Energy Vault launches Gravity-based energy storage

By Olaborede Olugbenga Israel

The gravity-based system mentioned above has been devised by a company called Energy Vault. It uses the energy produced when renewable generation is high to raise 30-tonne bricks into the air inside a special building.

Why? Well, elevating the bricks results in them storing what is known as potential energy. This is similar to the kind of energy held in a spring when you stretch it – releasing the spring releases the energy stored. In the case of the Energy Vault system, once the raised brick is lowered, it releases kinetic energy that can be fed into power grids.

The blocks are all stored within modular buildings that can be built up in units of 10 megawatt-hour to whatever size is required.

Pumped hydro energy storage

Hydropower is by far the world’s biggest source of renewable electricity generation.

Hydropower accounts for more than 60% of global renewable energy generation.

Hydropower accounts for more than 60% of global renewable energy generation. Image: Our World in Data

Pumped hydroelectric storage operates according to similar principles to gravity-based energy storage. It pumps water from a lower reservoir into a higher reservoir, and can then release this water and pass it downwards through turbines to generate power as and when required.

Water is pumped to the higher reservoir at times when electricity demand and prices are low. It is released when electricity demand rises.

Pumped hydroelectric storage. renewable energy

Pumped hydroelectric storage operates according to similar principles to gravity-based energy storage. It pumps water from a lower reservoir into a higher reservoir, and can then release this water and pass it downwards through turbines to generate power as and when required. Water is pumped to the higher reservoir at times when electricity demand and prices are low. It is released when electricity demand rises. Image: International Hydropower Association

Pumped storage hydropower makes up 94% of the world’s energy storage, the International Hydropower Association says, adding that studies suggest a significant potential to scale this up even further.

What about storing energy in compressed air?

While pumped hydro moves water upwards, compressed air energy storage (CAES) involves moving energy underground.

It works by using surplus power to run a rotary compressor that condenses air. This highly pressurized air is then packed into an underground cavern or container and can later be released, heated and expanded in a turbine to generate power.

Compressed air energy storage. renewable energy

Compressed air energy storage involves moving highly pressurized air into underground caverns. Image: European Association for Storage of Energy

This approach has been in use since the 1870s, but there are only two commercial-scale CAES plants in operation worldwide – one in the US that was commissioned in 1991 and one in Germany that launched in 1978.

Renewable energy cannot provide steady and interrupted flows of electricity – making energy storage increasingly

By Kolawole Yemisi Victoria

The world is set to add as much renewable power over 2022-2027 as it did in the past 20, according to the International Energy Agency.

This is making energy storage increasingly important, as renewable energy cannot provide steady and interrupted flows of electricity.

Here are four innovative ways we can store renewable energy without batteries.

Giant bricks are not what most people think of when they hear the words “energy storage”, but they are a key element of a gravity-based system that could help the world manage an increasing dependence on renewable electricity generation.

Global renewable capacity could rise as much in 2022-2027 as it did in the previous 20 years, according to the International Energy Agency. This makes energy storage increasingly important, as renewable energy cannot provide steady and interrupted flows of electricity – the sun does not always shine, and the wind does not always blow. As a result, we need to find ways of storing excess power when wind turbines are spinning fast, and solar panels are getting plenty of rays.

Batteries would seem to be the obvious solution, but there are several obstacles to be overcome first, including high prices and a lack of standardization around technical requirements, as Deloitte points out.

Here are four innovative ways we can store renewable energy without batteries.

Total renewable electricity capacity additions, 2001-2027

Graph showing the renewable electricity capacity additions

Global renewable capacity could rise as much in 2022-27 as it did in the previous 20 years.

Green Hydrogen: Australia at risk of being overwhelmed in US, Middle East

 

By Olaborede Olugbenga Israel

Australia’s natural renewable energy advantage in the race to create a green hydrogen industry is at risk of being overwhelmed by “huge and aggressive” policy support in the US and the Middle East, according to Fortescue Future Industries’ Guy Debelle.

Debelle, formerly FFI’s chief financial officer and now serving as a director, said the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was mostly aimed at accelerating decarbonisation and was “one of the largest pieces of industrial policy we’ve ever seen”. Without a formal spending cap, it could eventually top $US1trillion ($1.44tn).

“It’s not just money,” Debelle told a gathering of business economists in Sydney on Wednesday. “It’s actually people, it’s expertise and knowhow, which [are] migrating to the US.”

Oil-rich Middle Eastern nations had also “seen the writing on the wall” of a shift off fossil fuels and were pouring resources and making land available for firms to tap renewable energy resources and develop a hydrogen sector.

“There’s a risk that, despite Australia’s great comparative advantages in green energy, the US and the Middle East are going to eat our lunch,” Debelle, who was also formerly a deputy governor of the Reserve Bank, said.

The Australian’s back-of-the-envelope green hydrogen figures are overblown and forget climate impact | Temperature Check

Many nations are investing heavily in hydrogen as an alternative fuel to oil, gas and coal. Debelle said the US spending had the potential to lower the cost of making hydrogen from $6/kilogram to $2.50/kg. That would be comparable to fossil fuels.

One outcome for Australia, if governments didn’t provide “a more targeted response”, was that markets to the north such as Japan and South Korea – which had relatively poor renewable energy resources – would be snapped up by the US or other rivals.

“I’m really concerned that we are missing out on a huge opportunity,” he said.

Debelle also warned Australian businesses to focus on reducing their greenhouse gas emissions directly, rather than relying on buying carbon offsets to try to cancel them out.

Those “misaligned decarbonisation incentives” could leave firms vulnerable to higher costs as carbon credits “will get more expensive”, he said. Future market restrictions, such as from the European Union, could also leave them vulnerable if they had not cut emissions.

“I’m concerned about people waiting for long … and that means we don’t get the nascent industry off the ground here,” Debelle said, adding he could foresee companies scrambling to find alternatives “but the solutions take three or four years to build”.

In Australia, scale could determine which localities succeeded in fostering a hydrogen industry. Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia were more likely to have the size for exports, given their solar and wind resources.

States such as NSW, though, had the scope to supply local industries. Fortescue Future Industries, for instance, was working with AGL Energy to repurpose its Liddell coal-fired power station after it shuts completely by April.

“The grid’s already set up,” Debelle said, explaining the Hunter Valley plant’s appeal.

Paul Barrett, chief executive for Hysata, a company developing electrolysis cells based on University of Wollongong research, said the US support included $US1bn for hydrogen electroliser production in an infrastructure bill.

“We could really be left behind in the race to net zero” emissions by 2050, he said.

Still, with ample renewable energy and land, a long coastline and access to key minerals from iron ore to lithium, Australia was well-placed to be competitive. “We truly are the lucky country,” Barrett said.

Hysata, meanwhile, was “ahead of plans” reported by Guardian Australia last year in its bid to produce electrolysis with a 95% efficiency. The devices use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

The company is able to produce a kilogram with 41.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity, about 20% better than the industry standard of about 52KWh/kg, Barrett said.

What is liquid air energy storage?

 

By Kolawole Yemisi Victoria

Instead of storing energy in compressed air, it can also be stored in liquid air. This is done using excess renewable energy to power a liquefier, which cools and compresses air into a liquid form at -196°C.

This is then stored in a tank until it is needed, at which point it can be released, heated and turned into a gas that powers electricity turbines.

A key benefit of liquid air energy storage (LAES) is it uses existing technology that is readily available and has a lifetime of over 30 years. On the downside, changing the state of energy in this way leads to energy losses and reduces LAES efficiency to 50-70%. This is much less efficient than lithium-ion batteries, which are around 99% efficient, and could jeopardize the viability of LAES.

However, UK firm Highview Power recently announced plans to build the world’s first commercial-scale LAES plant.

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China's rebound is the biggest unknown facing oil markets, IEA chief says

 

By Olaborede Olugbenga Israel

The International Energy Agency's executive director said Friday that the biggest uncertainty facing global energy markets is the extent to which China rebounds from its extended closure.

"China's economy is rebounding now. How strong this advantage will be will decide the oil and gas market dynamics," Fatih Birol told CNBC Friday.

In its latest monthly Oil Market Report published Wednesday, the energy agency said it expects global oil demand to pick up in 2023, with China accounting for a substantial portion of the projected increase.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

The International Energy Agency's executive director said Friday that the biggest uncertainty facing global energy markets is the extent to which China rebounds from its extended closure.

Currently, oil markets are "balanced," Fatih Birol told CNBC's Hadley Gamble at the Munich Security Conference. But producers are awaiting signals on forthcoming demand from the world's second largest economy and largest crude oil importer.

"For me, the biggest answer to the energy markets in the next months to come is [from] China," Birol said, noting a major drop-off in the country's oil and gas demand during its pandemic lockdowns.

In its latest monthly Oil Market Report published Wednesday, the energy agency said it anticipates global oil demand will pick up in 2023, with China accounting for a substantial portion of the projected increase.

Oil deliveries are expected to rise by 1.1 million barrels a day to hit 7.2 million barrels a day over the course of 2023, with total demand reaching a record 101.9 million barrels a day, the IEA noted.

If it's a very strong rebound, there may be a need that oil producers will increase their production.

Fatih Birol.

"China's economy is rebounding now," Birol noted. "How strong this advantage will be will decide the oil and gas market dynamics."

He added, "If it's a very strong rebound, there may be a need that oil producers will increase their production."

The IEA chief said that OPEC+ countries, as well as other major oil producing nations such at the U.S., Brazil and Guyana, were poised to ramp up output to meet that demand, should it be needed.

Asked whether President Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) — with its package of funding aimed at incentivizing clean energies — could stymy production increases in the U.S., Birol said this was unlikely.

"I think it's beyond the government's policies. There is huge, huge money to be made," he said, citing record profits posted by global oil and gas companies in the past year.

IRA the 'most important' climate action since Paris 2015

Birol insisted that the IRA was playing a vital role in accelerating the global clean energy transition, once again hailing it as the "single most important climate action since the Paris agreement [of] 2015."

The IEA head said that the global energy crisis, prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was "supercharging" the transition to clean energies.

He added that he expects other countries and regions will soon unveil similar clean energy investment packages.

"I'm sure, sooner or later, Europe will come with a similar energy package," he said.

"We are entering a new industrial age: the age of clean energy technology manufacturing," he remarked, citing wind, solar and nuclear energy technologies. "Those will be the key words for the next years to come."

HEALTH: Province hopes to bring more international nurses to Alberta

By Kolawole Yemisi Victoria

Expanding Alberta's health-care capacity will require more workers, including front-line nurses. But after two years of long, hard shifts, there's worry that a shortage is imminent. As Dan Grummett reports, young people are stepping up but can't fill all of the gaps 

The province is to invest more than $15 million to train and support more internationally educated nurses, like Uche Nechi, who trained in Nigeria and had to wait nearly five years before she was able to resume her career in Alberta.

“At some point you have to think about ‘OK, I really wanted this but it’s about a balance of life and family,'” Nechi, who graduated last month and is working in Calgary, told a news conference.

The plan, initially announced in October, includes $7.8 million allowing students to access up to $30,000 in bursaries. The remainder of the funds will create 600 new seats for nurse bridging programs at Bow Valley College and Mount Royal University in Calgary and NorQuest College in Edmonton.

“Access to financial support like the bursary announced today help alleviate some of the stress so internationally educated nurses like me can focus more on our education and less on paying our bills,” said Nechi.

Bursary recipients are required to complete a year of nursing service in Alberta for every $6,000 received. It is to become available in the 2023-24 academic year.

Health: Internationally educated nurses face long wait-list to gain accreditation.

 

By Olaborede Olugbenga Israel

Alberta’s advanced education minister said many internationally educated nurses face long wait-lists and significant financial barriers to gain accreditation.

“Albertans need more nurses and there are hundreds of internationally educated nurses who want to come live and work in Alberta,” said Demetrios Nicolaides.

Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping said programs can cost tens of thousands of dollars and it can take years to get into a bridging program to attain the necessary licence.

“The financial hurdles many face when looking to align their training with Alberta standards can also add to the stress and anxiety created coming to a new province and a new country to work,” he said.

Once an international student is able to get into a program, it usually takes between 10 and 14 months to complete.

Many of the nurses come from the Philippines and other Asian countries, the United Kingdom, the United States and parts of the Caribbean.

Alberta signed a memorandum of understanding with the Philippines last year.

Philippines Consul General Zaldy Patron said there are many nurses from his country waiting to practise in Alberta.

“In the process, they will be able to provide the warm bodies and the front-line service that Alberta’s health-care system needs so much at this time.”

Naira Redesign Policy: Bayelsa Govt Asks CSOs To Apologise Over False Allegation

 

Says Governor Not G-10 Member

Bayelsa State government has demanded unreserved apology from a group of civil society organisations (CSOs) under the aegis of the Civil Society Organisations Central Coordinating Council over a false allegation against Governor Douye Diri.

The CSOs through its member, Gabriel Ojemena, alleged at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday that Governor Diri was among a group of 10 governors (G-10) opposing President Muhammadu Buhari on the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CSOs also claimed that the 10 governors were disrespectful of Mr. President and planning to make the country ungovernable if the policy was not reversed.

These are not only unfounded and baseless allegations but they are also annoying and provocative. 

It is even more ridiculous and insensitive coming at a time the governor is mourning the passing of his father. 

The government is particularly dismayed that CSOs that should be better informed rather yielded themselves as agent-provocateur to misinform Nigerians.

The government urges the CSOs to go study the papers that some states filed at the Supreme Court on the new notes suit instead of spreading falsehood.

For the avoidance of doubts, Governor Diri is not opposed to the Naira re-design policy of the CBN or the Federal Government. What he is opposed to is the hardship the implementation of the policy has visited on Nigerians.

When he spoke publicly for the first time about the policy a week ago, it was at a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kaduna South senatorial campaign launch at Zonkwa in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State. His comments in support of the policy were unflattering and unambiguous.

Governor Diri said at the rally: “We have to reset this country. The way the country is going is not about religion and ethnicity. It is about a few people that have taken the wealth of this country to themselves.

“While we are not in support of the common man suffering as a result of the sudden CBN policy, that policy will change not only our currency but our attitude towards everything as leaders.

“While we plead with the CBN to ensure that our people do not suffer, the other side, those of them who have bullion vans, who are prepared to buy over the presidency, the CBN policy is Holy Ghost fire on them. That is why they are shouting. Why are they shouting as if it affects them more than us?

“All the CBN is saying is that anybody who does not earn money should not have money in bullion vans to go and buy over our voters. That is all the CBN has said and we support that policy. However, make the money available to those who have earned it through their farms, trading and their legitimate business. That is all we are saying.”

The aforementioned quote as published in Thisday of Tuesday, February 7, 2023 not only summed up the governor’s position but also reinforced the CBN’s stand on the policy.

The Bayelsa government thus challenges the CSOs, if their motive was not a hatchet job that eventually misfired, to show contrary proof.

If their intention was not borne out of mischief, why include Governor Diri, a PDP governor, among his colleagues of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that are purportedly against a decision taken by their ruling party in government?

By his disposition, Governor Diri at all times, in his deeds and actions, promotes the peace and unity of Nigeria. He would therefore not engage in any activity that would undermine his party or even the corporate existence of the country.

PAP: Those Fighting Us Are Resisting Our Reforms – Ndiomu

 

By Our Correspondent

Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd), has disclosed that those peddling lies and sponsoring frivolous petitions against his administration, are resistant to the reforms and changes he has brought on board.

 

General Ndiomu stated this over the weekend during the PAP meeting with Niger Delta Traditional Rulers, held at the BON Hotel, Warri, Delta State, with the theme: ‘Peace and Security in the Region’.

 

The PAP boss told the monarchs who were led by HRM, King Joseph Timiyan, the Paramount Ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom, that if he had maintained status quo and allowed the “irregularities” discovered in capturing beneficiaries of the Programme to continue, he would have failed from the onset.

 

“It is difficult to bring about change when people are used to certain ways that brings them benefits, even if the ways does not conform with the purpose for which that Programme was set up in the first place”.

 

The PAP boss added that the decision to delist beneficiaries was geared towards sanitizing the system and ensure transparency going forward.

 

Speaking on the financial records of the PAP, Ndiomu informed that his administration has almost cleared inherited debts from past administrations.

 

He added that the PAP under his leadership has initiated talks with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies to absolve graduates and non-graduates from the region. He said before the end of March this year, another set of ex-agitators will be employed into the Federal Civil Service.

 

The IA further told the monarchs that the PAP is leveraging on the Pipeline Surveillance Contract currently being handled by Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services, to absorb a critical number of ex-agitators.

 

In his brief remarks, King Timiyan who also doubles as the Chairman of Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, Delta State, regretted that past leaderships of the PAP dealt directly with ex-agitators without consulting them.

 

He thus commended Ndiomu for recognising the importance of royal fathers in the Amnesty process. “The current leadership of the Amnesty Programme is a bit different, and I think he (Ndiomu) is going to do better,” the monarch stated.

 

The traditional rulers jointly endorsed the capacity of Ndiomu, while they called for an open-door policy to allow for easy and “time-to-time” conversation. They also noted that his giant strides is the reason for “petitions flying up and down”.

 

Ndiomu’s latest meeting with traditional rulers in the region follows a series of strategic stakeholders engagement aimed at changing the negative narratives of the PAP.