Latest news with #TSO
Reuters
10-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
European grid investment plans face 250 billion euro shortfall
LONDON, July 10 (Reuters) - The European electricity transmission system operator's (TSO) investment plans to upgrade and expand power grids over the next five years face a 250 billion euro ($293 billion) shortfall, a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said on Thursday. At the end of April, Spain and Portugal lost power in their worst blackout. Last week there was a power outage in large parts of the Czech Republic. Such incidents have added to concerns about the resilience of Europe's electricity system. Increased electrification, power demand growth from AI and data centres, renewables integration and ageing infrastructure mean that Europe's grids need a massive overhaul. The report did not provide detail on subsidies some grid operators might receive. Some TSOs can receive subsidies through EU funding programmes or member state initiatives. Europe's 15 largest TSOs are expected to increase operating cash flow to 120 billion euros from 2025-2029, up from 57 billion euros for 2020-2024, the report said. They plan to triple capital investment to 345 billion euros over the next five years. Assuming dividends between 25 billion and 30 billion euros would also need to be paid, this would leave a funding gap of about 250 billion euros, the report said. This would need to be plugged through debt, equity, divestitures or lower dividends, the report added. Europe needs to build more grid infrastructure over the next five years than it has over the past two decades, the report said. Balance sheets of TSOs are under strain. Many are operating with high debt and publicly traded TSOs are struggling to raise equity in the face of fierce competition. "Without rapid innovation in how we finance grid infrastructure, Europe risks having world-class renewable generation that can't reach consumers because the grid hasn't kept pace," said Tom Brijs, BCG partner and co-author of the report. ($1 = 0.8528 euros)
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
European grid investment plans face 250 billion euro shortfall
By Nina Chestney LONDON (Reuters) -The European electricity transmission system operator's (TSO) investment plans to upgrade and expand power grids over the next five years face a 250 billion euro ($293 billion) shortfall, a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said on Thursday. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT At the end of April, Spain and Portugal lost power in their worst blackout. Last week there was a power outage in large parts of the Czech Republic. Such incidents have added to concerns about the resilience of Europe's electricity system. Increased electrification, power demand growth from AI and data centres, renewables integration and ageing infrastructure mean that Europe's grids need a massive overhaul. The report did not provide detail on subsidies some grid operators might receive. Some TSOs can receive subsidies through EU funding programmes or member state initiatives. BY THE NUMBERS Europe's 15 largest TSOs are expected to increase operating cash flow to 120 billion euros from 2025-2029, up from 57 billion euros for 2020-2024, the report said. They plan to triple capital investment to 345 billion euros over the next five years. Assuming dividends between 25 billion and 30 billion euros would also need to be paid, this would leave a funding gap of about 250 billion euros, the report said. This would need to be plugged through debt, equity, divestitures or lower dividends, the report added. CONTEXT Europe needs to build more grid infrastructure over the next five years than it has over the past two decades, the report said. Balance sheets of TSOs are under strain. Many are operating with high debt and publicly traded TSOs are struggling to raise equity in the face of fierce competition. KEY QUOTE "Without rapid innovation in how we finance grid infrastructure, Europe risks having world-class renewable generation that can't reach consumers because the grid hasn't kept pace," said Tom Brijs, BCG partner and co-author of the report. ($1 = 0.8528 euros)
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Yahoo
5 ways to make a TSA officer hate you — and how to avoid it
Ever feel like a TSA officer has it out for you? You're not alone. The Transportation Security Administration screens millions of passengers daily. If you've never worked security at an airport, you probably can't imagine what it's like repeating the same instructions every few seconds, only to be ignored half the time. So, yes, some officers may seem short with you, but often, it's less about rudeness and more about exhaustion. TSA Officers don't actually hate you. But the truth is, they might be extremely annoyed with you—and for good reason. Still, knowing what grinds their gears can help you breeze through security faster and with fewer hiccups. Here's your unofficial guide to not being that traveler. You're late. Your gate is boarding. And you're contemplating begging a TSA officer to let you cut the line. Let me stop you right there. It's not going to work. If TSA made exceptions for every late passenger, there'd be chaos. Officers follow protocol to maintain fairness and order. But here's a Gate Access Tip: build rapport. When I was a TSO, frequent flyers who took the time to say hello, ask how I was doing, or follow up on previous conversations occasionally got waved through during slower moments. So instead of pushing your luck with entitlement, try kindness and consistency. You might be surprised how far it gets you. Trying to speed things up by handing over your family's entire batch of boarding passes? Don't. Each passenger is expected to present their own ID and boarding pass. This ensures accuracy, particularly in the age of facial recognition technology. It also reduces confusion and keeps lines moving smoothly. Gate Access Tip: If you're unsure, just ask: 'Would you prefer we go one-by-one?' Officers appreciate the courtesy, and it helps keep you from being added to their already long list of annoying travelers. You know that moment when the officer asks, 'Anything in your pockets?' and you say no, but the body scanner flags you anyway? Chances are, you left a crumpled tissue or receipt in there. And guess what? That 'harmless' tissue just made your screening process 10 minutes longer. Body scanners are extremely sensitive, designed to detect even the smallest objects. When you set off an alarm, it creates extra work and may trigger a pat-down. And no, saying 'It's just paper' won't help your case. Gate Access Tip: Before you get in line, do a full pocket sweep—not just for metal, but for paper, gum, and even ChapStick. If you didn't know, you can keep Chapstick in your hand. All you have to do is open the top so the TSA officer can take a quick look inside the tube. When your bag gets pulled aside, hands off. Seriously. That 'restricted side' of the conveyor belt isn't just a holding area—it's a controlled inspection zone. TSA officers are trained to inspect bags in a specific order, and interfering, even just to grab your shoes, can be seen as a security breach. Gate Access Tip: Want to avoid being barefoot for 10 minutes? Send your shoes through in a separate bin. That way, if your bag is flagged, you can still grab your shoes and at least stand comfortably while you wait. Choosing a pat-down over the full-body scanner is 100% within your rights. You have the legal authority to opt out of the scanner for any reason, whether for religious beliefs, health concerns, or personal discomfort. That said, TSA officers dread this option. Why? Because it requires stopping what they're doing, calling for a same-gender officer, and going through a time-consuming physical screening process. If you choose this route, pack your patience. It may take longer, especially during peak travel times when staff are stretched thin. But don't let officer frustration deter you because it's your right, and you should feel comfortable exercising it. TSA officers aren't trying to ruin your vacation; they're actually there to make sure you make it to your vacation safely. They're doing a high-stress job, often under tight time constraints. By avoiding these common missteps, you'll not only make their day a little easier, but you'll also make your own journey smoother. So next time you're at your home airport and navigating through the TSA checkpoint, try to stand out and be known as non-problematic, especially if you're a frequent flyer. It might not get you upgraded to first class, but it could save you some serious hassle.
Reuters
02-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Swedish grid operator forecasts less severe power crunch this winter
OSLO, June 2 (Reuters) - Sweden is expected to face less of a crunch on power supply this winter than in previous years as higher energy prices have curbed demand, though southern Sweden remains in deficit, grid operator Svenska Kraftnat said on Monday. The transmission system operator (TSO) estimated a power balance during peak load hours of 600 megawatt hours (MWh) per hour under normal temperatures but warned of a 600 MWh/h deficit in the event of a colder-than-usual winter. In theory, this means Sweden will not depend on net imports to cover peak demand hours, it said in its 2025 report on the power balance in the Swedish market. The TSO publishes a new report every year and previously forecast a 3,800 MWh/h deficit for the 2025/26 winter, but has now lowered its expectations for peak load demand, it said. "This is largely due to increased price awareness among electricity customers," Eva Vitell, head of Svenska Kraftnat's system division, said in a statement. Electricity demand in Sweden totalled 135 terawatt hours (TWh) in the past three years, down from around 140 TWh in the years before the 2022 energy crisis, which resulted in record-high prices, it said. Consumption last winter - which meteorologists described as unusually mild - peaked at 22,500 MWh/h on January 13, the lowest winter peak since records began in 1997/98, the TSO said. While southern Sweden has a generation capacity deficit, northern Sweden has seen a boom in wind power installations creating a power surplus. Svenska Kraftnat forecast a power balance in southern Sweden of -7,700 MWh/h this winter in the case of normal temperatures, with the shortfall expected to be offset by power flows from northern Sweden and imports from neighbouring countries.
The Star
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
KL strikes a chord as Tokyo Symphony debuts and KL Orchestra Fest lifts off
The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is set to make its Malaysian debut with a concert at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in Kuala Lumpur this Sunday (June 1), marking a new milestone in cultural collaboration between Japan and Malaysia. Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata said this aligns perfectly with the TSO's Asia Project philosophy of embracing diverse cultural values and promoting mutual understanding through music. Comprising 80 musicians, the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra will perform under the baton of Naoto Otomo, who has also appeared in orchestras outside of Japan, including with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and Orchestre National de Lorraine. "Western classical music has had a profound and enduring impact on Japan's cultural landscape since its introduction into the school curriculum as part of the Meiji government's modernisation policy efforts nearly 150 years ago,' Shikata said in a statement. Award-winning Japanese pianist Tomoharu Ushida will take the DFP stage in Kuala Lumpur to perform Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 In E minor with the TSO. The evening continues with Mussorgsky's iconic Pictures At An Exhibition, brought to life in all its vivid, orchestral colour. Founded in 1946, TSO regularly performs operas and ballets at Tokyo's New National Theatre and has played 79 concerts across 58 cities worldwide. Shikata added he has fond memories of attending concerts by the City of Kyoto Symphony Orchestra in Kyoto during his school days. "After starting my diplomatic career, I had the wonderful experience of attending classical music concerts conducted by global icon Seiji Ozawa at the Boston Symphony Orchestra. "Since then, I have frequently attended classical music concerts in Tokyo, as well as in Washington DC, Paris, London and Beijing,' he said. Strings across the capital Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will host the 2025 Kuala Lumpur Orchestra Festival (FOKL) from May 31 to June 29 at selected venues across the city. In a statement, DBKL said the annual festival aims to promote orchestral music regionally and offer inclusive, world-class cultural experiences. "Throughout the month-long programme, the public can experience a unique blend of Western classical music and traditional local instruments, performed by local and international orchestras, celebrating the richness and diversity of Malaysia's distinct culture," the statement read. Now in its second edition, FOKL 2025 goes beyond music to celebrate culture, community, and unity, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur's identity as a culturally vibrant global city. This year's expanded programme is presented in partnership with the Kuala Lumpur Society, with a vision to position the capital as a South-East Asian hub for orchestral music. In addition to orchestral performances, FOKL 2025 will host masterclasses by the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra (TSO), giving local musicians and educators valuable access to world-class training. The festival also highlights youth participation, with school students across Kuala Lumpur given the opportunity to perform on a professional stage alongside seasoned musicians. DBKL will hold a charity concert for the Malaysian Association for the Blind on May 31 at Auditorium Bandaraya, and invite over 60 Kuala Lumpur schools to free selected performances, expanding access to live orchestral music. To ensure inclusivity, DBKL is partnering with the OKU GNB Welfare Association to facilitate the attendance of persons with disabilities. FOKL will also host a regional forum on orchestra management, uniting music leaders from across Asia, including the Association of Japanese Symphony Orchestras, Beijing-based critics and conductors from Bangkok, to help strengthen the regional orchestral ecosystem. "The forum will serve as a dynamic platform for exchanging insights, addressing challenges, and sharing best practices in contemporary orchestra management, while jointly shaping strategies to advance the orchestral music industry across East and South-East Asia," the statement added. – Bernama
