EGEB: World’s largest solar plant now online, $4.5 trillion for 100% renewable US grid, and more

In today’s EGEB:

• The world’s largest solar plant comes online.
• A new analysis estimates a full decarbonization of the US grid will cost $4.5 trillion.
• The World Bank looks at the potential for mini grids.
• Turbine installations start at one of the world’s biggest wind projects.

Electrek Green Energy Brief: A daily technical, financial, and political review/analysis of important green energy news.

Noor Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates, the world’s largest single solar plant, has started commercial operation, the Abu Dhabi government announced.

A 1,177 megawatt plant, Noor Abu Dhabi has 3.2 million solar panels, enough to provide electricity to 90,000 people and reduce emissions by 1 million metric tons.

We should see some back and forth in the coming years for the title of “world’s largest single solar plant.” But Noor Abu Dhabi — in oil-rich UAE — has the title for now. A tweet from Secretary-General of the UN António Guterres shows a brief glimpse at the massive array from above:

An impressive display of #ClimateAction: In UAE I saw the vast Noor Abu Dhabi, the world's largest solar power plant, the kind of clean & efficient solution needed to address the global climate emergency. pic.twitter.com/Zn9jGzoSCA

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) June 30, 2019

Renewable Grid

Wood Mackenzie estimates the cost of a complete decarbonization of the US power grid in a new analysis, coming up with a figure of $4.5 trillion.

$4.5 trillion seems like a lot, but we’re talking about a 100% renewable grid, and it wouldn’t all need to be done in a year (if that were even possible). Over the course of 10 years, that’s $450 billion a year, based on current technology — less than the current annual US military budget.

Stretch out the timeframe and the cost goes down, and decreasing renewable costs should also be taken into account over time. But as Wood Mac writes,

The price tag may not be the highest hurdle to overcome. Eliminating fossil fuels represents a transformative investment opportunity for stakeholders of the new energy economy. But for legacy participants in the energy industry, it also creates an existential crisis. Companies – and in some cases, whole industries – must evolve or perish.

Mini Goes Mega

The World Bank estimates that 210,000 mini grids could provide electricity to half a billion people by 2030, “with the right policies and about $220 billion of investment.”

If all these grids are solar-powered, it’s estimated they could help avoid 1.5 billion tons of CO₂ emissions worldwide. The World Bank says such grids are no longer a niche solution. Riccardo Puliti, Senior Director of Energy and Extractives at the World Bank said,

“Mini grids are now one of the core solutions for closing the energy access gap. We see great potential for mini grid development at scale and are working with countries to actively mobilize public and private investment.”

These grids would also complement both solar home systems and expansion of the main grid.

North Sea Wind

One of the largest offshore wind projects in the world is underway as turbines have been installed at East Anglia One. Like another massive offshore wind project set for the coast of England — Hornsea — East Anglia will be built in phases.

East Anglia One will be a 714 MW offshore wind farm, to be followed by three larger projects in the same area. It’s expected to be completed by next year, along with Hornsea One. Project director Charlie Jordan of ScottishPower Renewables told the BBC,

“East Anglia One is already providing a significant boost to the local economy with over £70m being committed to date to companies across the East of England and further opportunities as the project becomes operational.”