Ever wondered about life without electricity? Us neither.
Read here on how we keep it going. 

Ofgem's flurry of reforms to the energy sector could stop new ideas from entering the market and improving outcomes for customers, warned the boss of challenger supplier Good Energy.

Oil Price

UK Energy Reforms Could Stifle Growth

France and Finland warn of winter power outages; US wind outlook lifted by tax breaks for long-duration storage; More finance needed for Africa's energy transition.

World Economic Forum

US wind outlook lifted and what you need to know about the global energy crisis this week

Equipment installation work has commenced at the ACP100 small modular reactor (SMR) demonstration project at the Changjiang nuclear power plant on China's island province of Hainan.



World Nuclear News

Chinese SMR project enters installation phase

Two power substations in North Carolina in the United States were struck by gunfire in what is being investigated as a criminal act, causing damage that could take days to repair and leaving tens of thousands of people without electricity, authorities said.

Al Jazeera

Police investigate shooting of North Carolina electricity station

More than two million British households unable to afford electricity bills may decide to disconnect from the grid without informing their suppliers, the chief executive of a power utility said, as quoted by Bloomberg, today.

Over 2 Million British Households Could Unplug From The Energy Grid This Winter

Kazakhstan's president has asked his government to consider nationalizing "problematic" power plants after a breakdown left residents of a northern town battling the depths of winter inside their homes.
The collapse over the weekend of operations at a power plant in Ekibastuz left huge swathes of a city of over 100,000 people without central heating as nighttime temperatures hit -30 degrees Celsius (-22 Fahrenheit).

Kazakhstan Considers Nationalizing 'Problematic' Power Plants

Effort to get spare parts to Ukraine comes after sustained Russian bombing of power plants and substations


The Guardian

European firms urged to donate parts to keep Ukraine's electricity grid working

Russia's frequent and widespread attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure have plunged millions of people into darkness, depriving them of heat, power and water just as winter arrives and temperatures drop below zero.

Is attacking Ukraine's power grid a war crime?

Moscow targets power stations, other civilian infrastructure; Russian foreign minister likens Kherson to Stalingrad

The Wall Street Journal

Russia Says Strikes on Ukraine’s Infrastructure Aimed at Slowing Delivery of Foreign Arms

New rules in the Netherlands will allow new entities known as "congestion service providers" as intermediaries between grid operators and power plant operators, in order to make optimal use of the network.

PV Magazine

Netherlands changes grid code to reduce congestion, host more renewables

The Demand Flexibility Service would have seen households who have agreed to take part paid to turn off products such as electric ovens, dishwashers and tumble driers during certain hours.

Sky News

National Grid will not trigger power blackout prevention scheme tomorrow evening

From Paris to London, city officials are limiting hours of holiday illumination.
From Paris to London, officials in cities across Europe are limiting hours of holiday illumination, and many have switched to more energy-efficient LED lights or renewable energy sources as high energy prices bite consumers in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sober or bright? Holidays in Europe during energy crunch

Concerns have been raised over Britain's energy supply on Monday and Tuesday evenings as the grid operator issued two separate indications that things could get tight.

The Independent

Electricity supplies tight as National Grid issues two separate notices

Authorities in Kyiv have said repair work on the power grid is now in its "final phase." Millions had been left without power following Russian strikes targeting critical infrastructure on Wednesday.

DW News

Kyiv administration says power restored

Official focus on fun, fashion and energy is boosting companies specialising in reactor restarts and warm winter clothes.

Financial Times

Turtlenecks and nuclear power return to favour in Japan

India's industrial giants such as Reliance have made huge commitments toward renewable investment. India's power grid has been more resilient over the past weeks than it was at the same time last year when a coal shortage led to widespread blackouts. Part of the reason for the enhanced resilience was the surging renewable capacity which has reduced the stress on coal-fired generators, which continue to provide around 70% of India's electricity.

Renewable Boom Saves India From String Of Mass Blackouts

Shutting early, switching off the lights and lowering temperatures are among the measures being taken by Europe's retailers and shopping malls to try and cut energy use and contain a crisis stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters

Dim the lights: Europe's retailers scramble to cut energy use

Ukrainian authorities on Friday gradually restored power, aided by the reconnection of the country’s four nuclear plants, but millions of people were still in the dark after the most devastating Russian airstrikes of the war.

Japan Times

Freezing Ukraine gradually restores power after Russian strikes on grid

Over one million young families in England will be in fuel poverty by spring, according to new figures shared. The number of families with children under five who are living in fuel poverty will rise from 860,000 to 1,050,000 when changes announced in the autumn Budget kick in from April, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition of charities has estimated.

One million young families face fuel poverty in 2023

Three-year scheme to provide up to £15,000 for middle-income households will start in April 2023. The business secretary, Grant Shapps, will announce a plan next week to offer grants of up to £15,000 to middle-income households to make homes more energy efficient, according to reports.

UK government to introduce grants to make homes more energy efficient

I Europe's friends around the world what they think of the old continent's prospects they often respond with two emotions. One is admiration. In the struggle to help Ukraine and resist Russian aggression, Europe has displayed unity, grit and a principled willingness to bear enormous costs. 

The Economist

Europe faces an enduring crisis of energy and geopolitics

Introducing battery energy storage into a grid introduces advantages ranging from extending the amount of time renewable energy is available to voltage and frequency control, energy security and stability, and if the power source is green, even decarbonisation.

ESI Africa

Anticipating the changes energy storage will make to security of power supply

For the first time, an international team, including researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), researched how and why new transmission lines can also lead to grids becoming more unstable rather than more stable, as would be expected.

Researchers Aim To Understand A Power Grid Phenomenon

Uzbekistan has inaugurated a new power plant that will add enough generating capacity to supply around 230,000 households, but even that will not be sufficient to solve the current electricity deficit crisis.

Uzbekistan's Power Outages Persist Despite New 1.7 Billion KwH Power Plant

Russia Wednesday launched new airstrikes against Ukraine’s already-battered power grid, with Moscow’s forces apparently intent on inflicting anguish on Ukrainians at the onset of winter.

Russia Pounds Ukrainian Power Grid with New Airstrikes

The head of the National Grid has warned British households that blackouts may be imposed between 4pm and 7pm on "really, really cold" winter weekdays if Europe cuts gas exports.


What to expect in a winter blackout

The Governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, has advised citizens to wear turtlenecks and scarves to keep warm during this winter, saying they "will make you feel warmer and prevent you from catching a cold, and it will also help save electricity," Bloomberg reports.

Tokyo Governor Advises Citizens To Wear Turtlenecks To Stay Warm

Energy expert warns that the damage inflicted by Russian missiles will trigger blackouts until spring

Evening Standard

Ukraine facing blackouts until March after ‘colossal’ damage to grid from Russian air strikes

With our country’s resources, history of innovation, and record of public and private sector collaboration, the United States can lead the world on the path toward reliable renewable energy. Modernizing the electric grid in the U.S. in conjunction with updated approaches to policy and regulation will help make that happen.



Fortune

Why Amazon is going all in on renewables–and how it intends to use 100% clean energy by 2025

As Germany struggles with the energy crisis sparked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many communities there are looking with added urgency at ways to try to wean themselves off gas and oil. Abensberg in Bavaria is among a number of towns which have pioneered alternative energy solutions in recent years. The town of 15,000 people is focussing on solar power, and has ambitions to be self-sufficient in electricity by 2030.

Germany looks to renewables after Russian invasion

The Ukrainian government is preparing to help evacuate residents from two cities where shattered electricity and heating infrastructure has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis when winter sets in, officials said over the weekend.

The New York Times

Ukraine Plans Evacuations in 2 Stricken Cities as Temperatures Plunge

The scale of the assault on the power grid ‘has never been seen before in the modern world and therefore we must invent solutions,’ Ukrainian energy boss says.



Politico

Key weapons in Ukraine’s resilience: ingenuity and improvisation

Mild autumn and lower energy prices improve near-term outlook, but next winter looks bleak

Eurozone edges away from risk of deep winter recession

Consumer group Citizens Advice critical of measures taken by Ofgem it says have boosted supplier profit margins

UK energy regulator accused of shifting costs to consumers

The White House announced through the Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday that it is soliciting grant applications for $13 billion in new financing under the bipartisan infrastructure bill for the expansion and modernization of the U.S. electric grid.

White House announces $13 bln in funding to modernize power grids

TenneT, the Dutch electric grid operator, said on Thursday it was looking into asking customers to avoid using the grid during peak hours in exchange for compensation, as a way to free up capacity.

Dutch power grid firm may ask customers to avoid peak hours

With Russian gas imports largely cut off, Europe is facing an energy-scarce winter—and next year could be even worse. Europe's energy crisis could finally force countries to dramatically pivot toward renewable energy.

Bloomberg

Europe's Energy Nightmare Has Only Just Begun

As the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season entered its final month, utilities in the U.S. Southeast may have been tempted to exhale.

E&E News

4 questions answered: Hurricanes and the grid

Energy shortages raise questions over plans to import power to avert blackouts

The Telegraph

France will face electricity shortages even in ‘normal winter’, says boss of country’s power grid

I’ve been waiting for election officials in the remaining outstanding congressional districts to determine winners before putting this piece together, in order to avoid needless speculation.

Forbes

What The Mid-Term Elections Mean For U.S. Energy

Russia has targeted Ukraine’s electricity grid in an attempt to break civilians’ will. Ukrainians are adapting.

Kyiv Power Cuts Bring Cold Food, Scheduled Vacuuming, Struggling Businesses

U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and discussed their security pact and issues surrounding the Taiwan Strait, the White House said.

Biden discusses security pact, Taiwan Strait with Australian PM

Power stations will be allowed to pump more toxic pollutants into the air than usually allowed if blackouts loom this winter. The Environment Agency has drawn up plans to relax air pollution rules for electricity generators as part of efforts to avoid blackouts this winter. 



Power stations allowed to breach air pollution limits if blackouts loom

The share of fossil fuels in US electricity generation currently stands at 61%, with natural gas accounting for almost 40% of the national tally, although...


The U.S. Might Need To Increase Electricity Generation By 480%

The post-Soviet country found a way through its cataclysmic crises. Rishi Sunak surely can find solutions to Britain's milder problems



An energy crisis, fear of nuclear power, public discontent – 90s Armenia has lessons for the UK

Finland's national power grid operator said on Friday it will introduce voluntary procedures for companies and the public sector to help prevent electricity shortages.

Finland introduces scheme to prevent power blackouts

Climate change is pushing the power grid to the limit. Energy storage could help.

A mountain, a tower, a thermos of molten salt. These are the batteries that could power our renewable future.

Romania plans to invest EUR 1.45 billion in its transmission grid while investments in the Bulgarian transmission network could reach EUR 945 million over the period of the next 10 years.

Balkan Green Energy News

Bulgaria, Romania to invest EUR 2.4 billion in total in power grids

Together for Implementation. Just and Ambitious – the motto of this year’s COP27 conference in Sharm el-Sheikh could not be timelier and more precise because action is needed more urgently than ever. But COP27 needs to deliver much more than just words – because time is running out.


illuminem Voices

It is time to act – no excuses

Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky warned of ‘mass attacks' on the country's power grid as Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko said widespread evacuations in the capital may soon be needed.

Express

 Warning of mass evacuations in Ukraine after Russian 'mass attacks' on power grid

Power & Utilities | Power Grid

After a steady decline, from generating 18% of the world’s electricity in the mid-1990s to 10% today%, nuclear power is showing signs of revival. China and India have consistently expanded use of the technology, but until recently safety concerns had led many Western countries to move in the opposite direction.

The Washington Post

What’s Boosting Nuclear Power? War and Climate Change

The energy security case for nuclear power is building

International Monetary Fund

Nuclear Resurgence

France’s EDF, South Korea’s KHNP, and US-Canadian group Westinghouse Electric have made initial bids to build a new unit at the Czech Republic’s Dukovany nuclear power plant, Czech utility ČEZ said.

Euractiv

France’s EDF in the running to build new Czech nuclear plant

The British government said it would acquire a 50 percent stake in the new power project and buy out China’s investment.

U.K. Backs Giant Nuclear Plant, Squeezing Out China

After the $600 million dismantling job is complete, the town is considering turning the site into sports fields or a solar farm. 

How to Tear Down a Nuclear Power Plant in Vermont and Bury It in Texas

The head of Ukraine's state-run nuclear energy firm said on Sunday there were signs that Russian forces might be preparing to leave the vast Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant which they seized in March soon after their invasion.

Ukraine nuclear boss says he sees signs Russia may leave occupied plant

Ministers are finalising plans to support a generation of new small nuclear reactors as part of a strategy to phase out gas power stations and decarbonise the UK’s electricity supply.

The Times

Small nuclear power plants to replace gas in quest for net zero

Russia's strikes triggered emergency protection at nuclear plants under Ukraine's control

Russia's strikes triggered emergency protection at nuclear plants under Ukraine's controL

Russia risked causing a "nuclear and radioactive catastrophe" by launching attacks in which all Ukraine's nuclear power plants were disconnected from the power grid for the first time in 40 years, Ukraine's nuclear energy chief said on Thursday.

Russian attacks risked nuclear 'catastrophe' - Ukraine's nuclear energy chief

Electricite de France SA extended maintenance halts at three nuclear reactors, adding to strain on power supply in France and neighboring countries as temperatures fall. 

EDF Delays Restart of Three Nuclear Reactors as Winter Hits

Major accidents at a nuclear power plant or fuel cycle facility are rare but can produce large quantities of radioactive waste with widely varying characteristics that can be difficult to manage. Large volumes of radioactive waste can also be generated by accidents at military installations or by the mishandling high-activity-sealed radiation sources. 

IAEA

Experience in the Management of Radioactive Waste After Nuclear Accidents: A Basis for Preplanning

Chairman Keating, Ranking Member Fitzpatrick, members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today on the nuclear security and energy policy implications of Russia’s unprovoked and brutal war in Ukraine.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative

Statement of Ernest J. Moniz Before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber

Move follows rebuke by UN watchdog over uranium traces found at undeclared sites

Iran nuclear chief announces enrichment programme expansion

he Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), today announced the conditional selection of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located near Avila Beach, California, to receive the first round of funding from the Civil Nuclear Credit (CNC) Program. Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the $6 billion CNC program supports the continued operations of safe and reliable nuclear energy facilities, preserving thousands of good-paying clean energy jobs while avoiding carbon emissions.

Energy.gov

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Major Investment to Preserve America’s Clean Nuclear Energy Infrastructure

The Energy Department’s grant of $1.1 billion is the latest step that could keep the reactor in operation beyond its scheduled shutdown in 2025.

U.S. Approves $1.1 billion Aid to Extend Life of California Nuclear Plant

Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

EcoWatch

France's Solar Plan for Parking Lots Could Start an Urban Renewable Revolution

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant Gets U.S. Aid to Extend Its Life

After heavy shelling on Zaporizhzhia nuclear power site yesterday, the UN nuclear body's chief said attacks on Ukraine's major nuclear power plant must cease immediately.

UN warns attacks on Ukraine's nuclear plant 'playing with fire'

Following post-Fukushima nuclear phase-out since 2011, Japan moves to switch reactors back on

Anadolu Ajansi

 Japan reactivating nuclear power plants

Share
The Khmelnitsky nuclear power plant had to rely on emergency diesel generators after losing its grid connection for nine hours, and the Rivne plant had to temporarily reduce its power output after losing connection to one of its 750 kV power lines, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported.

Two more Ukrainian nuclear plants suffer power supply issues

The Financial Times reported earlier this month that Vladimir Putin may be considering a electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on Ukraine. The threat is real, though Putin's options all come with significant drawbacks.

Would Putin Launch An Electromagnetic Pulse Attack Against Ukraine?

The World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2022 assesses the status and trends of the international nuclear industry. It provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear power plant data, including operation, production, construction, and decommissioning information. 

 World Nuclear Industry Status Report (WNISR)

World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2022

A new small modular reactor pilot project in Ukraine could provide nuclear power plants with new reasons for being, including sustainable hydrogen and ammonia production

CleanTechnica

Nuclear Power Plants Scale Down To Pump Out Sustainable H2

This is Karl Mathiesen, POLITICO’s senior climate correspondent, bringing you today’s Playbook from COP27 beachside at the Savoy, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt — don’t say we never take you anywhere. (No, reader, POLITICO didn’t put me up in the Savoy, but the Wi-Fi here is free

Brussels Playbook: EU at COP27 — G20 snubs — Russia pivot

Increasing use of atomic power would not necessarily free economies from Moscow’s influence

Russia maintains grip on global nuclear energy landscape

As leaders gather in Egypt for the U.N. climate summit, several climate change solutions are gaining traction. But is it enough?
Image without a caption


From nuclear power to bamboo: The climate solutions at COP27

Plans to revive nuclear power will take time, leaving Europe’s old, creaky industry struggling to meet energy demands

iNews

Europe realised the potential of nuclear power too late, and it is adding to the energy crisis

The European Union will need up to $462 billion (450 billion euros) in investment just to keep the current level of its nuclear power generation capacity, the EU Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, said at a nuclear energy forum this week.

EU Needs $460 Billion Investment To Maintain Nuclear Power Capacity

Engineering giant aims to build 30 reactors to kick-start nuclear revolution

Rolls-Royce seeks to open mini-nuclear reactors across Wales, the North and West Midlands by 2030

Romania announced Wednesday (9 November) that the United States will provide funding worth more than $3 billion for the construction of two new nuclear reactors in the eastern European country, which is expected to commence early next year.



Romania secures $3 billion US funding for two nuclear reactors

Nuclear energy supporters including politicians and activists sought to polish the industry's spotty image on Wednesday, using the COP27 climate summit in Egypt to argue that atomic power offers a safe and cost-efficient way to decarbonize the world.



You can’t miss it!

Latest on Power & Utilities