demand
Newsletter
Credit: Alexandru Boicu/Unsplash
Texas power demand expected to nearly double by 2030, ERCOT predicts
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas forecasts that power demand in Texas could almost double by 2030 due to new demand calculation methods and a surge in large power users.
In short:
- ERCOT’s new prediction considers company requests for grid connections before finalization and an influx of large power users like data centers and hydrogen production facilities.
- Texas’s population growth and increased electrification in the oil and gas sector are major factors driving the expected surge in power demand.
- State officials are concerned about the potential strain on the grid and are considering more oversight and new infrastructure to meet the demand.
Key quote:
“All of that is putting together a picture of a very significant, different demand growth that is forcing us to really re-think how we’re looking at planning ... ”
— Pablo Vegas, president and CEO of ERCOT
Why this matters:
ERCOT’s forecast raises concerns about the state's ability to meet this demand without compromising environmental standards or public health. As Texas continues to attract businesses with its favorable economic conditions, the pressure mounts on the existing infrastructure, potentially leading to increased carbon emissions and higher pollution levels if fossil fuel usage is ramped up to meet the growing energy needs.
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Copper recycling increases as demand soars
Copper manufacturers in Montreal are boosting recycling efforts to meet rising demand.
In short:
- Nexans mill in Montreal now produces copper rods with 14% recycled metal, aiming for 20%.
- The shift towards electrification to reduce greenhouse gases is driving up copper demand, projected to nearly double by 2035.
- Recycling copper reduces the need for new mining, lessening environmental impacts.
Key quote:
“We say to our customers: Your waste of today, your scrap of today is your energy of tomorrow, so bring back your scrap.”
— Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans
Why this matters:
Mining copper is an energy-intensive process that often results in substantial carbon emissions and environmental degradation. By recycling copper, manufacturers can diminish their reliance on mining, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and preserving natural landscapes.
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Europe's liquefied natural gas buildout collides with waning demand
As part of its efforts to wean itself off Russian energy, Europe has sought to import more natural gas from overseas, erecting new terminals for processing deliveries of liquefied natural gas. But this new capacity is set to far exceed demand, an analysis finds.
Should you buy an electric car? Advice for people on the EV market
The limited supply of EVs is colliding with unexpected demand. Despite inventories at a fraction of their pre-pandemic levels, EV sales are outperforming even the more optimistic projections of a few years ago.
Newsletter
Yes, the grid can handle EV charging, even when demand spikes
The flexible timing of vehicle charging can save the day — even during heat waves when electricity consumption surges.
Why fruit flies could hold the secret to scaling up lab-grown meat
While the pests are a nuisance in the home, in the lab they could help the cultivated meat industry lower sky-high production costs and meet surging demand.
lethbridgenewsnow.com
New report finds climate ambition, push for electric vehicles driving down need for oil
The expected uptake of electric vehicles and stricter measures world-wide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are the top reasons why a climate-focused research group is calling on governments not to invest any more money in Alberta's oil sector.
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