ECONOMY
SDG&E | June 27, 2022
Four microgrids equipped with energy storage will be added to the San Diego region to help the state meet high energy demand, particularly on hot summer days and in the peak evening hours after solar power dissipates. These small-scale grids that can operate independent of or parallel to the larger regional grid will also help keep critical community facilities powered during unexpected outages.
“They will dispatch clean energy to the grid when needed and keep critical facilities like schools, Cool Zones, and fire stations powered during emergencies.”
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San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) received approval yesterday from the California Public Utilities Commission to build these projects, which will add a total of approximately 39 megawatts (MW) / 180 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity at four company substations.
“These clean energy projects will help our region become more resilient to the impacts of our worsening climate,” said SDG&E Vice President of Energy Innovation Miguel Romero. “They will dispatch clean energy to the grid when needed and keep critical facilities like schools, Cool Zones, and fire stations powered during emergencies.”
The projects stemmed from Gov. Newsom’s Proclamation of a State Emergency issued last summer, which outlines California’s energy needs in the face of growing climate challenges. The four new projects, slated to be completed in summer 2023, are the latest of a series of energy storage investments by SDG&E, including the opening of Top Gun, a 30 MW facility, in June 2021 and Kearny Energy Storage, a 20 MW facility, in March 2022.
Battery storage works by capturing renewable resources like wind and solar when they are abundant during the day, then sending that energy back to the grid when it is needed. As with other SDG&E owned storage projects, these facilities will be connected to the state energy market so that the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) can dispatch these resources as needed to balance energy supply and demand throughout the state.
Below are brief descriptions of each of the projects.
The Clairemont substation microgrid will have the ability to power the Balboa Branch Library/Cool Zone, Fire Station 36, and local schools such as Lafayette Elementary and Sequoia Elementary Schools, Innovation and CPMA Middle Schools, and Madison High School
The Boulevard substation microgrid will have the ability to power the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Station 47, Campo Reservation Fire Station, Cal Fire White Star Station, Campo Tribal Office, Campo Kumeyaay Nation Medical Center, Southern Indian Health Council Campo Clinic, the Boulevard Border Patrol Station, and the Boulevard Post Office
The Paradise substation microgrid will have the ability to power Fire Stations 51 and 32, the Southeast Division Police Department, and Bell Middle School, as well as Freese, Boone and Fulton Elementary
The Elliott substation microgrid will have the ability to power Fire Station 39, the Tierrasanta Public Library/Cool Zone, Tierrasanta Medical Center, Jean Farb Middle School, Canyon Hills High School, and Tierrasanta and Kumeyaay Elementary Schools.
To learn more about SDG&E’s clean energy projects, visit sdge.com/sustainability.
SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing energy infrastructure; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE).
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STRATEGY AND BEST PRACTICES
HOPIUM MACHINA VISION | June 14, 2022
One year after the presentation of the first rolling prototype of the Hopium Machina, the French manufacturer of high-end hydrogen vehicles today reveals its concept car called Hopium Machina Vision, and offers for the first time an immersion within the cockpit.
Designed by automotive designer Félix Godard, who studied at Porsche, Tesla or Lucid, the Hopium Machina Vision imagines the future of the relationship between man and machine.
At the front, the screen deploys a landscape of information across the entire width of the vehicle, accessible to both the driver and the passenger. It is transformed according to the desires, in a wave movement, in full or minimized version. The haptic center console offers a new sensory connection with the interface.
In the rear, passengers can enjoy the comfort of an uncompromising interior space and an unrivaled view of the sky.
All of the materials used for the passenger compartment meet quality requirements, to allow the vehicle to stand the test of time while keeping all its shine, in a process of transparency and traceability. These materials have been sourced in Europe , in order to reduce their environmental impact.
The exterior design of the vehicle is becoming clearer, the Hopium Machina Vision displays a three-box silhouette that is both athletic and elegant, in a skilful balance of proportions. We find the characteristic elements of the Hopium Machina, including the imposing grille which moves to optimize the cooling of the fuel cell system, and the light signature inspired by waves on the surface of the water.
ABOUT HOPIUM
Founded by Olivier Lombard , the youngest winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Hopium is the culmination of his experience acquired on motor racing circuits. Olivier Lombard has driven hydrogen-powered racing cars for 7 years, making him an expert in the field. An open-air laboratory, the race allowed Olivier Lombardand his team to reflect on new mobility solutions to meet contemporary environmental challenges. While the transport sector alone is responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, the company is positioning itself as a player in the fight against climate change. Hopium brings together a team of experts at the forefront of innovation in the hydrogen fuel cell and automotive engineering sectors, as well as leading partners.
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STRATEGY AND BEST PRACTICES
ACE Green Recycling | May 16, 2022
US-based recycling technology company, ACE Green Recycling (ACE) announces its plans to build and operate four new lithium-ion battery recycling facilities with a planned total annual capacity of over 30,000 tons. The four locations will tap into previously underserved recycling markets and provide regional markets with an emissions-free, carbon-neutral recycling solution to support the global adoption of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are currently employed in most of the world's portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, as well as potentially serving as grid energy storage solutions.
ACE is currently planning for facilities in Thailand, India, and USA, with planned capacities of 10,000 tons between India and Thailand and 20,000 tons in the USA. Operations in India are expected to commence by the third quarter of 2022 with initial processing capacity of 1800 tons per year, while Thailand and USA would come online in 2023 with full operational capacity planned to be achieved across all facilities by 2025.
ACE recently announced its flagship combined lead-acid and lithium-ion battery recycling park in Texas, USA. With the announcement of plans to simultaneously set-up facilities in Asia, ACE is working towards being a global player for Li-ion battery recycling. The company will be deploying its proprietary hydrometallurgical recycling process that combines a completely emissions-free, low temperature process with market-leading recovery rates in excess of 98%. ACE can also successfully reclaim valuable metals like copper and aluminum , while also being able to handle a wide variety of the world's most utilized lithium-ion battery chemistries. In line with its environmental ethos, the process also produces zero toxic solid waste or effluent.
In addition to copper and aluminum, materials recovered also include a variety of sulphates and carbonates of cobalt, manganese, and nickel, all of which leave ACE's facility "user-ready" for use in the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.
"With the set-up of these four new facilities we would strategically leverage our global supply chain experience to not only cater to the North American markets but also Asia where we have a very strong on the ground experience and existing relationships,"
-Nishchay Chadha, ACE's Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer.
ACE is already in discussions with potential partners for various battery waste supply and product off-take arrangements to guarantee a steady inflow of recyclable batteries and a ready customer for its market-grade battery materials.
When fully operational, ACE expects to provide up to 100 direct and indirect jobs to the local economy.
While the global market for lithium-ion battery recycling currently remains relatively low, key OEMs, EV manufacturers, and strategic investors remain bullish on the need for a sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling solution due to three key reasons.
The exponential growth in the adoption of lithium-ion batteries – from the already ubiquitous portable electronic devices to the widespread and growing popularity of electric vehicles – is heralding an unprecedented uptick in demand. Further, government mandates for "producer responsibility" require battery manufacturers to rapidly identify sustainable recycling solutions which can minimize the overall environmental footprint of battery manufacturing. With the continual fragility of global supply chains causing extreme price shocks , players across the value chain(s) are looking to diversify their sources of battery materials away from regions of heightened political instability.
"By providing a zero emissions lithium-ion battery recycling solution, ACE solves all of these concerns and provides the necessary supply chain localization and reliability of the valuable battery materials. Global scale up of our technology will provide vital support for a sustainable electrification of mobility and manufacturing."
- Dr Vipin Tyagi, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of ACE.
ACE will deploy its capital and collaborate with several strategic and financial investors to set up the envisioned facilities.
ACE is already a leading pioneer in the hydrometallurgical recycling of lead-acid batteries, having already deployed its technology on a commercial scale with leading recyclers and industry players with many new facilities set to come online across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East by early 2023.
About ACE Green Recycling Inc
ACE Green Recycling is an American green recycling technology company with global operations across Southeast Asia and India. The company has successfully commercialized its proprietary recycling process for used lead-acid batteries that releases no greenhouse gas emissions and is currently scaling up its zero-emission technology to recycle lithium-ion batteries. ACE is also simultaneously working on clean technology solutions for other metallic waste streams. The team behind ACE has decades of recycling, technology and scrap supply chain experience, making them poised to become a leader in global recycling.
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