Latest news with #BrightNight
Time of India
21-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
AI emerges as key tool in managing grid variability for RTC clean energy supply
New Delhi: India's energy sector is undergoing a structural shift as the country targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. As power demand surges from growing industrialisation, electrification of mobility, and data centre expansion, hybrid and round-the-clock (RTC) renewable energy systems are being prioritised for their ability to deliver continuous clean power. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a central pillar in this transition, enabling developers to manage grid variability, optimise dispatch, and maintain supply reliability. Hybrid clean energy systems—combining solar, wind and battery storage—are complex by design. Managing the dynamic interaction between intermittent generation and fluctuating demand requires predictive tools and adaptive control systems. AI platforms such as BrightNight's PowerAlpha are being deployed across the project lifecycle to bridge this gap. Forecasting and Predictability in Renewable Projects AI-based forecasting tools use weather data, satellite imaging, and historical trends to predict solar irradiance, wind velocity and demand profiles with greater precision. These inputs support better design of integrated energy systems and enable accurate power scheduling. According to BrightNight, improved forecasting helps meet dispatch commitments, avoids penalties and enhances grid compliance. 'AI is not just a value-add—it is becoming a necessity in the evolving world of hybrid and round-the-clock renewable energy projects,' said Sunil Kumawat, Vice President, Engineering at BrightNight India. 'We are stepping into the intelligent age—where AI and energy are not just connected, but co-dependent.' Smart Dispatch and Energy Management At the heart of RTC operations lies the ability to dispatch clean energy consistently. BrightNight's PowerAlpha platform uses machine learning algorithms to manage generation assets based on real-time price signals, demand curves, and weather variability. The software coordinates solar, wind and battery assets to ensure delivery during peak periods, such as evening hours when solar dips and demand spikes. This capability is especially critical for utilities and large industrial consumers entering into RTC renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to ensure energy reliability. Optimising Storage Utilisation Storage is a key enabler of RTC power. AI platforms manage battery charging and discharging to ensure optimal usage, longer lifecycle, and enhanced grid integration. By factoring in time-of-day pricing, forecasted generation, and grid stability needs, storage systems can perform peak shaving, ramp support and frequency regulation. 'AI algorithms optimise charging and discharging cycles based on demand patterns, renewable generation forecasts, and grid tariffs. This not only maximises battery life and efficiency but also enhances revenue through smart participation in ancillary service markets,' Kumawat added. Predictive Maintenance and Asset Health AI is also transforming asset maintenance in large-scale renewable installations. Sensor data from wind turbines and solar panels is analysed in real-time to detect early signs of wear or malfunction. Predictive maintenance schedules are then generated to minimise downtime and avoid catastrophic failures. This is particularly effective for assets spread across vast geographies, where physical inspection and reactive repairs can be time-consuming and cost-intensive. Siting and Resource Mapping with Geospatial AI The use of AI in geospatial planning is helping project developers identify optimal sites for hybrid energy systems . BrightNight's tools analyse terrain data, weather patterns, and grid connectivity to support site selection. The improved siting process reduces project risks, accelerates timelines and supports project bankability during financial closure. Grid Flexibility and Market Integration With growing participation in short-term and real-time power markets, AI-enabled tools are supporting intelligent bidding strategies. Real-time market signals, price forecasts and grid constraints are continuously assessed to schedule dispatch. Grid flexibility is enhanced by AI's ability to autonomously manage intermittency and coordinate with system operators. This supports dynamic balancing of renewable supply and system demand, particularly in states with high renewable penetration. BrightNight's PowerAlpha Platform BrightNight describes itself as the first AI-native enterprise in the energy sector. Its proprietary PowerAlpha platform is designed to support project design, development, and real-time operations using cognitive automation and big data. The company is deploying the platform across its hybrid and RTC energy assets in India. With India's renewable energy capacity at over 125 GW and storage systems gaining policy focus, such platforms are expected to scale further. 'The synergy between AI and clean power isn't theoretical. It's already here—and it's shaping the next chapter of sustainable progress,' Kumawat said. Energy Demand and the Role of AI AI itself is a power-intensive technology. Data centres supporting AI applications can consume as much electricity as 100,000 homes. The dual role of AI—as both a driver of energy demand and an enabler of smarter energy usage—makes it central to the clean energy transition. India's rising electricity consumption from digitalisation, mobility and urbanisation will require power systems that are flexible, intelligent and resilient. Hybrid clean energy systems backed by AI will be integral to this roadmap. The way ahead India's journey to a net-zero future hinges not only on deploying renewable assets but also on managing them efficiently. AI offers the tools to address intermittency, reduce curtailment, optimise storage and enable cost-effective power delivery. As policy evolves to support hybrid and RTC models, the integration of AI will become foundational in the clean energy infrastructure of tomorrow.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BrightNight Announces Key Appointments to Drive Growth in Australia
Appoints Brian Morris as CCO and Katie Barnett as CFO MELBOURNE, Australia, Feb. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BrightNight, the next-generation global renewable power producer, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Morris as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Katie Barnett as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of its Australia platform. These strategic appointments come as BrightNight accelerates its expansion in the Australian renewable energy sector. BrightNight is soon to commence construction of Mortlake Energy Hub, Victoria's largest integrated hybrid renewable energy project, after receiving grid and development approval in 2024. Further, the company plans to expand its portfolio of large-scale, multi-technology renewable power projects to serve the Australian market. Leadership Appointments to Strengthen BrightNight Australia's Capabilities Brian Morris brings more than 30 years of experience in energy trading, renewable energy strategy, and risk management to the role of CCO. He has a proven track record of securing long-term revenue contracts and building strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. As an advocate for sustainability, Brian's values align closely with BrightNight's mission to deliver reliable and affordable renewable power. He currently serves on the board of the Energy Users Association of Australia and previously the Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity, further demonstrating his leadership in the industry. Brian joins us from Macquarie Group where he served as Director with the Green Investments business. He holds a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University. Katie Barnett joins BrightNight with over two decades of experience in power markets, energy finance, and energy Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). She has an impressive track record of leading over 50 transactions exceeding A$18 billion (about $12 billion). As CFO, Katie will play a pivotal role in securing capital for BrightNight's multi-gigawatt portfolio expansion in Australia. Her leadership and expertise in large-scale project financing and M&A transactions will be critical as BrightNight scales its operations. Prior to joining BrightNight, she was with PwC as a partner in their Energy Transition, Deals and M&A department, helping advance their utility-scale storage practice. Katie has also held senior roles at Origin Energy in renewable energy and corporate development and was the founding CEO and CFO of PowAR (now Tilt Renewables), overseeing an A$1.5 billion (roughly $1 billion) portfolio of onshore wind and solar projects. Katie earned a Master in Applied Finance from Macquarie University and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Strategic Growth and Vision for Australia Jerome Ortiz, CEO of BrightNight APAC, said: "Brian and Katie's wealth of experience and industry track record will be invaluable in the execution and growth of our business in Australia. As Australia transitions towards more complex dispatchable energy solutions to meet its 2050 net-zero target, BrightNight aims to play a key role in enabling clean and reliable round-the-clock power." Brian Morris commented: "I am excited to join BrightNight at this critical time in the energy transition. BrightNight's cutting-edge technology and analytical capability, combined with a team of industry leaders, has already set the stage for a gigawatt-scale portfolio of world-class energy solutions. I look forward to helping steer the company's growth in Australia as we continue to deliver firm, renewable baseload power for customers." Katie Barnett added: "I'm thrilled to join BrightNight during this pivotal phase of its growth. With the company's proven ability to deliver transformative energy solutions, I am keen to apply my extensive Australian power and capital markets experience to contribute to the expansion of BrightNight's global portfolio and bring their Australian projects to fruition. The future of renewable energy is here, and BrightNight is well-positioned to lead the charge." Brian is based in Melbourne, Victoria, and Katie lives in Sydney in New South Wales. ABOUT BRIGHTNIGHT BrightNight is the first global renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions. BrightNight works with customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific to design, develop, and operate safe, reliable, large-scale renewable power projects optimised to better manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy. Its deep customer engagement process, team of proven power experts, and industry-leading solutions enable customers to overcome challenging energy sustainability standards, rapidly changing grid dynamics, and the transition away from fossil fuel generation. To learn more, visit: Photo - - - View original content: SOURCE BrightNight Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BrightNight and Cordelio Power sign PPA with Arizona Public Service
BrightNight and Cordelio Power have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) that will see Arizona Public Service (APS) buy clean energy from their Pioneer Clean Energy Center. The Pioneer Clean Energy Center is a planned hybrid power generation facility in Yuma County, Arizona. It will have 300MW solar capacity and a 1,200 megawatt hours (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS). APS vice-president of resource management Brian Cole stated: "At APS, we thoughtfully evaluate and select projects that bring the most long-term value to our customers. 'The Pioneer Clean Energy Center is part of our expanding solar power and battery energy storage portfolio developed to meet growing demand with reliable service. Projects like Pioneer will help deliver cost-competitive energy to Arizona's communities over the next several decades." Pioneer Clean Energy Center is a significant investment in Yuma County and the state of Arizona that will generate clean power while creating hundreds of jobs. Construction is expected to begin in September 2025, with operations from April 2027. The facility is expected to support APS's 'commitment to meeting Arizona's growing power demand with reliable, cost-effective clean energy'. Besides providing tax revenue for local schools and public services, it will ensure a sustainable energy source without straining local infrastructure or water resources. BrightNight CEO Martin Hermann stated: "Our agreement with APS underscores BrightNight's commitment to providing reliable and affordable clean energy solutions that benefit our customers and the communities they serve. "The Pioneer Clean Energy Center is a shining example of how renewable energy projects can drive local economic growth, support energy resilience and create a lasting positive impact. We are proud to work with APS and Yuma stakeholders to help meet Arizona's energy goals and deliver meaningful benefits to Yuma County." In October 2024, BrightNight and Cordelio Power secured a $260m tax-equity financing agreement for the Box Canyon solar project in Arizona's Pinal County. "BrightNight and Cordelio Power sign PPA with Arizona Public Service" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
