Electricity – Page 2 – Visualizing Energy

Global nuclear reactor construction starts and duration, 1949-2023

September 3, 2024

The construction of new nuclear power plants reflects changing electricity demand and technology competitiveness. Despite industry and government support, nuclear power faces challenges such as cost-competitiveness and safety concerns, leading to extended construction times. While some advocate for its expansion as vital for clean energy transition, others question its necessity due to declining global electricity share and the rise of cheaper renewables.

What countries have the greatest hydropower capacity?

August 12, 2024

Dams serve various purposes such as navigation improvement, flood control, and electricity generation. There are over 40,000 dams worldwide, with significant hydroelectric capacity. The environmental impact of these large projects, including disturbance of ecosystems and displacement of communities, must be carefully assessed and balanced with their low-cost and low-carbon benefits.

The aging of the world’s nuclear reactors

July 29, 2024

The construction of nuclear reactors peaked in the 1970s, leading to an aging global reactor fleet. The push to relicense these aging reactors has economic and energy security benefits, but questions remain about safety. More data and transparency are needed for informed decision-making in the face of the world’s aging nuclear fleet.

Where are coal power plant projects being cancelled?

July 22, 2024

The coal power plant industry’s state is reflected in cancellations and shelved projects, concentrated in Asia (e.g., China, India). China’s paradoxical coal investment includes building new capacity and decommissioning old plants due to renewable energy growth. In the U.S., 23% of coal capacity will retire by 2029 due to competition from natural gas and renewables.

Watch the history of natural gas power plants in the United States

July 15, 2024

Since the 1920s, natural gas-fueled power plants grew gradually. After WWII, advancements in technology and fracking increased US electricity generated by natural gas from 16% in 2000 to 38% in 2021.

Watch the history of waste-to-energy power plants in the United States

July 8, 2024

Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants in the US burn municipal solid waste to generate electricity, contributing less than one percent of the total. Initially developed due to landfill space scarcity, the renewable classification is disputed due to non-biogenic waste. Few new facilities have been built since the 1990s due to opposition, high costs, and increased focus on recycling and waste reduction.

Where are the world’s most valuable electricity companies?

July 1, 2024

Electricity plays a crucial role in modern society, constituting 21% of energy use in the EU in 2022 and expected to grow due to initiatives in transportation and heating. The 220 largest electricity companies globally represent about 3% of the total market cap of publicly traded companies. This industry is highly concentrated, with just five companies holding 20% of the market cap.

Explore the world’s hydropower plants in 2022

June 24, 2024

Hydropower, a pioneer in grid-scale electricity generation since the late 19th century, now provides 17% of global electricity, surpassing nuclear, wind, solar, bioenergy, and geothermal combined. While the US and Europe have well-established capacity with limited room for expansion, China, India, Africa, and South America are developing new projects to meet rising electricity demand and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How has the technology of hydropower changed since 1898?

May 27, 2024

Hydropower plants utilize different technologies to generate electricity. Impoundment facilities use a dam to create a reservoir, releasing water through turbines. Run-of-river plants channel river water to generate power while pumped storage hydropower stores energy by moving water between reservoirs of different elevations. Each technology has its advantages and impacts on the environment and infrastructure.

What are capacity factors and why are they important?

May 13, 2024

The capacity factor is a crucial measure for electricity generation. It represents the ratio of actual electrical energy production to the maximum possible output over a specific period. Nuclear plants lead with a 90%+ factor, while renewable sources like wind and solar struggle due to intermittency. New challenges arise with climate change impacting demand and production patterns.

Tag: Electricity