TerraLithium, BHE Renewables Announce Key Milestones For Geothermal Lithium Project In California
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on ThinkGeoEnergy.
This is the sub-heading.
TerraLithium and BHE Renewables have announced key milestones towards advancing technology for lithium extraction from geothermal brines in Imperial Valley, California.
This is the important paragraph in the article.
The business model of coupling lithium and critical minerals extraction with geothermal energy production is gaining increasing attention, both in the United States and in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. As demonstrated in the United Downs geothermal power project in Cornwall, lithium extraction provides additional revenue generation that can significantly improve the economics of deep geothermal projects.
So here we have little Cornwall showing Big California how to get power and lithium out of hot rocks.
In Cornish Plant Produces Geothermal Power, I described the progress at the Cornish plant in March.
Has Andy Burnham Ever Said Anything On Geothermal Energy?
Given that there is an election or coronation under way, I just had to ask Google AI, the question in the title of this section.
This is the answer I received.
Yes, Andy Burnham has occasionally engaged with topics involving geothermal energy, particularly in the context of tapping natural underground heat and mine water for green energy
His notable references to the technology include:
Supporting Manchester’s Geothermal Potential: He has voiced support for localized renewable heat projects, such as exploratory borehole plans in Manchester city centre intended to tap into thermal springs for community heating.
I think we can put that down as a favourable view.
This excellent article on the BBC is entitled Plan To Heat Manchester Homes With A Geothermal Spring, is worth a full read.
Is The UK Developing Sea-Drones To Protect Wind Farms?
I asked Google AI the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
Yes, the UK is actively developing and utilizing sea-drones (and autonomous boats) for its offshore wind farms. This technology is being used to protect the farms by patrolling subsea infrastructure, inspecting underwater turbine foundations, and delivering heavy equipment to mitigate human risk.
Here is a look at how sea drones and autonomous systems are being developed and used for the UK’s offshore energy sector:
Subsea Security and Patrolling: The UK and NATO are highly focused on protecting critical subsea cables and wind networks from adversarial interference. Firms like Aberdeen-based Honuworx have been contracted to develop autonomous underwater vehicles capable of prolonged remote operation for defense and infrastructure surveillance.
Underwater Structure Inspection: Projects like the UNITE program (led by Heriot-Watt University and supported by the National Robotarium) are testing AI-controlled underwater robots to operate in turbulent seas and maintain offshore wind infrastructure. Meanwhile, Beam (an offshore wind services company) successfully deployed the world’s first AI-driven autonomous underwater drone at Scotland’s Seagreen wind farm, cutting inspection times in half.
Sailing Drones & Remote Operations: Energy companies like Vattenfall are controlling uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and sailing drones from remote operation centers in Aberdeen to patrol and keep North Sea wind farms safe and efficient.
Heavy-Lift Cargo Drones: Beyond sea drones, energy giant Ørsted has utilized giant autonomous drones to deliver heavy equipment—like 70kg boxes of safety gear—directly to the tops of offshore wind turbines in the UK, removing the need for ships and cranes in rough seas
We should fight fire with innovation.
Can A ‘Secret Sauce’ Help Store Renewable Energy?
The title of this post, is the same as that as this article on the BBC.
This is the sub-heading.
The US-Israel war with Iran has led to higher electricity bills and put the issue of energy security back in the spotlight.
These two paragraphs add more detail to the story.
Now a pilot project inspired by a 100-year-old idea aims to store renewable energy.
Those behind the high density hydro demonstrator scheme near Plymouth say the technology can “turn small hills into giant batteries”, as part of the transition away from fossil fuels.
This is one of those stories, that could only emerge in the UK.
If you have the time, click on the link to the BBC article and read it in full.
I have a feeling, that the world will be hearing a lot about RheEnergise.
I asked Google AI, “How Much Energy Can A RheEnergise Battery Store”, and received this reply.
A RheEnergise system acts like pumped-storage hydro, using a dense fluid instead of water to store energy.
Planned commercial facilities are designed to store 2 to 16 hours of energy capacity, offering between 10 MW and 50 MW of power generation.
The exact energy storage figures for their deployments scale depending on the site requirements.
The breakdown of how these installations store and yield energy includes:
Commercial-Scale Capacity: A standard commercial site ranging from 10 MW to 50 MW will yield between 20 MWh and 800 MWh of total energy output (based on operating at full capacity for 2 to 16 hours).
The “Secret Sauce”: The system uses a proprietary fluid called R-19, which is 2.5 times denser than water.
This density allows the system to generate 2.5× more power and energy from the same physical footprint and vertical drop compared to traditional water-based facilities.
Real-World Pilot: The company operates a 500 kW demonstrator project at Cornwood near Plymouth, UK. This smaller test-bed, if run continually, generates energy equivalent to powering about 400 homes for an entire year.
Zero Seasonal Losses: Unlike chemical batteries (like lithium-ion) that degrade and lose charge over time, pumped hydro setups suffer virtually zero energy loss while the fluid sits idle.
Record Public Transport Growth To The Lake District As Keswick Added To National Rail Network
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Rail Technology Magazine.
This is the sub-heading.
Record numbers of visitors are travelling to the Lake District by public transport after Avanti West Coast introduced a “virtual railway station” at Keswick, according to newly released figures.
These two paragraphs add more detail.
By adding Keswick to national rail journey planners, passengers can now purchase a single, fully integrated ticket covering both train and bus travel. From today (27 April), the ticket will be available year‑round following a successful two‑summer trial.
The initiative allows passengers to travel on Avanti West Coast or TransPennine Express services to Penrith – the gateway to the North Lakes – before continuing to Keswick on Stagecoach’s X4 and X5 bus services, all using one ticket.
This paragraph describes the impact of the initiative.
The impact has been significant. Over the past year, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express and Stagecoach have all reported record-breaking passenger growth, underlining growing demand for seamless, car‑free travel to one of the UK’s most popular visitor destinations.
That looks like a good result all round.
I have some thoughts.
Buying A Ticket
I have just tried to book a ticket between Euston and Keswick for tomorrow, using my normal ticket retailer.
- The destination was Keswick Bus.
- It was just like buying a ticket between Euston and Liverpool Lime Street.
- I could have entered my Senior Railcard.
- The only thing that is needed would be to ask if you have a bus pass and adjust the ticket price accordingly.
I think one day in the summer, if I’m at a loss for something to do, I might visit Keswick.
I also found Keswick Bus on this ticket machine at Kings Cross.
Someone is getting the Ticketing Act together.
Getting To Events
In 2011 I visited all 92 English League Clubs in alphabetical order and some were difficult to get to from the nearest station.
Perhaps if a club has a bus between the local station and the ground, a virtual station could be added, which might be called say York Football.
There would be details instructions at the exit to the station about where to catch the bus or how to walk there if it were close.
It would obviously work for other sports and what about events like Glastonbury, Glyndebourne, The Suffolk Show and racing of both horses and horsepower.
Testing The Viability Of Possible Stations
It is very difficult to test the viability of a new station before a large sum of money can be allocated to build the station.
But supposing Merseyrail wanted to test the viability of a new station at Skelmersdale.
- Skelmersdale Bus would be added to the Rail Ticketing System.
- A bus route would be created probably between the new station at Headbolt Lane and Skelmersdale.
Done properly, it could give a reasonable estimate of the viability of the new route.
Conclusion
I can see this being a very popular and successful development.
Lumo Targets Drivers With ‘Pump-Primed’ Campaign Showing How To Travel To London For Less
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on Rail Business Daily.
These three paragraphs outline the story.
Motorists driving to London are being shown how taking the train could save up to half the cost of their journey – as they fill-up at the fuel pumps.
Lumo has launched digital screens at a filling station to display real-time travel information and ticket prices.
Lumo believes the bold new trial, a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Smart Outdoor digital advertising firm, will give motorists a timely reminder of a greener and often more affordable alternative to driving between Scotland and England.
Note.
- Displaying real-time travel information is done regularly all over the transport network, for buses and trains.
- Adding ticket prices would not be difficult.
- All filling stations must have good enough broadband.
- I suspect, it could work best, where the train operator sells good value walk-up tickets. This is done at LNER stations on the East Coast Main Line and in An Affordable Trip To Doncaster, I told how I went to Doncaster for the day for £46.45 with a Senior Railcard, buying the tickets on a walk-up basis.
But who knows, where this technology will lead?
As a non-driver, if anybody sees the system in action, I’d love a comment and a photo.
A Ticket Buying App
I also think, I could specify a ticket buying app for trips someone needs to make.
The app would keep a list of train journeys you want to make.
Every day, it would look up the best prices available and if you wanted to go somewhere, you could buy a ticket.
Magna Tram Stop – 23rd April 2026
I went to the new Magna tram stop on the Sheffield tram-train today and took these pictures.
The tram stop structure looks like two identical lift towers with a staircase, that have been lifted in onto foundations, that are opposite each other.
- The two structures appear to be made almost entirely of steel, which is surely appropriate for the Sheffield and Rotherham area.
- The lifts are typical quality lifts from Stannah.
- After installation the staircases point in opposite directions.
- Were the three components of the bridge just lifted into place and then wired up and switched on?
- A steel bridge completes the tram stop.
- The design of the bridge keeps the travellers well away from the electrification.
- The bridge steelwork was constructed locally at Barnsley.
I believe, this tram stop was designed for ease of installation and the lowest possible cost consistent with high quality.
I wouldn’t be surprised that this tram stop bridge has been designed so it can be replicated in different sizes at different locations.
I have some further thoughts.
Can This Design Be Adapted For Other Applications, Locations And Sizes?
I believe it can and this bridge could be the first of many.
Can This Design Be Assembled Around A Working Railway With A Few Short Possessions?
I believe it can, which would be a good cost and time saving in assembly!
I also believe, that as at Magna, it could be assembled around a working electrified railway.
There is a lot to like about this tram-stop design.
Are Sheffield Planning Any Expansion Of The Trams?
Out of curiosity, I had to ask Google AI, the title of this section.
I received this answer.
Yes, Sheffield is actively planning to expand its tram network as part of a major public transport regeneration project aiming for better connectivity and reduced congestion. Key proposals include extending the tram-train network to Doncaster and Barnsley, a new route to Stocksbridge, a connection to Chesterfield via Barrow Hill, and a new stop at the Magna Science Adventure Centre.
Key details of the expansion plans include:
Network Expansion Plans: The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is evaluating several extensions, including a potential route connecting the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the southern city centre.
Tram-Train Focus: Future expansion heavily features tram-trains, which can use existing rail lines, such as the 9-mile link to Stocksbridge.
Doncaster and Barnsley Routes: Proposed extensions involve utilizing existing rail lines for faster connections to Doncaster and a new line to Barnsley.
Infrastructure Investment: The government has announced £570 million for upgrading the existing Supertram network, including improving capacity at Sheffield Train Station.
Timeline: While studies and developments are ongoing, significant work is expected to pick up speed toward 2030, integrated with Northern Powerhouse Rail developments.
Could we see more innovative bridges?
Welsh Government Backs Marine Power Systems’ Floating Wind Tech With GBP 8 Million
The title of this post, is the same as that of this article on offshoreWIND.biz.
This is the sub-heading.
The Welsh government has invested GBP 8 million (approximately EUR 9.4 million) in Marine Power Systems (MPS) to support the commercialisation of its floating offshore wind technology.
These three paragraphs add more detail to the story.
According to the company, the funding will accelerate the deployment of its PelaFlex platform, a floating wind solution designed for deep-water sites where conventional fixed-bottom foundations are not viable.
Marine Power Systems said the investment will help move the technology from advanced development towards commercial-scale deployment and manufacturing. The company also plans to expand its industrial and assembly capabilities in the UK.
The PelaFlex platform has been designed to simplify fabrication, installation and long-term operations while enabling wind farms to be located further offshore where wind speeds are typically stronger and more consistent, MPS says.
The offshore wind industry in Wales seems to be gearing up for a big expansion.
Gwynt Glas is the collective name for the three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in the Western Approaches and in Gwynt Glas And South Wales Ports Combine Strength In Preparation For Multi-Billion Floating Wind Industry, I describe the initial agreement that started the Gwynt Glas project.
To my mind, Associated British Ports and the wind farm developers are making sure they can carpet the Western Approaches, with offshore wind farms.
In Ocean Winds Enters Lease Agreement With Crown Estate For 1.5 GW Celtic Sea Floating Wind Project, I talk in general about the progress of the first three 1.5 GW floating wind farms in Gwynt Glas and in particular about leasing of the third wind farm.
These two posts, indicate that the Port of Port Talbot is preparing itself to produce the floaters for floating wind turbines.
- BW Ideol, ABP To Explore Serial Production Of Floating Wind Foundations At Port Talbot
- Two Ports Advance To Next Stage Of UK Gov Funding For Floating Wind
It certainly appears, that South Wales will be able to build the heavyweight gubbins for floating offshore wind.
According to Was South Wales Once The World’s Largest Coal Exporter? it was, and in 1913, the region produced 57 million tons of coal, with more than half exported.
It does look like South Wales is going to repeat the economic success with offshore energy.
I’ve heard tales from elderly Welshmen talking of the coal ships in the docks of South Wales and will we be seeing gas tankers in the docks of South Wales?
How Much Pumped Storage Hydro Will Be Operational In The UK By 2030?
Pumped Storage Hydro is the Bank of England-standard for energy storage.
I asked Google AI, the question in the title of this post and received this answer.
The UK currently has approximately 3 GW (roughly 26-28 GWh) of operational pumped storage hydro (PSH) capacity. By 2030, this capacity is expected to increase, driven by new projects in the pipeline that aim to meet a government goal of up to 8 GW of long-duration energy storage by that year.
Key Projects Expected Online by 2030-2031:
Coire Glas (SSE): A major project in Scotland with a planned capacity of 1.3 GW / 30 GWh, expected to be operational around 2030–31.
Cruachan Expansion (Drax): A 600MW plant in Scotland that has received approval, with construction expected to contribute to the 2030 goal.
Glenmuckloch: Projected to be operational by 2029. In
Other Developments:
Total Pipeline: Developers have identified up to 10 GW of potential projects in the Scottish Highlands and Wales, though not all will be operational by 2030.
Future Growth: The total installed capacity of PSH is expected to grow significantly, with one projection suggesting a rise from 26.7 GWh currently to over 122 GWh by 2034.
To support these projects, the UK government has confirmed a “cap and floor” investment framework to stimulate development of long-duration energy storage (LDES).
For a relatively small island we do seem to be an ideal place to develop pumped storage hydro!
The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme
In The Coire Glas Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme.
The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme
In The Glenmuckloch Pumped Storage Scheme, I give more details of this scheme, which is based on a disused open cast coal mine.
Addition Of Pumped Storage Hydro By 2030
This looks to be around 5 GW, but it is just a foretaste of the shape of things to come!
The Anonymous Widower 