Bear Pit: now the sole domicile of politics at LuLa

[Peter McLennan]

Really? Sometimes your inability to comprehend what you read is just unbelievable.

Nothing to do with "inability".
Everything to do with "refusal".

[Robert Roaldi]

Meanwhile, on the hypocrisy hit list:

Some stuff you can't make up.

[digitaldog]

Some stuff you can't make up.

“The only difference between reality and fiction is that fiction needs to be credible.” -Mark Twain 

[Peter McLennan]

Here's an interesting blog by someone who apparently knows more about renewables than the fact that their output decreases when the sun's not shining and the wind's not blowing.

The renewable energy industry is growing by about 25% per year, led increasingly by solar photovoltaics (PV). Costs are falling by about 10% per year. The principal brake on solar deployment today is a lack of load shifting capacity, which is why a lot of new build solar is Southern California integrates load shifting batteries.

Each battery system, in addition to generating revenue through market arbitrage, also increases the usage duty cycle and marginal value of present and future solar or wind installations.

Battery costs have fallen to the point where in many places (Lazard 2018) it is cheaper to build new solar+batteries than to operate existing gas and coal power systems. Even if gas costs, which are often driven by transport costs, fall, carbon burning grid assets are well on the way to being stranded.

Even in Texas, a state with a fiercely competitive power market and no emissions mandates, scarcely any gas plants are under construction, while solar farms and batteries are growing fast. Companies are considering nearly 88,900 megawatts of solar, 23,860 megawatts of wind and 30,300 megawatts of battery storage capacity in the state, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. By comparison, only 7,900 megawatts of new gas-fired capacity is under consideration.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/batteries-challenge-natural-gas-elecric-power-generation-11620236583

Here's the blog.  Highly recommended reading.

https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/2021/05/20/the-unstoppable-battery-cavalcade/

[Alan Klein]

Here's an interesting blog by someone who apparently knows more about renewables than the fact that their output decreases when the sun's not shining and the wind's not blowing.

The renewable energy industry is growing by about 25% per year, led increasingly by solar photovoltaics (PV). Costs are falling by about 10% per year. The principal brake on solar deployment today is a lack of load shifting capacity, which is why a lot of new build solar is Southern California integrates load shifting batteries.

Each battery system, in addition to generating revenue through market arbitrage, also increases the usage duty cycle and marginal value of present and future solar or wind installations.

Battery costs have fallen to the point where in many places (Lazard 2018) it is cheaper to build new solar+batteries than to operate existing gas and coal power systems. Even if gas costs, which are often driven by transport costs, fall, carbon burning grid assets are well on the way to being stranded.

Even in Texas, a state with a fiercely competitive power market and no emissions mandates, scarcely any gas plants are under construction, while solar farms and batteries are growing fast. Companies are considering nearly 88,900 megawatts of solar, 23,860 megawatts of wind and 30,300 megawatts of battery storage capacity in the state, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. By comparison, only 7,900 megawatts of new gas-fired capacity is under consideration.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/batteries-challenge-natural-gas-elecric-power-generation-11620236583

Here's the blog.  Highly recommended reading.

https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/2021/05/20/the-unstoppable-battery-cavalcade/

In my old NYS, they are building multi-billion dollar fossil fuel plants to back up proposed off-shore wind generation. Batteries may reach a point where they're cost-effective storage devices that will replace backup fossil fuel generation.  But they're not there yet. 

[TechTalk]

In my old NYS, they are building multi-billion dollar fossil fuel plants to back up proposed off-shore wind generation.

Where and when are they being built and by whom?

[TechTalk]

https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/10/fossil-fuels-doomed-in-new-york-as-regulator-blocks-new-gas-power-plants

Fossil fuels doomed in New York as regulator blocks new gas power plants

10/29/2021 - New fossil fuel power plants are "inconsistent" with state climate law.

New York took an aggressive stance toward fossil fuels this week, effectively killing the development of new fossil fuel power plants in the state. The Department of Environmental Conservation denied permits for two proposed natural gas power plants, saying they were incompatible with the state’s climate law, which calls for an end to fossil fuel-generated electricity by 2040.

Though the proposed plants would be more efficient than those currently in operation, the state agency said the plants would generate “significant” amounts of pollution and that their construction now, less than 20 years from the targeted net-zero emissions date, would be “inconsistent” with what is required by the climate law.

New York’s climate law requires polluters to account for two sources of emissions: from the plants themselves and from the natural gas supply chain. Once the latter was included—figures which in the past were nearly always ignored when determining a power plant’s pollution—the emissions quickly exceeded the DEC’s thresholds, the decisions say.

More at link above

[digitaldog]

In my old NYS, they are building multi-billion dollar fossil fuel plants to back up proposed off-shore wind generation.

Yet in New York City, which may not be in your old NYS:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/27/nyregion/ny-gas-power-plants-permits-denied.html
Oct 27, 2021 — A decision to reject upgrades of two gas-powered power plants was a big win for climate advocates and was endorsed by Gov. Hochul.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/15/nyregion/nyc-gas-stove-heat-ban.html
Dec 15, 2021 — New York will become the nation's largest city to enact a ban on gas heat and stoves in new buildings. It's a major step away from fossil fuels

Oct 28, 2021 — New York's Department of Environmental Conservation denied permits to build two new power plants yesterday, invoking the state's climate law.

[TechTalk]

Try reading it again. Ordering online in January is referring to people being able to place an order with the government to have test kits delivered to their home. It is NOT referring to the government placing orders with suppliers.

The way they wrote it was confusing.

The way they wrote it was confusing?

This is the original link that you posted...

-The website for ordering the tests also won't be live until January, the White House said.[/i]
https://www.yahoo.com/news/biden-administration-yet-sign-single-100615447.html

Here's what they wrote in the article that you linked...

US officials told The Times that contracts to buy the tests could be finalized as soon as next week.

However, the website that people can use to order the free tests won't be live until January, the White House said.

I don't see how that was confusing, but if you want to blame the writers for your confusion, that's your choice.

[Peter McLennan]

Batteries may reach a point where they're cost-effective storage devices that will replace backup fossil fuel generation.  But they're not there yet.

Did you even read ANY of the article?

"My mind's made up.  Don't confuse me with facts."

[Alan Klein]

Did you even read ANY of the article?

"My mind's made up.  Don't confuse me with facts."

Yes I read it. Those are not the facts; those are the author's opinions based on certain data and his interpretation.  Here's another article that explains the costs differently.

Beyond Declining Battery Prices: 6 Ways to Evaluate Energy Storage in 2021
Balance of systems, software, supply chain constraints, and reliability and performance guarantees all weigh on total costs.
When analysts speak about declines in storage pricing, they are referring to battery pricing, which continues to decline every year. Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s latest report states that current lithium-ion pricing stands at about $137 per kilowatt-hour and will drop as low as $100 per kWh by 2023.

However, purchasers of energy storage systems may see substantially higher prices for their projects, depending on a range of factors. For example, the lowest pricing for lithium-ion batteries is generally available for either a major supply contract or for very large-scale deployments of 500 megawatt-hours and above. Since most projects today are not that large, that $137 per kWh figure will be closer to $150 to $170 per kWh, and perhaps as high as $200 to $210 per kWh on the battery-pack level, depending on the size of the project.

Beyond battery pricing, the total cost of a fully integrated battery energy storage system will also include the thermal management system, battery management systems, and power conversion system, as well as fire prevention and suppression technology, SCADA and metering.

When considering all-in pricing, many storage companies are building their systems in standardized, modular containers that are quicker and easier to install and connect to the grid. While this kind of system may simplify the evaluation process, these business models may include ancillary services, such as operations and maintenance contracts, performance guarantees and liquidated damages.

In short, based on price alone, conducting an apples-to-apples evaluation of storage systems from different suppliers is challenging, if not impossible.
https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/beyond-declining-battery-prices-six-ways-to-evaluate-energy-storage-in-2021

[digitaldog]

Yes I read it. Those are not the facts; those are the author's opinions based on certain data and his interpretation.

Wow, this from a fellow who has historically provided opinions devoid of fact. It's a pretty long list and includes such opinions about resolution, calibration, the 'color space' of the web, the disappearence of Covid-19**, it goes on and on and on.
At least this author used certain data to provide his interperations.

**4 hr 23 min ago
France records over 100,000 new daily Covid-19 cases for the first time.

[TechTalk]

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/beyond-declining-battery-prices-six-ways-to-evaluate-energy-storage-in-2021

Thanks for the link to the article...

The energy storage market in the United States is booming, with 476 megawatts of new projects installed in the third quarter of 2020 alone, up 240 percent over the second quarter, according to industry analysts at Wood Mackenzie. 2021 is expected to be another record-breaking year for storage

When analysts speak about declines in storage pricing, they are referring to battery pricing, which continues to decline every year. Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s latest report states that current lithium-ion pricing stands at about $137 per kilowatt-hour and will drop as low as $100 per kWh by 2023.

Of course, lithium-ion batteries are not the only option for energy storage and new technologies are advancing. Cost for storage continues to decline and their capacities expand...

https://www.energy-storage.news/market-segments/grid-scale

[Alan Klein]

Thanks for the link to the article...

The energy storage market in the United States is booming, with 476 megawatts of new projects installed in the third quarter of 2020 alone, up 240 percent over the second quarter, according to industry analysts at Wood Mackenzie. 2021 is expected to be another record-breaking year for storage

When analysts speak about declines in storage pricing, they are referring to battery pricing, which continues to decline every year. Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s latest report states that current lithium-ion pricing stands at about $137 per kilowatt-hour and will drop as low as $100 per kWh by 2023.

Of course, lithium-ion batteries are not the only option for energy storage and new technologies are advancing. Cost for storage continues to decline and their capacities expand...

https://www.energy-storage.news/market-segments/grid-scale

I included the $137 in my post.  But you failed to also include the following. Look I'm all for battery storage.  It's the only way to do away with backup fossil plants.  But we're not there yet.  Maybe we need to consider nuclear instead of wind and solar?  Maybe another technology is required besides lithium batteries? 

However, purchasers of energy storage systems may see substantially higher prices for their projects, depending on a range of factors. For example, the lowest pricing for lithium-ion batteries is generally available for either a major supply contract or for very large-scale deployments of 500 megawatt-hours and above. Since most projects today are not that large, that $137 per kWh figure will be closer to $150 to $170 per kWh, and perhaps as high as $200 to $210 per kWh on the battery-pack level, depending on the size of the project.

Beyond battery pricing, the total cost of a fully integrated battery energy storage system will also include the thermal management system, battery management systems, and power conversion system, as well as fire prevention and suppression technology, SCADA and metering.

When considering all-in pricing, many storage companies are building their systems in standardized, modular containers that are quicker and easier to install and connect to the grid. While this kind of system may simplify the evaluation process, these business models may include ancillary services, such as operations and maintenance contracts, performance guarantees and liquidated damages.

[TechTalk]

...But you failed to also include the following...

I was just adding to what you had quoted from the article in your post.

It's a quote from an article that you linked for us to read. Did you only want us to read the part that you quoted?

[Alan Klein]

By the way, regardless of the cost of batteries, that's on top of the cost for wind or solar.

[Alan Klein]

I think we should all look at how Germany has handled green power and not repeat its mistakes. This past year, due to lower winds, costs for energy have gotten out of hand.  Batteries aren't there yet.  So before we go off half-cocked, experts should sit down and figure out what's the best way to go forward based on their experience. Doing things similarly as Germany and raising electricity costs 2 1/2 times America's average cost per KWH is not the solution.  We have to do better than that. Extra costs will hurt the poor and cripple our industry while countries like China continue to make cheap energy unabated with fossil fuels, especially coal.  The earth won't improve and we'll go broke. 

[TechTalk]

By the way, regardless of the cost of batteries, that's on top of the cost for wind or solar.

Just like the costs of the more expensive gas peaker and load following plants are on top of the cost of nuclear and coal base load power plants.

[TechTalk]

if you haven't had enough of the repetitive energy discussion, you can read the same discussion all over again from May and June of this year.

Why change the bait when it worked so well the last time you used it at the fishing hole.

[TechTalk]

If BARDA is so effective, why are there no test kits available?

There are test kits available. They are in short supply at the moment because the new Omicron variant has caused a run on the available supply. You can buy them yourself and many insurance companies will cover the cost. Next month, you'll be able to order them online for free provided to you by the U.S. government.

BARDA has been working with manufacturers to develop home test kits and bring them to market from the earliest stages of the pandemic until now. Now this may surprise you, but government agencies keep working day-after-day and year-after-year from one administration to another.

Thanks BARDA! Here's just one example of what they have done and continue to do for all of us.

From development: April 8, 2020...

OraSure wins BARDA contract for in-home coronavirus self-test

https://www.medtechdive.com/news/orasure-wins-BARDA-contract-for-in-home-coronavirus-self-test

• OraSure Technologies on Monday said it received a $710,310 contract from HHS' Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to develop a rapid self-test for coronavirus antigens that could be administered in the home using oral fluid samples.
• OraSure said it plans to use the BARDA funds to develop the test over the next four to six months and then seek emergency use authorization from FDA to sell it on the U.S. market.
• The company said the pan-SARS-coronavirus tests, once developed and authorized, could be shipped directly to homes. The portable rapid test platform could provide results in 20 minutes.​

A reliable COVID-19 diagnostic screening able to be self-administered — if authorized and accurate —​ could be a game changer for a U.S. healthcare system stymied by a shortage of test kits. A hobbled start to comprehensive testing has put the country on the back foot in terms of tracking the next hot spots, especially compared to countries that more successfully put in place widespread testing, such as South Korea.

As the pandemic accelerated, FDA became concerned about fraudulent COVID-19 test kits marketed and warned the public it had not yet authorized any tests for the virus performed at home. The regulator said it would take action to protect consumers against "bad actors who take advantage of a crisis to deceive the public by marketing tests that pose risks to patient health."

BARDA is the federal agency tasked with speeding development of vaccines, therapies and diagnostic tests to address public health emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic. During the current crisis, it has doled out funding to companies including Hologic, which is developing a high throughput COVID-19 diagnostic test to process up to 1,000 tests in a 24-hour period​.

Thru the FDA approval process: September 23, 2021

https://globalbiodefense.com/2021/09/23/orasure-awarded-13.6 million-from-barda-to-advance-covid-19-rapid-test

BARDA renews collaboration with OraSure Technologies to support InteliSwab™ COVID-19 Rapid Test 510(k) Clearance and CLIA Waiver

BARDA and OraSure Technologies, Inc. are partnering again, this time to advance their rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance.

InteliSwab™ is a simple “swab, swirl, and see” test that uses an integrated swab to self-collect a sample from the lower nostrils. The result appears right on the test stick within 30 minutes, with no instruments, batteries, smartphone or laboratory analysis needed. It has three Emergency Use Authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration for professional point-of-care use, prescription (Rx) home use, and over-the-counter (OTC) use.

BARDA supported development of the OraSure InteliSwab test from inception through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for over-the-counter (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test), prescription home use (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test Rx), and professional point-of-care use (InteliSwab COVID-19 Rapid Test Pro). These tests received EUA in June 2021.

To something that you can get from your local store:

https://www.walmart.com/InteliSwab-COVID-19-Rapid-Antigen-Test-For-results-anytime-and-anywhere-2-Tests

Meet InteliSwab, the COVID-19 rapid antigen test that makes self-testing remarkably simple. It’s so user-friendly, it can be used anytime and anywhere, and requires less than one minute of hands-on time. InteliSwab has received FDA Emergency Use Authorization* for self-testing. You do not need to ship samples to a lab or get a prescription from your healthcare provider. This easy to use self-test requires just 3 key steps: Swab, Swirl and See your result in 30 minutes. There is no assembly required. InteliSwab makes testing so easy, you’ll know you did it right.