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Hetch Hetchy Reservoir turns 101
101 years ago yesterday the O'Shaughnessy Dam was commissioned impounding the Tuolumne River
markdougmcd
Jul 5, 20241 min read
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To call solar power’s rise exponential is not hyperbole, but a statement of fact
Installed solar capacity doubles roughly every three years, and so grows ten-fold each decade
markdougmcd
Jun 1, 20241 min read
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Unprecedented week for the global electric grid
International Energy Agency (IEA) released their special report titled "Electricity Grids and Secure Energy Transitions" stating nearly...
markdougmcd
Nov 30, 20231 min read
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Had a blast on the Energy Terminal podcast
Had a blast with Hope Pratt  and Michael Wood III . Also, check out the Energy Terminal  - a wonderful resource that helps catalyze...
markdougmcd
Oct 31, 20231 min read
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How Green is your EV?
How green is your EV? Let's talk cradle to grave greenhouse gas emissions. Though manufacturing EVs--including sourcing battery metals...
markdougmcd
Sep 30, 20231 min read
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The stone age didn't end because we ran out of stones
Exxon bought 120,000 gross acres in the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas believed to contain vast lithium reserves. While Exxon's...
markdougmcd
May 31, 20231 min read
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Importance of inertia in the electrical grid
This week's Economist is a must read for energy industry folks and contains the second article in a year specifically on inertia in the...
markdougmcd
Apr 30, 20231 min read
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Ukraine/Russia - The Silver Lining
"Our findings suggest that the crunch caused by the war in Ukraine may, in fact, have fast-tracked the green transition by an astonishing...
markdougmcd
Feb 28, 20231 min read
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Air quality and EVs in India
While here in Mumbai enjoying time with my wife's family, it's hard to ignore the dire need for electrified transportation that I hope...
markdougmcd
Jan 31, 20231 min read
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On the cusp of the Senate passing the landmark Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), let's talk SCALE!
Renewables: The bill is expected to dramatically increase renewable energy capacity additions by 10x to ~130 GWs by 2031. Assuming...
markdougmcd
Dec 31, 20221 min read
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Today's energy and transportation markets showcase an odd dichotomy
With broader markets being subject to capricious movements, today's energy and transportation markets showcase an odd dichotomy. One one...
markdougmcd
Nov 30, 20221 min read
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The Russia/Ukraine Energy Crisis and Inflation
Approximately a third of the rich world's inflation of 8% is explained by soaring fuel and energy costs. All the while, the improvised...
markdougmcd
Sep 30, 20221 min read
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Never thought I’d see the day the Economist writes an article about inertia in the electricity grid
Grid inertia is equivalent to pressure in a water pipe - when the pressure is strong enough and uniform, you get laminar flow. Same for...
markdougmcd
May 31, 20221 min read
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Goldman's Future of Energy Demand
Goldman released an update to their Future of Energy Demand report which highlights the impact EVs will have on the grid. By 2040, EVs...
markdougmcd
Feb 28, 20221 min read
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