintenance hub, including control rooms, training facilities, and warehousing. The addition of the operations and maintenance hub at Ravenswood reactivates a portion of New York’s industrial waterfront, providing new, high-quality union jobs that will allow members of the UWUA Local 1-2 to continue powering New York.
Job Training and Workforce Development
Rise and its partners will invest in local job training for its existing union workforce, members of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2, while also investing in a pipeline of workers from nearby disadvantaged communities to operate the offshore wind industry in the years ahead.
Cost Effectiveness and Ratepayer Protections
By repurposing existing power infrastructure, reducing the need for expensive transmission upgrades, and bundling multiple cables into one corridor, this offers New York a highly cost-effective offshore wind interconnection solution.
Reuse of Industrial Land to Preserve Public Space
All new onshore infrastructure will be located on existing industrial real estate. Unlike almost every other offshore wind farm in the United States, as well as other proposed cable landings in New York, this project will not require disturbances to public beaches, nor will it require the disturbance of land outside of the existing Ravenswood site.
Community Involvement
Rise Light & Power maintains a commitment to transparent and accessible community engagement, engaging with over 600 individuals last summer and fall in interactive forums. Rise will host additional forums in the coming months to share project updates and receive feedback from community members, environmental advocates, labor leaders, elected officials, and local organizations. In addition to forums hosted by Rise Light & Power, the Department of Public Service is expected to facilitate Public Information Sessions and Public Statement Hearings this summer.
Rise Light & Power | https://riselight.com/
Alternative Energies Jun 26, 2023
Unleashing trillions of dollars for a resilient energy future is within our grasp — if we can successfully navigate investment risk and project uncertainties. The money is there — so where are the projects? A cleaner and more secure energy ....
The Kincardine floating wind farm, located off the east coast of Scotland, was a landmark development: the first commercial-scale project of its kind in the UK sector. Therefore, it has been closely watched by the industry throughout its installation. With two of the turbines now having gone through heavy maintenance, it has also provided valuable lessons into the O&M processes of floating wind projects.
In late May, the second floating wind turbine from the five-turbine development arrived in the port of Massvlakte, Rotterdam, for maintenance. An Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS)
vessel was used to deliver the KIN-02 turbine two weeks after a Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) and AHTS had worked to disconnect the turbine from the wind farm site. The towing vessel became the third vessel used in the operation.
This is not the first turbine disconnected from the site and towed for maintenance. In the summer of 2022, KIN-03 became the world’s first-ever floating wind turbine that required heavy maintenance (i.e. being disconnected and towed for repair). It was also towed from Scotland to Massvlakte.
Each of these operations has provided valuable lessons for the ever-watchful industry in how to navigate the complexities of heavy maintenance in floating wind as the market segment grows.
The heavy maintenance process
When one of Kincardine’s five floating 9.5 MW turbines (KIN-03) suffered a technical failure in May 2022, a major technical component needed to be replaced. The heavy maintenance strategy selected by the developer and the offshore contractors consisted in disconnecting and towing the turbine and its floater to Rotterdam for maintenance, followed by a return tow and re-connection. All of the infrastructure, such as crane and tower access, remained at the quay following the construction phase. (Note, the following analysis only covers KIN-03, as details of the second turbine operation are not yet available).
Comparing the net vessel days for both the maintenance and the installation campaigns at this project highlights how using a dedicated marine spread can positively impact operations.
For this first-ever operation, a total of 17.2 net vessel days were required during turbine reconnection—only a slight increase on the 14.6 net vessel days that were required for the first hook-up operation performed during the initial installation in 2021. However, it exceeds the average of eight net vessel days during installation. The marine spread used in the heavy maintenance operation differed from that used during installation. Due to this, it did not benefit from the learning curve and experience gained throughout the initial installation, which ultimately led to the lower average vessel days.
The array cable re-connection operation encountered a similar effect. The process was performed by one AHTS that spent 10 net vessel days on the operation. This compares to the installation campaign, where the array cable second-end pull-in lasted a maximum of 23.7 hours using a cable layer.
Overall, the turbine shutdown duration can be broken up as 14 days at the quay for maintenance, 52 days from turbine disconnection to turbine reconnection, and 94 days from disconnection to the end of post-reconnection activities.
What developers should keep in mind for heavy maintenance operations
This analysis has uncovered two main lessons developers should consider when planning a floating wind project: the need to identify an appropriate O&M port, and to guarantee that a secure fleet is available.
Floating wind O&M operations require a port with both sufficient room and a deep-water quay. The port must also be equipped with a heavy crane with sufficient tip height to accommodate large floaters and reach turbine elevation. Distance to the wind farm should also be taken into account, as shorter distances will reduce towing time and, therefore, minimize transit and non-productive turbine time.
During the heavy maintenance period for KIN-03 and KIN-02, the selected quay (which had also been utilized in the initial installation phase of the wind farm project), was already busy as a marshalling area for other North Sea projects. This complicated the schedule significantly, as the availability of the quay and its facilities had to be navigated alongside these other projects. This highlights the importance of abundant quay availability both for installation (long-term planning) and maintenance that may be needed on short notice.
At the time of the first turbine’s maintenance program (June 2022), the North Sea AHTS market was in an exceptional situation: the largest bollard pull AHTS units contracted at over $200,000 a day, the highest rate in over a decade.
During this time, the spot market was close to selling out due to medium-term commitments, alongside the demand for high bollard pull vessels for the installation phase at a Norwegian floating wind farm project. The Norwegian project required the use of four AHTS above a 200t bollard pull. With spot rates ranging from $63,000 to $210,000 for the vessels contracted for Kincardine’s maintenance, the total cost of the marine spread used in the first repair campaign was more than $4 million.
Developers should therefore consider the need to structure maintenance contracts with AHTS companies, either through frame agreements or long-term charters, to decrease their exposure to spot market day rates as the market tightens in the future.
While these lessons are relevant for floating wind developers now, new players are looking towards alternative heavy O&M maintenance options for the future. Two crane concepts are especially relevant in this instance. The first method is for a crane to be included in the turbine nacelle to be able to directly lift the component which requires repair from the floater, as is currently seen on onshore turbines. This method is already employed in onshore turbines and could be applicable for offshore. The second method is self-elevating cranes with several such solutions already in development.
The heavy maintenance operations conducted on floating turbines at the Kincardine wind farm have provided invaluable insights for industry players, especially developers. The complex process of disconnecting and towing turbines for repairs highlights the need for meticulous planning and exploration of alternative maintenance strategies, some of which are already in the pipeline. As the industry evolves, careful consideration of ports, and securing fleet contracts, will be crucial in driving efficient and cost-effective O&M practices for the floating wind market.
Sarah McLean is Market Research Analyst at Spinergie, a maritime technology company specializing in emission, vessel performance, and operation optimization.
Spinergie | www.spinergie.com
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), developers plan to add 54.5 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric generating capacity to the U.S. power grid in 2023. More than half of this capacity will be solar. Wind power and battery storage are expected to account for roughly 11 percent and 17 percent, respectively.
A large percentage of new installations are being developed in areas that are prone to extreme weather events and natural disasters (e.g., Texas and California), including high wind, tornadoes, hail, flooding, earthquakes, wildfires, etc. With the frequency and severity of many of these events increasing, project developers, asset owners, and tax equity partners are under growing pressure to better understand and mitigate risk.
Figure 1. The history of billion-dollar disasters in the United States each year from 1980 to 2022 (source: NOAA)
In terms of loss prevention, a Catastrophe (CAT) Modeling Study is the first step to understanding the exposure and potential financial loss from natural hazards or extreme weather events. CAT studies form the foundation for wider risk management strategies, and have significant implications for insurance costs and coverage.
Despite their importance, developers often view these studies as little more than a formality required for project financing. As a result, they are often conducted late in the development cycle, typically after a site has been selected. However, a strong case can be made for engaging early with an independent third party to perform a more rigorous site-specific technical assessment. Doing so can provide several advantages over traditional assessments conducted by insurance brokerage affiliates, who may not possess the specialty expertise or technical understanding needed to properly apply models or interpret the results they generate. One notable advantage of early-stage catastrophe studies is to help ensure that the range of insurance costs, which can vary from year to year with market forces, are adequately incorporated into the project financial projections.
The evolving threat of natural disasters
Over the past decade, the financial impact of natural hazard events globally has been almost three trillion dollars. In the U.S. alone, the 10-year average annual cost of natural disaster events exceeding $1 billion increased more than fourfold between the 1980s ($18.4 billion) and the 2010s ($84.5 billion).
Investors, insurers, and financiers of renewable projects have taken notice of this trend, and are subsequently adapting their behavior and standards accordingly. In the solar market, for example, insurance premiums increased roughly four-fold from 2019 to 2021. The impetus for this increase can largely be traced back to a severe storm in Texas in 2019, which resulted in an $80 million loss on 13,000 solar panels that were damaged by hail.
The event awakened the industry to the hazards severe storms present, particularly when it comes to large-scale solar arrays. Since then, the impact of convective weather on existing and planned installations has been more thoroughly evaluated during the underwriting process. However, far less attention has been given to the potential for other natural disasters; events like floods and earthquakes have not yet resulted in large losses and/or claims on renewable projects (including wind farms). The extraordinary and widespread effect of the recent Canadian wildfires may alter this behavior moving forward.
A thorough assessment, starting with a CAT study, is key to quantifying the probability of their occurrence — and estimating potential losses — so that appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate risk.
All models are not created equal
Industrywide, certain misconceptions persist around the use of CAT models to estimate losses from an extreme weather event or natural disaster.
Often, the perception is that risk assessors only need a handful of model inputs to arrive at an accurate figure, with the geographic location being the most important variable. While it’s true that many practitioners running models will pre-specify certain project characteristics regardless of the asset’s design (for example, the use of steel moment frames without trackers for all solar arrays in a given region or state), failure to account for even minor details can lead to loss estimates that are off by multiple orders of magnitude.
The evaluation process has recently become even more complex with the addition of battery energy storage. Relative to standalone solar and wind farms, very little real-world experience and data on the impact of extreme weather events has been accrued on these large-scale storage installations. Such projects require an even greater level of granularity to help ensure that all risks are identified and addressed.
Even when the most advanced modeling software tools are used (which allow for thousands of lines of inputs), there is still a great deal that is subject to interpretation. If the practitioner does not possess the expertise or technical ability needed to understand the model, the margin for error can increase substantially. Ultimately, this can lead to overpaying for insurance. Worse, you may end up with a policy with insufficient coverage. In both cases, the profitability of the asset is impacted.
Supplementing CAT studies
In certain instances, it may be necessary to supplement CAT models with an even more detailed analysis of the individual property, equipment, policies, and procedures. In this way, an unbundled risk assessment can be developed that is tailored to the project. Supplemental information (site-specific wind speed studies and hydrological studies, structural assessment, flood maps, etc.) can be considered to adjust vulnerability models.
This provides an added layer of assurance that goes beyond the pre-defined asset descriptions in the software used by traditional studies or assessments. By leveraging expert elicitations, onsite investigations, and rigorous engineering-based methods, it is possible to discretely evaluate asset-specific components as part of the typical financial loss estimate study: this includes Normal Expected Loss (NEL), also known as Scenario Expected Loss (SEL); Probable Maximum Loss (PML), also known as Scenario Upper Loss (SUL); and Probabilistic Loss (PL).
Understanding the specific vulnerabilities and consequences can afford project stakeholders unique insights into quantifying and prioritizing risks, as well as identifying proper mitigation recommendations.
Every project is unique
The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and extreme weather events globally is placing an added burden on the renewable industry, especially when it comes to project risk assessment and mitigation. Insurers have signaled that insurance may no longer be the main basis for transferring risk; traditional risk management, as well as site and technology selection, must be considered by developers, purchasers, and financiers.
As one of the first steps in understanding exposure and the potential capital loss from a given event, CAT studies are becoming an increasingly important piece of the risk management puzzle. Developers should treat them as such by engaging early in the project lifecycle with an independent third-party practitioner with the specialty knowledge, tools, and expertise to properly interpret models and quantify risk.
Hazards and potential losses can vary significantly depending on the project design and the specific location. Every asset should be evaluated rigorously and thoroughly to minimize the margin for error, and maximize profitability over its life.
Chris LeBoeuf is Global Head of the Extreme Loads and Structural Risk division of ABS Group, based in San Antonio, Texas. He leads a team of more than 60 engineers and scientists in the US, UK, and Singapore, specializing in management of risks to structures and equipment related to extreme loading events, including wind, flood, seismic and blast. Chris has more than 20 years of professional experience as an engineering consultant, and is a recognized expert in the study of blast effects and blast analysis, as well as design of buildings. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Texas at San Antonio, and is a registered Professional Engineer in 12 states.
ABS Group | www.abs-group.com
Grid modernization is having a profound impact on the nature and regulation of North American utilities. It represents a significant change to the way energy is managed, distributed, and used—today and in the future. As Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets become increasingly important to energy investors and regulators, how can organizations transform their Asset Investment Planning (AIP) processes to overcome challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities?
Grid modernization
The energy transition refers to the global energy sector’s shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, as well as long-term energy storage such as batteries. The increasing penetration of renewable energy into the energy supply mix and the onset of electrification and improvements in energy storage are key drivers of the energy transition.
Grid modernization is a subset of the energy transition, and refers to changes needed in the electric transmission and distribution (T&D) systems to accommodate these rapid and innovative technological changes. Grid modernization often necessitates the increased application of sensors, computers, and communications to increase the intelligence of the grid and its ability to respond swiftly to external factors. The main goals of the grid are to provide the capacity, reliability, and flexibility needed to adapt to a whole range of new technologies (in the drive to net zero), while maintaining a comparable level of service and cost to the end customer.
Grid modernization projects are driven by both climate resilience through hardening of assets and changes to the T&D network to accommodate climate mitigation strategies. There are 3 broad categories for these types of projects:
Grid modernization is accelerating due to multiple factors, such as decarbonization, electrification, extreme weather, and security threats.
Valuing innovative projects
The changing demands dictated by grid modernization will require organizations to strike the right balance between cost-effectively managing the current business, while investing appropriately to meet future demands. Organizations are already seeing an increase in both the volume and variety of grid modernization projects. This is leading to increased planning complexity, requiring utilities to demonstrate that they are spending their limited budgets and resources to maximize value and drive their ESG and performance targets.
A value-based approach to investment decision making is key to establishing a common basis to evaluate potential investment opportunities and meet the challenges of grid modernization. The key to achieving your organization’s grid modernization goals is building a multi-year plan that breaks the work into executable chunks. This ensures adequate funding and resources are available to carry out the plan in the short-term, resulting in incremental progress toward longer-term objectives.
With a value-based decision-making approach, organizations can ensure they are making the right grid modernization investments—and justify their plans to internal and external stakeholders.
Align decisions with strategic objectives
Business leaders must develop frameworks that quantify the financial and non-financial benefits of all proposed investments on a common scale and understand how projects will contribute to their short- and long-term grid modernization initiatives and broader energy transition goals. A value framework also creates a clear line of sight from planned investments to regulatory and corporate targets, allowing organizations to provide transparency into the decision-making methodology—and demonstrate the benefits of their plans to regulators, stakeholders, and customers:
Russ is a Director of Product Management, Decision Analytics at Copperleaf. He is an innovative leader with over 20 years of comprehensive business and technical experience in high-tech product development organizations. Russ holds a B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and a Management of Technology MBA from Simon Fraser University.
Copperleaf | www.copperleaf.com
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