Weekend reads - Smart Energy Decisions

Energy Storage, Microgrids, Regulation, Sourcing Renewables  -  August 8, 2020

Weekend reads: Turning stale beer into energy in Australia; The future of energy storage tech

It's the weekend! Kick back and catch up with these must-read articles from around the web.

What Is Next For Energy Storage Technology? (Forbes) 2019 was another blockbuster year for energy storage deployment. One question seems to stay at the forefront: When will we see a real competitor to lithium-ion? While there is no clear front-runner today to knock lithium-ion off its podium, there are many technologies that have the potential to be the next breakthrough. Energy storage is referred to as the "holy grail" of renewable energy, as it gives solar and wind energy the ability to generate electricity 24/7. The need to shift energy from daytime to nighttime is critical for solar energy to compete with fossil fuels. Once these costs of shifting electricity reach grid parity, it is likely that solar and storage will replace many of today's fossil fuel generators.

Electrifying transportation will jumpstart the U.S. economy and protect public health (The Hill) As our nation continues to reel from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that getting America back to work as safely and as quickly as possible is the key to surviving the current crisis and thriving in the future. Stimulus measures under consideration in Congress have to be bold, sweeping and comprehensive if we want to create jobs, unleash innovation and protect public health as we try to restart the U.S. economy. In order to take on this once-in-a-generation cataclysm, we have to make a significant federal commitment to clean energy and zero emissions transportation.

Is renewable hydrogen set to revolutionize the grid? (E&E News) In his clean energy plan last month, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden called for a ramp-up in research on renewable hydrogen, which in theory could be a transformative, emissions-free fuel source for everything from cars to cement making. That preceded Microsoft Corp. joining a global hydrogen industry group as steering member and utility giant Florida Power & Light Co. announcing last week that it would build its first "green" hydrogen plant. The moves, along with recent European projects, are highlighting a debate about whether renewable or "green" hydrogen — produced from carbon-free energy sources — is ready for prime time or is overhyped.

August solar policy snapshots (Solar Power World) A guide to recent legislation and research throughout the country. Climate groups take legal action against Arizona utility for raising rooftop solar customer rates. Yale poll finds most New Jerseyans support proposals included in Clean Energy Equity Act. Senator Mitch McConnell does not include clean energy COVID-relief in initial proposal.

'Liquid Gold': Stale Beer Turned Into Renewable Energy in Australia (EuroNews) Millions of litres of beer have been lying stale in Australia’s pubs and clubs amid the coronavirus pandemic. But, rather than let it all go to waste, the expired beer is being converted into renewable energy to help power a wastewater treatment plant. Turning beer into energy isn’t as complicated as you might think. The beer biodegrades under high temperatures in large digester tanks, using natural bacterial processes which release biogas. This biogas, in turn, generates electricity.

Keywords: Weekend reads

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