Renewable Energy Engineering Solutions

The world's largest sand battery has been inaugurated in Finland. Developed by Polar Night Energy, this high-temperature thermal energy storage system stores heat in sand using low-cost, clean electricity. The project is a powerful example of how thermal storage can enhance grid flexibility, decarbonise heating, and accelerate the energy transition. - It can store up to 100 MWh of thermal energy. - It has a round-trip efficiency of 90%. - It offers a cost-effective alternative to lithium-ion batteries for long-term heat storage. - By replacing an old woodchip plant, the sand battery is expected to cut the local heating network's carbon emissions by 70%.

For years, the belief that Green Hydrogen is too complex and not yet feasible for large-scale industries has stalled vital progress in sustainability. This is an outdated assumption that is changing now. At Jindal Stainless, we have pioneered the use of green hydrogen, proving that the future of manufacturing can be both sustainable and economically viable. By incorporating this clean fuel into our operations, we have not only significantly reduced emissions but also bolstered energy security, setting new standards for industrial innovation. While the transition has required substantial investment and presented challenges, delaying action is no longer an option. In this article, I write about how we are successfully leveraging green hydrogen to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint.

⚡️ LCOE vs. System-LCOE: Why understanding the full picture matters! As part of Norway’s efforts to promote smart, sustainable energy solutions abroad, we often highlight how competitive solar, wind, and offshore technologies have become. The progress is real, costs have dropped, and renewables are at the heart of the global energy transition. But when planning large-scale investments or national energy strategies, headline figures alone aren’t enough. For real impact, we must understand the difference between LCOE and System-LCOE and why this distinction matters for delivering reliable, low-emission power 24/7. 📉 LCOE. A valuable, but limited metric LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity) is a well-established measure of production cost per MWh over a plant’s lifetime. It’s an essential benchmark and the reason why solar, wind, and offshore wind are now increasingly preferred in many markets. However, LCOE only tells us what it costs to produce electricity, not what it takes to deliver it when and where it’s needed. That’s where System-LCOE becomes critical. 🧩 What System-LCOE adds to the conversation System-LCOE reflects the broader cost of integrating energy into a functioning power system. This includes: - Backup capacity (e.g., hydropower, gas peakers) - Storage (batteries, hydrogen, thermal, etc.) - Grid upgrades and interconnection - Curtailment losses and balancing services This doesn’t make renewables "too expensive", but reminds us that energy systems need more than generation alone. The Norwegian perspective: our flexibility is a strength Norway is in a unique position. A flexible hydropower system provides natural balancing for intermittent energy sources, such as wind. That makes it easier and cheaper to integrate renewables at scale, a goal many other countries are actively pursuing, for instance, through battery deployment or hydrogen-based storage. This means Norwegian companies, technologies, and experience in system integration and flexibility are more relevant than ever. ⚠️ Why this nuance matters Comparing LCOE from solar in Spain with baseload gas in Southeast Asia doesn’t tell the whole story. System integration matters, and System-LCOE can often be 1.5–3 times higher than LCOE, depending on geography, grid structure, and generation mix. Norwegian companies must be prepared to address this complexity when advising or exporting and show how smart design and flexible technology can manage these costs. ✅ Bottom line To support our partners in making sound energy decisions, we must: - Go beyond LCOE when discussing costs - Highlight Norway’s strength in system-level thinking - Recognise that renewables are essential, and so is integration 📣 Next time you see that solar or wind is “the cheapest,” ask: Is that just the generation cost or the full cost of reliable energy delivery, including the cost of infrastructure? Is that the full answer, or is it still blowin’ in the wind 👍

Types of Sensors Used in PV Systems 1. Temperature Sensors - *Thermocouples*: Measure temperature of PV panels, inverters, and other components using thermoelectric effects. - *Types*: K-type, J-type, T-type - *Accuracy*: ±0.5°C to ±5°C - *Thermistors*: Measure temperature using resistance-temperature characteristics (NTC or PTC). - *Types*: NTC, PTC - *Accuracy*: ±0.5°C to ±5°C 2. Irradiance Sensors - *Pyranometers*: Measure solar irradiance (sunlight intensity) using thermopile or photovoltaic detectors. - *Spectral Response*: 300-2800 nm - *Accuracy*: ±5% to ±10% - *Reference cells*: Measure solar irradiance and temperature using calibrated photovoltaic cells. - *Accuracy*: ±5% to ±10% 3. Voltage and Current Sensors - *Voltage sensors*: Measure DC and AC voltage using voltage dividers, Hall effect sensors, or isolation amplifiers. - *Types*: Voltage dividers, Hall effect sensors, isolation amplifiers - *Accuracy*: ±0.1% to ±5% - *Current sensors*: Measure DC and AC current using Hall effect sensors, current transformers, or shunt resistors. - *Types*: Hall effect sensors, current transformers, shunt resistors - *Accuracy*: ±0.1% to ±5% 4. Weather Sensors - *Anemometers*: Measure wind speed and direction using cup, propeller, or ultrasonic sensors. - *Types*: Cup anemometers, propeller anemometers, ultrasonic anemometers - *Accuracy*: ±0.5 m/s to ±2 m/s - *Wind vanes*: Measure wind direction. - *Accuracy*: ±5° to ±10° - *Hygrometers*: Measure humidity using capacitive, resistive, or thermal sensors. - *Types*: Capacitive, resistive, thermal - *Accuracy*: ±2% to ±5% - *Rain sensors*: Measure precipitation and detect weather conditions. - *Types*: Capacitive, resistive - *Accuracy*: ±10% to ±20% - *Barometric pressure sensors*: Measure atmospheric pressure. - *Accuracy*: ±0.1% to ±1% 5. Performance Monitoring Sensors - *Power meters*: Measure energy production and consumption using digital signal processing and calculation algorithms. - *Accuracy Class*: Class 0.5 or Class 1 - *Energy meters*: Measure energy production, consumption, and grid feed-in using calibrated measurement circuits. - *Accuracy Class*: Class 0.5 or Class 1 Benefits of Sensors in PV Systems 1. *Optimized Performance*: Sensors help optimize system performance and energy production. 2. *Improved Safety*: Sensors detect potential issues, ensuring system safety. 3. *Increased Efficiency*: Sensors help identify areas for improvement. Applications of Sensors in PV Systems 1. *Monitoring*: Real-time monitoring of system performance and weather conditions. 2. *Control*: Adjusting system parameters to optimize performance. 3. *Maintenance*: Identifying potential issues and scheduling maintenance. Conclusion Sensors play a crucial role in PV systems, enabling optimized performance, improved safety, and increased efficiency.

A bold prediction no one wants to hear: Half of all commercial solar systems installed before 2016 will be underperforming or non-operational by 2030. The solar industry is obsessed with the future. Cutting-edge panels (bigger is better). Sleek batteries. Dazzling projections for new installs. But here's the reality we can't afford to ignore: a silent crisis unfolding on rooftops across America—a crisis I've been tackling firsthand since 2012, traveling the country with SunPower to address some of the industry’s most pressing system failures. Across the country, tens of thousands of rooftop solar systems—once hailed as the clean energy revolution—are quietly decaying. Not because the technology failed, but because the industry did. We rushed to install. We cut corners. We promised 25 years of performance… and delivered systems that can’t make it past 10. Here’s what’s killing them: Inverters are dying—many are already out of warranty, with no replacements available. Wiring and electrical infrastructure that was never designed for 25+ years of exposure. Install quality? Forget it—an army of barely trained crews built the boom, and now we’re paying the price. Maintenance? There was no plan. Just a contract, a handshake, and a hope it would all work out. This is not just an engineering issue—it's a financial one. Underperforming assets are generating less revenue than forecasted, while increasing the risk of electrical faults, fire hazards, and insurance claims. And here's the kicker: almost no one is ready to deal with this wave of system failures. Asset managers, facility owners, and even EPCs are discovering that repowering, remediation, or decommissioning is far more complex and expensive than expected. This is where the next frontier of solar energy lies—not in installing the next 100GW—it’s rescuing the first 100GW. Revitalization. Repowering. Responsible end-of-life planning. The question isn’t whether it’s coming. It’s whether we have the guts to face it. Are we going to keep pitching the dream— —or finally clean up the mess we left behind?

The UK wasted over £1 billion in 2024 turning off wind turbines. Why? Because our grid couldn’t handle the power. This is called curtailment—wind farms are paid to switch off when the grid is at capacity, even when the wind is blowing perfectly to generate power. The result? Billions wasted, and clean energy that could power homes and businesses… lost. And the customer ends up footing the bill for it. Why does it happen? 1. Outdated grid infrastructure means we can’t move power efficiently from wind farms (often in remote areas) to where it’s needed. 2. No storage solutions mean surplus energy goes to waste instead of being saved for later. 3. Imbalanced supply and demand during off-peak hours leaves the grid overloaded. So what needs to change? 1. Modernise the grid—upgrade transmission lines and add interconnectors. 2. Invest in storage—batteries, pumped hydro, or green hydrogen can hold excess energy for when we need it (more on this tomorrow) 3. Demand-side solutions—align energy use with generation through smarter pricing and flexible systems. This is needed to unleash the full potential of renewables, lowering energy bills, and ensuring a reliable, sustainable energy future. and will save us £1bn! We have the tech. We need the will. We need to stop wasting what we’re working so hard to generate.

𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 🌞 Imagine a compact container that, when deployed, expands to reveal solar panels capable of capturing sunlight and converting it into electrical energy. This portable power solution is designed for ease of transport and deployment, offering a flexible and eco-friendly alternative to traditional power sources, especially in areas lacking infrastructure or in need of temporary power solutions. 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 > Accessibility: Brings renewable energy to remote or underserved areas, improving access to electricity for diverse applications, from rural development to disaster relief. > Sustainability: Offers a clean energy alternative, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. > Versatility: Can be used for a wide range of applications, including temporary events, construction sites, and emergency power during outages or disasters. > Scalability: Modular nature allows for the customization of power capacity based on specific needs, making it suitable for both small-scale and larger power requirements. 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: > Cost Effectiveness: Initial investment and technology costs can be high, although these are likely to decrease as the technology matures and scales. > Weather Dependency: Solar power generation is contingent on sunlight, making it less reliable in cloudy or rainy conditions unless paired with energy storage solutions. > Maintenance and Durability: Regular maintenance is required to ensure efficiency, and the units must be durable enough to withstand transportation and varied environmental conditions. Compared to traditional fixed solar installations, mobile solar containers offer unparalleled flexibility and accessibility, making solar power feasible in transient or remote scenarios. However, for permanent installations with consistent energy needs, traditional solar panels might provide a more cost-effective and stable solution. What are your views on the potential of mobile solar energy solutions to transform access to renewable energy, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas? #innovation #renewableenergy #solarpower #sustainability #future

Datacenters are the foundation of our digital lives. They also create opportunities to demonstrate what’s possible when sustainability is treated as a design principle, not an afterthought. Teams around the world at Microsoft are tackling the energy and resource challenges of cloud computing head-on. In Europe alone, we’re implementing a variety of solutions: 🌱 Boosting biodiversity: Datacenters in the Netherlands are being designed with biomimicry principles, planting 150 native trees and 2,300 square meters of vegetation to restore habitats, improve water management, and reduce environmental impact. 💧 Saving water: We’re building datacenters in Spain with closed-loop cooling systems that fill once during construction and then continuously recirculate water between servers and chillers, eliminating the need for additional water and dramatically reducing consumption. 🔁 Cutting carbon: A new datacenter in Wales is being built using materials from a shuttered radiator factory, avoiding hundreds of tons of CO₂ emissions through smart reuse. ⚡ Stabilizing the grid: Across the Nordics, battery-backed systems help maintain steady grid frequency, making renewable energy easier to integrate and supporting a more resilient power supply. 🔥 Heating homes and businesses: Recovered heat from datacenters in Finland will help warm up to 250,000 homes and businesses through a municipal heating system. Denmark is setting up a similar system to extend the benefits of sustainable heating to more communities. Every day I am blown away by the creativity and ingenuity of these teams and our local partners. Check out these prime examples of this work. Read the latest story from Source to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gUtARfJ3 

It's great when there are opportunities to transition existing fossil fuel infrastructure to support the future energy system. Here's a prime example. The Port of Newcastle is one of the world's largest #coal ports. It is ideally located adjacent to the nearly 2,000 km2 Hunter #offshorewind zone, which is earmarked for 5 GW of offshore wind and will be the first in Australia to use floating turbines. A recent study has identified the port as a prime candidate for supporting the deployment of floating offshore wind, based on its deep draft navigation channel, available development area and absence of bridge infrastructure. The port has the physical characteristics to support the floating offshore wind industry not just in New South Wales but also the wider Australasia region, in a variety of roles including marshalling, assembly, staging as well as operations and maintenance. The study notes the port's strategic proximity the declared Hunter offshore wind zone as well as to the proposed Illawarra wind development zones, also in NSW, and other development zones in New Zealand and Victoria. #energy #sustainability #renewables #energytransition

Can these 2 meter turbines power our cities? 💡 (Capital cities are on board) Traditional wind energy faces a critical urban problem: ↳ Cities consume 78% of world's electricity ↳ Yet produce almost none locally due to space constraints ↳ Most buildings waste valuable surface area that could generate power That's when designer Joe Doucet saw a different path. Instead of massive turbines... He created Airiva - a sleek wall of mesmerizing 2-meter tall turbines. Here's how it works: a) Features sculptural helix-shaped blades instead of traditional propellers b) Blends seamlessly into existing architecture as artistic elements c) Modular design supports scalability for any space The applications are expanding rapidly: ↳ Commercial buildings and corporate campuses ↳ Airports and roadside installations capturing consistent wind flows ↳ Over 50 major cities have demonstrated interest The impact: ↳ Gets regulatory approval faster than traditional turbines ↳ With 40 turbines can power a small commercial building ↳ Provides resiliency against grid outages From a 2021 thought-experiment that captured global attention... ...to an urban wind revolution Sometimes powerful innovations don't have to sacrifice on aesthetics. Would you want these in your city? 📥 Follow me for daily insights on NatureTech and Nature Finance