Bizbell’s Post

As the global energy landscape shifts rapidly to renewable sources, ensuring grid stability becomes a key priority. Last year, 80% of the new global energy generation came from solar and wind, growing at annual rates of 22% and 11% respectively. Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) emerges as a solution, offering long-duration, deep storage necessary to balance variable renewable energy. With nearly 200GW of installed capacity providing most of the global stored energy, PSH uniquely meets this challenge. Yet, financial risks often delay its development. Effectively policies and investment frameworks are essential to scale this cost-effective technology. In this article, GHD's Helen Barbour-Bourne, Hydropower Sector Market Lead, discusses the vital role pumped storage hydropower plays in stabilising the global energy system. Helen was a part of the International Hydropower Association (IHA) working group tackling the biggest challenges in project development. Their guidance note provides decision-makers with the critical tools to drive projects forward and secure essential financing. ⚡ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gCtmhK4K #FutureEnergy #PowerofCommitment

Exciting news for the energy sector! The Turnu Măgurele – Nikopol hydropower plant on the Danube River, a joint project between Bulgaria's NEK and Romania's Hidroelectrica, has been included in the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF Energy) as one of the eight projects on the CB RES list. This 840 MW project, which has been on hold for decades, is now revived and eligible for financial support, gaining increased visibility and investor confidence. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the project is expected to generate 4.4 TWh per year, equally shared between Bulgaria and Romania. This initiative, dating back to the 1960s, marks a significant step forward in cross-border renewable energy cooperation. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Hydropower #EUProjects #EnergyInnovation #DanubeRiver #GreenEnergy #Romania #Bulgaria #CEFEnergy Source: https://lnkd.in/dBqCVnKr

Congo Powers Ahead: Transforming Energy with Renewables and Hydropower The Republic of Congo is taking bold steps to revolutionize its energy sector through renewable energy and hydropower advancements. 💡🌍 🔆Key initiatives shaping the future: - Ingié 2021-2046 Project: A 65 MW hybrid solar and biomass facility within the Ignié SEZ, set for completion in 18 months. - Hydropower Expansion: Construction of the $9.4 billion Sounda Dam begins in January 2025, expected to generate up to 800 MW, alongside other projects like the 600 MW Chollet Dam. - Solar Milestones: AMEA Power's 100 MW solar project and Eni's initiative to electrify 33 community facilities highlight the push for clean energy access. 🏛️ Collaborative Efforts: The Oyo renewable energy research center and partnerships with Italy, UAE, and China are strengthening innovation, financing, and project execution. With 22,000 MW hydropower potential, tax reforms, and climate resilience strategies, Congo is paving the way for a sustainable, inclusive energy future while addressing electricity access challenges for its citizens. 🌱⚡ Read the full article by Energy Capital & Power here: https://lnkd.in/dqK9pzV6 #RenewableEnergy #Hydropower #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyTransition #Congo #AfricanEnergy

The whole team at Koehler Renewable Energy UK are thrilled to announce the acquisition of the Pitnacree Hydro scheme, located in Strathtay, Perthshire. This expands our hydroelectric portfolio in Scotland, and further demonstrates Koehler Renewable Energy's commitment to growing the renewable energy sector in the UK. By investing in the Pitnacree Hydro scheme, we are committing to a proven and environmentally friendly technology that helps reduce CO2 emissions while ensuring a secure energy supply. Read more about the Pitnacree Hydro scheme acquisition: https://lnkd.in/eizRzcYy #Hydropower #Scotland #ScottishRenewables #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #MeetTheSites

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend €150 million ($160.2 million) for renewables in Bhutan, in order to fund solar and hydropower installations in remote regions. Solar facilities are expected to reduce Bhutan’s reliance on energy imports during the dry months of the year and diversify the nation’s electricity mix. The EIB has signed its first-ever investment support agreement nfor Bhutan, through a 30-year, €150 million loan to increase renewable energy generation in the country. The funds will back the construction of small- to mid-size run-of-river hydropower plants and solar projects, in a bid to help the Bhutanese government to diversify the country’s power mix and serve communities in remote regions. The new projects will be implemented by Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation Limited. The total capacity of the solar and hydropower installations is expected to reach an estimated 310 MW. In the first year of operation, the facilities are expected to generate around 670 GWh.

The announcement of the 42.5 MW solar power plant in Seven Forks by KenGen represents a pivotal advancement in Kenya’s efforts to expand its renewable energy portfolio. This 28-month project marks a significant stride towards Kenya’s national objective of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. The strategic integration of solar power with existing hydropower infrastructure presents a highly effective solution. This initiative has the potential not only to reduce electricity costs for Kenyan consumers but also to conserve water resources during periods of drought. Such a combined approach fortifies Kenya’s energy security and fosters long-term sustainability. The Seven Forks project stands as a noteworthy example for other African nations contemplating similar renewable energy ventures. As the continent seeks to diversify its energy mix and address climate change challenges, this project illustrates the viability of solar power as a crucial element of a sustainable energy future. #KenyaRenewableEnergy #AfricanRenewables #CleanEnergyAfrica #SustainableEnergyFuture https://lnkd.in/dEVkwgSZ

Pumped hydro promises an energy solution to replace coal-fired power stations, but long-thinking and broad collaboration is needed to encourage and de-risk private investment. GHD National Sector Lead for Hydropower Helen Barbour-Bourne said as the world shifted from fossil fuels to variable renewable energy, such as solar and wind, pumped hydro energy storage was uniquely positioned to ensure Australia’s energy system remained stable and reliable. Ms Barbour-Bourne represented the global professional services company on an International Hydropower Association (IHA) global working group focussed on addressing the key challenges surrounding the development of pumped hydro projects. “The problem these projects face is that at the point of time when they are seeking funding, they come with risk profiles which have prevented funding solely with private equity.” She said pumped storage hydropower was a proven cost-effective, low-impact renewable energy storage technology that could provide flexibility and resilience at scale. “It is the largest form of renewable energy storage, providing more than 90 percent of all stored energy worldwide. “(However), not enough projects are making it to financial close, and when they do, there is a long tail of cost and schedule overruns that stalls development and discourages investors.” Ms Barbour-Bourne said the IHA global working group had created a guidance note for key decision makers to de-risk pumped storage investments. “The guidance note delivers recommendations to reduce risks and enhance certainty in project development and delivery. It also equips key decision-makers with the tools to guide the development of pumped storage hydropower projects and unlock crucial finance mechanisms.” She said mitigation strategies included ensuring local government was on board, quoting Denton's Senior Associate Roddy Cormack that developers needed “to have local government coming in with all the bits that are unrelated to digging holes in the ground to pump water through, things like roads, bridges, even housing and education for people’s families.” Read more insights and access the guidance note: https://lnkd.in/gjq36X9c #hydro #power #energy Sign-up to the free biweekly Newsreel newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gDGxznVv #newsreel

Africa50 is driving innovation with its support for the Volobe Hydropower Plant and other groundbreaking renewable energy projects across Africa. This strategic investment is set to benefit multiple sectors and propel sustainable growth. Learn more about the impact: #RenewableEnergy #Africa50 #SustainableDevelopment #Innovation

The USDA is investing $6M in small hydroelectric and solar facilities with battery storage in Vermont, part of a $78.3M initiative to support clean energy projects across rural America. These investments will provide renewable power to nearly 7,000 households. Read details at: https://lnkd.in/dQpvs52r Bizbell Bizbell Energy Bizbell Ventures Nepal Portfolio Energy Sushmit Energy #CleanEnergy #RuralDevelopment #PACEProgram #resources #small

China is increasing investments in wind, hydropower, and photovoltaic (PV) energy as part of its green transition, even amidst the global economic slowdown. This strategy reinforces China's commitment to sustainable growth and energy security. Read details at: https://lnkd.in/eVrFU_ef Bizbell Energy Bizbell Ventures Hydro Village Nepal Portfolio Energy Sushmit Energy #sustainable #energy #security #resources #development #economic