Articles from Utility Dive

After Hurricane Maria in 2017, homes in Puerto Rico transformed into mini power plants. Residents started generating their own electricity using rooftop solar systems coupled with batteries for storage. This decentralized energy approach has turned home batteries into a crucial component of a reliable grid asset for the island.

The United States is collaborating with Westinghouse, Cameco, and Brookfield to deploy AP1000 nuclear reactors nationwide. This initiative is expected to generate over 100,000 construction jobs. The project aims to utilize advanced nuclear reactor technology to boost energy infrastructure in the country.

The article discusses the essential steps utilities must take to integrate generative AI at scale effectively. It highlights the importance of establishing the right architecture, developing a comprehensive data strategy, and ensuring compliance to enable safe and scalable AI use. The insights come from experts Vijay Narayan and Syama Sundar Peesapati at Cognizant.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that residential electricity prices rose by more than 6% in August, prompting concerns from developers, analysts, and policy professionals about rising costs. The increase is seen as a significant factor in the expected challenges within the construction industry. Key stakeholders are assessing the potential long-term impacts on both current and future projects. This situation reflects broader economic trends that could influence construction strategies and budgeting.

The article highlights the significance of energy efficiency and demand-side management in grid planning. It describes how these strategies bring flexibility, speed, and cost control to energy systems. Justin Mackovyak from ICF emphasizes their role in ensuring reliable grid operations while also fostering economic growth.

Portland General Electric is collaborating with the startup GridCARE to integrate AI-powered flexibility solutions to connect data centers to transmission-constrained grids. This collaboration aims to enable data centers to connect without waiting for new infrastructure to be developed. The initiative focuses on speeding up the process of data center connection while addressing current grid limitations.

Community benefits agreements (CBAs) can help energy and other project developers complete projects on time and within budget while gaining local support. By engaging with communities early, developers can mitigate risks associated with delays and cost overruns. Such agreements create a sense of shared value and responsibility between the project team and the community.

HACIA has launched a clean energy contractor incubator in Illinois. The initiative aims to support small and diverse businesses as the state advances towards a clean energy future. This program ensures that these businesses are included in new economic opportunities.

The article discusses the proposition by Ari Matusiak, founder and CEO of Rewiring America, suggesting that data center operators should finance residential electrification upgrades. This approach would provide high-efficiency homes with the necessary power, helping hyperscalers to secure the electricity they need. This strategy is positioned as a quick method for data centers to obtain reliable electrical capacity by investing in household upgrades.

Salt River Project has partnered with energy storage system company ESS to install a 50-MWh iron flow battery. The pilot project is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2027. ESS experienced a surge in stock price following the announcement.

The article discusses how value engineering can provide substantial benefits in EPC substation projects, focusing on achieving cost savings, enhancing quality, speeding up processes, and improving safety. These projects integrate various systems and components to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. By using value engineering, stakeholders can systematically evaluate project functions to achieve the best value for money spent.

The article discusses the importance of integrating agile technology into power grids to ensure a steady and reliable power supply. It highlights how smart steps and innovative solutions can enhance the resilience and adaptability of electrical grids. This approach is crucial in meeting the evolving demands of energy consumption and integrating renewable sources efficiently.