REGI

Renewable Energy

Energy

These Two Firms Just Created the Ultimate Renewable Energy Hybrid

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Renewable energy's place as part of the global "energy balance" is a delicate scale.

As its prospects and contribution rise, limitations also appear.

There are several main elements involved.

First, the intermittent nature of solar and wind power (the sun doesn't shine 24/7, and the wind isn't always blowing) means alternative, more traditional generation sources must remain online to cover the slack periods or those in which demand peaks.

Second, the absence of new rounds of government credits results in the flattening out of pricing advantages.

And third, the higher unit production costs that are absorbed by end users through existing state requirements include mandated portions of renewable energy. 

The world's overall reliance on renewables like solar and wind has and will continue to rise. But that growth has also raised questions about how much higher that reliance can move.

This is particularly troubling for large regions of the world in desperate need of additional electricity like the Caribbean and Puerto Rico.

There, only one, potentially dangerous solution remains – low-quality coal.

And even that might not be an option for some...

Energy

Why a Renewable Energy Push Won't Be Enough to Stop the Caribbean Energy Crisis

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This week I'm writing to you from the balmy Bahamas where I've come to provide energy briefings to local bankers, investment houses, and government officials.

I'm already learning that the primary interest from people over here is how their region will internalize what is happening elsewhere.

And this is a recurring refrain that I'm picking up worldwide.

Not too long ago, it was the norm for places with smaller populations – and in large part undiversified economies – to seek direction from larger national partners.

But not anymore...