- Études de faisabilité et analyses de solutions de rechange
- Zonage, utilisation des terres, évaluations des ordonnances
- Accès aux contraintes de transition, d’interconnexion et de transmission
- Études d’impact sur le réseau électrique (à l’état stable et dynamique)
- Services consultatifs/d’ingénieurs du propriétaire
- Recherche et démonstrations
De l’ingénierie du propriétaire à la conception et à la mise en œuvre de programmes clients, en passant par la conception et l’administration clés en main du stockage d’énergie, nos services comprennent :
- Enquêtes sur les ressources culturelles et naturelles
- Planification des permis environnementaux et de l’atténuation
- Examens de la Commission de zonage et d’urbanisme
- Mesures correctives
- Consultations de l’Agence et programmes de participation du public
- Gestion des intervenants
- Évaluations géotechniques
- Nivellement du site et conception structurale civile
- Élaboration du PPSP
- Sécurité
- Conception conceptuelle et détaillée
- Estimations des coûts et prévisions du rendement
- Ingénierie du transport, de la distribution et des sous-stations
- Paramètres de protection et coordination
- SCADA/Communication
- Conception du système de contrôle
- Interconnexion du réseau
- Solutions numériques basées sur des logiciels
- Protection contre l’incendie
- Préparation des spécifications
- Suivi et inspection des matériaux
- Garanties de performance, bons de souscription et opérations en capital
- Surveillance, exploitation et entretien
- Gestion et surveillance de la construction
- Surveillance de la conformité environnementale
- Essais d’équipement, de relais et de SCADA
- Essais et surveillance du rendement
Partager nos perspectives
Nos praticiens partagent leurs idées et leurs points de vue sur les tendances et les défis qui façonnent le marché.
Aperçus
Carbon Capture and Storage: Pros and Cons
Décembre 18, 2024
Carbon Capture and Storage: Pros and Cons Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is part of a portfolio of strategies to combat the climate crisis by lowering the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. It captures CO2 emissions from sources like industrial facilities or power plants and transports them to predetermined storage sites, where the emissions are securely stored underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere. This capturing technique holds great promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, though it comes with many notable concerns. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of carbon capture can help you decide when and where to implement it in your operations. The Fundamentals of Carbon Capture and Storage CCS captures emissions before they enter the atmosphere, either through pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture or oxyfuel combustion, depending on the emission source. The captured CO2 goes to a long-term storage facility via pipelines or ships. These storage locations are often underground geologic formations. The goal of CCS technology is to store CO2 emissions in a space where they cannot enter the atmosphere. Several carbon capture and storage techniques work together to support the overall process: Capture: There are various methods of capturing, namely pre-combustion, post-combustion and oxyfuel combustion capture. Pre-combustion captures the CO2 before the fuel burns, usually by converting the fossil fuel into a mixture of CO2 and hydrogen. Post-combustion captures the fuel from the exhaust gases using absorbents or chemical solvents after burning. In oxyfuel combustion, fuel burns in pure oxygen instead of air, which leads to an easy-to-capture flue gas stream with high CO2 concentrations. Transportation: The CO2 moves to a secure storage facility via a designated pipeline, depending on the distance to the storage facility and the volume of CO2. Smaller quantities can be hauled via ship, rail or truck, although these methods add to carbon emissions and transportation costs. Storage: At the storage site, technicians inject the CO2 deep into geological formations like saline aquifers, basalt formations, deep coal seams or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. Both chemical and physical trapping mechanisms, such as mineralization, dissolution in water, and structural trapping in porous rock formations, work to keep the CO2 underground. How Captured Carbon Is Used While captured CO2 will often be stored underground, this gas has other uses that can contribute to new industries or more sustainable practices. Some additional uses of CO2 include: Enhanced oil recovery (EOR): Oil recovery helps adapt CCS by using CO2 to displace residual oil. This improves recovery rates and extends the life span of mature oil fields to displace residual oil. Algae cultivation: CO2 can help to cultivate microalgae, which can be processed into animal feed, biofuels and other high-value products like cosmetics and nutraceuticals. These algae-based systems also offer sustainable alternatives to resource-intensive agricultural practices and fossil fuels. Carbonation of minerals: Technicians can mineralize CO2 to minerals like calcium silicates or magnesium. This technique permanently locks away CO2 into solid carbonate minerals, with the potential for applications in carbon-negative building materials or soil enhancement. Carbon sequestration in agriculture: CO2 can enhance crop yields and sequester carbon in the soil for other agricultural practices. Afforestation, biochar application and soil carbon enhancement help to promote carbon storage in biomass and soil organic matter, boosting contributions to climate change mitigation. Carbon utilization and conversion: Technicians can use biological and chemical processes to convert CO2 into alternative products. These methods include transforming the gas into methanol, carbon monoxide or formic acid for industrial applications. CO2 can also be used as plastics or construction feedstock and in synthetic fuels like methane. The Role of Carbon Capture and Storage in Climate Change Mitigation CCS is a key technology in a portfolio of climate change mitigation strategies that can significantly contribute to achieving global emission reduction targets. For CCS to have a positive long-term impact, it must be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency improvements and sustainable land-use practices. CCS contributes to climate change mitigation in the following ways: It reduces CO2 emissions by capturing it before it hits the atmosphere. It provides energy security by enabling the continued use of fossil fuels like coal and natural gas in a more environmentally sustainable way. This feature is crucial for energy stability during the global transition to renewable energy sources. It can help increase negative emissions when combined with bioenergy from forestry or agricultural biomass. It reduces industrial emissions in power generation, cement, chemical and steel production. The Advantages of Carbon Capture and Storage The benefits of carbon capture and storage range from climate-related impacts to economic and social considerations. They testify to the efficiency of incorporating this technique into a comprehensive climate mitigation strategy that will yield long-term benefits. 1. Carbon Emissions Reductions In 2022, the United States alone emitted 6.343 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Removing CO2 from the air is challenging, and the concentration technicians can capture is very low. CCS helps to lower carbon emissions by capturing them at the point sources before permanently storing them underground. For example, using the CCS process of oxyfuel combustion makes it easy to remove CO2 at point sources and obtain a higher concentration of CO2 at once. 2. Decreases in Social Carbon Costs CCS can help reduce carbon’s social cost by allowing industries to keep using fossil fuels in a more environmentally sustainable way, especially considering CO2 has a substantially high social cost. It can lower the economic costs associated with an abrupt transition away from fossil fuels, which is impractical for industries that are heavily reliant on these resources. Additionally, this continued operation helps protect economies and jobs where these industries thrive, mitigating social disruptions to support a smooth transition toward a low-carbon economy. 3. Ability to Remove Other Pollutants Simultaneously During oxyfuel combustions, using high oxygen concentrations helps significantly reduce the presence of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide in the air. The particulates that oxyfuel combustion creates are easy to remove with an electrostatic precipitator. 4. Benefits to Planetary Health CCS helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, subsequently limiting rising global sea levels and temperatures, alongside other climate-related impacts. It also helps improve the local air quality where CCS techniques are used, lowering harmful emissions that can contribute to environmental degradation and respiratory diseases. 5. Synergization With the Energy Sector When CCS combines with bioenergy, this synergy can result in net-negative emissions, strengthening climate change mitigation efforts. It can also complement renewable energy sources by facilitating reliable backup power sources when renewable energy generation fluctuates due to weather conditions. It supports grid stability and energy security, complementing the transition to a cleaner energy mix. The Challenges of Carbon Capture and Storage While CCS offers many advantages in global efforts to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, implementing these techniques also presents some challenges. Many of these obstacles come down to this technology being used on a limited scale, as there is a lot of room for growth in research and new developments to optimize CCS. Addressing the potential problems with carbon capture and storage requires stringent regulatory frameworks, ongoing research, technological innovation and stakeholder engagement. 1. High Costs Equipping existing industries with CCS technologies is costly, especially in the initial implementation stages. Transporting CO2 to storage sites can also be a substantial effort, which may deter investors and limit the widespread adoption of this technology in regions with limited financial resources. There are also no regulatory drivers in place to incentivize the use of this technology, keeping costs high. These high costs may be a temporary concern, as research and development efforts, alongside technological advancement, can help make CCS more affordable. When there is more local and international investment in CCS efforts, stakeholders will also have more access to financial incentives for these projects. 2. Counterproductivity When Used for Oil Recovery Captured CO2 is often used for enhanced oil recovery, where oil companies inject CO2 into depleted wells to extract more oil. This method can increase oil production, but it may counteract the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as it releases some of that CO2 back into the atmosphere. While creating more carbon emissions is not sustainable, there is a significant opportunity for carbon offsetting in EOR. CCS-EOR projects often extend the productive lives of oil reservoirs. Collaboration on these projects can also contribute to knowledge sharing and best practices development to benefit oil production and innovative technologies that can create more long-term emission reductions. 3. Potential Safety Hazards in Storage and Transport Long-term CO2 storage comes with some risks and uncertainties. There is a potential for leakage, seismic activity and unintended environmental impacts. Sudden leaks at injection sites pose a health risk to animals and people in the area, while gradual leaks from fractures in rock layers can contaminate groundwater and surrounding soil while harming ecosystems. It is important to note that a CO2 storage site is monitored before the injection process starts to build a baseline picture of the existing environmental conditions and geology. Site characterization also helps technicians monitor potential changes in different parts of the storage system throughout the injection phase and long afterward to ensure safe carbon storage. 4. Concerns About Effectiveness There are concerns about CCS’s effectiveness due to inconsistencies from various carbon capture projects. Some projects claim upwards of 95% carbon emission removal, while other studies deliver drastically different data, as low as 10% efficiency. CCS is also energy-intensive and can easily consume up to 50% of a plant’s overall energy output. Acknowledging CCS challenges like these allows stakeholders to find opportunities to refine the technology used in CCS projects. With more engagement and investment, stakeholders can achieve consistent results while finding innovative ways to lower energy use during CCS extractions. 5. Negative Public Perception CCS technology may face opposition and negative public perception due to safety concerns and potential environmental risks. There is also a perception that while CCS facilitates the energy transition, it may also prolong the full transition to renewable energy due to complacency with energy security. It is vital to create more public awareness about these methods and increase operational transparency to build trust with CCS projects. Educating the public about the purpose, safety and benefits of CCS also matters. Advanced monitoring methods, alternatives to underground storage and supporting economic development may demonstrate CCS’s potential while outweighing the concerns. Why International Cooperation Is Crucial for Carbon Capture and Storage For climate change strategies to be a success, it is vital to foster international cooperation. Fostering an open dialogue and engaging with local and international stakeholders can help to demonstrate the safety and reliability of CCS technology. Knowledge sharing: International cooperation encourages the sharing of technological advancements, best practices and knowledge in CCS. This exchange of information speeds up learning curves, reduces duplication efforts in CCS development and promotes innovation while creating a more positive public perception of CCS technologies. Access to funding and resources: Global cooperation provides access to a wider range of international funding sources and private investors, which is vital for implementing large-scale CCS projects. Cost reductions: Thanks to shared investments, widespread collaboration on CCS projects can reduce deployment and development overheads. In turn, these savings enable scaling up CCS infrastructures to be more economically viable for investors. Addresses transboundary challenges: CCS projects often require cross-border transport and storage, which requires international cooperation to address environmental, legal and technical challenges. Global climate goals: CCS helps to realize global climate goals outlined in international agreements, strengthening collective efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Capacity building: Global knowledge exchanges can promote capacity-building initiatives, collaborative research projects and training programs. The result fosters technology transfer, develops human capital and builds the local expertise countries need to successfully implement and operate CCS technologies. Find Your Environmental Solutions With TRC Companies While CCS is a viable solution to reducing your operations’ greenhouse gas emissions, it comes with noticeable challenges, such as technological limitations, high costs and the potential for leakage. However, while CCS is still growing, your team should begin weighing these aspects to help you make an informed decision about using this technique to promote more sustainable operations. With over 50 years of industry experience, the experts at TRC are ready to provide you with effective environmental solutions, whether your operations are public or private or you are a government client. Our integrated approach harnesses exceptional environmental, engineering, consultive and applied technology to contribute to your success. Contact us today to optimize your operations while ensuring environmental, health and safety compliance.
Aperçus
Bioenergy With Carbon Capture and Storage
Décembre 15, 2024
Bioenergy is a renewable and sustainable way to meet energy demands, boost energy security and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It is essential in the transition to the widespread adoption of cleaner, more resilient energy use. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is a carbon removal technique with a promising path toward decarbonizing energy production processes and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to sustainable practices and global climate change mitigation goals. BECCS is the only carbon dioxide removal technique that provides energy. Unlocking this practice’s full potential requires a balance of sustainable practices, supportive policies and technological advancements. Introduction to BECCS BECCS is a method of removing oxygen from the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology catches carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere during the bioenergy production process, which involves burning biomass. Technicians transport the captured CO2 to suitable geological formations, like deep saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. These formations securely store the CO2 underground for long periods to reduce its environmental impact. There are two methods in which BECCS can be applied — combustion and conversion. Combustion uses biomass as a fuel source, capturing CO2 from the flue gas stream arising during combustion. This ignition produces heat that aids in electricity generation or finds use in industrial applications like waste incineration, paper making or petrochemicals. During conversion, biomass goes through digestion or fermentation, producing gaseous or liquid fuels, commonly bioethanol. How Bioenergy Production Works Biomass comes from organic materials like crop residues and dedicated energy crops like switchgrass or forestry waste. Bioenergy production converts this matter into biofuels or uses it directly for energy generation through biochemical processes, combustion or gasification. In the Net Zero Emissions by 2025 Scenario, bioenergy gives off high-temperature heat and fuel that works in existing engines to help decarbonize aviation, heavy industry and trucking sectors. There are two conversion technologies in bioenergy production with sustainably sourced matter: Thermal conversion: Biomass can undergo thermal-based processes like gasification to produce syngas, pyrolysis to produce bio-oil, and combustion. These processes make biofuels, electricity and heat. Biochemical conversion: Fermentation or enzymatic digestion through microorganisms produces biofuels like biodiesel from oils or fats and ethanol from sugars and starches. Bioenergy products include: Biochar: Biomass pyrolysis produces biochar, a carbon-rich material that improves soil health. It is used in soil amendments for agriculture and carbon sequestration. Biofuels: Renewable fuels like biogas, biodiesel and bioethanol are used in electricity generation, heating or transportation. Heat and power: Combusting biomass in boilers or gasifiers creates heat for industrial processes and can generate electricity through gas engines or steam turbines. Exploring BECCS Technology BECCS involves carbon capture systems, biomass conversion technologies, geological storage sites, monitoring protocols and transportation infrastructure. As advancements in BECCS technologies continue steadily, this technique’s scalability, cost-effectiveness and contribution to sustainable energy systems will skyrocket. 1. Biomass Feedstock Selection BECCS starts with selecting the right biomass feedstocks. These materials can include agricultural residues like corn stover, energy crops like switchgrass, organic municipal waste, and forestry waste like sawdust. Sustainable biomass management practices, which include sourcing feedstocks responsibly and avoiding land degradation, deforestation or competition with food production, are essential. Following feedstock selection, the biomass undergoes the conversion processes to generate bioenergy. 2. Carbon Capture Technology Carbon capture technology collects CO2 emissions from industrial processes. These processes can include: Post-combustion capture: This process collects CO2 from flue gasses by using adsorbents or solvents. Technological advancements will improve the capture’s efficiency, lower overheads and reduce energy requirements. Direct air capture (DAC): This process captures CO2 directly from the air with chemical absorbents or processes. While DAC technologies are still growing, they have significant potential to remove large-scale CO2 to complement BECCS efforts. Pre-combustion capture: Pre-combustion converts biomass into a mixture of CO, H2 and other gasses, called syngas. Pre-combustion capture separates the CO2 from the syngas before combustion, which makes capturing easier. Research on this process focuses on optimizing the capturing technologies and gasification processes. 3. Carbon Capture Storage Utilization The CO2 from BECCS processes can be stored geologically, where technicians inject it underground into geological formations. Ongoing research on this storage will ensure long-term CO2 harboring through carbon capture utilization. Another storage option is enhanced oil recovery (EOR), which involves injecting CO2 into oil fields, enhancing oil recovery while storing this matter underground. When coupled with carbon capture, EOR can create economic incentives for BECCS projects. 4. Monitoring, Verification and Reporting (MRV) Ongoing monitoring and verification systems ensure BECCS technology successfully captures, transports and stores CO2. It is essential that stakeholders accurately report these storage and emissions reductions, ensuring regulatory compliance, carbon accounting and environmental benefits assessment. The Top Benefits of BECCS BECCS can be part of climate change mitigation strategies to reduce global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celcius through negative emissions and carbon sequestration, which lowers the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Using agricultural residues, energy crops and forestry waste for energy production lowers waste accumulation, promoting sustainable biomass management practices. Additional benefits of BECCS technology include: Renewable energy source: Biomass used for BECCS processes can be sustainably sourced from forestry or agricultural residues to lessen reliance on fossil fuels while promoting renewable energy development. Biomass-based energy production offers stable electricity generation, complementing intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Greenhouse gas mitigation: BECCS has the potential to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, which would complement anti-climate change efforts. Carbon neutrality: Efficient BECCS leads to carbon-neutral or carbon-negative energy systems, which balance carbon missions with storage and removal capabilities. Energy security: BECCS diversifies energy sources, providing opportunities for local biomass production and utilization, which supports energy security. Rural development: Bioenergy industries support social-economic growth through agricultural diversification and add to job creation in rural areas. The result is economic growth, better sustainability practices and energy access in remote and rural areas. Better air quality: In modern, efficient systems, biomass combustion reduces air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Examples of Global BECCS Projects BECCS projects showcase the potential for this technology to combat climate change. These projects demonstrate leadership in sustainable energy practices to influence policy frameworks, collaborations and investments for global deployment. Technological advancements pave the way for more cost-effective negative emissions solutions. The experience and lessons that come from global BECCS initiatives will ultimately advance worldwide sustainable energy solutions, leading to a low-carbon future. Currently, organizations around the world are pioneering BECCS implementation to pave the way forward. Some of these game-changing projects include: Drax power station: The Drax power station in the United Kingdom is a pioneer in carbon capture and biomass energy generation. This pilot project stores biomass combustion from wood pellets underground. Peterhead CCS project: Based in Scotland, this project focuses on capturing CO2 emissions from a gas-fired power station and storing them offshore. It demonstrates the scalability and feasibility of CCS technology that can integrate with BECCS applications to contribute to overall carbon mitigation efforts. The Longship project: The Longship project in Norway has a full-scale CCS facility with transportation and storage infrastructure for the CO2 captured from cement and waste. Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium: Archer Daniels Midland Company and the University of Illinois lead the Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium, which captures emissions from bioethanol production and stores them underground. Distinguishing CCS From BECCS While CCS and BECCS share common goals for CO2 capture and storage, the latter specifically focuses on using biomass as a renewable energy source. Understanding the distinctions and complementary aspects between these two methods helps develop comprehensive strategies for emission reductions and carbon management across various sectors. These two processes complement each other in the following ways: Emission reduction: Both processes contribute to CO2 emissions reduction and positive climate change impacts by capturing and storing these emissions from different sources. Negative emissions potential: While CSS reduces emissions from industrial processes, BECCS takes it one step further, achieving negative emissions by removing the CO2 through biomass-based carbon capture. Technological synergy: CSS technologies can be adapted to integrate with BECCS applications, leveraging synergies and shared infrastructures. Policy and regulatory frameworks: Both technologies benefit from supportive policies, incentives for carbon storage, carbon pricing mechanisms and regulatory frameworks encouraging carbon management strategies and emission reductions. Energy security and renewables: BECCS promotes renewable energy production from biomass, which boosts energy security and diversifies these sources. Addressing BECCS Implementation Challenges Although BECCS is a highly promising carbon removal technique that is already being used globally, implementing BECCS involves multifaceted challenges and requires strategic planning and collaborative efforts: Biomass availability and sustainability: BECCS needs a sufficient supply of sustainable biomass feedstock without causing negative environmental impacts. Promoting sustainable practices and encouraging agroforestry and marginal land energy crop cultivation can help combat this challenge. Certification schemes and biomass research can also aid in combating this challenge. Integration with energy systems and transition pathways: Integrating BECCS into existing energy systems, transition pathways and grid infrastructures can be challenging. To overcome this, integrated energy system models and scenarios incorporating BECCS deployment and energy storage solutions can be developed. Technological maturity and efficiency: It is challenging to develop and deploy cost-effective, scalable and efficient carbon capture technologies that are compatible with conversion processes. The solution is to invest in research and development for advanced processes to optimize capture technologies while incentivizing industry collaboration and technology transfer. Economic viability and financing: BECCS deployment requires significant upfront investments in technology deployment, operational costs, infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. However, carbon pricing mechanisms, supportive policies like carbon tax credits, feed-in tariffs and financial incentives can help to combat financing challenges. Engaging in public-private partnerships and international collaborations can help to increase economic viability. Carbon storage and monitoring: Ensuring long-term, secure storage for captured CO2 in geological formations while addressing potential site selection and monitoring issues can be an obstacle. Comprehensive site characterization and risk assessments can help to develop more robust monitoring and verification protocols. Engage communities and stakeholders in the storage site selection process to establish regulatory frameworks for storage liability and safety. The Future Landscape of BECCS Technology As the global population and accompanying industrialization grow, primary energy demand will be 30% higher by 2040 than it was in 2010. These elements will raise CO2 demand in an energy sector that already produces two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, BECCS and other clean energy options will become increasingly essential to offset emissions. Technological advancements, supported by funding mechanisms, international collaborations, and other supportive policies, will likely speed up BECCS deployment. Moving Toward a Sustainable, Zero-Carbon System With TRC Companies BECCS has great potential for climate change mitigation as it offers a viable path toward negative emissions. It also increases energy security and promotes more sustainable development as part of a transition to a low-carbon future. Bringing BECCS into energy and climate policies can help unlock its full range of benefits to combat climate change and foster better global sustainability. TRC is a global consulting, construction and engineering management firm. We provide environmentally focused, digitally powered solutions across markets like power, utilities, real estate and transportation. The transition to zero-carbon energy through techniques like BECCS is complex, and you can make the process simpler and more effective by partnering with experts in the field. Our energy advisory team works to provide companies with transformative energy strategies, including decarbonization and resilience solutions. We can guide your organization to a zero-carbon future all the way through, from conception to continuous improvement after implementation. Learn more about our renewable energy development approaches to see how we can benefit your company’s sustainability goals. Contact us today to get started on the path to clean energy.
Mises à jour réglementaires
La NERC approuve les normes liées à l’IBR ayant une incidence sur la production d’énergie renouvelable
octobre 31, 2024
Les normes seront bientôt déposées et en attente de l’approbation finale de la FERC. La NERC a également voté en faveur de l’amélioration de la définition de la conduite pour inclure la « capacité de résister aux perturbations de tension ou de fréquence à l’intérieur des limites définies et de continuer à fonctionner comme spécifié ».
Aperçus
Qu’est-ce qu’une ressource énergétique distribuée ?
septembre 5, 2024
Cliquez ici pour en savoir plus sur les ressources énergétiques distribuées intégrées et sur la façon d’en choisir une qui profite à vos besoins uniques avec les entreprises TRC.
Aperçus
Décarbonisation 101
septembre 5, 2024
Apprenez à intégrer des pratiques de décarbonisation pour réduire votre contribution aux émissions de dioxyde de carbone. Travaillez à la durabilité avec nos solutions.
Aperçus
Currents of the Mid-Atlantic : Navigating Regional Dynamics of Offshore Wind
juin 14, 2024
Alors qu’une plus grande partie du monde se tourne vers les sources d’énergie renouvelables, les projets éoliens offshore sont apparus comme une solution prometteuse pour répondre à la demande croissante d’énergie tout en réduisant les émissions de carbone.
Mises à jour réglementaires
La NERC propose des modifications aux critères d’inscription des ressources basées sur les onduleurs (IBRs)
avril 19, 2024
La NERC a soumis à l’approbation de la FERC de nouveaux critères de conformité pour l’enregistrement des RCI dans le cadre des efforts continus visant à réduire les risques de fiabilité. Il est essentiel que les développeurs d’énergie renouvelable, les propriétaires de production et les propriétaires de réseaux de transport comprennent les implications potentielles pour les études d’interconnexion et les files d’attente d’interconnexion.
Événements et webinairesVidéos
Rediffusion du webinaire
mars 26, 2024
La NERC a soumis à l’approbation de la FERC de nouveaux critères de conformité pour l’enregistrement des RCI dans le cadre des efforts continus visant à réduire les risques de fiabilité. Il est essentiel que les développeurs d’énergie renouvelable, les propriétaires de production et les propriétaires de réseaux de transport comprennent les implications potentielles pour les études d’interconnexion et les files d’attente d’interconnexion. Comme il est expliqué dans son dépôt, la NERC propose de mettre à jour les critères de registre du propriétaire du générateur et de l’exploitant de générateurs (« GO » et « GOP ») afin d’inclure une nouvelle catégorie (« OG de catégorie 2 » et « GOP de catégorie 2 ») d’entités qui possèdent ou exploitent des ressources génératrices non basées sur des onduleurs BES qui : Avoir ou contribuer à une capacité nominale globale supérieure ou égale à 20 MVA, ou Connecté par un système conçu principalement pour fournir une telle capacité à un point commun de connexion à une tension supérieure ou égale à 60 kV.
Aperçus
Se préparer à l’avenir des études sur les systèmes d’alimentation, aujourd’hui
février 9, 2024
Comment la CVR s’adapte pour fournir des résolutions uniques pour la transition énergétique
Aperçus
Comment créer un système agrivoltaïque durable
février 1, 2024
Les systèmes Agrivoltaïques peuvent vous aider à maximiser l’utilisation des terres, la production d’énergie et les cultures. Découvrez comment nous pouvons vous aider à gérer votre projet agrivoltaïque !
Aperçus
Les avantages et les défis des microréseaux
février 1, 2024
Les microréseaux peuvent vous aider à rester opérationnel dans les conditions les plus critiques. Découvrez comment nos services peuvent vous aider à tirer parti des systèmes de microréseaux.
Mises à jour réglementaires
L’ordonnance 901 de la FERC demande des normes pour combler les lacunes en matière de fiabilité de l’IBR
novembre 27, 2023
Les ressources basées sur les onduleurs jouent un rôle central lorsqu’il s’agit d’ajouter une nouvelle capacité de production d’électricité dans le système d’alimentation en vrac.
Mises à jour réglementaires
La NERC publie une série de webinaires sur les ressources basées sur les onduleurs
octobre 19, 2023
Alors que le système de distribution d’électricité continue d’évoluer rapidement en raison des initiatives de politique de décarbonisation, les ressources basées sur des onduleurs (IBRs) jouent un rôle de plus en plus important dans les ajouts de production au système d’alimentation en vrac. La NERC et d’autres organisations techniques ont pris de nombreuses mesures pour appuyer l’intégration fiable de ces ressources.
Aperçus
Agrivoltaics: A Sustainable Way to Harvest Sunshine
octobre 10, 2023
Learn how incorporating agricultural practices into your solar development improves project success.
Ressources
Adapting Old Pipelines for New Products: How the Energy Industry is Addressing the Drive for Decarbonization
octobre 3, 2023
There is currently an emphasis across the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral in the near future
Mises à jour réglementaires
FERC Issues Order 2023 to Resolve Interconnection Process Issues
septembre 25, 2023
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Order 2023 to facilitate and improve the speed and reliability of adding new energy resources to the power system
Aperçus
Offshore Wind: A Critical Energy Solution on the Path to Grid Resiliency and Decarbonization
août 29, 2023
As the urgency to decarbonize and build resiliency grows, renewable energy continues to be a pivotal solution for reshaping the future of power in the U.S. From solar to wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass, each renewable resource has its sweet spot for efficient development, deployment and optimal performance. And while they all have their own pros and cons, it is imperative that we leverage them all into the energy mix to achieve decarbonization goals and ensure adequate capacity to meet increasing load demands.
Aperçus
Intro to NERC Regulatory Guidance on Inverter-Based Resources
août 29, 2023
As renewable energy proliferates across the US power system, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) continues to actively address reliability risks resulting from the implementation of inverter-based resources (solar and wind generation technology) connected at both transmission and Distributed Energy Resources (DER) levels.
Nouvelles
Clean Energy Skills Workshops
août 16, 2023
Partnering With Local High Schools to Recruit the Next Generation of Clean Energy Workers.
Nouvelles
Proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments Rule – Status of Public Comments
juillet 31, 2023
TRC has submitted public comments related to EPA’s proposed compliance timeline and schedule.
Aperçus
The Rise of Agrivoltaics
juillet 18, 2023
This article explores the tensions between traditional agriculture and solar development, as well as the financial benefits for farmers who lease their land for solar projects.
Mises à jour réglementaires
FERC Approves Plan to Register Certain Inverter-Based Resources as part of NERC Mandatory Standards Compliance Program
juin 21, 2023
FERC issued an order approving NERC’s compliance filings.
Aperçus
The Future of Decarbonization: Is Hydrogen the Next Big Thing?
mai 3, 2023
Hydrogen’s scalability and flexibility make it a pragmatic choice for a variety of successful applications in both the near term and long term.
Aperçus
3 Things to Consider for a Successful ADMS and DERMS Integration
mars 23, 2023
Gain insight on several key points when strategizing and integrating two crucial systems successfully
Mises à jour réglementaires
Insights from the Odessa II Power System Disturbance
février 22, 2023
NERC and TRE release the Odessa II Power System Disturbance Report
Ressources
Agrivoltaics
février 8, 2023
Agrivoltaics is the simultaneous use of land for both solar photovoltaic power generation and agriculture.
Mises à jour réglementaires
New FERC Orders Will Change Regulatory Process for Inverter Based Resources
janvier 9, 2023
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently proposed actions to keep the regulatory process and requirements ahead of reliability risks resulting from the accelerated deployment of Inverter Based Resources (IBR) based solar, wind and battery storage projects.
Aperçus
Transportation Electrification
novembre 3, 2022
Lessons from TVA’s Non-Road EV (NREV) Program
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC Releases Inverter-Based Resource Strategy Plan
octobre 25, 2022
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) recently released an Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) Strategy, which details the steps needed to successfully integrate IBR facilities into the planning and operation of the power system. The strategy was put in place due to the rapid interconnection of IBR systems, which are extensively used for solar and wind generating facilities, including new battery-based energy storage systems and are one of the most significant drivers of power grid transformation. Because of control system inconsistencies, IBR facilities pose well-documented risks to power system reliability when this strategy’s practices are not adhered to. NERC’s plan calls attention to the need for thoughtful integration of IBRs and identifies current and future work required to mitigate reliability risks resulting from the deployment of this technology.
Aperçus
Q&A: Insights for Growing Utility-Scale Renewable Generation
septembre 29, 2022
TRC’s Senior Vice President of Renewable answers key questions to help utilities and developers overcome challenges associated with an increase in renewable generation.
Aperçus
The Social Side of Resiliency
août 30, 2022
For community leaders, rebuilding in the wake of disasters creates an opportunity to do more than simply replace homes with the fastest, least-expensive structures.
Nouvelles
TRC Companies Inc. acquires Blue Oak Energy
juillet 12, 2022
TRC Companies announces the acquisition of Blue Oak Energy, a firm that specializes in engineering for photovoltaic solar energy projects.
Mises à jour réglementaires
New NERC Guidance Supports the Implementation of Grid Forming Inverters
mars 8, 2022
NERC has issued a new report highlighting the key attributes of various inverter controls to support proper implementation and to protect reliability.
Nouvelles
TRC Acquires ESS Group, Expanding Power & Renewable Energy and Coastal Engineering Capabilities
février 16, 2022
Today TRC Companies, announced the expansion of its power & renewable energy and coastal engineering capabilities with the acquisition of ESS Group.
Aperçus
Ordonnance no 2222 de la FERC, DER et technologie de l’énergie
février 1, 2022
La FERC a publié le projet d’émission O. 2222 pour permettre aux ressources énergétiques distribuées (DER) de mieux participer aux côtés des ressources traditionnelles dans les marchés de gros régionaux et organisés.
Aperçus
The Future of Onshore Wind Energy
Décembre 17, 2021
Wind power has become a major source of energy that has gained traction across the world. As the push for more sustainable energy practices and technologies increases, so does the importance of harnessing wind as a power source.
Vidéos
Land Siting for Solar Projects
Décembre 16, 2021
Learn more about the development, design and procurement processes key to evaluating agricultural or other properties for large scale solar projects.
Aperçus
Decarbonization: A Systems-Level Challenge and Actions to Address Climate Change
Décembre 7, 2021
Carbon elimination of the magnitude needed to address climate change requires systems-level change that can only be reached by incremental, ground-up progress, building upon what we have achieved thus far.
Aperçus
Using GIS Technology to Find Solar Development Sites
novembre 28, 2021
Renewable energy developers are in a race to find the optimal places for solar projects. GIS technology identifies the best locations.
How Do Energy Storage Systems Work?
octobre 18, 2021
For more than five decades, TRC has brought efficient, resilient energy systems to the world. We understand the challenges of implementing energy storage projects.
Aperçus
What Is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)?
septembre 30, 2021
BESS function similarly to the battery used in a flashlight, storing and offering power when needed. However, a BESS works on a larger scale and charges differently.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC’s Generator Relay Loadability Standard is Now in Effect
août 30, 2021
Many companies want to harness the power of green energy. Doing so depends on finding the proper method of deploying this type of energy once it has been produced. Renewable energy requires a reliable and accessible storage method, and a battery energy storage system (BESS) can assist with these needs. Understanding the components of battery energy storage may give energy producers better power system flexibility and allow a more significant level of integration of renewable energy. BESS function similarly to the battery used in a flashlight, storing and offering power when needed. However, a BESS works on a larger scale and charges differently. It relies on algorithms to determine when energy should be produced and sent to the grid. By syncing this release with the periods when energy sees the most demand (energy peaks), electricity costs remain stable, and the supply keeps coming.
Mises à jour réglementaires
La NERC cherche à améliorer les rapports sur le rendement de la fiabilité du GADS
août 26, 2021
En vertu de la loi habilitante qui a créé l’Electric Reliability Organization, la NERC est responsable d’évaluer le rendement fiable du réseau électrique. L’une des façons dont la NERC le fait est d’obtenir un système de rapports de l’industrie pour la production et le transport. Le Système de données sur la disponibilité des générateurs (GADS) est utilisé par la NERC et l’industrie depuis plus de 40 ans pour obtenir des données sur la composante de production du système électrique[1]. En raison de l’évolution rapide de la composition des ressources de production, il est essentiel que NERC dispose de données complètes sur les installations, les événements, les pannes et les performances pour la production photovoltaïque et éolienne afin d’assurer la fiabilité. À mesure que les technologies renouvelables sont de plus en plus déployées, un ensemble complet de statistiques sur le rendement des actifs de production est nécessaire pour permettre à la NERC d’évaluer la capacité du système à répondre à la charge, la performance du réseau électrique et de prévoir tout problème de fiabilité potentiel en raison de l’insuffisance des ressources. Par conséquent, la NERC propose d’apporter les améliorations suivantes au processus de collecte de données GADS pour la production d’énergie renouvelable : Ajouter les propriétaires de générateurs qui exploitent des installations solaires photovoltaïques de 20 MW ou plus au Système de données sur la disponibilité de la production (appelé « GADS-PV ») ; et Élargir les rapports GADS Wind (« GADS-W ») pour inclure le stockage d’énergie connectée et le rapport d’événements.
Aperçus
What is Clean Energy: A Discussion of the Future of Clean Energy
juin 21, 2021
Clean energy is a broad term with a fluctuating definition and a complicated lifecycle. We explore the issue, and hope to establish a more productive dialogue about our energy future.
Aperçus
Requirements to Growing US Offshore Wind Industry
mai 24, 2021
Growing US Offshore Wind Industry Requires Reshoring of Materials and Supply Chain Optimization
Nouvelles
TRC and Marvel Announce RNG Development Support Partnership
mai 20, 2021
TRC and the Marvel Power Group have teamed up to offer a full suite of development and off-take contracting services to the Renewable Natural Gas industry.
Aperçus
Transition vers l’abandon des hydrocarbures
mai 15, 2021
La transition du pétrole et du gaz vers les énergies renouvelables a nécessité des recherches technologiques complexes. La production d’énergie durable est devenue une priorité dans le monde entier. Bien que la transition ait été lente, les progrès technologiques sont prometteurs. Lorsqu’ils abordent une transition énergétique, les dirigeants devraient tenir compte de toutes les différentes avenues possibles et de leurs impacts potentiels. De nombreuses sources d’énergie alternatives sont disponibles, chacune avec ses propres avantages et inconvénients.
Aperçus
Comment faire passer un projet renouvelable de la planification à la construction
mai 15, 2021
Un changement sociétal généralisé est en cours – le moment est venu de réduire la dépendance aux combustibles fossiles et de commencer des projets d’énergie renouvelable. Parmi ceux qui devraient participer, il y a les entreprises de services publics. Ils peuvent faire preuve d’une bonne conscience sociale et bénéficier d’un retour sur investissement (ROI) notable en mettant en œuvre des projets d’énergie renouvelable. Dans ce chapitre, vous en apprendrez davantage sur le processus d’investissement dans les énergies renouvelables. Utilisez ce guide de développement de projets d’énergie renouvelable pour vous aider à démarrer.
Aperçus
L’économie de la transition vers les énergies renouvelables
mai 15, 2021
L’un des plus grands obstacles à la transition vers les énergies renouvelables est la spéculation sur son impact économique. Certains craignent que le passage aux énergies renouvelables ne provoque une instabilité dans l’économie, entraînant des pertes d’emplois. De nombreuses communautés à travers les États-Unis dépendent de l’impact économique de la production, de la fabrication ou de la prise de part à l’utilisation d’hydrocarbures.
Aperçus
Impacts environnementaux de la transition vers les énergies renouvelables
mai 15, 2021
La transition vers les sources d’énergie renouvelables aura des répercussions environnementales et économiques notables. Pour comprendre les implications possibles, vous aurez besoin d’une connaissance de base de la façon dont les combustibles fossiles affectent l’environnement.
Aperçus
Speak With the Experts at TRC
mai 15, 2021
TRC can help companies navigate their transition from hydrocarbons to renewables.
Aperçus
Transitioning from Hydrocarbons to Renewable Energy
mai 15, 2021
This guide details the questions to ask and factors to consider when transitioning from hydrocarbons to renewable energy sources.
Nouvelles
TRC to Oversee $104 Million Demolition Project at Los Angeles’ Haynes Generating Station
avril 24, 2021
TRC to dismantle and remove four decommissioned generating units in Long Beach, Calif., to pave way for LADWP’s clean grid initiatives.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC Issues Battery Energy Storage Systems Reliability Guidance
avril 22, 2021
While NERC has recently published a reliability guideline addressing inverter-based resources generally, they are now giving more attention to the various potential uses of BESS to support effective implementation with newly released guidance.
Vidéos
TRC Talks – Integrated Solutions for Renewable Energy
avril 7, 2021
Close coordination when planning the electrical and civil design components of a renewable energy project is critical to development success. Working with a multi-disciplinary team can streamline approval processes and ensure optimum constructability.
Aperçus
Product Quality Verification is Fundamental to Commercialization of Biogas from Waste Streams
mars 2, 2021
In this the first of a two-part series, the authors examine the production of biogas produced by anaerobic digestion and its upgrading to renewable natural gas.
Aperçus
The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington
mars 1, 2021
The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.
Aperçus
Green Insider Podcast featuring TRC’s Sr. Vice President of Renewables, Matt Beaton
janvier 25, 2021
Our experts discuss the challenges of working on the opportunities of offshore wind and hydroelectric power, and strategies to advance broad clean energy reform.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC Proposes Revision of Pending TPL-001-5.1 Standard
janvier 20, 2021
NERC has recently undertaken important standards and guidance development activities related to the proliferation of inverter-based technologies such as solar and wind generation, as well as battery energy storage which is growing as an industry solution to ensure the reliability of renewable power for end-use customers.
Nouvelles
TRC Companies Inc. Expands Environmental and Renewable Energy Capabilities with the Acquisition of Shoener Environmental
Décembre 2, 2020
Today TRC Companies, announces the expansion of its environmental and renewable energy capabilities with the acquisition of Shoener Environmental.
Vidéos
TRC Talks – Renewable Energy
novembre 24, 2020
Our experts discuss TRC’s integrated approach to renewable energy development.
Nouvelles
City of Camarillo, California approves moving forward with Hybrid Solar Microgrids at five critical community facilities
novembre 6, 2020
On October 28, the Camarillo City Council unanimously approved moving forward with the design of Hybrid Microgrids at five City facilities: City Hall, the Corporation Yard, Camarillo Public Library, Police Station, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The microgrid at the Camarillo Public Library will be designed with solar+storage only, while the other four sites will employ a hybrid design of solar+storage+diesel.
Nouvelles
TRC Digital partners with Dominion Energy to evolve its distributed energy resource strategy
septembre 22, 2020
Dominion Energy, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, has partnered with TRC Digital to evaluate, implement and integrate technology to further the utility’s distributed energy goals. TRC Digital will facilitate Dominion Energy’s strategy development and technology execution, allowing Dominion Energy and its customers to accelerate the shift to distributed energy resources (DER) and net carbon reduction.
Aperçus
Microgrids: A mega-opportunity for electric utilities
juin 2, 2020
For the traditional electric utility business model, microgrids could be perceived as a financial threat. But we see many ways microgrids can be both moneymakers and cost-savers for utilities.
Nouvelles
MCE Announces Partner for Comprehensive Energy Storage Program
mai 12, 2020
TRC will help support MCE’s community and vulnerable customer resiliency efforts
Aperçus
TRC Digital and Enbala can help utilities monitor, control and optimize distributed energy resources
avril 17, 2020
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way utilities think about power generation and energy flow. TRC and Enbala can offer utilities a multi-layered solution that highlights the strengths of each company.
Aperçus
Why Coal Ash Impoundments and Landfills Make Great Solar Sites
septembre 25, 2019
Hundreds of coal ash sites are set to close over the next decade and could make ideal, low-impact locations for utility-scale solar farms.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC to Modify Standard and Develop Compliance Guidance to Accommodate Inverter-Based Generation Technologies
février 20, 2019
Renewable energy systems have dramatically changed the power generation resource mix. These new generation technologies no longer involve directly coupled rotating generators which were once standard in the industry. Now, inverters that change Direct Current (DC) electricity to the Alternating Current (AC) electricity suitable for delivery via AC transmission systems are becoming more prevalent, raising reliability…
Aperçus
Tackling the Advanced Energy Frontier with TRC at ACEEE Summer Study
juillet 24, 2018
What will the grid of the future look like? Where are scientists and engineers breaking new ground to push energy efficiency even further? Join TRC at ACEEE Summer Study to find out.
Aperçus
New Approach to Migratory Bird Treaty Act Takes Flight
janvier 16, 2018
TRC examines the Department of Interior’s recent announcement that it will no longer prosecute incidental impacts to birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Nouvelles
TRC’s 2018 Predictions: Infrastructure Initiatives Intensify, Grids Get Smarter and Renewables Remain All the Rage
Décembre 13, 2017
LOWELL, Mass. – TRC Companies Inc., a leader in engineering, environmental consulting and construction-management services, today released its top predictions for 2018, which include federal and state governments pumping trillions into the nation’s aging infrastructure and utilities building smarter, more balanced grids.
Mises à jour réglementaires
NERC Identifies New Reliability Risk due to Utility Scale Solar Generation Inverter Design
juin 13, 2017
NERC has released a report documenting its findings and recommendations related to reliability risks from utility scale solar generation projects with implications for PRC-024 compliance, as well as generation, interconnection and protection system technologies.
Aperçus
Seeking a new FERC license for your hydroelectric project? Here are the 2 key questions to ask.
mars 22, 2017
Across the U.S., Department of Energy data show that some 2,200 hydroelectric projects produce more than 6 percent of all the electricity we consume, which amounts to more than one-third of all power generated in 2015 from renewable sources. Operations of many existing hydroelectric projects are governed by 30- to 50-year licenses issued by the…
Aperçus
Successful Interconnection of Utility Scale Solar Projects – Strategies to Stay on Schedule and on Budget
novembre 2, 2016
Growth in solar power creates challenges for both project proponents and utilities. TRC has reviewed hundreds of interconnection applications for utility partners, and we’ve learned important strategies for reducing the time and costs associated with interconnecting projects 1 megawatt or greater.
Nouvelles
TRC Teams With BQ Energy for Award-Winning Solar Installation
janvier 13, 2016
TRC Companies has teamed with BQ Energy to develop the PatterSun solar installation, a project received a 2015 Chairman’s Award from The Business Council of New York.
Nouvelles
Regional analysis of wind turbine-caused bat mortality
juillet 30, 2015
Wind energy has been the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the world. Studies have estimated bat fatalities at wind facilities, but direct comparisons of results is difficult and can be misleading due to numerous differences in protocols and methods used. We had a unique opportunity to compare fatality estimates from three wind facilities in southeastern