Emerson has been selected to automate operations at Intermountain Power Agency’s IPP Renewed power plant in the United States, a regional energy hub that uses renewable energy resources. Emerson’s power industry expertise, and hydrogen production experience as an automation supplier to the adjacent Mitsubishi Power Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub, will help the Intermountain Power Agency increase safety, decrease costs and simplify maintenance across the lifecycle of IPP Renewed.
IPP Renewed transforms the retiring coal-fuelled Intermountain Power Project into an innovative, clean energy solution that addresses increasing power market demands for rapid decarbonisation and regulatory challenges. The plant is adjacent to Mitsubishi’s Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub, and this positions it perfectly to take advantage of stored green hydrogen to supply carbon-free power to six Western states on demand. Green hydrogen produced using renewable energy during peak production will be stored in the hub’s underground salt caverns for use by IPP Renewed’s hydrogen-capable turbines to generate electricity during standard and peak consumption.
“Finding innovative ways to make renewable energy dispatchable is essential to meeting the country’s electricity needs and net zero emissions aspirations,” said Cameron Cowan, general manager of the Intermountain Power Agency. “Our partnership with Emerson, which has renewable power industry expertise and proven automation experience for complex projects, will help us build a digitally optimised facility to deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity for decades to come.”
The 840 MW plant will use 30% hydrogen fuel and 70% natural gas at startup, transitioning to 100% hydrogen use by 2045. Emerson’s Ovation software and automation technologies, and cybersecurity solutions, will provide easier integration and improved visibility of the green hydrogen production, storage and generation processes, as well as reliable, secure control and monitoring of the balance-of-plant operations.
“Successfully managing supply and demand of renewable energy will be a key differentiator for power generation facilities competing in a low-carbon energy future,” said Bob Yeager, president of Emerson’s power and water business. “Intermountain Power Agency is reimagining power generation by scaling critical emerging technologies and using innovative automation software and solutions to help meet consumer demand reliably and securely, thereby creating a model for all organisations in the energy generation marketplace.”
Emerson will help the Intermountain Power Agency implement an end-to-end integrated Ovation platform, from green hydrogen production and storage at Mitsubishi’s Advanced Clean Energy hub to carbon-free electricity generation at the IPP Renewed plant. The plant will also use digital solutions, such as the next generation of total plant simulation developed by Emerson and Mitsubishi, to optimise performance and reliability, enable predictive and artificial intelligence-driven maintenance strategies, automate operational decision making, and support commissioning and training.
Power supply with scalability optimised Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has introduced the Easy UPS 3-Phase Modular to the South African marketplace. This robust uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is designed to protect critical loads while offering third-party verified Live Swap functionality.
Read more...Prioritising arc flash safety Comtest
Electrical Power & Protection
Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones.
Read more...Compact valve position indicator Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
Read more...Hot Dip Galvanizers Association shines new light on renewable energy
Electrical Power & Protection
The Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa plays an important role in supporting the energy value chain – which spans clean, renewable and green energy – as it powers towards key sustainability targets.
Read more...ACTOM supplies high-voltage equipment to wind farm project ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM High Voltage Equipment is currently in the process of manufacturing 400 kV and 132 kV high-voltage primary equipment for the Ummbila Emoyeni wind farm project in Mpumalanga.
Read more...Energy measurement module for BL20 I/O System Turck Banner Southern Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Turck’s BL20 energy measurement module enables precise monitoring of the energy consumption of single- or three-phase systems.
Read more...Distributed energy resource management systems: a grid symphony Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
To listen to a symphony is one of the world’s great gifts. A conductor must ensure that instruments play beautifully as a whole and are kind to the ear and uplifting to the spirit yet shine in their individuality. The same can be said of a DERMS, which must effectively manage diverse energy sources to avoid compromising the grid’s integrity.
Read more...Focus on energy sector infrastructure development can drive economic growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Post-election periods in South Africa often see a renewed focus on infrastructure development, with a specific emphasis on directing investments towards the energy sector. This strategic approach aims to accelerate economic growth, address energy challenges, and ultimately uplift the overall standard of living for the populace.
Read more...Turning the continent into a global leader for green fuel
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is at a turning point, with the potential to shift from being a supplier of raw materials to becoming a leader in advanced manufacturing, particularly in the growing green hydrogen market. For this transformation to happen, African countries must work together, combining their resources and talents to build a strong local economy.