From A to Zero Emissions: Technica’s Ultimate Climate Tech and Energy Transition Vocabulary

With fifteen years in climate tech PR, we have seen new technology advancements and industry happenings you didn’t foresee on your proverbial BINGO card, new terms and acronyms constantly pop up to confuse and slow you down. Bookmark this glossary as we plan to keep you updated on the latest new words and their definitions to help keep you at the forefront of your career.

In the spirit of embracing change and staying ahead in this fast-paced era, Technica Communications presents its comprehensive Cleantech Glossary. In this list we cover terms related to renewable energy, power markets, utilities, electric vehicles, hydrogen and more.

Whether you’re new to climate tech or a Cleantech 1.0 veteran, this list is full of technical terms and acronyms, new or old, to help you evolve your expertise along with the industry.

This glossary contains almost 200 definitions at the moment. Of those, a few stand out:

Most Bizarre
1. Turquoise hydrogen: This is a new entry in the hydrogen color charts and production has yet to be proven at scale. Turquoise hydrogen is made using a process called methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen and solid carbon. In the future, turquoise hydrogen may be valued as low-emission hydrogen, dependent on the thermal process being powered with renewable energy and the carbon being permanently stored or used. For our founder Lisa Ann Pinkerton, the hydrogen rainbow is confusing and we should all get over it.
Weirdest acronym
1. Commercial operating date (COD): The date under a long-term power purchase agreement when the commissioning tests have been passed, and the facility starts to generate power to earn revenue.
2. Carbon dioxide removal (CDR): A general term that refers to approaches that remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
3. Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW): A carbon removal method that involves finely grinding silicate rocks to increase their surface area and spreading them over soil. Utilizing natural rainfall and rock chemical reactions, the process results in the long-term storage of large amounts of carbon dioxide for thousands of years.
Most complex initialism
1. Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE): An approach to carbon removal that involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to accelerate the ocean’s natural carbon sink. Adding alkalinity to the ocean converts dissolved inorganic CO2 in seawater into bicarbonates and carbonates, which are stable forms of carbon with a lifetime of approximately 10,000 years. The resulting CO2 deficit in surface waters is quickly rebalanced via a net movement of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean to reestablish equilibrium.
Biggest head-scratcher
1. Vehicle to Everything (V2E): Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology encompasses sensors, cameras, and wireless connectivity within vehicles, enabling the real-time exchange of information with drivers, other vehicles, pedestrians, and roadway infrastructure such as traffic lights.

Understanding climate tech terminology is not just about industry professionals communicating effectively; it’s about empowering individuals to make informed decisions. From decoding complex technical specifications to grasping the nuances of regulatory frameworks, our glossary equips you with the essential knowledge to make confident choices in a world that demands sustainable solutions.

Suppose you’re looking to navigate the complexities of clean and sustainable technologies, exploring a career move, deciphering your electric bill, considering going solar, or at the car dealership about to buy an electric vehicle. This glossary provides key insights to keep pace with the rapidly evolving cleantech language landscape.

Let’s dive in!

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ADAPTION - Changes in processes, practices and structures to moderate potential damages or benefit from climate change opportunities. In simple terms, countries and communities need to develop adaptation solutions and implement actions to respond to current and future climate change impacts.
ADDITIONAL CAPACITY - More clean energy production or storage space can be added to existing plants or by building another project. In the context of this definition, "existing plant" refers to an already established clean energy facility, such as a solar farm, virtual power plant, or any infrastructure generating renewable energy. "Storage space" refers to facilities designed for the storage of clean energy, often involving technologies like batteries or other energy storage systems.
ADVANCED NUCLEAR (ADVANCED REACTOR) - A new class of reactor designs that improve on traditional light-water reactors with features like higher operating temperatures, passive safety, modular construction, and alternative coolants or fuels.
AFFORESTATION - The establishment of a forest or tree stand in an area with no recent tree cover.
ALTERNATING CURRENT (AC) - The flow of electric charge that periodically reverses direction or changes in magnitude. AC can be converted to different voltages and predominantly powers our electricity in power transmission and household appliances.
ALTERNATOR - An electric generator for producing alternating current.
AMPERE - The basic unit for measuring the strength of an electric current.
ASSET DEVELOPMENT - The construction of energy plants funded by investments.

BALANCE OF SYSTEMS (BOS) - The balance of system refers to the components of a photovoltaic system other than the photovoltaic panels. These components may include wiring, switches, mounting systems, solar inverters, battery bank and battery charger, solar trackers, sensors, and management software.
BALANCING AUTHORITY (BA) - Regional agencies that control energy resources and transmission lines to balance energy supply and demand.
BALLASTED SOLAR RACKING - A roof mount that employs solar panels affixed to a racking system, stabilized on the roof through the use of weights, eliminating the need for any penetrations during installation on the majority of roofs.
BASE LOAD - The unvarying (or slowly varying over many hours) portion of electric demand.
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS) - Equipment, management and control systems that allow receiving energy from the grid or other resources such as a wind turbine or solar panel and storing it in batteries for later injection back to the grid or off-grid use. Electric vehicle charging stations are not considered BESS unless the interface between the vehicle battery and the grid is enabled for injecting electric energy.
BATTERY STORAGE - Energy that can charge battery systems that store electricity and later draw from it to power a load or release it onto the grid.
BIOCHAR - Biochar, a structurally stable solid with a high carbon content, is derived from the partial combustion of organic waste material or biomass in a controlled oxygen-limited environment. Biochar can serve as a standalone soil amendment or be combined with other soil enhancers, offering solutions to various environmental, agricultural, and forestry issues. Particularly noteworthy is biochar's efficacy in binding heavy metals and chemicals present in agricultural and road runoff, making it a valuable tool for environmental remediation. In December 2023, in the largest biochar removal agreement to date, Microsoft signed a deal with Exomad Green, the world's largest producer of biochar, to create enough biochar to deliver 32,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal credits by June 2024. (Source: Data Center Dynamics)
BIOMASS - Renewable, organic material from plants and animals used as a source of energy. For example, wood can be burned for heat, corn and soy can produce biofuels and manure and sewage can produce renewable natural gas. Waste can also be turned into hydrogen; it’s most useful in fighting the climate crisis if carbon emissions released in burning are captured and sequestered.
BIOMIMICRY - To draw inspiration from the adaptive solutions crafted by nature through natural selection and apply these principles to human engineering. The biomimicry approach strives to prioritize solutions tested by nature over millions of years, discerning what works optimally and what doesn't. Designs inspired by biomimicry aim to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of human production.
BLACK AND BROWN HYDROGEN - Using black coal or lignite (brown coal) in the hydrogen-making process, these black and brown hydrogen are the absolute opposite of green hydrogen in the hydrogen spectrum and the most environmentally damaging. Just to confuse things, any hydrogen made from fossil fuels through the process of ‘gasification’ is sometimes called black or brown hydrogen interchangeably.
BLUE HYDROGEN - Blue hydrogen is produced mainly from natural gas, using a process called steam reforming, which brings together natural gas and heated water in the form of steam. The output is hydrogen, but carbon dioxide is also produced as a by-product. So, the definition of blue hydrogen includes the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to trap and store this carbon. Blue hydrogen is sometimes described as ‘low-carbon hydrogen’, as the steam reforming process doesn’t actually avoid the creation of greenhouse gases.

CAPACITY FACTOR - The percentage of time a plant generates power at its maximum output over a period. Nuclear plants typically have high capacity factors, making them reliable providers of carbon-free electricity.
CAPEX COVERAGE RATIO - The ratio derived from dividing operational cash flow by capital expenditures, indicating a company’s ability to generate enough cash to cover expenses and measure risk.
CARBON CAPTURE - The trapping of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels or other processes that generate carbon emissions and storing it to avoid those emissions being released into the atmosphere.
CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION (CCS) - A set of technologies that aim to reduce CO2 emissions from new and existing coal- and gas-fired power plants and large industrial sources and store it indefinitely. CCS is a three-step process that includes capture, transport and compression, and underground injection and sequestration.
CARBON CAPTURE AND UTILIZATION (CCU) - A range of applications through which CO2 is captured and used either directly (i.e., not chemically altered) or indirectly (i.e., transformed) in various products. CO2 is today used for several different applications, including in technology with companies like Fortera, RenewCO2, in BioChar, the fertilizer industry and for enhanced oil recovery.
Carbon Credits - a tradable permit that represents the right to emit a specific amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases, essentially allowing a company or individual to offset their emissions by purchasing credits generated from projects that reduce or remove carbon from the atmosphere; one credit typically equals one metric ton of CO2 equivalent
CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL (CDR) - A general term that refers to approaches that remove natural and industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
CARBON NUETRAL - A state in which an entity, such as a company or organization, balances its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by offsetting or mitigating them through various means. This broader concept encompasses not only direct emissions reductions but also the offsetting of residual emissions through activities that prevent emissions or enhance carbon removal. Unlike specific reduction trajectories, carbon neutrality does not prescribe a rigid path for emission reductions, allowing flexibility in the approach taken. Additionally, it adopts a less prescriptive stance on reporting boundaries, encouraging the consideration of emissions throughout the entire value chain (Scope 3), although such inclusion is recommended rather than mandatory.
CARBON OFFSET - An action intended to counterbalance carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere due to industrial or other human activity. Carbon offsets are typically quantified and traded as part of commercial programs in the voluntary and compulsory markets.
CARBON POLICY - Legislation aimed at achieving carbon dioxide emission reduction targets and ensuring reliable and affordable energy to consumers. Examples include carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes.
CARBON SINK - A forest, ocean, or other natural environment that has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
CARBON TAX - A government-imposed fee on businesses and individuals based on their greenhouse gas emissions. Emitters pay a set price for each ton of emissions, incentivizing them to reduce their carbon footprint. Unlike cap-and-trade, a carbon tax provides cost certainty without specifying the level of emission reduction. It can be applied directly to emissions or on goods and services with high greenhouse gas intensity. In the U.S., several carbon tax proposals have been introduced in Congress, with ongoing discussions about incorporating it into legislative initiatives like the Build Back Better Act.
CARBON-CONTROLLED WORLD - The concept that carbon has a financial price associated with it. In a carbon-controlled world, corporations, institutions, and governments will make decisions based on the cost of producing, storing, utilizing, or removing carbon from the atmosphere. Investors are increasingly making transactional decisions based on carbon emission disclosures to assess the financial risks of climate change.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY - A system where materials remain perpetually in use, and the natural environment is revitalized. Within this system, products and materials undergo continual circulation through practices such as maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. By decoupling economic activity from the depletion of finite resources, the circular economy addresses not only climate change but also other pressing global issues, including biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGY / CLEANTECH - Innovative business models or technologies that enhance performance, productivity, and/or efficiency in production processes, with a primary focus on minimizing adverse environmental impacts. These solutions often embody sustainable practices and contribute to the development of a greener, more environmentally conscious economy.
CLIMATE BREAKDOWN - Refers to the severe and harmful changes in the world's climate, where carbon sinks turn into carbon emitters, and entire ecosystems break down with a cascading impact. The term implies that the climate has been affected so drastically that much of the damage becomes irreversible on a human scale.
CLIMATE CRISIS - Refers to the perceived impact or threat of global warming to humanity and the planet, and the scale of the problem. Similar to climate breakdown, the term is used to urge individuals, corporations, and governments to adopt immediate, aggressive solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change.
CLIMATE TECH - Technologies encompassing a range of tools and methods that are employed to combat and mitigate the impacts of climate change. These technologies geared towards greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction, specifically carbon reduction and removal. Sectors like renewable energies like wind, solar, and hydropower, can also be seeing as Climate Tech, although they are also known as Cleantech. Additionally, in efforts to adapt to the adverse consequences of climate change, we utilize technologies such as drought-resistant crops, early warning systems, and seawalls. Embracing a broader perspective, there exist 'soft' climate technologies, including energy-efficient practices and training programs for efficient equipment usage.
CO2 FOOTPRINT - Refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by individual or commercial machine activities.
CO2 PIPELINES - Essential components of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) systems that transport carbon dioxide (CO2),92% of which are in the United States, connecting natural CO2 sources to oil fields, where the CO2 is utilized for enhanced oil recovery. CO2 pipelines are also used to transport emissions from where they're captured to permanent underground storage areas hundreds or thousands of miles away.
COAL PHASE-OUT - Meeting climate change goals will require less use of coal-powered plants, as coal is the most carbon-intensive fuel, including halting new coal plant construction and reducing emissions from existing plants.
COMMERCIAL SOLAR - A solar energy system provides distributed generation, allowing the energy it generates to be utilized both at the point of production and in nearby structures. Typically linked to the local electrical grid, commercial solar installations leverage net metering for enhanced efficiency. Differing from residential counterparts, commercial or industrial solar panels are larger with more PV cells, which produce more power. Moreover, various installation options are available for commercial solar projects, including utilizing roof space, carports, parking lots, or deploying large ground-mounted arrays.
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL (C&I) - Refers to the energy market segment that typically includes businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, factories, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and governmental customers.
COMMERCIAL OPERATING DATE (COD) - The date under a long-term power purchase agreement when the commissioning tests have been passed and the facility starts to generate power to earn revenue.
COMMISSIONING - A systematic process of ensuring that a building performs in accordance with the design intent, contract documents, and the owner’s operational needs. For example, in a new office building, the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems of a building are tested and balanced according to industry standards and expectations before acceptance by the building owner. Commissioning ensures that the new building operates initially as the owner intended and that building staff are prepared to operate and maintain its systems and equipment.
COMMUNITY SOLAR - Solar involving shared local solar facilities catering to multiple community subscribers, who, in turn, receive credits on their electricity bills corresponding to their share of the generated power. Companies like Ampion use this innovative solar model is experiencing rapid adoption across the nation and is an inclusive approach that ensures homeowners, renters, and businesses have equitable access to the economic and environmental advantages of solar energy, irrespective of the physical characteristics or ownership status of their properties. This model strives to broaden solar accessibility, especially for low-to-moderate income customers facing barriers to entry, while simultaneously contributing to the development of a robust, distributed, and resilient electric grid.
CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER - Systems that harness solar energy through elongated rectangular, curved (U-shaped) mirrors. These mirrors are strategically tilted towards the sun, directing sunlight onto tubes (or receivers) running along the mirrors' length. The reflected sunlight heats a fluid circulating through these tubes. Subsequently, the heated fluid is employed to vaporize water in a traditional steam-turbine generator, ultimately generating electricity.
CONGESTION - Congestion occurs when available, low-cost energy cannot be delivered to all electric customers because insufficient transmission capacity is available.
CORRECTIVE MAINTENANCE - Maintenance that is not planned and performed reactively as faults occur. Corrective maintenance often requires shutting down an electrical plant, resulting in a loss of production.

DATA-DRIVEN ASSET - Power plants are increasingly equipped with sensors and software that can transmit data over the Internet for remote or automated plant management. Asset managers can use this data strategically to maximize plant performance and revenue.
DECOMMISSIONING - The meticulous and systematic retirement process for facilities handling energy production materials at the end of their operational life cycle. It involves minimizing residual environmental impact through decontamination efforts, enabling the property's release for unrestricted or, under specific conditions, restricted use. This process includes the strategic dismantling or repurposing of the facility, ensuring a transition from active energy operations to a post-operational state, and prioritizing safety, environmental stewardship, and public well-being. Although this is a broad term, a building or other things can be decommissioned.
DEMAND (OF POWER) - It pertains to the highest amount of electrical power consumed at any given moment, in contrast to energy (kWh), which represents the total power utilized over a specific duration.
DEMAND RESPONSE - Utility electric programs by which customers can play a significant role in the operation of the electric grid by reducing or shifting their electricity usage during peak periods in response to time-based rates or other forms of financial incentives.
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) - A division of the U.S. federal government responsible for coordinating and administering national energy policy. The department promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy usage through several research and financial assistance programs.
DIRECT AIR CAPTURE - Technologies that extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere at any location. This differs from carbon capture, which is generally carried out at the point of emissions generation, such as a steel or manufacturing plant.
DIRECT CURRENT (DC) - The flow of electric charge that does not change direction; transmission lines, LEDs, solar cells and electric vehicles all run on DC power.
DISPATCHABLE OR PLANABLE GENERATION - Sources of electricity that can be used on demand and dispatched at the request of grid operators to meet market needs. Plannable generators can be turned on or off or can adjust their power output according to an order.
DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES (DERs) - Smaller energy generation units that are located on the consumer’s side of the meter and, therefore, near the point of consumption. Swell Energy aggregates and manages DERs, including solar PV, batteries, and heat pumps, on behalf of both consumers and utilities, for more streamlined management.
DISTRIBUTION - The delivery of electric power from the transmission system to the end customer.
DUCK CURVE - A visual representation of power production throughout the day, highlighting the temporal misalignment between peak energy demand and solar power generation. The graph's shape is reminiscent of a sitting duck, inspiring the nomenclature.

EARTH MOUNT SOLAR™ PV SYSTEMS - Technology with a system architecture where solar modules are directly positioned on the ground. Erthos created this approach which enables the construction of solar power plants with significantly reduced capital costs, a halved timeline for completion, and a utilization of only one-third of the land typically required.
Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) - ELCC measures how much electricity generation capacity, particularly from renewable sources, can reliably meet peak demand, accounting for variability and reliability. It helps utilities assess the contribution of different energy resources to overall grid stability.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) - Vehicles with an electric motor for propulsion, drawing power from an internal battery that is rechargeable from an external source. This definition encompasses both the all-electric vehicle, exclusively powered by an electric motor and battery, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, capable of utilizing both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, offering flexibility in power sources and promoting sustainable mobility.
ELECTRICITY - A fundamental form of energy that occurs naturally (as in lightning) or is produced (as in a generator). Energy is expressed in terms of the movement and interaction of electrons.
ELECTRICITY BILL - The electricity bill consists of the cost for electricity purchased from different contracts and penalties paid for the deviation from a pre-agreed load curve.
ELECTRICITY SYSTEM - All elements needed to distribute electrical power, including overhead and underground lines, poles, transformers and other equipment.
ELECTRODES - Electrodes include anodes and cathodes, both essential components of cells and batteries. They can be made of zinc, copper or other materials and serve as electrical conductors that rest in liquid or solid electrolytes. The anode is the negative electrode that releases electrons, while the cathode is the positive electrode that acquires electrons.
ELECTROLYSIS - The process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a chemical change, typically pertaining to hydrogen production.
ELECTROLYTE - A liquid or solid solution inside the battery that helps transport ions between the anode and cathode.
ENERGY BALANCE - This term can refer to the presentation of data from multiple energy sources in a common unit to understand the total energy produced and consumed. As it examines the flow of electricity into or out of a facility or area, it can include purchase, sale and other information.
ENERGY CARRIER - A fuel or energy system containing a form of energy capable of being converted into another, such as heat or electricity. Batteries, coal, hydrogen and natural gas are all examples of energy carriers.
ENERGY STORAGE - Technologies like batteries or fuel cells that can hold electricity for later use. Energy storage is important to the proliferation of renewable energy due to its inherent intermittent production.
ENERGY TRANSITION - A term used to describe the current global movement away from reliance on fossil fuel sources to clean, renewable energy such as wind and solar power.
ENHANCED OIL RECOVERY (EOR) - A process for extracting oil that has not already been retrieved through primary or secondary recovery techniques.
ENHANCED ROCK WEATHERING (ERW) - A carbon removal method that involves finely grinding silicate rocks to increase their surface area and spreading them over soil. Utilizing natural rainfall and rock chemical reactions, the process results in the long-term storage of large amounts of carbon dioxide for thousands of years.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) - A set of business considerations that measure the risk and impacts on employees, customers, communities, and investors.
EXTRACTION WELL - A ground well used to extract steam to produce geothermal energy or for the purpose of environmental remediation.

FAST CHARGING - Fast charging for electric vehicles (EVs) involves two main types of stations: Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC). AC stations have an onboard converter, while DC stations, with an off-board converter, can deliver up to 350 kW of power, charging an EV in as little as 15 minutes - but usually only to 80% to protect the health of the battery. This fast-charging capability makes DC stations ideal for shortstops, fleet charging, and high-usage vehicles like buses and trucks.
FAST REACTOR - A fission reactor that runs on fast neutrons instead of thermalized ones. Fast reactors can use recycled fuel and help reduce long-lived nuclear waste by “burning” transuranics.
FEDRAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FERC) - FERC regulates interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil, including the wholesale sale of electricity in interstate commerce. FERC’s evolving interconnection rules are critical for allowing more renewable energy and storage plants to come online to the grid.
FIELD-REVERSED CONFIGURATION (FRC) - A compact fusion plasma configuration with a self-contained magnetic field.
FIXED TILT SOLAR RACKING - A straightforward and cost-effective solar panel mount for ground placement. This mounting configuration remains stationary and does not follow the sun's movement throughout the day. Typically, it is positioned facing the southern sky at an angle equal to the latitude of the panel's location.
FLUORIDE-SALT-COOLED HIGH-TEMPERATURE REACTOR (FHR) - An advanced fission design that combines TRISO fuel with molten fluoride salt coolant. The salt operates at high temperature and low pressure, enabling efficient heat delivery and strong inherent safety.
FLYWHEEL BATTERY - An energy storage system where a massive rotor is suspended and set in motion within a chamber using magnets. Due to minimal friction, the flywheel maintains continuous rotation with minimal additional energy input. Energy can be extracted from the system as required by accessing the spinning rotor, functioning as a generator.
FUEL SWITCHING - Replacing coal-fired capacity fuels with cleaner and more economical alternatives, such as natural gas.

GASIFICATION - Using high temperatures, this process transforms a solid or liquid fuel into a synthetic gas mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon dioxide. As hydrogen doesn’t typically exist alone in nature, this is a traditional way to harvest hydrogen as interest grows in storing and delivering energy.
GENERATOR - A machine that converts mechanical energy into electricity using fuel such as diesel, gasoline, propane or solar power. Generators can produce AC or DC power, often used for energy backup in the event of a grid outage.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY - Heat that is generated within the Earth. It is a renewable resource that can be harvested for human use.
GIGAWATT (GW) - A power measurement unit equal to 1,000 megawatts, enough to power 100 million LED lights.
GREEN HYDROGEN - Hydrogen used for industrial use and transportation, made using clean electricity from surplus renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to electrolyze water. Electrolysers use an electrochemical reaction to split water into its components of hydrogen and oxygen, emitting zero-carbon dioxide in the process.
GREENHOUSE GASES - Gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fluorinated gases, and methane that trap heat in the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect and leading to climate change issues from global warming.
GREY HYDROGEN - As of 2023, this is the most common form of hydrogen production. Grey hydrogen is created from natural gas, or methane, using steam methane reformation but without capturing the greenhouse gases made in the process. Grey hydrogen is essentially the same as blue hydrogen but without carbon capture and storage.
GRID - Short for the electric grid, which includes transmission infrastructure with high-voltage lines to carry electricity from power generation plants to substations where voltage is gradually reduced from medium to low before flowing through distribution lines to end users.
GRID ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES (GETS) - A suite of advanced solutions designed to optimize and amplify the efficiency of electricity transmission within the existing power infrastructure. This innovative family of technologies encompasses sensors, power flow control devices, and analytical tools, working synergistically to enhance the grid's capacity, resilience, and adaptability. GETs play a pivotal role in facilitating the seamless integration of clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the power grid. By intelligently managing power flows and providing real-time insights, GETs contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to decarbonize the grid, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape.

HERTZ (Hz) - In electric transmission, a term used interchangeably with cycles per second.
HIGH-TEMPERATURE SUPERCONDUCTING (HTS) MAGNETS - Superconducting magnets that operate at higher temperatures than earlier generations, enabling smaller, higher-field fusion devices.
HYBRID POWER PLANTS - A plant that uses two or more renewable or non-renewable energy sources. For example, wind or solar energy generation co-located with batteries.
HYDROGEN ENERGY - A clean fuel that, when utilized in a fuel cell, generates only water as a byproduct. It can be derived from diverse domestic resources like natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable sources such as solar and wind. These characteristics render it an appealing option for fueling transportation and generating electricity, finding applications in vehicles, residential settings, portable power, and various other uses. Functioning as an energy carrier, hydrogen facilitates the storage, transportation, and delivery of energy produced from alternate sources. Presently, hydrogen fuel production employs methods such as natural gas reforming (a thermal process) and electrolysis, with additional techniques including solar-driven and biological processes.

INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION OWNERS (TRANSCOS) - A Transmission Company, or TRANSCO, is in charge of building and maintaining energy corridors, managing transmission towers, and coordinating power distribution to wholesale customers like industries and utilities. They also oversee the energy grid in their regions and may be involved in the wholesale energy market. As of 2023, many of these tasks are handled by independent system operators.
INTERCONNECTION (TO THE GRID) - North America consists of two major and three minor alternating current (AC) power grids, known as "interconnections." The Eastern Interconnection spans from Central Canada to the Atlantic coast (excluding Québec), down to Florida, and westward to the Rockies (excluding most of Texas). In normal conditions, all electric utilities in the Eastern Interconnection are interconnected and operate at a synchronized frequency of around 60Hz. The Western Interconnection extends from Western Canada to the state of Baja California in Mexico, reaching eastward over the Rockies to the Great Plains. Similarly, all electric utilities in the Western Interconnection are interconnected and operate at a synchronized frequency of around 60Hz.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) - An organization of governments that are members of the United Nations or WMO charged with advancing scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities. The IPCC provides policymakers with regular scientific reports with assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, and also suggests forward adaptation and mitigation options.
INTERNAL RATE OF RETURN (IRR) - The rate of return on the net present value (NPV) of an energy project investment used to assess profitability compared to the internal cost of capital. For example, a project with an IRR of 10% is expected to result in a 10% annual return throughout its life.
INVERTER - A device that electronically converts direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power and is required for grid-connected solar power systems.

JOULE (J) - The basic unit of measurement for energy to express the work done to produce one watt of power for one second (one joule = one watt-second).
JUST TRANSITION - A movement to rely on clean energy governed by a set of principles, processes and practices that ensure fairness and inclusivity to all workers, communities and social groups.

KILOVOLTS (kV) - Units of electrical voltage in transmission lines, one kilovolt equals 1,000 volts.
KILOWATT (kW) - A unit of power measurement equal to one thousand watts.
KILOWATT-HOUR (kWh) - A unit of energy that includes one thousand watts acting over a period of one hour.

LEAD-COOLED FAST REACTOR (LFR) - A fast reactor that uses liquid lead or lead-bismuth as coolant.
LEVEL ONE EV CHARGING - Level 1 equipment facilitates charging through a standard residential 120-volt (120V) AC outlet. These chargers may require 40-50+ hours to charge a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) to 80 percent from empty and approximately 5-6 hours for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
LEVEL THREE EV CHARGING - Level 3 charging stations have the capacity to deliver power directly to your car's battery, ranging from 50 kilowatts (kW) to 400 kW. Using a fast charging station (Level 3), it typically takes between 15 and 55 minutes to charge a medium-sized electric car to 80%, with costs estimated to be in the range of $25 to $50. Additionally known as DC charging, Level 3 charging stations differ from Level 1 and Level 2 in that they convert alternating current (AC) from the grid into direct current (DC) before reaching the vehicle. This bypasses the slower onboard converter, enabling much faster charging speeds.
LEVEL TWO EV CHARGING - Level 2 equipment provides faster AC charging using 240V (in residential settings) or 208V (in commercial settings) electrical service. These chargers are commonly used for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) to 80 percent from empty in 4-10 hours and a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) in 1-2 hours.
LEVELIZED COST OF ENERGY (LCOE) - The cost of energy of a power system based on its installed price, total lifetime cost and lifetime electricity production. This is often used to compare renewable energy sources against traditional energy sources and assess investments.
LIMP HOME MODE (AKA TURTLE MODE) - A safety feature in vehicles triggered when the engine or transmission control unit identifies a fault. Upon detecting an issue, limp mode initiates a response, shutting down less critical components like air conditioning and limiting the vehicle's speed to address the problem.
LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE - Battery chemistry representing a category within Lithium-Ion batteries, widely employed in backup power, solar + storage installations, and electric vehicles. Its popularity is particularly notable because the chemistry is not prone to thermal runaway.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERY - The most common rechargeable battery chemistry used today. Li-ion batteries can use a number of different materials as electrodes, the most common of which are lithium cobalt oxide (cathode) and graphite (anode). Cathode materials such as lithium manganese oxide are commonly used in hybrid electric and electric vehicles. Li-ion batteries typically use ether (a class of organic compounds) as an electrolyte. The chemical reaction known as “thermal runaway” is a common hazard with conventional Li-on batteries using the above cathode materials.
LITHIUM-TITANATE BATTERY - A type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is modified to use lithium-titanate nanocrystals, instead of carbon, on the surface of its anode that is said to result in a high level of safety and fast charging. These batteries are used in applications such as EVs, and its popularity is particularly notable because the chemistry is not prone to thermal runaway.
LOAD - Quantified in Watts, a unit of power, the load of a specific device signifies the electricity it consumes at any given moment. This power is supplied by the facility's energy systems, which can include the grid, a generator, or a collection of PV panels. Accurate comprehension of equipment loads is crucial for appropriately sizing a facility's energy system.
LOAD CENTER - A particular geographical area where energy is used; this more commonly refers to an area within a utility’s service territory where energy demand is the highest.
LOAD SHIFTING - Moving energy use from peak to off-peak demand periods to better manage power supply and electricity costs due to lower time-of-use rates.

MAGNETIC MIRROR FUSION - A type of fusion technology that confines superheated plasma within a straight, cylindrical chamber using strong magnetic fields at each end, known as “mirrors.” The plasma particles bounce back and forth between these magnetic fields, staying contained long enough to sustain fusion reactions.
MAGNETO-INERTIAL FUSION - A hybrid fusion approach that magnetizes plasma and then compresses it rapidly to achieve fusion conditions.
MAXIMUM POWER POINT TRACKING (MPPT) - An electronic DC to DC converter designed to enhance the alignment between the solar array (PV panels) and the battery bank or utility grid. In essence, it transforms the higher voltage DC output generated by solar panels (and select wind generators) into the lower voltage required for battery charging. Note: Occasionally referred to as "power point trackers" for brevity, they should not be confused with PANEL trackers, which are mounts for solar panels that track the movement of the sun.
MEGAWATT (MW) - A unit of power measurement equal to one million watts and enough to power roughly 170 homes.
MEGAWATT HOUR (MWh) - A unit of energy that includes one million watts acting over a period of one hour.
MICROGRIDS - Localized electricity grids that can disconnect from the main grid to operate independently to help manage power supply and demand and improve grid resilience.
MICROINVERTER - A device employed in conjunction with solar arrays to convert the generated energy (Direct Current) into usable electricity for a home (Alternating Current). Each micro-inverter is individually linked to a single solar panel, ensuring maximum control and reliability in the system.
MICROREACTOR - A very small nuclear fission reactor (typically 1–20 MW) designed for factory fabrication and rapid deployment. Microreactors can provide resilient, off-grid power for remote communities, industrial sites, and defense applications.
MOLTEN SALT REACTOR (MSR) - A reactor that uses molten salt as coolant, and in some designs as the fuel carrier. MSRs can operate at high temperatures and low pressures, improving efficiency and potentially reducing complexity.
MONITORING, REPORTING, AND VERIFICATION (MRV) - Constitutes a comprehensive procedure involving several steps to quantify the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from a particular mitigation activity, such as curbing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, over a defined timeframe. Subsequently, the findings are reported to an accredited third party, which undertakes the verification process to certify the results. This certification allows the issuance of carbon credits.
MONOCRYSTALLINE PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - Monocrystalline silicon cells, commonly referred to as silicon cells, are characterized by having the entire volume composed of a single crystal of silicon. Due to their high efficiency, this type of cell is currently more widely utilized in commercial applications.

NET METERING - A billing mechanism designed to credit owners of solar energy systems for the electricity they contribute to the grid. For instance, a residential customer with a rooftop PV system may generate more electricity than their home consumes during daylight hours. In a net-metered setup, the electricity meter runs backward, accumulating credits for periods when the home's electricity use surpasses the system's output, such as at night. Customers are billed only for their "net" energy use. As of 2023, typically only 20-40% of a solar energy system's output is fed into the grid, benefiting nearby customers with the exported solar electricity.
NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV) - A method that assesses the current value of an investment over its lifetime. NPV+ goes beyond traditional NPV analysis by incorporating unquantified elements, such as the cost of environmental degradation, and advantages like ecological resiliency. This approach offers a more comprehensive evaluation of the investment's overall value, considering both monetary and non-monetary factors.
NET-ZERO - A state in which the greenhouse gasses flowing into the atmosphere by a given action are also counterbalanced by other activities (such as carbon capture, reforestation or adding renewable energy) that absorb such gasses.
NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRICITY RELIABILITY CORPORATION (NERC) - A self-regulatory organization that monitors and ensures the reliability of North America’s bulk power system. TANC and transmission owners and operators throughout the U.S. must comply with all applicable NERC standards in their operation and maintenance of transmission.
NUCLEAR FISSION - Nuclear energy can be produced through fission, a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei while releasing energy. Fission is used to produce most of the global nuclear energy and generates nuclear waste.
NUCLEAR FUSION - Nuclear energy can be produced through fusion, in which nuclei fuse together. Fusion is in a developmental phase.
NUCLEAR POWER PLANT - Most commonly, these plants produce electricity by heating up water through nuclear reactions to produce steam that spins a generator. As of 2023, nuclear reactors generate about 20% of all of the electricity used in the United States.
NUCLEAR WASTE - The toxic, hazardous byproduct from nuclear reactors, fuel processing plants, hospitals and research facilities. Radioactive waste is also generated while decommissioning and dismantling nuclear reactors and other nuclear facilities. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates the storage and disposal of all commercially generated radioactive waste in the United States.

OCEAN ALKALINITY ENHANCEMENT (OAE) - An approach to carbon removal that involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to accelerate the ocean’s natural carbon sink. Adding alkalinity to the ocean converts dissolved inorganic CO2 in seawater into bicarbonates and carbonates, which are stable forms of carbon with a lifetime of approximately 10,000 years. The resulting CO2 deficit in surface waters is quickly rebalanced via a net movement of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean to reestablish equilibrium.
OFF-GRID - Not being physically connected to utilities through wires, pipes, or cables. Homes that are off-grid depend entirely on self-sufficient energy sources, often harnessing renewable energy from the sun and wind.
OHM - A measure of resistance or impedance of the flow of electric current. The standard unit for measuring resistance in a transmission conductor.
OPERATING RESERVE - The generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply. Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.
OPERATIONAL TRANSFER CAPABILITY (OTC) - The amount of power that can be reliably transmitted through a transmission path given current or forecasted system conditions.
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - A comprehensive approach involving general maintenance, management, training, budgeting, and business processes, collaboratively utilized to ensure the effective operation of a facility. It involves the upkeep and management of assets that do not necessitate intricate technical knowledge of their functioning.
OPEX - A business’s operating expenditure or costs used to mitigate the investment and performance risk of an energy project.
ORGANIC SOLAR CELL - Solar cells that aim to offer a photovoltaic (PV) solution that utilizes Earth-abundant materials and requires low-energy production. The theoretical potential of OPV technology includes the promise of providing electricity at a lower cost compared to first- and second-generation solar technologies. This technology is particularly attractive to the building-integrated PV market due to the possibility of creating colored or transparent OPV devices using various absorbers. Although OPVs have achieved efficiencies near 11%, challenges related to efficiency limitations and long-term reliability still pose significant barriers to widespread adoption.
OVERSHOOT - Referring to surpassing the 1.5 °C limit. As scientists and policymakers delve into strategies for remaining below a 1.5 °C temperature increase, the majority of hopeful projections anticipate exceeding this threshold by the middle of the century, potentially persisting for several decades or beyond. Some politicians say we can “overshoot” targets like 1.5 °C and implement solutions after that point to bring us back down to those targets. This concept fails to take into account feedback loops like carbon sinks becoming carbon emission sources. Overshoot assumes you can go backwards, but it’s not a certainty.

PEAK LOAD / PEAK DEMAND - The maximum amount of energy drawn by a consumer from the grid within a specified timeframe. The comprehension of peak load holds significance in commercial energy management strategies as it influences a portion of a building's energy bill. Numerous electric utilities impose charges on customers based on both their overall consumption and the peak load, making it essential to manage and optimize energy usage during periods of peak demand.
PEAKER-PLANT - Electricity generation facilities (generally natural gas plants) with low utilization rates and high emissions. Grid operators activate these plants during periods of elevated electricity demand, which increases their emissions. Exploring energy flexibility solutions, such as demand response, energy storage, and virtual power plants, can mitigate the reliance on peaker plants, leading to reduced costs and emissions.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PANEL - Also known as a solar module, a component composed of multiple photovoltaic cells electrically connected to increase the total power output, all encapsulated in tempered glass for weather protection and ease of handling. PV modules can be monocrystalline (made from a single silicon crystal) or polycrystalline (made from multiple silicon crystal fragments).
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) PLANT - A renewable energy facility that converts solar energy from the sun into direct current electricity. As of 2023, solar contributes to about 2.8% of U.S. electricity generation
PINK HYDROGEN - Pink hydrogen is generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy. Nuclear-produced hydrogen can also be referred to as purple hydrogen or red hydrogen.
POINT-SOURCE CARBON CAPTURE - An industrial facility or large emission source equipped with technology allowing for the capture and storage of CO2, preventing it from being emitted.
POLYCRYSTALLINE PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL - Panels featuring blue cells composed of multiple silicon crystals, offering a balance of affordability despite lower efficiency. In contrast, monocrystalline panels exhibit black cells made from single crystals, providing higher efficiency but at a comparatively higher cost.
POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (PPA) - Third-party financing model in which a financier owns the system and sells the power to the customer at a reduced and fixed rate. This method allows customers to make progress toward their energy goals while third-party investors take on the financial risks. The PPA was originally developed by Jigar Shah in the late 2000’s when he led SunEdison, and is largely credited with the early growth of the solar energy market.
PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE - Techniques or analytics that help assess equipment condition to estimate maintenance or detect possible defects in an effort to correct them before they result in a fault in an effort to reduce system shutdowns and maintain uptime for optimal production.
PREVENTATIVE/PLANNED MAINTENANCE - Scheduled maintenance performed before equipment results in a fault to minimize the risk of system downtime and loss of production. This can include inspecting and repairing system parts.
PUMPED STORAGE - A form of hydroelectric energy storage, involving two water reservoirs positioned at varying elevations. This system generates power by allowing water to move downhill from the higher reservoir to the lower one (discharge), passing through a turbine. During recharge, the system requires energy to pump water back into the upper reservoir. Functioning akin to a massive battery, PSH has the capability to store power and subsequently release it as needed.

RACKING - Related to solar. A stationary structural system that supports solar panels on a rooftop or ground-mounted installation.
RANGE (EV) - The distance that an electric or hybrid vehicle can cover before requiring a recharge of its battery.
RANGE ANXIETY - A fear electric vehicle drivers may feel about the possibility of they might run out of battery power before they can reach a charging station.
RAPID SHUTDOWN - A safety standard established by the National Electrical Code (NEC), mandating the inclusion of switches in solar panel systems to swiftly interrupt the flow of electricity. This precautionary measure diminishes the voltage in electrical conductors within wires and cables, serving to safeguard residences by mitigating the risk of rapid fire propagation.
RELIABILITY STANDARDS - The reliability requirements for planning and operating the North American bulk power system. In short, these are the standards that must be met to ensure the lights stay on even if there is a catastrophic loss (such as a tower collapse) somewhere within the transmission system. The reliability standards are developed through NERC and regulated and enforced by FERC.
RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATE/CREDIT (REC) - Tradable commodities that represent the property rights to the environmental, social and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource. Utilities and companies can purchase RECs to offset their emissions and reach clean energy goals.
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES (RES) - Sources of energy that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water movement and geothermal heat.
RESIDENTIAL SOLAR - Solar panel setups designed to provide power for individual households. These panels are commonly installed on the roof of a homeowner's residence, although they can also be placed in the backyard (referred to as a "ground-mount array") or on other structures like detached garages, carports, or sheds. A typical residential solar array comprises anywhere from eight to twenty panels, and is paid for either through a lease agreement or outright.

SCOPE 1 EMISSIONS - Direct greenhouse gas emissions that occur from sources controlled or owned by an organization.
SCOPE 2 EMISSIONS - Indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat or cooling.
SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS - Emissions resulting from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization, but that the organization indirectly affects in its value chain. For example, Scope 3 emissions for an oil company are the emissions from automobiles that use the gas for fuel.
SMALL MODULAR REACTOR (SMR) - Advanced nuclear reactors are physically smaller than traditional fission reactors, and approximately one-third of the generating capacity. These systems are considered modular, as they and their components can be assembled in a factory and transported as a unit for installation.
SODIUM-COOLED FAST REACTOR (SFR) - A subset of fast reactors that uses liquid sodium as coolant.
SOLAR ENERGY - Radiation from the Sun capable of producing heat, causing chemical reactions, or generating electricity.
SOLAR MODULE - Commonly known as a solar panel, is a singular photovoltaic panel composed of interconnected solar cells. These solar cells absorb sunlight, converting it into electricity. Arrays of these modules are employed to provide power to buildings.
SOLAR RENEWABLE ENERGY CREDITS (SRECs) - Tradable commodities that represent the environmental attributes associated with every 1,000 kilowatt-hours of solar energy generated by an eligible solar renewable energy system.
SOLAR THERMAL POWER - Systems that concentrate sunlight to generate high-temperature heat, essential for electricity production. These systems feature solar energy collectors comprising reflectors (mirrors) that capture and focus sunlight onto a receiver. In most cases, a heat-transfer fluid is heated in the receiver, creating steam that powers a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. To ensure continuous focus on the receiver, solar thermal power systems incorporate tracking systems that adjust for the sun's movement. Typically, these systems include large collector arrays supplying heat to turbines and generators. Some systems incorporate thermal energy storage for evening or cloudy weather electricity production. Hybrid solar thermal power plants may use additional fuels, like natural gas, during low solar radiation periods.
STAGE 1 (TRANSMISSION) EMERGENCY - When the minimum required operating reserve level of an electrical utility’s power supply falls below approximately seven percent, a Stage 1 Emergency is called. Under Stage 1, voluntary conservation is called in order to avoid severe conditions, and the amount can vary depending on the type of generation.
STAGE 2 (TRANSMISSION) EMERGENCY - A Stage 2 Emergency, like that for Stage 1, is called when the minimum operating reserve level of an electrical utility’s power supply falls below a certain amount; for Stage 2, this threshold is below five percent. Under a Stage 2 Emergency, participants in “interruptible” programs are required to reduce their energy usage by a predetermined amount. Such participants typically include commercial and industrial customers, who receive a lower electricity rate in exchange for their willingness to participate in Stage 2 Emergencies.
STAGE 3 (TRANSMISSION) EMERGENCY - Typically the last resort, a Stage 3 Emergency is called when Operating Reserves fall below the minimum requirements, resulting in rotating power outages. A Stage 3 Emergency is used only when the rising demand for energy is close to surpassing the available supply.
STELLARATOR - A fusion device that also confines plasma with magnetic fields, but uses a twisted, spiral-shaped chamber to maintain stability without the need for electric currents inside the plasma.
SUBSTATION - A high-voltage electric system facility used to switch generators, equipment and circuits or transmission lines in and out of a system. It also is used to change AC voltages from one level to another, and/or change AC to DC current or reverse in order to help power flow most efficiently through the system.
SUBTRANSMISSION - Transmission lines carry energy at reduced voltages from the major transmission line system, typically 34.5 kV to 69 kV. This power is sent to regional distribution substations. Sometimes, the sub-transmission voltage is tapped along the way for use in industrial or large commercial operations. Some utilities categorize these as transmission lines.
SUSTAINABILITY - The balance between environmental well-being, social fairness, and economic prosperity to foster healthy, diverse, and resilient communities for present and future generations. Embracing sustainability entails acknowledging the interplay among these facets and adopting a systemic perspective that appreciates their complexity.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDG) - Also known as the Global Goals, 17 SDGs were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

TERAWATT (TW) - A unit of power measurement equal to one thousand gigawatts.
TERAWATT-HOUR (TWh) - A unit of energy that includes one trillion watts acting over a period of one hour. Terawatt hours are commonly used to assess energy usage by country.
THE ELECTRIC RELIABILITY COUNCIL OF TEXAS (ERCOT) - ERCOT autonomously manages electric power for the state. As an independent system operator, ERCOT coordinates power flow across a vast grid of 52,700 miles, overseeing 1,100 generation units and managing financial settlements in the wholesale market. Additionally, it handles retail switching for 8 million premises in competitive choice areas. This nonprofit organization is governed by a board, overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature, and its membership includes consumers, cooperatives, generators, retailers, and utilities. In essence, ERCOT is the orchestrator of Texas' electric supply, ensuring reliability and efficiency.
THERMAL BATTERY - A concept that involves directing excess wind or solar power to a heating element, elevating the temperature of a liquid metal bath or graphite block to several thousand degrees. Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) channel the stored heat to a metal film or filament, causing it to emit light similar to the tungsten wire in an incandescent light bulb. Subsequently, TPVs absorb the emitted light, converting it into electricity.
THERMAL RUNAWAY - A significant fire hazard associated with lithium-ion batteries, characterized by the lithium-ion cell undergoing an uncontrolled, self-heating state, typically a chemical reaction, and resulting fire that is difficult to put out.
THIN FILM - Solar modules made from amorphous silicon (a-Si) or Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) cells. These modules are thin, flexible and lightweight. Their cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing make them an increasingly popular choice over PV panels.
TIME OF USE (TOU) - A utility rate structure in which the price of electricity fluctuates in accordance with demand at different times of day and seasons.
TOKAMAK - A torus, or donut-shaped, fusion device that uses powerful magnetic fields to confine plasma in a circular path. It is the most widely used fusion design.
TRACKER - Related to Solar. A ground-mounted solar module support structure that is electronically programmed to move the panel in accordance with the line of the sun to maximize exposure and electricity production.
TRANSFORMER - A component of a transmission grid used to step up voltage from generators to high voltage transmission lines and then step down voltage to the local distribution system.
TRANSMISSION GRID - A system of interconnected generating facilities, substations and transmission lines that provide energy from its sources to its end users.
TRANSMISSION LINES - Electricity infrastructure that transmits high-voltage electricity (typically above 69-kV) from the generation source to electric customers.
TRANSMISSION LOSSES - The amount of power lost in the course of transmission due to resistance of the conductors. Transmitting energy at higher voltages reduces the amount of energy lost. In high-voltage transmission, these losses typically amount to approximately 5-7 percent of the total power put into the system.
TRISO FUEL - Short for tristructural isotropic fuel, TRISO consists of tiny uranium fuel particles encased in layers of ceramic and carbon materials. Each particle acts as its own containment system, able to withstand very high temperatures without melting or releasing radiation.
TURQUOISE HYDROGEN - This is a new entry in the hydrogen color charts and production has yet to be proven at scale. Turquoise hydrogen is made using a process called methane pyrolysis to produce hydrogen and solid carbon. In the future, turquoise hydrogen may be valued as low-emission hydrogen, dependent on the thermal process being powered with renewable energy and the carbon being permanently stored or used.
TURTLE MODE - Related to EVs. Also known as reduced power mode, enables drivers to safely pull their vehicle aside rather than abruptly stopping. This mode minimizes the car's speed, providing drivers the opportunity to park in a secure location or proceed slowly to a charging station.

UTILITY-SCALE SOLAR - Power plants that produce and supply electricity to adjacent homes and businesses on a grid scale. At this magnitude, solar energy has the potential to supplement or substitute power plants dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. Solar power has emerged as the leading contender for driving renewable energy generation both in the United States and worldwide.

VEHICLE TO BUILDING (V2B) - Technology closely resembling vehicle-to-grid technology, with the distinction that, rather than returning power to the grid, the electric vehicle (EV) battery supplies electricity to a designated building. This process requires a bidirectional charging station, connected to the building's electrical system, akin to the setup in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology.
VEHICLE TO EVERYTHING (V2E) - Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology encompasses sensors, cameras, and wireless connectivity within vehicles, enabling the real-time exchange of information with drivers, other vehicles, pedestrians, and roadway infrastructure such as traffic lights.
VEHICLE TO GRID (V2G) - A technology facilitating the transfer of energy back to the power grid from the battery of an electric vehicle (EV). This technology allows an EV battery to discharge in response to various signals, such as local energy production or consumption patterns.
VIRTUAL POWER PLANT (VPP) - A virtual power plant combines the power of hundreds, or even thousands, of distributed solar and energy storage systems to create a new kind of power plant that can reduce stress on the grid, limit the need for expensive new energy infrastructure and replace a traditional fossil fuel powered or nuclear plant.
VOLTAGE - Defined as the difference in electric potential between two points, voltage is a common way to measure the pressure of electricity traveling through power lines.

WATT (W) - A unit of power measurement calculated in joules per second.
WATT-HOUR (Wh) - A unit of energy equivalent to one watt of power expended for one hour of time.
WHITE HYDROGEN - A naturally occurring, geological hydrogen found in underground deposits and created through fracking. There are no strategies to exploit this hydrogen at present.

YELLOW HYDROGEN - Yellow hydrogen is a relatively new phrase for hydrogen made through water electrolysis, wherein the process is powered by electricity sourced from the energy grid. Historically associated with hydrogen produced through solar power, yellow hydrogen is now classified under the broader umbrella of green hydrogen.

ZERO EMISSIONS - An engine, device, process, or energy source that produces no carbon dioxide (CO2) that could potentially damage the environment or contribute to climate change.