Future Power Technology – Issue 96 - Power Technology

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The 2011 tsunami decimated much of Japan’s energy infrastructure but, never one to shy away from progress, the country saw this as an opportunity to change its approach to power. As such, the city of Higashi-Matsushima rebuilt its systems using a design by Takao Kashiwagi, a professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Funded by the National Resilience Program, the area installed microgrids and today runs off 25% decentralised power, with plans to push this further. Following this success, the programme received a budget increase to help roll out this system across Japan. In this issue, we take a look at this smart city that rose from disaster to inspire a nation.

Also making major changes, India will soon have the capacity to operate on 100% renewable power. But with energy poverty rife across the country, we ask what it would take for India to actually achieve this.

Across the sectors, we see how traditional energy supply models are breaking down due to disruptive technologies, learn about the new smart energy sources emerging to support smart cities, ask if China is leading the way in floating offshore nuclear and assess the future of South Korea’s nuclear industry as the country reaches a phase-out crossroads.

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In this issue

Where do utilities stand in the brave new energy world?
UK energy watchdog Ofgem has warned that, as the power market becomes more decentralised, the traditional ‘supplier hub’ model of energy supply is breaking down. In the not too distant future, customers could be buying energy from various sources peer-to-peer and generating some of it themselves. We speak to Ofgem to find out why they believe change is coming.
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Redefining urban energy
Rapid growth and modernisation of global cities is prompting planners to seek new sources of energy. Wind and solar are the forerunners but, as many cities are finding out, producing it is one thing but how we share energy and how it’s shared back often makes the difference. At this year’s Smart City Expo in Barcelona, we explored what ideas are driving both new and established metropolises.
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A 100% renewable India: can it be done?
India will have the capacity to operate on a fully renewable electricity system by 2050, according to research by the University of Technology (LUT) in Finland. It’s a bold claim for a nation of more than a billion people, many of whom still live without any electricity at all. We chart the milestones required and the stumbling blocks that could stand in the way.
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The Resilience Programme: Japan’s microgrid renewal
Following the 2011 tsunami, the Japanese city of Higashi-Matsushima rebuilt itself and carved out new decentralised energy infrastructure using microgrids. Funded by the National Resilience Program, the area was converted into a smart city which now runs off 25% decentralised power, with plans to push this further. A recent budget increase for the year will see the concept being rolled out across Japan. We take a look at this smart city that rose from disaster to inspire a nation.
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Floating nuclear power in the South China Sea
China is finalising its first offshore nuclear reactor, to be deployed in the South China Sea by 2020. The technology is hoped to help realise the country’s dream of becoming a strong marine power, by ensuring that oil and gas rigs have a secure and reliable source of electricity. But with plans to set-up in disputed waters, what are the benefits and risks of moving nuclear offshore?
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Does nuclear power have a future in South Korea?
Nuclear power provides a third of South Korea’s electricity demand but President Moon Jae-in is promising to phase-out both nuclear and coal power in the coming years. A recent government poll found that the majority of South Koreans support completion of two controversial nuclear projects, while a small number are for the phase-out. We assess the situation and ask whether South Korea will proceed with a full German-style energy transition.
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Issue preview – Future Power April

China has announced plans to roll-out the world’s largest carbon market. Initially covering the power industry, it will regulate the offsetting and trading of 3.3 billion metric tonnes of emissions, dwarfing the EU’s Cap and Trade scheme. How will it work and will this bold move be the impetus for similar schemes elsewhere? We find out.

In technology, we learn about subsea tech company Rovco’s unique 3D visualisation system that could help reduce the cost of offshore wind farm inspection by up to 80%. We explore the market shifts helping renewable generation step up its competition with fossil fuels, such as the European Investment Bank investing $400m in solar power in India; we take a look at plans to build the biggest ever wave energy park off the coast of Bali, and assess Shell’s decision to expand its renewables portfolio.

While in utilities, Origami Energy argues that flexibility is the future and explains the value of real-time energy control.

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