Energy Risk Engineering

When a storm passes, the deadliest moment isn't the wind — it's the window right after, when damage is everywhere and nobody yet knows which downed spans are still carrying lethal voltage. This deep dive walks through "The First Safe Look," a white paper on flying solar-blind ultraviolet cameras on drones to spot arcing, surface tracking, and corona on storm-damaged transmission...

This report examines the  environmental and operational disaster  caused by a 2025 explosion at the  Smitty’s Supply  petrochemical facility in Louisiana. The text details how  equipment failure  and neglected safety systems led to massive chemical releases, resulting in  extensive litigation  and long-term ecological damage to the Tangipahoa River. Beyond analyzing the accident, the source provid...

The new generation of ion-exchange membrane chlor-alkali plants (2024–2030 generation) is delivering 25–35% more energy-efficient operations thanks to advances like higher current densities and oxygen-depolarized cathode (ODC) designs. However, this shift dramatically changes the risk profile, as higher current densities, thinner membranes, and increased automation amplify certain loss scenarios t...

The Invisible Threat: Detecting High-Voltage Corona Discharge Every utility faces a major hidden danger that leads to outages, equipment failure, and even wildfires: corona partial discharge , the invisible electrical glow that slowly destroys high-voltage components. In this episode, we welcome Michael Kelly and Dale Morrison from OFIL Systems, the global leader in UV-based corona detection, to b...

Effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are non-negotiable in the energy sector, particularly when managing high-hazard materials like Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) . These detailed guidelines are foundational for ensuring safety and managing emergency response during leaks and fires. Our procedures emphasize strict general precautions , requiring responders...

This document, titled "Post-Incident Analysis: Lessons from $1.5B+ Li-Ion BESS Losses," offers a crucial look into the safety challenges facing the rapidly expanding Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry. Authored by John Munno in November 2025, the analysis highlights the severe risks that have emerged as BESS capacity skyrocketed from 5 GW in 2020 to 54 GW in 2025. Key Takeaway...

Dive into the world of solar energy innovation with this episode on "Electrical Signature Analysis for Solar Photovoltaic Monitoring." Discover how ESA—a cutting-edge, non-invasive technique—revolutionizes fault detection in PV systems by analyzing current-voltage curves to spot issues like loose connections, hot spots, and inverter inefficiencies before they escalate. We break down its...

Navigating the intricate code requirements for hydrogen (H2) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects can be a significant challenge, creating uncertainty for all stakeholders. This post introduces how purpose-built compliance software transforms these complex code mandates—like those from NFPA 2 for hydrogen and NFPA 855 along with UL 9540/9540A for BESS—into a structured, living datase...

In this episode, we explore how machine learning paired with current transformer (CT) technology is changing the way plants monitor and maintain equipment. Instead of wiring up flow switches, pressure sensors, or vibration probes, a simple clamp-on CT can learn the signatures of motors, pumps, and heaters—detecting start-ups, runtime, and even early signs of failure. We’ll walk through how easy th...

Tailored for engineers, this episode explores the technical and practical impacts of the new standard, with a focus on its significance for the energy industry—covering power generation, oil and gas, and renewables. Learn how to interpret IR scan results, ensure compliance, and integrate predictive maintenance strategies while enhancing workplace safety. Stephen shares expert insights on overcomin...

In this solo episode, we explore a lesser-known but increasingly relevant fire protection option for mission-critical environments: the DSPA nitrogen generator system . Designed for non-pressurized, on-demand inert gas generation , this system offers a clean, electrically safe suppression solution for data centers and battery energy storage systems (BESS) . We break down how the technology works,...

Learn about battery testing

Dive into the critical world of asset integrity in the oil and gas industry. This episode explores the complex issue of maintenance inspection deferrals, decisions to postpone scheduled inspections often driven by economic pressures, resource limitations, or the demands of operational continuity. We unpack the significant risks associated with improper deferrals, including potential catastrophic f...

In this episode, we explore why keeping moisture out of Generator Step‑Up (GSU) transformers is critical to reliability and safety. Join us as we map out: Primary Water Ingress Points How breathers, bushings, gaskets and inspection plates can let moisture inside—even in short timeframes. Consequences of Excess Moisture • Electrical‑level risks: loss of dielectric strength & spikes in partial d...

Welcome to this audio overview on process safety performance indicators (PSPIs) . In the process industry, while personal safety is crucial, preventing major incidents requires a strong focus on process safety management . Major incidents like fires, explosions, or significant releases of hazardous materials can have severe consequences. To effectively manage and reduce the risk of such incidents,...

In this overview, we explore power plant sequential trip logic, focusing on a setup where the generator field breaker stays closed until a reverse power permissive is detected. This controlled shutdown process protects turbine-generator systems by ensuring the prime mover, like a steam or gas turbine, has stopped driving the generator before de-excitation. Reverse power—when the generator draws en...

Steam turbine overspeed trip testing is essential for safety, with different methods depending on whether the system is electronic or mechanical. Electronic systems can be tested more safely by temporarily lowering the trip point below the normal operating speed. This allows for verification of the trip mechanism without reaching dangerous speeds, followed by resetting the trip point to the standa...

This audio overview discusses the status of several new nuclear power plant projects planned or under development in the United States as of March 2025, including their locations, technologies, and progress toward construction. It also outlines the insurance landscape for these nuclear projects , explaining the roles of private insurers like American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), government-backed mecha...

The audio overview of the sources is a two-part series from the YouTube channel "Energy Risk Engineering Lessons" focusing on risk management for solar energy. The first video, "Solar Power for Risk Engineers," provides an overview of common risks associated with solar farms, including:• Snake bites 1• Hail damage 2• Wind damage 3...• Flooding 5• Fires originating from both nat...

This podcast is designed for risk engineers, risk managers, and underwriters in the chemical and power plant industries. It outlines types of recommendations, specifically property and equipment recommendations, to protect assets and improve operational efficiency. Key topics include crafting complex and simplistic recommendations, supporting them with code references and industry standards, and c...

This audio describes a system for managing critical spare parts in power plants and chemical manufacturing facilities.  The system categorizes parts by criticality (tiers 1-3) based on failure rates, lead times, and substitutability.  A matrix links parts to equipment, considering factors like redundancy and cross-compatibility.  A scoring system assesses equipment impact and lead times to calcula...

This presentation discusses automated external defibrillators (AEDs), focusing on their importance in high-risk environments like power and chemical plants. The speaker details the history and function of AEDs, explaining how they analyze heart rhythms and deliver shocks to restore normal heartbeats in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of death in the U.S. Safety precautions for AE...

This document categorizes engineers into three personality types:  Alpha ,  Beta , and  Sigma .  Alpha engineers  are assertive leaders who excel in strategic planning, while  Beta engineers  prioritize collaboration and meticulous execution.  Sigma engineers  are independent innovators who thrive on complex, autonomous projects. The document details the strengths, weaknesses, and optimal motivati...

Nuclear power plant decommissioning  in the U.S. is a complex process overseen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).  The process involves  safely removing radioactive materials, dismantling structures, and ensuring the site is environmentally sound before license termination.  Two main decommissioning options exist , SAFSTOR (safe storage) and DECON (immediate decontamination), with funding...

"A review of flywheel energy storage systems: state of the art and opportunities" comprehensively examines flywheel energy storage systems (FESS), detailing their components (flywheel rotors, bearings, converters, and auxiliary systems), materials (composite and steel), and applications (utility, renewable energy integration, transportation, and defense). Taurus, is using FESS in residential renew...