SBI Energy: Market Insights, Opportunities &Trends

Utility Scale Energy Storage Critical to Renewables Markets

Energy Storage Technologies in Utility Markets Worldwide from leading energy industry market research publisher SBI Energy gives you the tools to:

Assess the state of your industry and the trends that are impacting it
Identify exciting new opportunities and evaluate growth potential
Review potential partners or acquisition targets

Utilities grapple with excess energy lost in off-peak times and energy shortages during peak times.

Solution: Smart grid energy storage

As utilities strategize the integration of renewable energies into the electric grid, energy storage technologies ante-up.

$34 million in start up funding for an energy storage research hub is proposed in Obama’s 2011 budget planning.
Companies are launching new energy storage products aimed at tapping into the growing market
The global utility sector energy storage market is expected to grow by 15.8% per year to over $10 billion in 2015.

Energy Storage Technologies in Utility Markets Worldwide from leading energy industry market research publisher SBI Energy covers:

Applications in which energy storage solutions can be leveraged within the utility sectors
The electric grid and its operations, identification of opportunities for energy storage solutions
Technologies including: pumped hydro storage, CAES, electrochemical capacitors, flywheels, and batteries
Battery technologies including lead-acid, lithium-ion, molten salt, and vanadium redox and zinc bromide flow batteries
SMES, or Superconducting magnetic energy storage, thermal storage and vehicle-to-grid
Global market sizing for energy storage technologies to 2015 are provided.

(Source: sbienergy.com)

BLOG: Microgrids Spread Like Virus In Macro World

Exciting growth in the world of microgrids is setting the market up for a secure future within the world’s electricity infrastructure network. In 2010 the world market for microgrids reached $4.14 billion, up 15% from the previous year. This exuberant growth is expected to continue for at least a few decades, as the need for microgrids grows and as interest remains high.

A large variety of microgrid types are available to fit into every nook and cranny of the world’s electrical network, including: smart microgrids for those that are energy savvy; islanded, decentralized or remote electrification microgrids for hermit villages and islanders, hybrid microgrids for the more creative types and rudimentary microgrids for those that are thrifty or economically challenged. Microgrid installations around the world include everything from diesel generator-based rural electrification projects that supply electricity to small remote villages to large, futuristic cities and surrealistic theme parks that rely on the newest microgrid technologies.

High interest in microgrids is helping to break a few of the barriers to microgrid market growth. Over the past decade, significant obstacles have stood in the way, such as a meager regulatory base and an array of less than perfect technologies. Government bodies and other organizations with investments in microgrid technologies have been working to develop microgrid guidelines; while universities and other research centers around the world are bent on developing methods and technologies to improve microgrid schemes.

North America currently holds the largest piece of microgrid pie, staking a near 74% claim of the market in 2010. While the country is expected to continue to expand its microgrid ventures, it will lose at least a small slice of pie to other countries’ quickly growing share. Asia has already begun to compete with its western cousin and is heading towards a near doubling of its market share by 2020.

Overall the microgrid market is going to be exciting to watch. Its growth and trajectory will likely flow down already visible channels, as well as in unexpected directions, as the world tackles its electricity issues, and as the microgrid infiltrates the seemingly omni-potent, but aging macrogrid.

-SBI Research Analyst, Nana Lapham

(Source: sbireports.com)

Expanding Military Interest in Microgrid Technology Fuels $4 Billion Industry

New York, January 26, 2011 —The world microgrid market reached $4 billion last year with North America claiming 74% of 2010’s total industry share, finds market research publisher SBI Energy. Fueled by rapidly growing solar, renewable energy and smart grid markets, the microgrid has become a viable solution to supply energy to local communities. Microgrid installations around the world include everything from diesel generator-based rural electrification projects that supply electricity to small rural communities to large, futuristic cities and theme parks using the newest microgrid technologies. Photo: Slendidaparna.com

SBI Energy’s latest market study, The World Market for Microgrids, has identified a unique opportunity for marketers at U.S. military bases seeking reliable and secure energy. The majority of U.S. military bases are powered by public electrical grids, which in some instances lead to as many as 300 power outages per year. These interruptions weaken military readiness and security. In the face of a terrorist attack or natural disaster, reliance on conventional energy supplies may be inefficient and may even be detrimental to military functions. Microgrid advantages in this case are clear: in the face of a massive power outage, the microgrid is able to separate from the main utility grid—if it is not already islanded —and keep vital facilities and operations powered.

As U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich of the 1st Congressional District of Mexico says, “Microgrids provide a more secure infrastructure for our military–both here and abroad. Growth in the military microgrid segment will rise by 375% from 2010 to 2020. Total market value in this segment is projected at $1.6 billion in 2020, up from $.33 billion in 2010 and electrical output will increase from .13 GW in 2010 to .60 GW in 2020.

As the microgrid expands its realm of operations in commercial, military and industrial segments, the costs associated with implementation are decreasing. Installation price can vary wildly depending on a number of factors–including the size, scope and technological advancement of a specific project. From solar–hybrid implementations in small remote villages to giant undertakings such as the $4 billion Crystal Island project, the future will become less individualized and more mass, factory built–greatly reducing costs associated with implementing a microgrid.

The World Market for Microgrids provides an in–depth analysis of the economic drivers and challenges and key social and political factors facing the microgrid industry. The market study also reports historical market and growth in dollars (2006 – 2010), broken down into five market segments, as well as future forecast data through 2020. Furthermore, a new chapter segment featured in all 2011 reports examines the current and upcoming employment opportunities that will be created as microgrid manufacturing and installations ramp up. Microgrid activity around the world, including information on the overall electricity situation and specific microgrid projects, is examined, as are the company strategies of 15 leading industry manufactures and new technologies. For more information, please visit: http://www.sbireports.com/Microgrids-2835891/.

About SBI Energy
SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, and automotive/transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit www.sbireports.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

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Smart Grid Enabler Products Market Insights

Countries upgrading their electricity Smart Grids face many challenges during the first few years. Besides securing capital investment and funding, other hurdles can inhibit the progress of Smart Grid development, such as cost. What is the size of the market and what are it’s growth factors? Check out my new 3 minute audio on the Smart Grid Enabler Products Market.

SOTU Lays Framework for Advances in American Transportation Infrastructure, Positions Intelligent Transportation Systems toward a $14 Billion Industry by 2015

Media Contact:
Jenn Tekin
(240) 747- 3015
jtekin@sbireports.com

SOTU Lays Framework for Advances in American Transportation Infrastructure, Positions Intelligent
Transportation Systems toward a $14 Billion Industry by 2015

New York, January 31, 2011 — U.S. President Barack Obama’s January 25th State of the Union Address (SOTU) delivered a strong message about rebuilding America’s transportation network. “To attract new businesses to our shores, we need the fastest, most reliable ways to move people, goods, and information–from high–speed rail to high–speed Internet,” the President remarked.

Over the past two years, the United States has implemented new construction projects for its roads and bridges, due in part to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) benefits, and has created thousands of jobs. In Tuesday’s speech, the President proposed to redouble these efforts.
“While the U.S. government support for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), via federal funding and legislation, has been lagging, government involvement seems to be making a U–turn,” reports analyst Darren Bosik, author of ‘Global Intelligent Transportation Systems Products Market,’ an SBI Energy publication.

The market research firm analyzed the opportunities and challenges facing the industry and forecasted double-digit growth in all facets of ITS manufacturing sectors in the U.S., particularly commercial vehicle screening and emergency response centers, through 2015. “With 2010 as the spending benchmark point, total cumulative spending on ITS technologies in the U.S. will grow to more than $14.5 billion through 2015,” noted Shelley Carr, publisher for SBI Energy.

Through 2015, SBI Energy expects costs of ITS components to increase globally at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%. The market research publisher attributes the moderate growth estimate in ITS product prices to a gradual rise in demand for ITS systems in regions that have committed to ITS deployment. In the U.S., for example, prices will rise considerably in roadside detection and control products as many states begin to assertively roll out ITS–enabled traffic management devices. The U.S. will continue to depend on imports of ITS products from Asia, and pay a premium for technology–heavy devices, such as sensors.

“Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80 percent of Americans access to high–speed rail. This could allow you to go places in half the time it takes to travel by car,” President Obama projected in his speech. “For some trips, it will be faster than flying–without the pat–down. As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway.”

The U.S., which has spent a sum total of $3.7 billion on ITS since 2006, has several ongoing ITS investment initiatives that have contributed to the accumulated outlay. Among the more notable are the following:

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is contributing $3 million and receiving $5.3 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for using a transportation management model to predict travel conditions 30 minutes into the future. Travelers will be able to access real–time information about traffic, public transit and expected travel times, through wireless and Web–based alerts.
The San Diego Association of Governments will contribute $2.2 million and receive $8.7 million from the federal government for a project along Interstate 15 using a “smart” traffic management system combining road sensors, video and traveler information to take steps to reduce congestion. The system will deliver information to commuters via the Internet and message signs along the road. It will also enable managers to adjust traffic signals and ramp meters to direct travelers to high occupancy vehicle and high-occupancy toll lanes, bus rapid transit and other options.
Tennessee’s multimillion–dollar, eight–year expansion of Nashville’s traffic monitoring system, scheduled for completion this fall, seeks to double the number of overhead message boards and traffic cameras that warn motorists of problems ahead on the interstate.

A year ago the country’s Department of Transportation’s Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s (RITA) ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) unveiled a new, five–year ‘ITS Strategic Research Plan, 2010–2014.’ While the Strategic Plan represents an important step forward, the U.S. is still mired in ITS “research mode,” rather than full–scale investment, construction, and deployment of ITS applications. With the additional push from the U.S. government, investments in ITS technologies will continue growth–speeding up job creation and economic recovery.

Global Intelligent Transportation Systems Products Market examines at length ITS applications, trends, technologies, product manufacturing and costs associated with this expansive industry–both domestically and internationally. The report forecasts market value through 2020, separating out spending on deployment, emergency response, and product and technology manufacturing. Further, the report divulges the competitive profiles of industry leaders including IBM, Efkon, Scania, Vitronic, Iteris, Moru Industrial, Sumitomo Electric, Traffic Data Systems, Telvent, Denso, Image Sensing Systems, and Kapsch. For more information, please visit: http://www.sbireports.com/Global-Intelligent-Transportation-2496797/.

About SBI Energy
SBI Energy, a division of MarketResearch.com, publishes research reports in the industrial, energy, building/construction, and automotive/transportation markets. SBI Energy also offers a full range of custom research services. To learn more, visit www.sbireports.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

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O Thank Heaven it’s 2011

O Thank Heaven it’s 2011 courtesy of earthtechling
SBI Energy

The flurry of predictions made at the end of 2010 for the clean energy sector has created an exciting new buzz for 2011. Significantly advancing the U.S. toward a clean energy economy, 2011 will likely bring a spike in financial investing - now that Wall Street has claimed to have ‘figured out’ clean energy, along with an extension in tax credits that encourage more businesses to adopt ‘green’ practices and the creation of thousands of ‘green’ employment opportunities. Meanwhile, the clean energy manufacturing industry can expect to receive an additional $2.5 billion in funding in 2011 from the Recovery Act (ARRA). And, letting the good news roll, the global clean power sector is forecasted to see growth this year and continue its upward trend straight through 2020 - ultimately becoming a $2.3 trillion industry.

In just 18 months the U.S. spent more than $51 billion in public funding on clean energy project initiatives, research science, installations and infrastructure. Not enough to approach sustainability, but a significant play nonetheless, as many countries have made.

It’s also reported that U.S. is on track for its 2012 goal of doubling its renewable generation capacity. How old is that goal, anyway? What are our new goals? Where are the new clean energy policies and standards businesses need to move forward in their commitments and goals?

As the American public, we know a clean economy can’t arrive bagged and sterile in a flash while we wait. Our order requires recipes and ingredients yet to be known. It will be years in the making, always in the unfolding if we are wise, rather than slacking again to this level of paucity by negligence. So let’s celebrate what this bright New Year will bring in terms of building blocks for our future.

SBI Energy believes the power players are in the following sectors:

• Energy storage

• Rare earth minerals impact on renewable power generation

• Industrial equipment manufacturing, components

• Carbon and coal treatments, technologies

• Nuclear power applications development

• Substation automation

• Smart grid advancement

2011 is set to advance the clean energy industry. We stake our research on it. Cheers to progress and patience!

(Source: sbienergy.com)

Two Years Later, the Positive Influence of ARRA Investments Cannot Be Debated

Two years after the enactment of ARRA, indications are strong that the Recovery Act is aiding the U.S. in attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity over the next two years.

Photo: treehugger.com

Renewable energy has taken hold in the U.S. with installations of new wind turbines and solar panels occurring regularly. The U.S. is making significant progress toward attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity over the next two years, due in large part to support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) introduced in 2009.

ARRA investments are funding research projects to develop next generation renewable energy technologies, such as solar thin films and new wind turbine designs that will create a cost competitive alternative to electricity currently generated from coal or natural gas power plants while simultaneously creating long-term economic market growth. Consider the following examples:

· Aided by ARRA investments, The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) reports that domestic manufacturing capacity for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is forecasted to grow from <1 GW per year in 2008 to nearly 4 GW per year in 2012.

· ARRA investments are accelerating the rate of innovation in solar photovoltaics and according to the CEA, the new technology will drive down the costs of solar panels over the next five years; possibly by 50%.

· U.S. wind power capacity grew 40% in 2009 over the prior year, despite weak economic and investment conditions. In July 2010, the CEA reported that ARRA was responsible for approximately 6 GW of wind capacity installation that might not otherwise have occurred in 2009.

· U.S. manufacturing capacity for components such as gearboxes, generators, and large casted steel parts, has lagged behind actual demand. The 48C Manufacturing Tax Credit program awarded $346 million in tax credits to 52 wind manufacturing projects to facilitate additional U.S. manufacturing capacity to ensure the U.S. is able to supply a growing domestic market through domestic production.

· An April 2010 U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) survey indicated a 26% increase in new projects under development in 2009 and concludes that the stimulus funding played an important role in propelling geothermal growth amidst recessionary economic conditions.

Overall, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that U.S. renewable generation capacity will increase 32% more than without ARRA support – reaching 155 GW in 2015. Two years after the enactment of ARRA, indications are strong that the Recovery Act is aiding the U.S. in attaining its goal of doubling renewable generation capacity in the next two years.

-SBI Energy

(Source: sbienergy.com)

Smart Grid Enabler Products Market Insights

Countries upgrading their electricity Smart Grids face many challenges during the first few years. Besides securing capital investment and funding, other hurdles can inhibit the progress of Smart Grid development, such as cost. What is the size of the market and what are it’s growth factors? Check out my new 3 minute audio on the Smart Grid Enabler Products Market.

(Source: sbienergy.com)

# smart grid

# market intelligence

The key to effective Smart Grid data management? Worry about business process, not hardware.

This November, I asked Scott Smith, Vice President of Global Technical Architecture for meter data management company eMeter Corporation how utilities would handle the influx of data coming their way after smart meter installations.

The Hydrogen Blog - Smart Meter According to Smith, finding the data storage and communications hardware to provide the necessary functions is not the biggest obstacle facing utilities in a smart meter project. The telecommunications industry has already covered the difficulties with high speed data transmission and large data storage requirements far exceeding what is needed.

The challenge, says Smith, is that utilities have to move away from the “historical model” of thinking about Smart Grid implementations from a hardware perspective. Instead, utilities need to be thinking about Smart Grid projects from a marketing (i.e. consumer relations) standpoint and from a business process perspective.

For comparison, let’s look at the smart meter rollouts of Toronto Hydro in Ontario, Canada and Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) in California.

Toronto Hydro focused on developing its business plan around customer communication, implementing a time-of-use pricing model and effective use of the Smart Grid data. The strategy won the company three awards, including the Outstanding Achievement in Marketing and Communications Award from the Association for Energy Service Professionals in May 2010 for its smart meter project.

On the other hand, PG&E simply dealt with its smart meter project from the beginning as an infrastructure change. As a result, the lack of customer outreach has caused a customer relations nightmare for the utility. This has resulted in thousands of complaints and even a lawsuit in Bakersfield that claimed the new smart meters were not reliably reporting actual electricity use.

According to Smith, the difference is not that Toronto Hydro implemented a better system technologically, (although to be fair eMeter is the MDM for the Toronto Hydro Smart Grid project). The difference is that Toronto Hydro took pains to ensure that the business process and customer relations were in place to properly handle the transition to implementing its Smart Grid technologies before the first smart meter was even attached to a house.

-By Norman Dechampes, analyst for SBI Energy and author of ‘The Smart Grid Utiltiy Data Market’

More> http://www.sbireports.com/Smart-Grid-Utility-2496610/

Global Smart Grid-Enabling Products Market : new research from SBI Energy

Countries upgrading their electricity Smart Grids face many challenges during the first few years. Besides securing capital investment and funding, other hurdles can inhibit the progress of Smart Grid development. Many Smart Grid efforts are challenged by lack of resources, including trained personnel, advanced technology, industry research, and support from the public and private sectors.

Suppliers of products that enable Smart Grid development and improvement are embarking on substantia photo source: Smart Planet l marketing campaigns in regions committed to Smart Grids. They can expect an abundance of marketing opportunities through 2015. Now that governments have laid plans for grid improvements and utilities are securing funding to actualize those enhancements, the suppliers of the tools and technologies required for Smart Grid deployment will become more of a near-term necessity.

This report from SBI Energy analyzes the burgeoning market of Smart Grid-enabling products - an industry that through 2015 will likely reach $186 billion in market value worldwide.

# business intelligence