Energytech Terms Glossary: Energytech Terms in 2024
A
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) refers to a system that enables the two-way communication between the utility and the customer's energy meters, providing real-time data on energy consumption and enabling demand response programs.
B
Battery Storage
Battery storage refers to the use of rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy, providing backup power, load shifting, and grid stabilization services.
Battery Technology
Battery technology involves the development and improvement of batteries used for energy storage in various applications.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biomass, which includes organic materials such as wood, crop residues, and municipal solid waste, that can be converted into heat, electricity, or transportation fuels.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed digital ledger that securely records and verifies transactions, providing transparency, immutability, and traceability in various industries, including energy.
C
Carbon Capture
Carbon capture involves the capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions from power plants or industrial processes to prevent them from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.
Carbon Capture And Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial sources, and stores it underground or repurposes it for industrial use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving a net-zero carbon emissions balance, where the amount of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere is offset by an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere or avoided.
Carbon Offset
A carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions made to compensate for emissions made elsewhere, often through investments in renewable energy projects.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting involves the compensation of greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives.
Carbon Pricing
Carbon pricing is a mechanism that places a financial cost on carbon dioxide emissions, either through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, to incentivize emission reductions and encourage the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Carbon-Neutral
Carbon-neutral refers to achieving a net-zero carbon footprint by balancing the amount of emitted carbon dioxide with the amount of carbon dioxide removed or offset.
Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic system in which resources are used and reused indefinitely, minimizing waste, promoting recycling, and enabling the efficient use of materials, energy, and resources.
Clean Energy
Clean energy refers to energy sources and technologies that have minimal environmental impact, such as renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures, and low-carbon technologies.
Cogeneration
Cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), is the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heat from the same energy source, increasing overall energy efficiency.
D
Decentralized Energy
Decentralized energy refers to localized power generation and distribution systems that are typically smaller in scale and closer to the end-users.
Decentralized Energy Systems
Decentralized energy systems refer to the localized and distributed generation, storage, and consumption of energy, often involving renewable energy sources and smaller-scale power generation.
Demand Response
Demand response (DR) refers to the ability of consumers to adjust their electricity usage in response to signals from the grid operator, helping to balance supply and demand, reduce peak load, and optimize grid operation.
Demand-Side Management
Demand-Side Management (DSM) refers to the strategies and measures implemented on the consumer side to manage and modify electricity consumption patterns, often focusing on reducing peak demand, promoting energy efficiency, and enabling demand response programs.
Distributed Energy Resources
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are small-scale power generation sources that can be located close to the end-users and integrated into the existing electricity grid.
E
Electric Vehicle
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that is powered by electricity and is propelled by one or more electric motors.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that are powered by electric motors and use electricity stored in batteries or fuel cells as their primary source of propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional internal combustion engines.
Electrification
Electrification refers to the transition from non-electrical energy sources to electricity in various sectors, such as transportation, heating, and industrial processes, often driven by the desire to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy Access
Energy access refers to the availability and affordability of modern energy services, such as electricity and clean cooking fuels, for households, businesses, and communities, particularly in developing countries.
Energy Audit
An energy audit is a systematic process of assessing and analyzing energy consumption, energy usage patterns, and identifying opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Energy Codes
Energy codes are a set of standards and regulations that define the minimum energy efficiency requirements for buildings and equipment, aiming to reduce energy consumption, promote sustainability, and improve comfort and indoor air quality.
Energy Conservation
Energy conservation refers to the practice of reducing energy consumption through behavioral and technological changes to achieve energy efficiency and minimize wastage.
Energy Demand
Energy demand refers to the quantity of energy needed to meet the requirements of various sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the practice of using energy in a more efficient and sustainable manner, resulting in reduced energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency standards establish minimum efficiency requirements for various products and appliances, aiming to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Equity
Energy equity is the principle of ensuring affordable and reliable access to modern energy services for all individuals and communities, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Energy Harvesting
Energy harvesting is the process of capturing and converting ambient energy (such as solar, thermal, or kinetic energy) into electrical energy for powering small electronic devices or systems.
Energy Independence
Energy independence refers to a state or situation where a country or region can meet its energy needs from its own sources without depending heavily on imports or external energy supplies.
Energy Infrastructure
Energy infrastructure comprises the physical systems, facilities, and networks necessary for the generation, transmission, distribution, and storage of energy resources.
Energy Management
Energy management involves the planning, monitoring, and control of energy consumption, costs, and performance in various sectors, including buildings, industries, and transportation.
Energy Management System
An energy management system (EMS) is a software-based system that enables monitoring, control, and optimization of energy consumption and generation in buildings, industries, or power networks.
Energy Market
An energy market is a marketplace where energy is bought and sold, including electricity, natural gas, and other forms of energy.
Energy Modeling
Energy modeling involves the use of computer-based simulation tools to analyze energy consumption patterns, evaluate the performance of energy systems, and optimize energy efficiency measures in buildings, industrial processes, or power systems.
Energy Monitoring And Control
Energy monitoring and control systems involve the use of sensors, meters, and automation technology to measure, monitor, and control energy consumption and generation in real-time, enabling optimization and efficiency improvements.
Energy Policy
Energy policy refers to the set of principles and guidelines that govern the use, production, and management of energy resources to achieve specific goals, such as energy security, sustainability, and affordability.
Energy Poverty
Energy poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, resulting in difficulties in meeting basic needs, such as lighting, cooking, and heating.
Energy Recovery
Energy recovery refers to the process of capturing and utilizing waste energy that would otherwise be lost, such as using waste heat from industrial processes to generate electricity or using waste biogas for heating.
Energy Resilience
Energy resilience refers to the ability of an energy system to withstand and recover from disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyber attacks, or equipment failures, and to continue providing essential energy services.
Energy Retrofit
An energy retrofit involves making improvements and upgrades to an existing building or facility to enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and improve comfort and performance.
Energy Retrofits
Energy retrofits refer to the process of upgrading existing buildings or systems to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions, often through measures such as insulation, lighting upgrades, and HVAC system improvements.
Energy Scalability
Energy scalability refers to the ability of a renewable energy technology, such as solar or wind power, to be deployed and expanded on a large scale to meet increasing energy demand, often by overcoming technical, economic, or policy barriers.
Energy Sovereignty
Energy sovereignty refers to a country's ability to have control over its own energy resources, use them sustainably, and ensure access to reliable and affordable energy for its population.
Energy Storage
Energy storage refers to the capture and storage of energy produced for later use. It allows for the smooth integration of intermittent renewable energy sources and helps stabilize the electricity grid.
Energy Trading
Energy trading involves buying and selling electricity, natural gas, or other energy commodities in various markets, often facilitated through exchanges or over-the-counter transactions.
Energy Transition
Energy transition refers to the process of shifting from traditional fossil fuel-based energy systems to cleaner, more sustainable and renewable energy sources, often driven by concerns about climate change and energy security.
Energytech
Energytech is a field that encompasses the application of technology in the energy sector to improve efficiency, sustainability, and management of energy resources.
G
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is the heat energy stored beneath the Earth's surface in the form of hot water and steam, which can be tapped into and used for heating and electricity generation.
Greenhouse Gas
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Grid Defection
Grid defection refers to the disconnection of a consumer or a group of consumers from the main power grid in favor of decentralized energy generation and storage.
Grid Flexibility
Grid flexibility refers to the ability of an electrical grid to accommodate fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, utilizing storage, demand response, and grid management technologies.
Grid Integration
Grid integration refers to the integration of distributed energy resources into the existing electrical grid, allowing for optimized energy management, improved grid stability, and increased renewable energy penetration.
Grid Reliability
Grid reliability refers to the ability of an electrical grid to deliver electricity consistently and without interruptions.
Grid Resilience
Grid resilience refers to the ability of an electrical grid to anticipate, absorb, recover from, and adapt to disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or equipment failures.
H
Hybrid Energy System
A hybrid energy system combines multiple energy sources, such as solar, wind, batteries, and diesel generators, to provide a reliable and stable power supply, often in remote or off-grid locations.
Hybrid Energy Systems
Hybrid energy systems combine multiple energy sources or technologies, such as solar power, wind power, energy storage, and conventional generators, to provide a reliable and efficient supply of electricity, often in remote or off-grid areas.
Hybrid Power System
A hybrid power system combines multiple energy sources, often renewable and non-renewable, to provide a reliable and efficient power supply.
Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power, or hydropower, is the generation of electricity from the gravitational force of falling or flowing water, typically captured by a dam or through the natural flow of a river.
Hydropower
Hydropower is the utilization of the energy in flowing or falling water to generate electricity, typically through the use of turbines and generators.
L
Load Shedding
Load shedding is a controlled reduction of power supply to prevent the failure of the entire power system during periods of high demand or supply shortage.
M
Microgrid
A microgrid is a localized group of electricity sources, storage facilities, and loads that operate interconnected with the traditional electrical grid but can also disconnect and function autonomously in case of grid failure.
N
Net Metering
Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows customers with renewable energy systems, such as rooftop solar panels, to receive credits for the excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid.
Net Zero Energy Buildings
Net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) are highly energy-efficient buildings that produce as much energy as they consume, typically through a combination of energy-efficient design, on-site energy generation, and energy storage.
Net-Zero Energy
Net-zero energy refers to a building or an entity that produces as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis, typically through the use of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient design.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy released during a nuclear reaction, either by nuclear fission or fusion.
Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions, typically through the fission of uranium or plutonium, to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.
P
Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells, typically made from silicon or other semiconductor materials.
Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics (PV) is the technology used to convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
Power Electronics
Power electronics refers to the technology used for the control and conversion of electrical power, typically used to regulate voltage, current, and frequency in various energy conversion applications.
Power Quality
Power quality refers to the characteristics of the electrical power supplied to consumers, including voltage stability, frequency stability, absence of harmonics, and minimal voltage sags, swells, and interruptions.
R
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is energy that is derived from natural sources that can be replenished, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a government policy that mandates or encourages utilities to obtain a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources.
Resilient Infrastructure
Resilient infrastructure refers to the design, construction, and operation of critical infrastructure systems, including energy systems, to withstand and rapidly recover from various hazards and disruptions.
S
Smart Appliances
Smart appliances are energy-consuming devices equipped with advanced sensors, communication capabilities, and automation features that enable them to optimize their operation, communicate with other devices, and respond to demand response signals.
Smart Buildings
Smart buildings are buildings that incorporate advanced automation, communication, and control systems to optimize energy efficiency, comfort, security, and maintenance, often using sensors, actuators, and IoT technologies.
Smart Charging
Smart charging refers to the intelligent management and optimization of electric vehicle charging, considering factors such as grid condition, renewable energy availability, and user preferences.
Smart Cities
Smart cities are urban areas that leverage digital technologies, data, and connectivity to enhance the quality of life, sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of city infrastructure and services, including energy systems.
Smart City
A smart city is an urban area that uses cutting-edge technology and data analytics to improve the quality of life, sustainability, and efficiency of urban services.
Smart Energy Grid
A smart energy grid integrates advanced technologies and communication systems into the electrical grid to enable real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of energy flow, improving efficiency and sustainability.
Smart Grid
A smart grid is an advanced electrical grid system that uses digital technology, two-way communication, and automation to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity generation, distribution, and consumption.
Smart Grid Analytics
Smart grid analytics involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data from smart grid systems to extract valuable insights, optimize grid performance, improve reliability, and enable more informed decision-making.
Smart Home
A smart home is a residence equipped with smart devices and systems that can be controlled remotely to enhance comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency.
Smart Meter
A smart meter is a device that records and communicates the consumption of electricity or other utilities in real-time, enabling better monitoring and management of energy usage.
Smart Metering
Smart metering refers to the use of advanced energy meters that record and communicate energy consumption data in real-time, enabling consumers and utilities to monitor and manage energy usage more efficiently.
Smart Transportation
Smart transportation involves the use of advanced technologies and data analytics to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transportation systems.
Solar Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaics is the technology used to convert sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.
Solar Thermal
Solar thermal technology harnesses the heat from the sun to generate thermal energy, typically used for applications such as water heating, space heating, or electricity generation.
Solar Thermal Energy
Solar thermal energy is the technology that uses sunlight to generate heat, which can be used for heating or for the production of electricity through the use of solar thermal power plants.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
T
Transient Stability
Transient stability refers to the ability of a power system to maintain stable operation following a disturbance, such as a fault or sudden change in generation or load, with minimal deviation in voltage and frequency.
V
Virtual Power Plant
A virtual power plant (VPP) is a network of decentralized power generation sources and energy storage systems that are coordinated and controlled as a unified system, often using advanced software and communication technologies.
W
Wind Farm
A wind farm, also known as a wind power plant, is a collection of wind turbines installed in a specific location to generate electricity from the kinetic energy of the wind.
Wind Power
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into useful forms of power, typically using wind turbines to generate electricity.
Wind Turbine
A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, which can then be used to generate electricity.
Z
Zero-Emission Vehicles
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions, such as electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, or vehicles powered by renewable fuels.
Zero-Energy Building
A zero-energy building (ZEB) is a building with zero net energy consumption, where the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal to the amount of renewable energy generated on-site or off-site.