Renewable Energy Highlights: Innovations and Developments from February 14, 2025

Energy Transition in Motion (Week of Feb. 14, 2025)

This week brings a variety of noteworthy updates in the renewable energy sector, including a significant geothermal drilling partnership.

Geothermal Drilling Partnership

GA Drilling, a geothermal drilling company, has teamed up with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to commercialize a high-temperature downhole generator. This technology aims to enhance geothermal drilling applications. Announced on February 13, the partnership will see GA Drilling integrate the NREL-developed generator into its PLASMABIT Hybrid drilling solution. This innovative drilling technology targets hard crystalline rock, enabling quick destruction of rock and efficient removal of debris thousands of feet underground, which ultimately reduces costs.

NREL’s downhole generator produces electricity directly at the drill bit, negating the need for external power cables, thus minimizing operational delays and enhancing efficiency. Designed to operate at temperatures up to 250°C, NREL and GA Drilling plan to advance this technology to full-scale field testing within commercial drilling systems. GA Drilling CEO Igor Kocis stated, “Geothermal energy has the potential to revolutionize clean energy production, and this collaboration marks a significant step toward making deep geothermal drilling more viable and efficient.”

Energy Storage Developments

Australia Taps Energy Vault for Battery Energy Storage Systems

On February 13, California-based Energy Vault secured an agreement to supply a 100-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) to the State Electricity Commission (SEC) of Victoria, Australia. Located at the SEC Renewable Energy Park-Horsham, this project will also include over 212,000 photovoltaic solar panels, generating 119 MW of solar power. Energy Vault’s BESS will deliver firm, dispatchable power during peak demand periods, with a two-hour storage duration. CEO Robert Piconi emphasized the project’s role in accelerating the clean energy transition and ensuring renewable energy availability.

Lyten Sources Domestic Sulfur for Battery Production

Lithium-sulfur battery manufacturer Lyten announced on February 12 that it has established a sulfur supply agreement with California Sulphur Co., which will supply industrial-grade sulfur for its manufacturing facilities in California and Nevada. This domestic sourcing reduces reliance on global supply chains, particularly those dominated by China. The use of sulfur results in a battery cathode that is significantly lighter than traditional lithium-ion options, enhancing performance.

Canadian Solar Selected for Energy Storage Systems in Australia

Canadian Solar’s subsidiary, e-STORAGE, has been awarded a contract by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners to supply 240 MW of battery energy storage systems for a major project in South Australia. This project will contribute significantly to the state’s goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2027.

Hydrogen Investments and Initiatives

Hy24 Invests $50 Million in StormFisher Hydrogen

Private equity firm Hy24 has committed $50 million to StormFisher Hydrogen, a developer of low-carbon fuels, as it expands its operations in the U.S. and Canada. This funding, provided through Hy24’s Clean Hydrogen Infrastructure Fund, will support StormFisher’s goal of converting solar and wind energy into renewable fuels, including green hydrogen and e-methanol. CEO Judson Whiteside expressed optimism about the collaboration’s potential to enhance project development and create local jobs.

Finland’s First Green Hydrogen Plant Commences Production

P2X Solutions has initiated commercial production of green hydrogen at its facility in Harjavalta, Finland. The plant, supported by a 26-million-euro investment grant and a 10 million-euro capital loan, utilizes renewable electricity to produce hydrogen. CEO Herkko Plit highlighted the company’s plans for future facilities and the strategic approach taken to navigate market challenges.

Solar Power Initiatives

Microsoft Partners with EDP Renewables for Solar Projects

EDP Renewables North America announced the completion of three utility-scale solar projects in Illinois and Texas that will supply power to Microsoft. The projects include the 140-MW Wolf Run Solar, the 110-MW Hickory Solar, and the 150-MW Cattlemen II Solar. Microsoft has entered into long-term virtual power purchase agreements for 389 MW of electricity from these projects, demonstrating its commitment to becoming carbon negative by 2030.

Lightsource BP Enters the Japanese Renewable Market

On February 13, Lightsource BP announced its entry into the Japanese renewable market with the acquisition of a 15-MW peak solar project in Hokkaido. This marks a significant expansion of the company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Wind Energy Developments

New York Approves Power Line for Equinor Offshore Wind Farm

New York’s utility regulator has granted Equinor permission to build and operate transmission facilities for its Empire Wind 1 offshore wind farm. This 816-MW project is expected to supply renewable power to over 388,000 homes by the end of 2027.

UK Launches Offshore Wind Farm Incentives Scheme

The UK has introduced an incentive scheme for offshore wind projects to encourage investment toward its goal of decarbonizing the energy system by 2030. The Clean Industry Bonus will provide funding for successful bidders, supporting the expansion of offshore wind capacity.

These developments highlight the ongoing momentum in the renewable energy sector as various companies and countries work towards achieving cleaner energy solutions and sustainability goals.