Most Read in June: Siemens Gamesa’s ETES, Montenegro goes coal-free for 10 days, EC Albania report

Even though it was published in late June, the news about Siemens Gamesa’s breakthrough electrothermal energy storage system made it to the number one spot on our English-language Top 3 Most Read list for June.

The Top 3 Most Read list for June is also available for our portal’s Serbian/local language version.

1 – Siemens Gamesa unveils world’s first electrothermal energy storage system

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy has put into operation the world’s first electrothermal energy storage system (ETES), which makes it possible to store large quantities of energy cost-effectively, decoupling electricity generation and use. The innovative storage technology is key to the next step in the energy transition, according to a press release from the Spain-based wind turbine manufacturer and wind power services provider.

Siemens Gamesa’s pilot heat storage facility, which was ceremonially opened on June 12 in Hamburg, Germany, contains around 1,000 metric tons of volcanic rock as a medium to store electricity drawn from the grid at 750°C. When demand peaks, the electrothermal energy storage system uses a conventional steam turbine to convert the stored energy back into electricity.

Siemens Gamesa unveils world’s first electrothermal energy storage system

2 – Montenegro registers 10 days of coal-free electricity generation

Montenegro produced enough electricity to cover domestic consumption from renewable energy sources only from May 24 to June 2, 2019, for the first time ever going coal-free for 10 days, the Government of Montenegro announced.

During the period, coal-fired power plant Pljevlja was not operating, yet Montenegro produced around 82 million kWh of electricity, consuming about 75 million kWh.

Montenegro’s two leading hydropower plants (HPPs) – Piva and Perućica – owned by state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), had a significant share in the 10-day power generation.

Montenegro registers 10 days of coal-free electricity generation

3 – European Commission: Albania should urgently diversify away from hydropower, properly conduct environmental assessments

Albania is moderately prepared in the area of energy, according to the European Commission’s latest report on the country’s alignment with the EU acquis.

In the coming year, the report notes, Albania should in particular:

• diversify electricity production away from hydropower and promote alternative sources of renewable energy while complying with environmental standards, and establish an organized day-ahead electricity market;
• finalize the unbundling of energy companies and abolish legal obstacles to the right of customers to change their electricity supplier;
• fully align its Energy Efficiency Law with the acquis, set up an energy efficiency fund and draft and adopt secondary legislation implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

European Commission: Albania should urgently diversify away from hydropower, properly conduct environmental assessments