sylvain gignac
@sylvaingignac.bsky.social
Energy Systems & Electric Grid + Reliability 🇨🇦
Use 🔌💡 for #energysky
Use 🔌💡 for #energysky
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Winter weather is here for a huge swath of the US, and power market impacts are likely 🔌💡
We've made two winter hazards and grid condition dashboards publicly available to anyone with a free account
Outlook: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/c...
Ops: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/d...
We've made two winter hazards and grid condition dashboards publicly available to anyone with a free account
Outlook: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/c...
Ops: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/d...
January 23, 2026 at 3:25 PM
Winter weather is here for a huge swath of the US, and power market impacts are likely 🔌💡
We've made two winter hazards and grid condition dashboards publicly available to anyone with a free account
Outlook: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/c...
Ops: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/d...
We've made two winter hazards and grid condition dashboards publicly available to anyone with a free account
Outlook: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/c...
Ops: www.gridstatus.io/dashboards/d...
Extreme cold weather is predicted for this weekend, while "NERC’s 2025 Winter Reliability Assessment (November 2025) found that much of North America is at an elevated risk of having insufficient energy supplies to meet demand in extreme operating conditions."
www.nerc.com/newsroom/jan...
www.nerc.com/newsroom/jan...
January 2026 Extreme Weather Statement
www.nerc.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Extreme cold weather is predicted for this weekend, while "NERC’s 2025 Winter Reliability Assessment (November 2025) found that much of North America is at an elevated risk of having insufficient energy supplies to meet demand in extreme operating conditions."
www.nerc.com/newsroom/jan...
www.nerc.com/newsroom/jan...
"The power grid engineering workforce is currently shrinking, and data center operators are also hurting for trained electrical engineers."
spectrum.ieee.org/ai-data-cent...
spectrum.ieee.org/ai-data-cent...
Data Centers Are Facing a Talent Shortage
The AI data center boom is creating a massive demand for skilled engineers and technicians.
spectrum.ieee.org
January 23, 2026 at 12:18 AM
"The power grid engineering workforce is currently shrinking, and data center operators are also hurting for trained electrical engineers."
spectrum.ieee.org/ai-data-cent...
spectrum.ieee.org/ai-data-cent...
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Sky Lights
Dana Irving
2022
Dana Irving
2022
January 23, 2026 at 12:01 AM
Sky Lights
Dana Irving
2022
Dana Irving
2022
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Trump Is Winning the Fight Against Offshore Wind Despite Court Losses
President's campaign against industry threatened future projects, even before three US judges blocked enforcement of a government construction ban
President's campaign against industry threatened future projects, even before three US judges blocked enforcement of a government construction ban
Trump Is Winning the Fight Against Offshore Wind Despite Court Losses
The president's campaign against the industry threatened future projects, even before three US judges blocked enforcement of a government construction ban.
www.bloomberg.com
January 19, 2026 at 10:48 AM
Trump Is Winning the Fight Against Offshore Wind Despite Court Losses
President's campaign against industry threatened future projects, even before three US judges blocked enforcement of a government construction ban
President's campaign against industry threatened future projects, even before three US judges blocked enforcement of a government construction ban
Reposted by sylvain gignac
This is a good example of risk allocation in electricity markets.
The UK extended the tenor (length) of its CfD contracts from 15 to 20 years and successfully attracted companies willing to supply cheap renewable energy.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
The UK extended the tenor (length) of its CfD contracts from 15 to 20 years and successfully attracted companies willing to supply cheap renewable energy.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Record breaking auction for offshore wind secured to take back control of Britain's energy
A record 8.4GW of offshore wind secured in Europe’s biggest ever offshore wind auction.
www.gov.uk
January 14, 2026 at 2:51 PM
This is a good example of risk allocation in electricity markets.
The UK extended the tenor (length) of its CfD contracts from 15 to 20 years and successfully attracted companies willing to supply cheap renewable energy.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
The UK extended the tenor (length) of its CfD contracts from 15 to 20 years and successfully attracted companies willing to supply cheap renewable energy.
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Rider Annie Le in Greenland
📷Huw Oliver
📷Huw Oliver
January 12, 2026 at 8:18 PM
Rider Annie Le in Greenland
📷Huw Oliver
📷Huw Oliver
Reposted by sylvain gignac
The assertion is that data center developers and other large loads can support expensive generation like nuclear, or renewables, without any chance of spreading costs to others. 🔌💡
U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has introduced the Decentralized Access to Technology Alternatives Act of 2026.
#energysky 🔌💡
See Full Story: ow.ly/vJIN50XUpC3
Writer: James Downing
#energysky 🔌💡
See Full Story: ow.ly/vJIN50XUpC3
Writer: James Downing
January 12, 2026 at 6:26 PM
The assertion is that data center developers and other large loads can support expensive generation like nuclear, or renewables, without any chance of spreading costs to others. 🔌💡
Open-source energy models don’t replace utility tools in NA...yet. They help widening participation. Enabled shared assumptions, transparent methods, more eyes on the problem. That also improves policy, reduces surprises and leads to plans that hold up when tested.
The recording of @agoraind.bsky.social's "empowerment through openness" webinar is online! 📺️ Keynote from me and PyPSA-SPICE intro by Samarth Kumar with discussion moderation by Rena Kuwahata.
www.agora-energiewende.org/news-events/... (includes video and presentation materials)
Comments below...
www.agora-energiewende.org/news-events/... (includes video and presentation materials)
Comments below...
Empowerment through openness: the future of energy modelling
Discover how open-source energy models can drive change, transparency and public acceptance.
www.agora-energiewende.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Open-source energy models don’t replace utility tools in NA...yet. They help widening participation. Enabled shared assumptions, transparent methods, more eyes on the problem. That also improves policy, reduces surprises and leads to plans that hold up when tested.
Reposted by sylvain gignac
🔌💡 Nationally, aging #coal plants are one of America’s most expensive power sources and keep costing more as their infrastructure deteriorates.
thepowerline.substack.com/p/doe-forces...
thepowerline.substack.com/p/doe-forces...
January 12, 2026 at 2:47 PM
🔌💡 Nationally, aging #coal plants are one of America’s most expensive power sources and keep costing more as their infrastructure deteriorates.
thepowerline.substack.com/p/doe-forces...
thepowerline.substack.com/p/doe-forces...
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Finished teaching a new course on energy markets and the clean energy transition last month. Was a blast and have lots of thoughts for next year.
One takeaway is the value of going beyond academic journals/textbooks and incorporating media articles, podcasts, and video. Here's a few we covered... 🧵
One takeaway is the value of going beyond academic journals/textbooks and incorporating media articles, podcasts, and video. Here's a few we covered... 🧵
January 11, 2026 at 6:09 PM
Finished teaching a new course on energy markets and the clean energy transition last month. Was a blast and have lots of thoughts for next year.
One takeaway is the value of going beyond academic journals/textbooks and incorporating media articles, podcasts, and video. Here's a few we covered... 🧵
One takeaway is the value of going beyond academic journals/textbooks and incorporating media articles, podcasts, and video. Here's a few we covered... 🧵
Reposted by sylvain gignac
2026 will be another of the hottest years on record, China will keep dominating clean energy tech & threatening to overtake the U.S. as the next global economic superpower, while we double down on 20th century technologies. But permitting reform gives us a shot to make climate progress (8/8)
Where things stand on climate change in 2026 » Yale Climate Connections
Last year saw the U.S. move backward on climate while China ascended. Here’s what to expect next.
yaleclimateconnections.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:17 PM
2026 will be another of the hottest years on record, China will keep dominating clean energy tech & threatening to overtake the U.S. as the next global economic superpower, while we double down on 20th century technologies. But permitting reform gives us a shot to make climate progress (8/8)
Reposted by sylvain gignac
The double standard about what energy stuff to pursue based on vibes and which to pursue on evidence is wildly inconsistent is all
January 8, 2026 at 7:47 PM
The double standard about what energy stuff to pursue based on vibes and which to pursue on evidence is wildly inconsistent is all
The Achilles’ heel of BPS remains transformers. Little has changed since 2024. Lead times are still 2 to 4 years for standard units + up to 5 years for large ones. This is not a short-term supply issue; it’s a structural constraint being worsen by climate change.
www.cisa.gov/sites/defaul...
www.cisa.gov/sites/defaul...
www.cisa.gov
January 7, 2026 at 5:24 PM
The Achilles’ heel of BPS remains transformers. Little has changed since 2024. Lead times are still 2 to 4 years for standard units + up to 5 years for large ones. This is not a short-term supply issue; it’s a structural constraint being worsen by climate change.
www.cisa.gov/sites/defaul...
www.cisa.gov/sites/defaul...
"In 2026, it is therefore not a lack of power that is the biggest limitation, but the ability to manage the system effectively when margins are small. The power system is becoming the bottleneck in the new economy." Claim supported on both sides of the pond.
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
2026: Kraftsystemet blir flaskehalsen i den nye økonomien
I 2026 er ikke effektiv styring av kraftsystemet et konkurransefortrinn – det er en forutsetning for videre verdiskaping. Kunstig intelligens vil gi bedre beslutningsgrunnlag, skriver teknolog Silvija...
www.energiogklima.no
January 5, 2026 at 7:37 PM
"In 2026, it is therefore not a lack of power that is the biggest limitation, but the ability to manage the system effectively when margins are small. The power system is becoming the bottleneck in the new economy." Claim supported on both sides of the pond.
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
Reposted by sylvain gignac
If you need a break from the news, this is a great essay on Jane Austen by @knowledgeproblem.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/knowledg...
Jane Austen as Applied Moral Philosopher
Austen's fiction is not "about" romance. It's about character. And we need it now.
open.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:05 PM
If you need a break from the news, this is a great essay on Jane Austen by @knowledgeproblem.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/knowledg...
"A transformer can cost tens of millions of kroner, the delivery time is often around two years, and when critical components fail, there are few quick solutions." = all about our inability to withstand disruptions + N-1 Reliability Criterion being outdated.
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
2026: Kraftsystemet må tåle mer enn enkeltfeil
Det er ikke mangel på kraft som dominerer risikobildet, men systemets evne til å styre, balansere og reparere under press, skriver teknolog og strategisk rådgiver Silvija Seres.
www.energiogklima.no
January 2, 2026 at 8:41 PM
"A transformer can cost tens of millions of kroner, the delivery time is often around two years, and when critical components fail, there are few quick solutions." = all about our inability to withstand disruptions + N-1 Reliability Criterion being outdated.
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
www.energiogklima.no/meninger-og-...
Reposted by sylvain gignac
Perigean tide on a storm surge, Monterey Bay. #KingTides #MitchellsCove 🌊
January 2, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Perigean tide on a storm surge, Monterey Bay. #KingTides #MitchellsCove 🌊
Still producing at 80% after 30 years = confirms that module durability is not the main constraint on further solar expansion. At higher penetration, challenges are with inverter behavior, system controls + grid integration rather than panel lifespan. Need more investment on grid integration.
#energysky #solar
#climatechange
Old Solar Panels Built in the Early 1990s Are Still Going Strong After 30 Years at 80% Original Power — And That’s a Big Deal for Our Energy Future
flip.it/zmDGvZ
#climatechange
Old Solar Panels Built in the Early 1990s Are Still Going Strong After 30 Years at 80% Original Power — And That’s a Big Deal for Our Energy Future
flip.it/zmDGvZ
Old Solar Panels Built in the Early 1990s Are Still Going Strong After 30 Years at 80% Original Power — And That’s a Big Deal for Our Energy Future
Thirty years later, old-school solar panels are still delivering on their promise.
flip.it
January 2, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Still producing at 80% after 30 years = confirms that module durability is not the main constraint on further solar expansion. At higher penetration, challenges are with inverter behavior, system controls + grid integration rather than panel lifespan. Need more investment on grid integration.
A direct parallel to FDR’s warning = "a nation that destroys its soils destroys itself". About the long-term costs of environmental degradation.
I wrote this piece on federal/public lands management last December. A year later, much of it has materialized in 2025 through policy and administrative action. 🏜️
thebulletin.org/2024/12/the-...
thebulletin.org/2024/12/the-...
The future of extraction, energy dominance, and federal lands under Trump
Trump's second term promises to pit industry interests against conservation, environmental laws, and species protections.
thebulletin.org
December 30, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A direct parallel to FDR’s warning = "a nation that destroys its soils destroys itself". About the long-term costs of environmental degradation.
"...power systems are evolving from large centralized generation to a multitude of diverse, distributed generation sources..." = "... a “systems” problem. It involves how all the parts of the power grid interact to maintain stability, and it requires a holistic solution." Great article
#Blackouts will continue to happen, especially given the continued changes in electric grids, writes Qing-Chang Zhong. But Virtual Synchronous Machines might be the key to keeping the lights on as we transition to a renewable future. spectrum.ieee.org/virtual-sync...
December 28, 2025 at 3:39 PM
"...power systems are evolving from large centralized generation to a multitude of diverse, distributed generation sources..." = "... a “systems” problem. It involves how all the parts of the power grid interact to maintain stability, and it requires a holistic solution." Great article
EMT studies are now critical for interconnecting inverter based renewables + AI/DC loads. But model complexity is exploding just as experienced EMT engineers are retiring. We are stretched thin. Grid reliability is increasingly constrained by people, not physics.
cse.cigre.org/cse-n039/cha...
cse.cigre.org/cse-n039/cha...
Challenges faced by TSO to specify, test and integrate EMT models of IBRs to support grid stability | CSE
cse.cigre.org
December 23, 2025 at 9:25 PM
EMT studies are now critical for interconnecting inverter based renewables + AI/DC loads. But model complexity is exploding just as experienced EMT engineers are retiring. We are stretched thin. Grid reliability is increasingly constrained by people, not physics.
cse.cigre.org/cse-n039/cha...
cse.cigre.org/cse-n039/cha...
If I could wish power systems a Merry Christmas: dynamic line ratings, power flow control + topology optimization which are easily deployable tools adding for real capacity and reliability. Not magic. Just using the grid we already built more intelligently.
Wind farms in Scotland are producing huge amounts of energy, but getting it flowing to London in the south is costly.
New grid-enhancing technologies allow more #power to be transferred across the UK grid, without building new power lines.
spectrum.ieee.org/grid-congest...
New grid-enhancing technologies allow more #power to be transferred across the UK grid, without building new power lines.
spectrum.ieee.org/grid-congest...
December 23, 2025 at 9:03 PM
If I could wish power systems a Merry Christmas: dynamic line ratings, power flow control + topology optimization which are easily deployable tools adding for real capacity and reliability. Not magic. Just using the grid we already built more intelligently.
US DOI just announced that leases for 5 offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind, have been suspended over national security concerns = radar interference issues.
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
US pauses leases for five offshore wind projects over radar concerns
The Trump administration on Monday said it suspended leases for five large-scale offshore wind projects that are being built off the U.S. East Coast over concerns they would interfere with military ra...
www.reuters.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:40 PM
US DOI just announced that leases for 5 offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind, have been suspended over national security concerns = radar interference issues.
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
www.reuters.com/business/ene...
Amid trade tensions, a good way to attract Canadians back to US ski resorts (close to my Canadian hometown) like Jay Peak is accepting CAD to pay for half their lodging stay in CAD. Not bad when as for today a 1 USD equals 1.37 CAD.
jaypeakresort.com/resort/polic...
jaypeakresort.com/resort/polic...
Policies | Jay Peak Resort
jaypeakresort.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Amid trade tensions, a good way to attract Canadians back to US ski resorts (close to my Canadian hometown) like Jay Peak is accepting CAD to pay for half their lodging stay in CAD. Not bad when as for today a 1 USD equals 1.37 CAD.
jaypeakresort.com/resort/polic...
jaypeakresort.com/resort/polic...