kWh Analytics

The future of energy storage is here – but are we prepared for the risks? Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are transforming the energy landscape, growing from 12 GW in 2021 to over 48 GW in 2023. But with this growth comes new challenges — especially when it comes to thermal runaway and the safety of these systems. In our latest article, published in Energy-Storage.news, Adam Shinn from kWh Analytics, along with Michael Cosgrave, CIC, CRM, CLTC and Ross Kiddie from RenewableGuard, dive deep into the risks and essential strategies for mitigating fire hazards in BESS, helping asset owners secure favorable insurance terms and protect their investments. If you’re involved in the BESS space and want to better protect assets, this article is a must-read. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gm2jEhx5

As solar technology advances, how is the insurance industry adapting to the growing risks? ?? In a recent interview with Risk & Insurance, Jason Kaminsky dives deep into the challenges and opportunities for insurers as solar projects continue to expand globally. From the rise of battery storage to increasing weather-related risks, insurers must rethink their approach to underwriting renewable energy assets. As Jason describes, insurance carriers can bridge the gap and help solar developers and create more resilient projects. Click to read the full interview ??

As the lithium-ion battery market surges toward 75GW by 2027, are your fire mitigation strategies up to par? The rapid expansion of BESS has sparked concern about fire risk, and insurance premiums are rising as a result. Bobby McFadden and @Mark Mirek of Brown & Brown Insurance explore essential strategies for mitigating fire risks, including the latest insights on: - Effective battery management systems (BMS) - Spatial separation for explosion relief - Suppression methods that can keep insurance premiums manageable Learn how to protect your assets, reduce risks, and keep the BESS boom safe. Read the full article here ??

Yesterday at Climate Week it was great to discuss insuring the energy transition at the InnSure conference! A fun conversation with Ross Kiddie, Andrew MacFarlane, and Scot Bryson. An important take away for me was thinking about how climate technologies will show up in the hands of "traditional" underwriters as we green our industrial capabilities - eg green steel, advanced data center technologies, high voltage transmission - and the pervasive training and education that will be needed. Also great to see long time colleagues Jay Goldin, Amy McCann Antczak, Barney Schauble, Sarath Srinivasan, Poyan Rajamand, George Schulz

On this first day of NY Climate Week, I am happy to share that we received funding to provide insights and tools to the renewable energy community to make better-informed decisions on resiliency! Our goal is to create tools that help asset developers design, build, and operate more resilient facilities throughout the project lifecycle, with project partners National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DNV, and STANCE: Renewable Risk Partners Over the years, I've had the pleasure of collaborating with the Energy Department on several projects, and I've seen firsthand how our work has pushed the industry forward. It's incredibly rewarding to see that impact continue to grow. What excites me most about this partnership is the federal recognition of climate resilience's importance. It's a clear signal that we're on the right track. And let's not forget the power of insurance – it's not just a safety net, but a vital form of risk capital that can be a real catalyst for change in the renewable energy sector. This project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) through the Materials, Operation, and Recycling of Photovoltaics (MORE PV) Funding Program. I'm proud of our team at kWh Analytics for all their hard work and grateful for SETO's support!?

We're excited to announce a $2.4M partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) through their MORE PV Funding Program! ???? In response to intensifying climate risks, this initiative aims to strengthen solar asset resilience against natural catastrophes like hail, hurricanes, and floods. Working alongside collaborators from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DNV, and STANCE: Renewable Risk Partners, our goal is to develop innovative tools to empower asset developers to design, build, and operate more resilient solar assets throughout their lifecycle. This partnership underscores the critical importance of resilience in advancing clean energy goals and allows us to contribute our expertise in Climate Insurance, data analytics, and underwriting to this vital effort. We're honored to play a role in shaping a more resilient clean energy future! Read the news: https://lnkd.in/gGAMwnRq

I'm in New York next week for climate week! I am speaking on a panel on Monday about climate technologies and insurance, with esteemed panelists Andrew MacFarlane, Ross Kiddie, and Scot Bryson. Look forward to seeing some old friends and making new ones! Thank you InnSure for having us at your event.

The increase in frequency, severity and range of severe weather events is having a growing impact on renewable projects year-round, affecting solar asset owners’ ability to secure adequate insurance coverage, let alone favorable terms. The stakes are high—severe convective storms resulted in over US$40 billion in global insured losses in the first half of 2024 alone. To mitigate the risks posed by extreme weather events, project stakeholders need a comprehensive approach to risk management that includes careful partner selection, investment in defensive equipment capabilities and the development and implementation of well-defined operational and maintenance (O&M) procedures that take seasonality into account. With the rapid rise in solar assets and an increase in severe weather, O&M planning has become increasingly critical to optimise the performance and longevity of solar installations, minimise downtime and ensure consistent energy production with the lowest operating expense costs. In this article, we share what asset owners need to know to optimise O&M planning to mitigate risk and secure favorable insurance terms for renewable energy projects. https://lnkd.in/g5xPDjxA

Heading to Climate Week? Our CEO Jason Kaminsky will be speaking at the InnSure Climate Forum on Monday, September 23 in NYC. This event will gather industry and community leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to explore bold ideas around: ? Accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable technologies. ?? How insurance can promote nature-positive practices and help build more resilient communities. See you there! Register here: https://loom.ly/qbw4xCc

Are you prepared for the impact of extreme weather on your solar assets? ??? To mitigate the risks posed by hail, flood, and hurricane, project stakeholders need a comprehensive approach to risk management that take seasonality into account. In our latest article published in PV Tech , Jason Kaminsky, CEO of kWh Analytics, shares how optimizing Operations & Maintenance (O&M) planning can help mitigate risks, minimize downtime, and improve your chances of securing better insurance coverage. Here are the key points: - Inverter failures account for 55% of downtime and 59% of total energy loss - DC health issues surge in the winter - The right O&M strategy can optimize performance year-round, ensuring your assets remain resilient. Read the full article to find out how to protect your solar investments in the face of growing climate risks.