In recent years, as the installed capacity of renewable energy has continued to grow, the pressure on the European transmission grid has gradually increased. The intermittent and unstable characteristics of “wind and solar” power have brought challenges to the operation of the power grid. In recent months, the European power industry has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of grid upgrades. Naomi Chevilard, director of regulatory affairs at the European Photovoltaic Industry Association, said that the European power grid has been unable to keep up with the expansion of renewable energy and is becoming a major bottleneck for the integration of clean energy power into the grid.
Recently, the European Commission plans to invest 584 billion euros to repair, improve and upgrade the European power grid and related facilities. The plan was named the Grid Action Plan. It is reported that the plan will be implemented within 18 months. The European Commission stated that the European power grid is facing new and major challenges. In order to meet the growing demand for electricity, a comprehensive overhaul of the power grid is imperative.
The European Commission stated that about 40% of the EU’s distribution grids have been in use for more than 40 years. By 2030, cross-border transmission capacity will double, and European power grids must be transformed to make them more digital, decentralized and flexible. Systems, cross-border grids in particular need to have large amounts of renewable power transmission capacity. To this end, the EU intends to introduce regulatory incentives, including requiring member states to share the costs of cross-border power grid projects.
EU Energy Kadri Simson said: “From now to 2030, the EU’s electricity consumption is expected to increase by about 60%. Based on this, the power grid is in urgent need of ‘digital intelligence’ transformation, and more ‘wind and solar’ power is needed More electric vehicles need to be connected to the grid and need to be charged.”
Spain spends $22 billion to phase out nuclear power
Spain on December 27 confirmed plans to close the country’s nuclear power plants by 2035, while proposing energy measures, including extending the deadline for renewable energy projects and adjusting renewable energy auction policies.
The government said management of radioactive waste and the closure of the plant, which will begin in 2027, will cost about 20.2 billion euros ($22.4 billion), paid for by a fund backed by the plant operator.
The future of the country’s nuclear power plants, which produce about a fifth of Spain’s electricity, was a hot topic during the recent election campaign, with the Popular Party promising to reverse plans for a phase-out. Recently, one of the main business lobby groups called for expanded use of these plants.
Other measures include changes to rules for green energy project development and renewable energy auctions.
Energy may become a bridge for cooperation between China, Russia and Latin America
According to news on January 3, in an interview with foreign media, Jiang Shixue, a distinguished professor at Shanghai University and director of the Latin American Research Center, made it clear that China, Russia and Latin American countries can jointly pursue a win-win cooperation model. Based on the strengths and needs of the three parties, we can carry out tripartite cooperation in the energy field.
When talking about the development of relations between China, Russia and Latin American countries, Jiang Shixue emphasized that this year marks the 200th anniversary of the introduction of the Monroe Doctrine. He pointed out that the United States is unlikely to use force to prevent China from expanding its presence in Latin America, but it is not willing to allow China to expand its influence. The United States may resort to methods such as sowing discord, applying diplomatic pressure, or providing economic sweeteners.
Regarding relations with Argentina, Jiang Shixue believes that China and Russia are regarded as similar countries by many countries, including Latin American countries. Both the left and right view China and Russia equally in some respects. China, Russia, and Argentina have varying degrees of closeness of relationship, so Argentina’s policy toward Russia may differ from its policy toward China.
Jiang Shixue further pointed out that in theory, China and Russia can join forces to enter the Latin American market, jointly develop the market, and achieve a win-win situation for trilateral cooperation. However, there may be challenges in determining specific cooperation projects and cooperation methods.
Saudi Ministry of Energy and Man-Made New City Project Company join forces for energy cooperation
The Saudi Ministry of Energy and the man-made new city project company Saudi Future City (NEOM) signed a memorandum of understanding on January 7. The signing aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in the energy field and promote the development of photovoltaic, nuclear energy and other energy sources. Energy system entities involved in the agreement include the Saudi Water and Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Commission, and the King Abdullah Atomic and Renewable Energy City.
Through the partnership, the Saudi Ministry of Energy and NEOM aim to explore innovative ways to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on hydrocarbons and transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. Under the agreement, the Saudi Ministry of Energy and NEOM will track achievements and areas for improvement, and conduct regular reviews of progress after taking follow-up actions.
Not only that, the two parties will also provide technical solutions and organizational structure suggestions, focusing on promoting innovation and exploring development mechanisms suitable for the industry to advance renewable energy technology and sustainable development. The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, its emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices, and global efforts to combat climate change.
Susie
Sichuan Green Science & Technology Ltd., Co.
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Post time: Jan-27-2024
