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The POWER Interview: Fluence Exec Offers Insight on Energy Storage

August 23, 2022

There’s global growth in energy storage. The latest evidence is a report that BlackRock, the New York-based asset manager and a major player in energy sector, is ready to buy Akyasha Energy, an Australian company that specializes in battery storage and renewable energy projects.

BlackRock in an Aug. 16 news release said it would commit about $ 700 million to develop more than 1 GW of battery energy storage. The group said it would at a future date expand Akyaysha projects across Taiwan and Japan.

Virginia-based Fluence, a battery energy storage system (BESS) integrator launched in 2018 by Siemens and AES, and with offices worldwide, has become a global leader in the development of energy storage products and services, and also is active in the Australian market—along with helping drive U.S. adoption of storage. The company, part of some of the largest U.S. BESS installations, earlier this month said it is setting up a new contract manufacturing facility in Utah to serve the U.S.…

Operating Energy Systems in a War-Torn Country: DTEK Prepares for Winter

August 19, 2022

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While much of the world lives life as usual, DTEK—the largest private investor in Ukraine’s energy sector—is focused on providing reliable service amidst war and uncertainty.

“Today, the major topic for us is to provide stability in durations of electricity sector in Ukraine and also do everything possible to prepare for winter season,” DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko said during a press briefing on Aug. 18.

DTEK’s companies are involved in coal and natural gas extraction; electricity generation from wind, solar, and thermal power plants; energy resources trading in national and international markets; distributing and supplying electricity to consumers; providing energy efficiency services to customers; and developing high-speed charging station networks. It employs about 60,000 people, and has been recognized as one of Ukraine’s best employers by EY (the international auditing company) and Ukrainian business publications.

“Unfortunately, we pay a very high price to maintain electricity supply in the areas under control,” said Timchenko, referring to the 67 DTEK employees who have been killed as a result of the war while performing work for the company.…

Customer Corner: Monthly Digest of Insights Shared by Your Peers in the Energy Central Customer Care Group – August 18, 2022

August 18, 2022

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Welcome to the Customer Care Group roundup, Customer Corner. As always, your fellow group members are paying close attention to utility customer care trends and sharing their insights. This month’s selection includes information about helping customers with low incomes, the value of frictionless payment options, and more. Be sure to like and comment on your favorite posts. Happy reading!..
Energy Central…

Massachusetts new Energy Law: An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward

August 13, 2022

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This 96 page amendment to existing clean energy legislation in Massachusetts contains lots of incentives to reduce GHG emissions and generate clean, green, electricity. I have reason to be optimistic that good things could come from this, BUT I remain skeptical based on my own past attempts to work on climate change policies and practices. If NESCOE continues to pursue an FCEM approach AND ISO..
Energy Central…

Chicago Announces Plan to Power City with 100% Renewable Energy

August 9, 2022

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Chicago’s public buildings could all be powered by renewable energy under a plan announced by Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Aug. 8.

The mayor, along with Illinois Gov JB Pritzker, on Monday said the city has an agreement with Chicago utility Constellation Energy, along with Massachusetts-based Swift Current Energy, a renewable energy developer. The two spoke at a news conference at the Chicago Urban League. The deal would make Chicago one of the world’s largest cities to commit to using 100% renewable energy.

“I am incredibly proud to advance this commitment to transitioning all city operations to 100% renewable energy by 2025,” Lightfoot said. “The signing of this agreement demonstrates that the City of Chicago is leading by example and driving high-impact climate action, building the clean energy workforce of the future and equitably distributing meaningful benefits to foster the local clean energy economy for all.”

Climate Action Plan

Construction of projects related to the plan is set to begin by year-end.…

Digital Digest: Monthly Digest of Insights Shared by Your Peers in the Energy Central Intelligent Utility Network – August 3, 2022

August 3, 2022

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Welcome to the Intelligent Utility Network roundup, Digital Digest. As always, your fellow network members are paying close attention to digital utility and mobile workforce trends and sharing their insights. This month’s selection includes information about the need for many entities to work together to develop EV charging infrastructure, new developments in digital twin technology, and..
Energy Central…