02 May 2012
Energy exec’s fear looming blackouts … while collaborators ease smart grid adoption … and new technologies create new dependencies.
Smart Grid News: Utility execs warn blackouts more likely
Smart Grid News writes on PwC’s 12th Global Power & Utilities report – The shape of power to come – which surveyed the views of 72 power and utilities companies in 43 countries.
The report found that, despite plans to increase generation capacity, energy executives expect more blackouts in Europe and North America. This results from...
14 Mar 2012
This is the power which will be generated by an ancient technology, “Archimede’s screw," invented 2,000 years ago.
The Queen has installed two 40-ton screws along the River Thames to power Windsor Castle. On connection, the castle will receive sufficient power 90% of the time, reports Smart Planet.
The eco-friendly “screw” is set in to a spinning motion by rushing water. This then drives a turbine, generating electricity. Each 12m by 4m “screw” costs US$1.1m. Installation costs US$1.55m. The contraption does not trap fish due to tubes that run alongside the turbine.The use of these...
23 Jan 2012
Smart grid venture capital funding plunged in 2011; Duke-Progress merger delayed and ABB Nissan testing new use for old Leaf batteries.
Smart Grid News: Smart Grid Venture Funding Plunges
Mercom Capital Group released its annual report on merger and acquisition and funding activity for 2011. Jesse Berst of Smart Grid News reports on the dramatic decrease in venture capital (VC) funding in 2011. ...
19 Apr 2012
South African Util Labs’ unique technology empowers everyone to save energy
The South African company that monitored the energy consumption at the COP17 Climate Change Response Expo in Durban, Util Labs from Midrand, has developed unique technology which will enable South Africa to achieve its energy savings targets.
The Util Labs Low Voltage Smart System (LVSS) is a suite of applications, supported by smart devices that measure, monitor and manage the Low Voltage (LV) electrical network, creating a reliable, eco-friendly and efficient grid which enables...
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