RENEWABLES-

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) completed the pilot test for the first virtual power plant (VPP) in the region, according to a statement. The plant utilizes AI to optimize, coordinate and assess how to best integrate the distribution of different types of flexible energy sources — PV solar, battery storage, EV charging stations, to the state utility’s smart grid. It was now testing the project through a digital twin simulation and running economic and technical feasibility studies to determine its viability in supporting energy transmission and distribution.

SOUND SMART- A virtual power plant refers to small flexible energy sources such as solar panels or home batteries that are pooled together for grid use during periods of high demand, or are stored when in excess, according to an explainer by Reuters. VPPs help increase energy efficiency by smoothing out electricity consumption with device owners being compensated for their contribution. Investment in the technology is set to surpass USD 110 bn between 2020 and 2025, according to data by Wood Mackenzie. US solar companies like Sunrun and SunPower have already begun gathering their consumers’ energy systems into VPPs.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES-

Qatar gets Tesla supercharger stations: British consultancy and construction firm Mace completes the installation of 12 Tesla supercharger stations at Doha Festival City, marking Qatar’s first venture for Tesla’s EV charging infrastructure, according to a statement. These stations, operational since June, offer fast charging technology that delivers up to 250 kW, providing around 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Qatar is now the third country in the GCC to have Tesla’s supercharger stations after the UAE and Jordan, according to Tesla’s website.

WIND-

Morocco taps into offshore wind: Morocco is reportedly seeking a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for what could be Africa's first offshore wind energy project, according to the African Energy Council. The Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are said to have issued a tender for technical assistance for the project. The site for the planned project is reportedly located off the coast of Essaouira on the Atlantic Ocean, which is an area known for its strong winds and shallow waters to make it a preferred site for the project

Studies for the project is getting EIB backing: The EIB signed a cooperation agreement with Masen in 2022 to provide a EUR 2 mn grant for a feasibility study for the project which it said “could pave the way for an initial small-scale offshore wind energy pilot project in Morocco.”

Tags: