An $11 trillion global hydrogen energy boom is coming.
Long ago, oil and coal were discovered as useful when burned. This started us down the path of building a carbon and fossil-fueled economic world. Carbon is released when fossil fuels combust. Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are known greenhouse gases.
Hydrogen is not naturally occurring like coal and oil. No dinosaurs died and decomposed into hydrogen. Remember that water is oxygen with two hydrogen atoms (H20). So, hydrogen exists in large quantities and can be readily separated from water and natural gas.
Like any fuel, storage issues must be addressed along with economic considerations. Just as technology investments caused wind and solar to become the power generation choice over coal and gas-fired generation. Technology has advanced to the point that a hydrogen energy cycle (extraction, storage, combustion, and conversion to electricity) is economic. The hydrogen option is becoming especially advantageous to countries that don’t have fossil fuels to extract. Fortunately, they have water and access to natural gas as alternatives to create hydrogen.
As electricity usage grows (powering cars, trucks, etc.) and climate change is addressed, alternatives to the carbon power cycle are needed. Technology has already made wind and solar the power generating choice for many. Hydrogen seems poised to add to the solution.
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.cnbc.com/2020/11/01/how-salt-caverns-may-trigger-11-trillion-hydrogen-energy-boom-.html
The United States of Energy Production
So, how do we generate electricity? It’s becoming more and more of a local state issue. Technology is certainly driving cost reductions and adopting alternatives.
Every state has changed its percentage of how electricity is generated over the last 10 years.
In some cases, dramatically. Consider how Iowa generated electricity from 2001 to 2019:
The major trends:
- Coal is not economically competitive against wind and natural gas.
- Wind is the most economical electric generation option in most states.
- Natural gas production and its use grew in all states.
- Solar power is fastest growing in the Southwest.
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.
Check out your state: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/28/climate/how-electricity-generation-changed-in-your-state-election.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage
How Covid-19 Has Changed The Way Americans Use Energy
Among many discussions during Covid-19, energy is a common topic for businesses and households alike. We’ve seen many make the move to home offices and remote school, changing energy consumption and sales. During the 2nd quarter, usage decreased 4% overall in the US. Hospitals increased power consumption 600% while the industrial sector dropped 9% and the commercial sector dropped 11%. Certain areas such as Hawaii showed the biggest decrease in usage due to their large hospitality-based economy. We are constantly learning how to acclimate to changes and come up with innovative ideas. Huge offices empty for months are being converted into lab space as we have an increased need for research and testing. As we continue navigating this pandemic, energy use will continue evolving and adapting in new ways.
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.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2020/10/28/the-coronavirus-uneven-effects-on-energy-use-in-america/#912b36241796
One company’s grand plan to help suppliers club together to buy green energy
What do long-term global or local businesses do when they see a problem? They solve it.
Climate change impacts lives today and is forecasted to accelerate its negative impact through increased storms, draught, fire, and hurricanes. Using the tools and abilities within their disposal, governments and businesses have responded to face this challenge.
Governments around the world agreed collectively to reduce emissions; see the Paris Agreement. The goal is for each country to reduce its emissions over 50 years.
Businesses are moving to reduce their carbon emissions by committing to renewable energy. A large company example is Walmart. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and Walmart committed to sustainable energy. Fast forward to 2020, that commitment has translated to reduced waste and 29% of its electricity coming from renewables. Walmart’s aim is to use its initiative to create an alliance of companies that commit to renewable energy regardless of size called the Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance.
Seeing a problem and addressing it provides for opportunities. Walmart is reducing costs to operate its business while reducing waste and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Win-Win-Win.
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.cnbc.com/2020/10/23/walmart-wants-suppliers-to-buy-renewable-energy-collectively.html
Fight Robo-Scams
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) advocates for Illinois’ citizens. They fight utility rate hikes, promote environmentally friendly programs, and keep their consumers informed. Last month, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement denouncing a robocall that told residents if they vote by mail, their information will be shared with various organizations.
CUB created a guide full of information on how to reduce calls from scammers and what not to do when you receive these calls. This is updated to warn you of the most recent scams people have encountered. For example: voting misinformation, government imposters, electric rip offs, bogus COVID-19 tests, and more. You can order a free copy or a printer- friendly version here which offers tips on avoiding scams that would rob you financially and/or of your rights.
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.citizensutilityboard.org/
How Duke’s Unique Energy Landscape Dictates Its Path to Net Zero
Based in North Carolina, Duke Energy’s customer usage is double in comparison to other areas around the country since most rely highly on electric appliances for both cooling and heating. Duke must be able to compensate enough energy for peaks of high loads throughout both winter and summer.
Some unique circumstances must be overcome if they continue planning to reach 50% carbon reduction by 2030. Options are limited, costly, and will require years of planning and building. Solar generation is weak due to low output during winter when there have been weeks on end of only 20% yield. Wind farms aren’t as reliable in the Southeast unless locations are offshore. However, Duke’s major load centers are inland. They would need to invest in transmission lines plus battery installations. Plans are already in motion to upgrade their pumped hydro storage as they are the most reliable long-duration storage system. This will ensure long term needs are met and will help Duke’s journey to reducing carbon.
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.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/how-duke-energys-southeastern-service-territory-dictates-its-path-to-zero-carbon
Converting solar energy to hydrogen fuel, with help from photosynthesis
The search for new ways to provide energy and more of it is a constant concern for multiple industries. A team at the Israel Institute of Technology has developed a new efficiency record for converting solar to fuel. They’ve begun to incorporate photosynthesis to increase this development. Using sunlight, they are driving chemical reactions to turn water into hydrogen fuel. Challenges are the multi-step processes and ensuring material stability. Various approaches have been taken into consideration to convert solar energy into fuel. Developments have surpassed records in photocatalysis and they are well on the way to viably converting solar to hydrogen. The team’s discoveries are a breakthrough and are leading researchers to further solar-to-chemical conversions.
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://phys.org/news/2020-08-solar-energy-hydrogen-fuel-photosynthesis.html
Solarize Chicagoland group-buy program bears fruit even in rough times
Environmental benefits and lower energy bills are a main draw for solar customers. Solarize Chicagoland’s participants reap those pros and then some. For those that find researching options and requirements to be laborious, this group-buy program might just gain your attention. They have support through each step of the solar installation process and their developer is accounted for. Windfree Solar was approved by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and partners. Plus, with more customers partaking, there’s an increase in savings and extra rebates through federal and state incentive programs. Helping the environment, increasing home value, decreasing monthly costs, and benefiting the community are valued aspects of the Solarize Chicagoland program.
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/2020/07/29/midwest/solarize-chicagoland-group-buy-program-bears-fruit-even-in-rough-times/
WattScale is an open source AI tool that identifies energy-wasting homes
It’s no secret that artificial intelligence can have both pros and cons depending on the application. However, this tool seems to improve multiple concerns with potential to address even more issues. Researchers developed WattScale using AI to help consumers reduce their carbon footprint. The program recognizes a building’s energy efficiency or in many cases, its inefficiency. Addressing various ways on how businesses and homes can make changes to better their energy usage will save consumers money on their bills as well as create a lower environmental impact. WattScale also plans to incorporate satellite data in the future to forecast, build patterns, and further investigate tracking energy savings and effectiveness.
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://venturebeat.com/2020/07/07/wattscale-is-an-open-source-ai-tool-that-identifies-energy-wasting-homes/
Fossil Fuels Make Up 84 Percent Of The Global Energy Market
BP released it’s annual report of global energy data. A new record in energy consumption was set for the 10th consecutive year. Fossil fuels still account for the primary energy consumption globally with oil, coal, and natural gas. Unfortunately, emissions has grown again but coal usage has decreased to the lowest level in 16 years. Green energy was the largest share of the increase overall, with wind being the largest contributor and solar a close second. While the U.S. and Germany had the largest decline in consumption growth worldwide, China’s consumption of renewables was the highest with the US and Japan following behind.
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/Fossil-Fuels-Make-Up-84-Percent-Of-The-Global-Energy-Market.html