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<keyword id="22948419" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reflect-Orbital" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Reflect Orbital" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Reflect Orbital">Reflect Orbital</keyword>, a California-based startup, has set its sights on a futuristic goal: providing "<keyword id="22948420" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="sunlight-on-demand" source="keywords">sunlight on demand</keyword>" using orbiting mirrors in space. The company's vision is to address one of the biggest challenges in <keyword id="19915217" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-energy" source="keywords">solar energy</keyword> — the inability to generate power after sunset or during cloudy days — by using a fleet of <keyword id="20279522" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="small-satellites" source="keywords">small satellites</keyword> equipped with highly reflective <keyword id="22948421" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mylar-mirrors" source="keywords">Mylar mirrors</keyword>. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">How the technology works</h3>Reflect Orbital plans to deploy 57 small satellites into low-Earth orbit. Each satellite will be outfitted with a 33-square-foot reflective Mylar mirror. These mirrors are designed to reflect sunlight down to Earth, targeting <keyword id="20658734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-farms" source="keywords">solar farms</keyword> and extending their operational hours by providing an extra 30 minutes of sunlight after sunset or before sunrise. The mirrors will focus sunlight into a concentrated beam, directed by solar farm operators using a simple interface, where users can log in, provide GPS coordinates, and request sunlight. <div type="twitter" handle="bennbuilds" handlename="bennbuilds" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1826682383514697993"></div>The idea is to make solar energy more available when it’s most needed — not just during daylight hours, but also in the early morning and evening when electricity demand is typically higher. This could potentially increase the efficiency and profitability of <keyword id="20423867" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="solar-power-generation" source="keywords">solar power generation</keyword>, as energy produced during these periods can be sold at higher rates. <h3 style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:14pt;margin-bottom:4pt;">Potential challenges</h3>Despite the excitement around this technology, there are several challenges that Reflect Orbital will need to overcome. Weather conditions such as thick clouds or storms could obstruct the reflected sunlight, limiting its effectiveness. Seasonal changes that affect the angle and duration of sunlight might also present difficulties. Additionally, the potential environmental impact, including light pollution and interference with astronomical observations, has raised concerns among scientists and environmentalists. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112805908" title="How will Sunita Williams’ body have changed when she returns from space in February 2025?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Reflect Orbital is aware of these challenges and has designed the mirrors to minimise light pollution. The company has also tested its technology using a hot air balloon, which successfully simulated the satellite mirrors' effect by reflecting sunlight down to a solar farm. According to co-founder <keyword id="22948422" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ben-nowack" source="keywords">Ben Nowack</keyword>, the company was able to generate "500 watts of energy per square metre" of solar panel, which is about "half the brightness of the sun." <div type="twitter" handle="bennbuilds" handlename="bennbuilds" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1767961251186163857"></div>Reflect Orbital is still in the early stages, with plans to launch its first test satellite in 2025. Interest in the project has been strong, with over 30,000 applications already submitted by individuals and organisations eager to participate in the initial offering of "sunlight on demand." This ambitious project could mark a significant step forward in renewable energy technology if successful, providing a novel solution to the intermittent nature of solar power and helping to accelerate the transition to <keyword id="21313059" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustainable-energy-sources" source="keywords">sustainable energy sources</keyword>.

Space startup Reflect Orbital plans to sell "sunlight on demand" — how will it work?

The Union Budget for 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, places significant emphasis on <keyword id="19941381" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="energy-security" source="keywords">energy security</keyword> and sustainability. As per the government, the current strategy will focus on ensuring that energy resources are readily available, making energy affordable for all citizens and keeping energy costs low to prevent economic strain on consumers. Here's a breakdown of the key initiatives announced: <h2>PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana</h2>One of the standout initiatives is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. This program aims to install <keyword id="20366573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rooftop-solar-plants" source="keywords">rooftop solar plants</keyword> across 1 crore households, providing up to 300 units of free electricity per month. As per the FM, the scheme has already seen significant interest, with over 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications. <h2>Pumped Storage Policy</h2>To enhance electricity storage capabilities and integrate more <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword> into the grid, the government will introduce a policy promoting pumped storage projects. These projects are crucial for balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111956035" title="Union Budget 2024: What FM Nirmala took from your pocket, what she gave you" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Development of <keyword id="20876045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nuclear-energy" source="keywords">Nuclear Energy</keyword></h2>Recognising the importance of nuclear energy in India's future energy mix, the government plans to invest in new nuclear technologies. The announcement also mentioned partnering with the private sector to develop and set up Bharat <keyword id="20260886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Small-Modular-Reactors" source="keywords">Small Modular Reactors</keyword>. Boasting up to a 300 MW capacity, Small Modular Reactors are mobile, flexible in design and require a smaller footprint. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that need to be built on-site, SMRs can be factory-built. These advantages can add up to significant savings in cost and construction time. <h2>Advanced Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plants</h2>The Budget highlights the completion of indigenous technology development for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) thermal power plants. These plants boast higher efficiency and will be established through a joint venture between the National Thermal Power Corporation and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. The initiative includes government support for fiscal needs and aims to boost local production of high-grade steel and advanced metallurgical materials. <h2>Roadmap for Hard-to-Abate Industries</h2>A significant shift is planned for industries that are difficult to decarbonise. The government will move these industries from energy efficiency targets to emission reduction targets. This transition will be regulated through the Indian Carbon Market, replacing the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode. <h2>Support for Traditional Micro and Small Industries</h2>To promote cleaner energy usage and efficiency, the government will conduct energy audits in 60 clusters of traditional micro and small industries, including brass and ceramics. Financial support will be provided to help these industries switch to cleaner energy forms and implement energy efficiency measures. This initiative will be expanded to 100 more clusters in the next phase. As per Sameer Jain, Managing Director at Primus Partners, MSMEs consume approximately 50% of the nation's power needs while generating over 75% of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, additional support — such as climate financing — will be crucial to ensure that the MSME sector adapts well to the green revolution, especially with how the budget has committed support to MSMEs to grow and compete globally. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111953230" title="Union Budget 2024-25: Mobile Phones to get cheaper, as FM Nirmala Sitharaman reduces basic customs duty to 15%" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="22521154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-resilient-crops" source="keywords">Climate-Resilient Crops</keyword></h2>The government will release 109 high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticultural crops for cultivation by farmers. With the provision of research funding, including for the private sector, this move is part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity while adapting to climate change. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111957080" title="What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>Minerals for Green Technologies</h2>To support the growing demand for minerals used in green technologies, such as cobalt and lithium, the budget proposes exemptions from custom duties for 25 critical minerals and reduction on basic customs duty for two other essential metals. This move aims to bolster the domestic manufacturing of batteries and other components crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. <h2>Development of Climate Taxonomy</h2>A new climate taxonomy will be developed to guide the green transition, ensuring that investments and policies are aligned with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. All in all, the Union Budget 2024-25 sets a promising course for India's energy and sustainability sector. With substantial investments and new initiatives, it aims to accelerate the transition to a greener future, and hopefully take us a step further towards India's net-zero emissions target by 2070.

Free solar electricity to mobile nuclear plants — major sustainability initiatives announced in Budget 2024!

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced a cut in customs duty on minerals such as lithium, copper and cobalt, which are critical for nuclear energy, renewable and other sectors, to give a fillip to the energy transition. In her budget speech in Lok Sabha, Sitharaman recalled that in the interim budget she had announced a strategy to sustain high and more resource-efficient economic growth, along with energy security in terms of availability, accessibility and affordability. "We will bring out a policy document on appropriate energy transition pathways that balances the imperatives of employment, growth and environmental sustainability," she said. Noting that minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt and rare earth elements are critical for sectors like nuclear energy, <keyword id="19895602" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="renewable-energy" source="keywords">renewable energy</keyword>, space, defence, telecommunications, and high-tech electronics, she proposed to fully exempt customs duties on 25 critical minerals and reduce BCD (basic customs duty) on two of them. This will provide a major fillip to the processing and refining of such minerals and help secure their availability for these strategic and important sectors, she said. She stated that energy transition is critical in the fight against climate change. To support energy transition, she proposed to expand the list of exempted capital goods for use in the manufacture of solar cells and panels in the country. Further, she stated that in view of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity of solar glass and tinned copper interconnect, I propose not to extend the exemption of customs duties provided to them. Noting that steel and copper are important raw materials and to reduce their cost of production, she proposed to remove the BCD on ferro nickel and blister copper. "I am also continuing with nil BCD on ferrous scrap and nickel cathode and concessional BCD of 2.5 per cent on copper scrap," she said. About the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which was rolled out earlier this year, he informed the House that in line with the announcement in the interim budget, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has been launched to install rooftop solar plants to enable 1 crore households obtain free electricity up to 300 units every month. The scheme has generated remarkable response with more than 1.28 crore registrations and 14 lakh applications, and we will further encourage it, he stated. She further stated that a policy for promoting pumped storage projects will be brought out for electricity storage and facilitating smooth integration of the growing share of renewable energy with its variable &amp; intermittent nature in the overall energy mix. She stated that nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix for Viksit Bharat. Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with the private sector for setting up Bharat Small Reactors; research &amp; development of Bharat Small Modular Reactor and research &amp; development of newer technologies for nuclear energy, she informed the House. The R&amp;D funding announced in the interim budget will be made available for this sector, she added. The development of indigenous technology for Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) <keyword id="20421620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="thermal-power" source="keywords">thermal power</keyword> plants with much higher efficiency has been completed, she informed the House. A joint venture between NTPC and BHEL will set up a full-scale 800 MW commercial plant using AUSC technology and the government will provide the required fiscal support, she added. Moving forward, the development of indigenous capacity for the production of high-grade steel and other advanced metallurgy materials for these plants will result in strong spin-off benefits for the economy, she pointed out. A roadmap for moving the 'hard to abate' industries from 'energy efficiency' targets to 'emission targets' will be formulated, she stated adding that appropriate regulations for the transition of these industries from the current 'Perform, Achieve and Trade' mode to 'Indian Carbon Market' mode will be put in place. She further stated that an investment-grade energy audit of traditional micro and small industries in 60 clusters, including brass and ceramic, will be facilitated. Financial support will be provided for shifting them to cleaner forms of energy and implementation of energy efficiency measures. The scheme will be replicated in another 100 clusters in the next phase, she stated. Gaurav Kedia, Chairman, Indian Biogas Association said that the <keyword id="19908389" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget" source="keywords">Union Budget</keyword> 2024 has unveiled a roadmap towards a sustainable and resilient India, with agriculture and energy security at its core. It is anticipated that these initiatives will catalyze the growth of the biogas industry, leading to increased rural employment, reduced carbon emissions, and improved soil health, he stated. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-25-changes-to-tax-slabs-increased-standard-deduction-and-other-changes-to-direct-taxation/articleshow/111951205.cms" target="_blank">Budget 2024-25 – Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/budget-2024-record-allocation-of-rs-1-48-lakh-crore-for-education-employment-and-skilling/articleshow/111951228.cms">Budget 2024: Record allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment and skilling!</a>

FM cuts customs duty on minerals critical for energy transition

<ul><li>Apollo Green Energy is expected to announce its initial public offering (IPO) in 2025.</li><li>The company, a part of the Apollo International Group aims to build a <keyword id="23806914" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="10000-crore-project-portfolio" source="keywords">₹10,000 crore project portfolio</keyword>.</li><li>The company currently has an order book of ₹3,500 crore.</li></ul>Apollo Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), part of Apollo International Group, on Tuesday said it is preparing for a public listing next year to support its expansion plans and secure new projects. Also, the company is set to build a ₹10,000-crore project portfolio by 2025. "With over 200 professionals and an order book of ₹3,500 crore, we are focused on delivering projects that meet the nation's energy needs and promote sustainability. Our upcoming IPO in 2025 will further strengthen our financial base, enabling us to scale our operations and invest in cutting-edge renewable technologies," said Sanjay Gupta, CEO, Apollo Green Energy. AGEL is a leading Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company specializing in renewable energy, providing a range of solutions that includes utility-scale solar, energy storage systems, green hydrogen initiatives, and hybrid power. Operating in eight states, the company manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including 400 MW of solar installations. The company has been involved in the execution of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, a major contributor to pollution, in power generation. This project, valued at approximately Rs 700 crore, is nearing completion. "Currently, we are executing a large utility-scale solar project which requires different technical expertise, like we are doing 40 MW solar fixed tilt in Odisha, 50 MW floating solar project (first of its kind)in Kerala and 200 MW solar with tracker technology in Gujarat. "We are also executing a 1,50,000 smart solar street lights project in Bihar. Going forward, AGEL will also expand its footprint in wind, hybrid, green Hydrogen and battery storage solutions." Gupta added. AGEL aims to play a crucial role in supporting India's clean energy goals. By focusing on solar, green hydrogen, and hydro energy projects, the company not only supports the nation's energy transition but also delivers long-term value for stakeholders, the company said. With revenue growth from Rs 324.83 crore in FY22 to Rs 1,174.77 crore in FY24, AGEL is poised to sustain this momentum through FY25, underscoring its commitment to operational efficiency. In addition, AGEL is also forming strategic partnerships with technology providers and exploring options to produce its own solar modules. These moves will help the company expand its capabilities in renewable energy and keep projects cost-effective, all while contributing to India's vision for a cleaner energy future. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-6500mah-battery-to-launch-in-india-on-november-26/articleshow/114945858.cms">Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6,500mAh battery to launch in India on November 26</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/reliance-jio-ipo-indias-biggest-telco-to-go-public-in-2025-retail-ipo-further-away/articleshow/114944496.cms">Reliance Jio IPO – India’s biggest telco to go public in 2025, retail IPO further away</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/october-auto-sales-maruti-suzuki-and-tata-motors-report-a-decline-mahindra-continues-to-grow/articleshow/114931927.cms">October auto sales – Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors report a decline, Mahindra continues to grow</a>

Apollo Green Energy to go public next year – aims to build ₹10,000 crore project portfolio

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Solar will lead the expansion of new electric generation this year, the EIA wrote on Thursday.</li><li>Utility-scale solar projects will account for 58% of new capacity, a record amount of additions.</li></ul>The solar industry will lead an expansion in electricity generation this year, the US Energy Information Administration wrote in a <a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61424" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thursday note</a>.Utility-scale solar projects will account for 58% of added US capacity in 2024, boosting the amount of electric output across the country. An expected 36.4 gigawatts of new utility-scale solar are to be added to the grid this year — a record addition that will nearly double last year's 18.4 GW of installations. Over half of new solar capacity will be added in Texas, California, and Florida. Nevada's Gemini solar project will also provide a significant boost in 2024, as it's anticipated to be the largest solar facility in the US.The agency cited loosening trade and supply chain restrictions as a motivating factor behind solar's rise. Efforts to expand the US solar industry have long been underway, supported by stimulus government initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act. To allow manufacturers to expand their domestic base, <a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/markets/an-overload-of-solar-panels-cut-prices-in-half-last-year-but-not-in-the-us/mvswptv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tariffs and barriers</a> have previously been applied to Chinese exports in order to insulate American markets. Though not at <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/solar-panel-oversupply-price-crash-europe-production-plant-meyer-burger-2024-1">levels seen internationally</a>, solar prices have depreciated in the US thanks to cheap imports from Asian manufacturers, with shipments doubling through August, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-solar-panel-manufacturing-boom-threatened-by-cheap-imports-2023-11-03/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reuters</a> reported last year. It's a trend that has complicated the industry's domestic buildout, previously prompting concern that new factories may not be economical.Electric-generation capacity will also get a helping hand from new battery storage additions in 2024, doubling the existing 15.5 GW currently online.Meanwhile, developers and power plant owners are looking to add 62.8 gigawatts of utility-scale capacity, a 55% increase from 2023. It's the most since 2003, and proof of rising industry activity, the agency wrote.Unlike these sectors, wind additions will slow from record levels seen in 2020 and 2021.

Solar power could drive more than half of new electricity generated in the US this year, EIA says

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

<keyword id="19923700" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tata-Power" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Tata Power" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Tata Power">Tata Power</keyword> on Tuesday said it has logged 31 per cent rise in consolidated net profit at Rs 1,189 crore, compared to the year-ago period, on back of operational efficiency. "At Rs 1,189 crore, growing 31 per cent YoY (year-on-year), the company reported its highest ever and 19th consecutive quarter of PAT growth on the back of strong operational performance and execution excellence across all its businesses of generation, transmission &amp; distribution, and renewables," Tata Power said in a statement. According to the statement, these businesses contributed 84 per cent of the PAT (net profit) in Q1FY25, compared to 72 per cent in the same period in FY24. The statement showed that the consolidated net profit before exceptional items was Rs 906 crore in the quarter ended June 30, 2023. The company's revenue rose 12 per cent YoY to a record high of Rs 16,810 crore (from Rs 15,003 crore in Q1 FY24), and EBITDA grew 11 per cent to Rs 3,350 crore in the reported quarter (from Rs 3,005 crore in Q1 FY24). EBITDA refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. "All our businesses have grown profitably on the back of operational efficiency, execution excellence, and sustained business momentum," said Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Power. He informed that the planned capex for this financial year is Rs 20,000 crore and the company is committed to adopting and leading the new and emerging clean energy technologies, including pumped hydro projects, hydropower projects in Bhutan, and opportunities to develop small modular nuclear reactors as the government policy evolves. The company has recorded a capex investment of Rs 4,000 crore in Q1FY25. It has a clean and green installed capacity of 6.1 GW as of Q1FY25, accounting for 41 per cent of the capacity, with another 5.3 GW under execution. The combined order pipeline for utility-scale EPC and solar rooftop, including group captive, is Rs 15,500 crore. Tata Power is poised to garner 20 per cent market share in the residential rooftop segment on the back of its new solar manufacturing facility and strong pan-India channel partner network, it said. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/unicommerce-esolutions-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112307438.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/unicommerce-esolutions-ipo-price-band-to-risk-factors-all-you-need-to-know/slidelist/112307438.cms" target="_blank">Unicommerce eSolutions IPO – Price band to risk factors, all you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-sales-cross-the-1-lakh-mark-after-four-months-ola-electric-leads-the-market/articleshow/112288793.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-sales-cross-the-1-lakh-mark-after-four-months-ola-electric-leads-the-market/articleshow/112288793.cms" target="_blank">Electric two-wheeler sales cross the 1 lakh mark after four months, Ola Electric leads the market</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/news/neeraj-chopras-paris-olympics-journey-to-begin-with-qualification-round-today-top-rivals-to-look-out-for/articleshow/112311760.cms">Neeraj Chopra qualifies for finals with a first throw of 89.34m – top rivals to look out for</a>

Tata Power net profit up 31% to ₹1,189 crore in June quarter

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The solar eclipse on April 8 will affect solar power generation.</li><li>In the US, the path of totality will span from Texas to Maine but other states will be affected.</li></ul>On April 8, millions of people plan to put on a pair of eclipse glasses and watch as the moon crosses in front of the sun. While the event will affect <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-panel-industry-electricity-generation-us-eia-tariff-prices-trade-2024-2">solar power generation</a>, everyone's lights should still be on when they go back inside.In the US, the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/solar-eclipse-map-nasa-where-when-see-path-of-totality-2024-3">path of totality</a> — where the moon will appear to fully block the sun — will stretch from Texas to Maine. However, electricity providers in other states with lots of solar energy also need to have power reserves ready, Barry Mather, an engineer with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, told Business Insider."This eclipse actually is going to impact solar generation across the entire North American continent, practically," he said. As the moon shades the sun, it will diminish the amount of sunlight that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-passive-income-side-hustle-selling-electricity-neighbors-solar-panels-2023-12">solar panels</a> receive.However, because we can precisely predict where and when the eclipse will be, that means utilities can plan around them to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/blackouts-power-outages-more-common-climate-change-electric-grid-infrastructure-2023-3">avoid blackouts</a>."I fully expect that we're all prepared for this," Mather said.<h2>There's more solar power in the US than in 2017</h2>There are quite a few reasons this year's eclipse <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-2024-total-solar-eclipse-cool-best-special-nasa-2024-1">will be different</a> from others in the past.The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-a-solar-eclipse-2017-8">2017 total solar eclipse</a> in the US had a completely different path of totality than this year's, moving from Oregon to South Carolina in the US. The country also started generating about three times as much solar power in the past seven years, Mather said."The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-georgia-became-green-manufacturing-capital-2024-3">market is just growing</a> very quickly," he said, "so the impact's going to be about three times as high as it was in 2017."<div type="image" title="Two engineers bring the solar panel for installation at the solar farm." height="3648" width="5472" msid="108918628" hostid="261" sizebytes="1292690"></div>However, Mather said there was very little <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cactos-energy-storage-startup-raises-28-5-million-in-fresh-funds-2024-1">battery energy storage</a> during the last eclipse. "We still don't have a ton, but we do have some," he said.To make up for the decrease in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/helio-year-sun-solar-system-probe-eclipse-events-2024-1">solar power</a>, utilities will have to turn to other sources.<h2>There shouldn't be blackouts</h2>On any given day, utilities have already planned the amount of power they'll generate and where it will come from 10 days in advance, Mather said. Eclipse days are no different."One thing that we're doing here at NREL is actually working with a number of the entities that are most impacted by the eclipse," Mather said.As the day draws closer, changing weather forecasts may alter the plans a bit. If it will be cloudy, the solar generation won't be as affected, for example.One way utilities are preparing is by planning to carry more reserves, or extra generation that's online and ready to provide extra power when necessary, Mather said.<div type="image" title="A person looks at a total eclipse through a telescope with sunset colors in the horizon behind her." height="1920" width="2560" msid="108918629" hostid="261" sizebytes="31260"></div>"We actually saw this in the 2017 eclipse, specifically in California," he said. The state has a lot of solar power."So when the power does start to fall off because the solar starts to decrease, there's very little disturbance to the grid in terms of frequency, voltage, all those sorts of metrics that we track as power system engineers," he said.The reserves typically use less-green energy sources, like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/71147.pdf">coal or natural gas</a>.<h2>The eclipse will impact California, Alaska, and other places outside the path of totality</h2>Many eyes will be on the skies in Texas, where populated cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas are in the path of totality. It's also a state with a lot of solar power and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/renewable-energy-kept-texas-power-grid-stable-record-power-use-2023-8">its own grid</a>."In Texas, our estimations are that we will drop something like 14 gigawatts," Mather said. Just 1 gigawatt is enough to power 100 million LED bulbs, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/how-much-power-1-gigawatt">according to</a> the Office of Energy Efficiency &amp; Renewable Energy.The eclipse looks fairly quick to humans, only taking a few minutes for the moon to pass by the sun. For solar panels, it's different, Mather said. Less intense sunlight will shine on the panels for longer than three to five minutes."The sun starts being occluded an hour or even more before the total eclipse happens," he said.<div type="image" title="A cheerleader smiles as she looks up at the sky holding eclipse glasses." height="1333" width="2000" msid="108918630" hostid="261" sizebytes="202708"></div>And the weaker sunlight will affect California and other states with solar panels.Though it's far from the path of totality, Mather said, "the generation in San Diego, for instance, will still drop off by 50% or somewhere around there.""There's so much focus on that path of totality, which I have no doubt is a very <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tips-how-to-take-pictures-photos-solar-eclipse-2024-2">cool thing to experience</a> as a human," he said. "But from a power system standpoint, it really is a nationwide impact that we will see."

The eclipse will affect solar power in states like California that are far outside the path of totality 

<ul class="summary-list"><li>So far this year in the EU, wind and solar generated more electricity than fossil fuels.</li><li>Renewable energy met 50% of EU's power needs while fossil fuels met 27%, an Ember analysis found.</li></ul>For the first time, wind and solar generated more of the European Union's electricity than fossil fuels during the first half of the year.Wind and solar accounted for an all-time high of 30% of the region's energy needs, <a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/u/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=ZnrNxVqwnFMueGbLncJuAuDabJMBt5oFp&amp;_e=DrjEVSA8twutsmKnFEYiObpcG8HAd5Khu9DzJhWI1jKQrZSU47NpvAi3EelOn56l0d-kjcJpIhHOGRZfHYlnuDelFXOzvHbD_zs0a7QOFQ8z7u9_7cynOR91rLd0fR6Y48Hj_8n7WmcpbFqdJXG3cdqOMvGV98qe4zCtc_OkLyVivBKk-WB_hlpCePc2gXJwc8tvwdRSnmvjfU6QsausQh6c5BXfLawYk6X_MAayMO_aSOuosARFTvpz-LjzzdEUhVmHRUYX32p91pIMg115ZT_g76PjqtzD-9qwfj0fvBfCad9RI72mo2hKDjo3Ot7dUR0DLeAIESJtClKTQghWwNAGbRowO8BkJ6J60d0SaMh_NbXB3bhRu531nxT078inXDLLSXUEpXJyjzCiCHJW1A%3D%3D">according to an analysis by the think tank Ember</a>. Oil, gas, and coal contributed a combined 27% of power — a 17% drop compared with the same period in 2023.It's a remarkable milestone considering that two years ago, Europe was racing to import gas because Russia cut off supplies following its invasion of Ukraine. Gas prices spiked and demand dropped. Since then, demand has started to rebound, and it's being met with renewables. Hydropower made a comeback after drought eased in certain parts of the EU, meaning that when combined with wind and solar, renewables generated half the bloc's electricity in the first half of the year."Milestones like this point towards a very clear direction of travel," Chris Rosslowe, an analyst at Ember, told Business Insider. "The question is not if, but when, renewables will dominate the European power system."The trend raises questions about the rapid build-out of gas-export terminals, known as LNG terminals, in the US and Canada to ship more fuel to Europe. Ember found that so far this year, gas generation in the EU dropped 14% compared with the same period in 2023, even as electricity demand ticked up. A mild winter helped, but the rise of renewables pushed out fossil fuels in countries like Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium.<a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/u/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=ZnrNxVqwnFMueGbLncJuAuDabJMBt5oFp&amp;_e=DrjEVSA8twutsmKnFEYiObpcG8HAd5Khu9DzJhWI1jLkQpmfsgRzS5IVBo7tvu_7EcCA7zzwPX3K8ncAfQkkPqyCY76iHT8IQbIKGHCCQeeC7XgADeKZg0Xyn29dnhuE4vuWEYo5bKXJkbXS7iAX9l23nYkIHkLo23TdOrjzbT0jdPe6z5d3YurN21yr3NsB0kRj4D5cedKRMUqI_we8HR-dBpdMJW0r1L4u0b7GMuOjDI1nwRps5MmmhiQF1LmincNgpAlraRQaWTawJZN0gF5CEARDbZh8g9WtgTf4T-GOxX8em4736ohkB7Vf7KMJQtwd582MjhC9xFpPNEQ5T6_lpIvsgKi1R2mR3fqrCn_eBTjJ1Dcmd5LiEHfbZI8FlqlNB3bggVuS8_obXEVgnQ%3D%3D">In a separate report</a>, Ember forecasted a global LNG supply glut by 2026 and a substantial drop in EU gas demand by 2030."There was an urgent, short-term need to diversify gas supply sources in Europe when Russia invaded Ukraine," Sarah Brown, Ember's Europe program director, said. But the rush to increase LNG exports from places like the US ignores the reality of rapidly declining gas demand in Europe, she added."It is now clear that the global supply of LNG that is online and under construction far outweighs projected demand," Brown said.In 2023, the US became the largest LNG exporter in the world, surpassing Australia and Qatar, <a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/u/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=ZnrNxVqwnFMueGbLncJuAuDabJMBt5oFp&amp;_e=DrjEVSA8twutsmKnFEYiOV6x2Rb4s-g1bOzk-dA1nG7aUge4A5I_qX_RO_bYgXHEkukR5LwS3YASqKytZ6JRhFowRXH1zAeFmrD3iklyjfbV3pauCkyR8m44FQw_oQgkKbZZ9vDEz0utOLATGDrl5mqcvFC_xfr_1cEudsYZFJNcQSbDasZGalBGuuqKqP5MccGz5D0YkOmiWs3Xg1JSWONk0AMUJfHJXRBxDyF2XU8bBV3E6qHH8a2yfQxjehdO1G-fFLuvEiBmRBevtNW9-RsurF2cHKegBOit7QvnADbWfmt-eqSUDkwQIusi1P2TOJu7OmFWgOGct_XbniglADNo3d7Hm9x6t0JxGZlvyCA%3D">according to the US Energy Information Administration</a>. Europe is the main destination for those exports and demand is expected to rise through this year. Shipments to Asia are also growing. Five new LNG terminals are under construction in the US, and more than a dozen more could be on the way depending <a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/a/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=ZnrNxVqwnFMueGbLncJuAuDabJMBt5oFp&amp;_e=DrjEVSA8twutsmKnFEYiObeUF_ZwpLGnhr0MUKMpsUyA96BruMRfPDrAZ0k9_7XgqLj_1TKZzT-pOrPIn2SECFhd6L0WgreMY3DNnHLgZnHWNRHbspKh2Y2ZdAA-EHB--kTGMeuvr8XPdZdkXRD-vpWGu1GfuYNYvBJtCdxBahYXMGtbY9byj8In6EYhDCQXuifp23eypwwkVIjMgyB10EGd4lQNwqNTsBGWlJdQRNVFywncpSehpNiWc_OoKt-AkAtzpVSUflsNCUX8OjNxDe8g5A_DRIpEqU8hOP3AIOD-l-o7j3OnBiRPO-4_2-JrLmr-v9lcXaZYsOr3FOAWtnPkuSKZbJVfLRGmupgijvEbPGhQe32FZTxU6hdVli7GLuSuZJI8jWqecv4wGE1KhnlZeNtjuLNvyAihi5VBS9c%3D">on the outcome of a Biden administration review</a> of their climate impacts.But the gas could eventually have trouble finding a home in European countries like Germany, which added the most wind and solar capacity of any EU member during the first half of the year. Germany also closed 15 coal power plants in April and imported more nuclear electricity from France.Rosslowe said that Germany's transition away from fossil fuels reflects policy decisions made several years ago. In 2021, the government set more ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, including phasing out coal by 2030, and changed some permitting rules to speed up the construction of solar and wind projects.Ember's report said that while it's unclear how swiftly fossil-fuel use will drop across Europe, a pipeline of solar and wind projects suggests this tipping point could be permanent.

Russia's war pushed Europe to a tipping point on wind and solar

<ul class="summary-list"><li>US renewable energy, electric vehicle sales, and overall green investments hit records in 2023.</li><li>Offshore wind faltered due to high interest rates and supply chain delays.</li></ul>High interest rates and volatile global supply chains didn't stop the US green-energy transition from reaching new heights in 2023. A record amount of renewable energy, led by solar, was added to the grid. Customers bought nearly 1.5 million electric vehicles, a 50% jump over the previous year. Investments in getting the power and transportation sectors, among others, off fossil fuels hit a record $303 billion, <a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/u/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=38d38cf7535847f5821d0d9083351c5b&amp;_e=fzNgJ7vRYzUM3i56253qqFiylNnFi1s_f25ie2pNvT9hb1iGLqm5GIJ0vRdD22jVkFW5l2GSkOk3r81EWtPcbnwZAzrf6Al5En6kXSHAyc1v0G2QK4uEAhVv4A28qLL4garl3tk0hTqWcZyr45SO8-MpHZupRSEiIXn2edrcY8E1mf8EM1Nv__vzaD5UffsAUJdMc_U3GMKzSScbtzv8OaON7LQDAZZyd8_mOVhdrS1sXCOYAzaM0hnCYG0mk_Nqbe5Of-8IgZCFR36_-uuI-iBke24dqc8nOviIguUUh7ECmfeQ3ZGqOlcktcVBqfP7XcDJDt44JspzHFr_3x4z4RYmm7HojnkG4Q5t8qlBKOpS9K2jgtfQz_u7XhUL7kbe">an analysis by BloombergNEF</a> found.The US was the second-largest investor in the energy transition in 2023, after China, Tom Rowlands-Rees, BloombergNEF's head of North America research, told reporters during a briefing. The race to clean up the global economy is becoming competitive because other countries also hit record levels of investment. Japan was a notable exception."We really can't afford to not be having a record year, just to keep pace with this rapid transformation," Rowlands-Rees said. Yet the global investment of $1.8 trillion still isn't enough to cut greenhouse-gas emissions to nearly zero by 2050 — a goal countries agreed to in order to curb the climate crisis. Financing needs to more than double to $4.8 trillion a year, <a target="_blank" href="https://l.businessinsider.com/u/click?_t=c8e10479a20f45bba5aad6c5f6fbb009&amp;_m=38d38cf7535847f5821d0d9083351c5b&amp;_e=fzNgJ7vRYzUM3i56253qqNc0m2-ZGdaiU-mGjCf90qTi4Y25AnHlWqWXQRZmaWx1tNVUt6ZCALA0BUAKcnQ9DnHF3PHOVIeuNRj4QJu7eHZ-46P7JdbD-S0r6XQAFV3XQ04ppGKCrH3VKMWhxKgOJX-wQqbXxyYnO1ar7GOb4k2LT85-8_W5Y_DzqGIkdFmtZGLN6kJv8gnq5v6wtOv8TnrDhWDwzB4APGI9ghXqkUBuVb7Cl5JfrYhOIXY__PRlkNX5RyLUK1dCttY7Avw8F7ofogufpuku1--BMyTMT3E6rqE5ifN4tWasORdQLQVpxC2udbXqJt0Uc9sGk0LIBiSQWAnIsSk9Wqrq7m6FgrknMc4WlZyiF_dIiDwYboOAbdMCmY1Y3pMOkUlhxWI1D4tHGVWUs6cCKdHr4YbEZg78pX_icsssY5XacgsyYQWLPdXHzQ4yA1YeUZ0iOlVRaZwPMjdkt00AjqEkb8viw_wIwMMmRqnfjjcbMPP8p32M">BloombergNEF found</a> in a separate report earlier this year.Here are three main takeaways from the US: <h2>Solar shined, wind faltered, and gas was still king</h2>BloombergNEF found that large-scale solar farms and rooftop panels were built at a record clip in 2023. A flood of solar panels imported from Southeast Asia helped meet demand, in part because the Biden administration waived tariffs on those imports.It was the opposite story for wind power. Companies either canceled or are trying to renegotiate more than half of all the new offshore-wind capacity that was planned in 2023. Developers cited high interest rates and supply-chain delays. These challenges remain this year, but East Coast states, including New York and Massachusetts, are still awarding new contracts. Solar, wind, and nuclear — which don't produce emissions — are taking a larger share of the energy pie. They generated a record 41% of US power in 2023. But natural gas is still the largest source and set its own record last year. Rowlands-Rees said that falling gas prices made it the cheapest form of energy in 2023."This is why things like the tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act are important, because you see that otherwise, wind and solar are on a real roller coaster of economic competitiveness," he said.<h2>Industry has quickly become a top polluter</h2>In 2023, for the first time, the US industrial sector that refines oil and makes materials such as cement, iron, steel, chemicals, and paper became a larger polluter than the power sector, according to BloombergNEF.The power sector, as recently as 2016, was the top emitter. Its emissions dropped by 40% in less than two decades, largely by switching from coal to natural gas. That means transportation and industry are now the top two polluters. A lot of money is pouring into electrifying cars and transit — industry, not so much. "We have our own equation, which is electrification, plus digitization, plus automation equals sustainability," Jeannie Salo, the vice president of government relations at Schneider Electric, told reporters. "Those are the fundamental things that get you there for industrial decarbonization."<h2>Solar and EV-battery plants take off</h2>The Inflation Reduction Act aimed to reshore renewable energy manufacturing to the US through big tax breaks. Companies have responded with 104 new projects totaling $123 billion in investment. EV-battery and solar plants are dominating the planned growth, with 34 projects announced in each sector, according to BloombergNEF's tally.Georgia and North Carolina are the top sites for new plants. North Carolina got $15.4 billion just from Toyota, which is building up its battery manufacturing in the state.This article is part of Business Insider's weekly newsletter on sustainability. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="c-link" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/subscription/newsletter/insider-sustainability">Sign up here</a>.

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