The origin of the differentiated winter/summer hour (also called Daylight Saving Time) is not well known, several explanations are given for it, without one actually emerging as the origin. However, it was promoted during the first oil shock in 1973–1974 as a way to save energy consumption, it now seems that the expected advantages have…
Since 09/12/2024, the Doel4 nuclear plant has been back in operation, bringing a bit more than 1 GW of production on top of the already running 3 GW from the other active nuclear plants in a grid delivering a total load of 9,5 GW. So, the total nuclear production has increased by 25%, reaching 42%…
In a previous article (https://edenergy.be/the-myth-of-flexibility-production/?lang=en), we drew conclusions about the optimal production park and the measures to take regarding grid investments and research development, aiming to limit the societal and individual costs of electrifying two major needs: dwelling heating and individual transport. Although the conclusions were straightforward, nuances were expressed concerning the figures. Indeed, using…
Recently, I attended a workshop on energy transition, which revisited the recurring concern about the need for a paradigm shift—moving from consumption-driven production management to production-driven consumption management, supplemented by flexible services to ensure grid stability. There is no doubt: we must change our mindset, habits, and perception of what needs to be done. Change…
In previous articles (https://edenergy.be/the-myth-of-flexibility-mobility/, https://edenergy.be/the-myth-of-flexibility-dwelling-heating/) we have seen that electrification of 2 major needs (mobility and dwelling heating) can’t be realized solely through flexibility based on demand curtailing, which can only provide a very limited contribution to quench the demand. Conversely, a redesign of the electric car charging infrastructure – for what concerns mobility –…
In a previous article we have seen that the best way to satisfy the electric mobility needs is a combination of a widespread of low power (3,7 kW) charging poles, light electric cars equipped with battery no larger than 40 kWh, and distributed automated battery exchangers capable of replacing batteries in 59 seconds. So, there…
Nowadays, the energy transition is said to be a core concern. According to the thinking mainstream, all our energy needs should be electrified. While this very hard statement is understandable, taking into account that electricity could be made 100% renewable, the practical use and production of energy require a deeper insight. Let us have a…
In Belgium, residential heating needs are, on the average, of 15 to 18 MWh/y, while the electricity needs (excluding any heating) are rather of 2,5 to 4 MWh/y, on the average. This means that the heating needs are roughly 5-6 times the electricity ones. The heating needs are mainly driven by the thermal insulation of…
Is there enough lithium on earth ? We often hear or read articles related to this topic, mainly using the number of cars, the size of the battery they are equipped with, an estimated lifetime for the cars (and/or batteries), and then comparing the outcome in kg of lithium with the known reserve around the…
I read a couple of months ago that if 15% of the Algerian territory would be covered with (photovoltaic) solar panels, their production would be sufficient to supply the worldwide energy demand, on a yearly basis. After my first reaction of surprise, I took my calculator and had a look on Wikipedia. Algeria has got…