Amazon Announces Three New Renewable Energy Projects
One of the largest internet retailers announced a huge step in its venture towards a green future. Amazon, your favorite online retailer is investing in several solar projects to continue with plans to cut their carbon footprint. The three new projects will be in Spain, Virginia, and Illinois. Combined, they will produce about 700,000 MWh annually; enough to power over 67,000 homes. These are in addition to the existing 70 clean energy projects they have around the world. Amazon’s goal is to use 100% renewable energy by 2030 and net zero carbon by 2040 as stated in their sustainability commitment “The Climate Pledge”. We look forward to seeing them hit their target and hope similar companies follow suit.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191202006013/en/Amazon-Announces-New-Renewable-Energy-Projects-Spain
Powerhouse building produces more energy than it needs
Cities around the world are ensuring a greener future through various requirements. One way is to confirm new construction meets certain emissions standards. Trondheim, Norway is home to a building that produces surplus clean energy which feeds into the surrounding micro-grid. As aesthetically pleasing as it is, the structure’s shape optimizes solar production and is built with intentionally placed materials that will be re-used at the end of its life cycle. We look forward to seeing similar structures created globally with the same focus on renewable energy.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.corporateknights.com/channels/built-environment/powerhouse-produces-energy-needs-giving-back-community-15722857/
Tech Breakthrough Could Spark A Geothermal Energy Boom
One of the cleanest energy sources, geothermal energy, recently had a breakthrough in exploration. Finding sites to drill has been one of the main challenges especially when searching underwater. Researchers discovered a method to ease that task. Geochemical data along with the charting of lake floors in the new system were not previously possible. It can provide more precise locations and essential information for harvesting this green energy.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Tech-Breakthrough-Could-Spark-A-Geothermal-Energy-Boom.html#
Secretive energy startup backed by Bill Gates achieves solar breakthrough
Concentrated solar power has never made enough heat to be used in certain industrial processes such as creating cement, steel, or glass.
Until now.
Bill Gates’ startup Heliogen uses technology that uncovered the ability to generate heat over 1,000°C. Using their software and materials, greenhouse emissions can be dramatically decreased in the industry that creates “more than a fifth of global emissions”.
Although the investment may be high at first, it will save companies money while also providing green heat. Among these developments, Heliogen is also using their discoveries to produce clean hydrogen and further their renewable energy uses.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/19/business/heliogen-solar-energy-bill-gates/index.html
Virtual power plants could solve renewable energy’s biggest problem
Unpredictable weather can be a problem for renewable energy sources such as those that rely on clear skies or a steady wind. A virtual power plant can potentially close the gap between those challenges without supplements from fossil fuels. By connecting various sources of clean energy production, generation, and storage through a cloud-based platform, these aspects can be controlled to ensure adequate energy meets distribution needs.
Forecasts, production and storage data along with market prices help match demand with supply in real time. However, it is not without faults and finding a balance between all locations is key. Cyber security is also a threat and must be a priority investment. Another large step towards a green energy future in the making.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.channel3000.com/news/virtual-power-plants-could-solve-renewable-energys-biggest-problem/1140159601
Wind Energy supplies nearly 7% of US Electric Demand
There are many ways to measure growth such as this table showing how wind energy went from near 0% to over 7% in less than 9 years.
During that same time, coal declined by half as solar increased by 2%.
During this period, US electric consumption increased by 10%.
If you have followed any technology over the last several years, you are aware that natural gas and solar use has increased but wind is the real story.
Wind energy is the least costly energy source in the US. This fact is not a political statement but can be verified by any US utility that sought competitive bids for energy supply in the last 9 years.
The forecast is more of the same. This shift in energy production occurred without tapping the largest wind energy resource utilized by Asia and Europe: off-shore wind.
Wind energy requires jobs. For every loss of a coal job, at least 1.5 jobs were added in wind and clean energy. However, job losses and gains were typically not in the same areas.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information:
https://www.awea.org/2018-market-report_us-wind-power-grew-8-percent-in-2018
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Growth_of_wind_power_in_the_United_States
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/31/us-wind-energy-capacity-now-over-100-gigawatts-says-new-report.html
An Energy Breakthrough Could Store Solar Power for Decades
Storing renewable energy is one thing. Releasing it in the form of heat, is another. Releasing it decades after being captured is a whole new frontier. Swedish scientists have discovered a way to do so with an energy-trapping molecule and a system to outshine lithium-ion batteries. Another innovation developed by the same team is a transparent coating that collects solar energy and releases heat. Imagine the ways we could use these products… transportation, clothing, buildings, cooking, etc. With more funding and research, hopefully we will see these systems available to consumers within the next few years.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-04/moth-poulsen-s-energy-trapping-molecule-could-solve-solar-storage
Michigan energy regulators aim to prioritize ‘action’ over ‘fancy reports’
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) and Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently launched the MI Power Grid. The initiative is to adapt to changes brought on by increased use of renewable resources. Plans for the next year concentrate on customer engagement, emerging technology, and grid investments. Integrating interconnection rules, demand response, grid security and reliability, and pilot programs are part of the focus while engaging Michigan customers to participate. The MPSC is adamant that they aren’t just discussing change but, actually making sure advancements are made.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://energynews.us/2019/10/28/midwest/michigan-energy-regulators-aim-to-prioritize-action-over-fancy-reports/
PacifiCorp to add 7 GW renewables + storage, close 20 of 24 coal plants
One of the largest utilities in the US, PacifiCorp will shut down 20 of their 24 coal plants and replace them with 7,000 MW of renewable generation.
This is a common story.
Renewable energy is LESS expensive than CONTINUING the operation of coal fired generation.
PacifiCorp is making these plans public and will be enacting them between 2025-2038.
The reason for the slow progress is this change requires 800 miles of transmission and the construction of wind, solar, and battery backup in the following 4 states.
New solar and storage resources include:
- Utah: 3,000 MW solar with 635 MW of battery storage capacity, between 2020 and 2037
- Wyoming: 1,415 MW solar with 354 MW of battery storage capacity, between 2024 and 2038
- Oregon: 1,075 MW solar with 244 MW of battery storage capacity, between 2020 and 2033
- Washington: 814 MW solar with 204 MW of battery storage capacity, between 2024 and 2036.
…and yes, all of this costs LESS than keeping the existing coal plants operating!
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/pacificorp-to-add-7-gw-renewables-storage-close-20-of-24-coal-plants/564299/
Micro Power Grids Emerge as Way to Keep Electricity on During Shutoffs
California residents recently underwent massive blackouts due to PG&E’s decision to shut down power in hopes to decrease the wildfire risk. Hundreds of thousands were left without power for days. However, Fremont, CA installed “a microgrid, a small, self-contained electrical system, around a fire station”. Using solar panels, batteries and a generator, they can operate independently and focus on public safety. These microgrids are better for the environment, save customers money on energy bills, and provide safety nets for many that require electricity. The CA Public Utility Commission is exploring similar projects to see how these technologies could be implemented, especially for blackout situations.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer in the states of Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 7 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations.
Additional Information: https://www.kqed.org/science/1948951/micro-power-grids-emerging-as-a-way-to-keep-power-on-during-shutoffs