Renewable Energy News and Analysis

Sea Breeze starts construction of Cape Scott Wind Farm

2012-06-05T05:34:00.001-07:00

The $7 million payment was triggered by commencement of construction of the Cape Scott Wind Farm.
In addition to payments related to the original asset purchase transaction and to subsequent milestone achievements of the Cape Scott Wind Farm, Sea Breeze expects to receive an ongoing royalty based on a percentage of gross revenue earned by the project through a 20-year Electricity Purchase Agreement with British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro). Sea Breeze also holds an option to acquire a 10 percent equity interest in the Cape Scott wind project.

The Cape Scott Wind Farm is situated 35km west of Port Hardy on northern Vancouver Island, within the traditional territories of the Quatsino, Tlatlasikwala, and Kwakiutl First Nations.

Phase 1 of the project is projected to generate sufficient renewable power to provide for the annual electricity needs of approximately 100,000 British Columbians. Commercial operation of the Cape Scott Wind Farm is scheduled to begin in 2013.

Paul Manson, president of Sea Breeze, said: "We are extremely pleased that IPC, an affiliate of GDF SUEZ the world's largest producer of electricity, has decided to invest in this region, and in this project. The local addition of 99 megawatts of clean and renewable energy....Sea Breeze starts construction of Cape Scott Wind Farm

E.ON C&R secures equity financing for Pioneer Trail Wind Farm

2012-06-05T04:28:00.001-07:00

The project, located in Ford and Iroquois counties, Illinois, is located 4 miles west of Paxton and consists of 94 GE 1.6 megawatt turbines providing more than 150MW of power - enough to supply clean power to more than 45,000 households in the central Illinois region using North American made turbines, blades and towers.

"We welcome Bank of America Merrill Lynch as an investor in our Pioneer Trail Wind Farm," said Steve Trenholm, CEO, EC&R North America. "This transaction demonstrates EC&R's commitment to boosting local economies and plays a major role in promoting clean, affordable, homegrown energy."

"EC&R closely analyzes the specific aspects of each project to find a customized transaction tailored for the best fit," said Dr Verena Volpert, Senior Vice President Finance, E.ON AG. "We look forward to a mutually beneficial long-term relationship with BofA Merrill."

The project is expected to generate more than $29 million in local taxes, pay $8 million in local salaries, and earn landowners more than $50 million. The Pioneer Trail Wind Farm is the.....E.ON C&R secures equity financing for Pioneer Trail Wind Farm

Hydrogenics bags Power-to-Gas energy storage project from E.ON

2012-06-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

Power-to-Gas is a novel way to store energy at utility scale, whereby surplus electrical grid power is converted into hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas produced from the Falkenhagen plant, expected to be online in 2013, will be injected into the regional natural gas pipeline, making the natural gas pipeline network a storage system for surplus electrical power generated from renewable resources.

While the amount of hydrogen injection is relatively small as a percentage of total pipeline capacity, these small quantities of hydrogen represent significant energy storage capacity and electrical grid support flexibility.

The E.ON project is a turnkey contract, which means Hydrogenics will provide a range of services to build the Power-to-Gas project, including supply, installation, connection and commissioning of the hydrogen production facility including gas compression, master controls, as well as a 5-year service and maintenance agreement.....
Hydrogenics bags Power-to-Gas energy storage project from E.ON

Siginik to build 50MW solar installation in Ghana

2012-06-04T12:57:00.001-07:00

According to Episolar, the solar installation will be the largest in west Africa and one of the largest on the continent.

Daniel McCormick, managing partner at Siginik, said: "Ghana is a fast growing economy in great need of power and we are happy we can contribute in a green, efficient way. This will benefit the general Ghanaian community as they can have more consistent power and in the short term, similar to the effects of the Green Energy Act in Ontario, facilitate the creation of a highly skilled green labor force which will be able to build future green and solar projects in the ECOWAS area."

The installation is projected to create roughly 800 highly skilled jobs, including manufacturing, in the Northwest Region of Ghana and Siginik expects to break ground within the next 6 months. Siginik and ECG intend on expanding on this initial project with a view to additional installations in Ghana, a country with ideal solar radiation and increasing power needs.

Energy consumption within Ghana has been growing at 10 percent to 15 percent per year while supply is growing at a significantly lower rate. Experts believe that Ghana needs....Siginik to build 50MW solar installation in Ghana

LDK Solar signs new photovoltaic projects in China

2012-06-04T12:43:00.001-07:00

The first project in Jiuquan City will consist of 200MW annually, the second project in Jayuguan City will consist of 200MW over three years and the third project in Zhangye City will consist of 200MW over two years.

"We are pleased to continue to expand our presence in China's solar industry through these projects," said Xiaofeng Peng, chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. "These contracts demonstrate continued demand for PV project development services within China."

LDK Solar manufactures polysilicon, mono and multicrystalline ingots, wafers, cells, modules, systems, power projects and solutions. LDK Solar's headquarters and principal manufacturing facilities are located in Hi-Tech Industrial Park, Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province in the People's Republic of China. LDK Solar's office in the United States is located in Sunnyvale, California.
LDK Solar signs new photovoltaic projects in China

Suntech to introduce 255-Watt polycrystalline module at Intersolar Europe 2012

2012-06-04T12:39:00.001-07:00

"With the evolution of the solar market in Europe, the power output and reliability of solar systems is becoming more important than simply lowest cost," said Vedat Gurgeli, vice president sales and marketing for Suntech in Europe.

"Through our strong focus on R&D we are driving continuous conversion efficiency improvement in our standard crystalline silicon solar products. For example, this 255-watt panel is around 5 percent more powerful than the industry average and offers one of the best price to performance ratios in the market. With ongoing innovation, we are targeting to increase the nominal power output of this solar panel to 260 watts in the near future."

The 255W polycrystalline module has been certified according to the IEC 61701 standard salt mist corrosion test ensuring that it is well-suited to operate in coastal applications. The module features an anti-reflective hydrophobic layer that reduces surface dust....Suntech to introduce 255-Watt polycrystalline module at Intersolar Europe 2012

Outland to operate and maintain three Xcel Energy wind farms

2012-06-01T01:37:00.001-07:00

In Minnesota, Outland will provide full-time services for the 201MW Nobles wind farm in Nobles County and the 100.5MW Grand Meadow wind farm in Mower County. Both sites utilize GE 1.5MW wind turbines. In Colorado, Outland will provide full-time services for the 26.5MW Ponnequin site, which utilizes both Vestas 660kW and NEG-Micon 750kW wind turbines.

"Our entire team is excited to be expanding our service offering to an industry leader like Xcel Energy," said Steve Scott, president and CEO of Outland. "I'm especially proud of our technicians who have performed exceptionally well at Xcel's Grand Meadow location over the past 20 months."

Xcel Energy is a major US electricity and natural gas company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies in eight Western and Midwestern states.
Outland to operate and maintain three Xcel Energy wind farms

Canada’s largest biodiesel plant enters final stage of construction

2012-06-01T01:29:00.001-07:00

“By Fall 2012, the Great Lakes Biodiesel plant will be the largest operating biodiesel plant in Canada. The objective of GLB is to provide Canadian oil refiners and obligated parties, that are required to blend biodiesel with diesel under the Federal two per cent mandate with a dependable, high quality, domestically produced ASTM biodiesel,” said Barry Kramble, CEO, Great Lakes Biodiesel.

The construction of the GLB biodiesel plant represents a positive step forward for developing sustainable energy in Canada. GLB is focused on preserving the environment though the production and supply of emission-reducing biodiesel, which will ultimately contribute to the reduction of Canada’s ecological footprint and cleaner air for all Canadians.

Great Lakes Biodiesel was approved to receive a production incentive and manufacture 170 million liters per year of biodiesel under Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCAN) ecoENERGY Program in December 2011....
Canada’s largest biodiesel plant enters final stage of construction

GE Hitachi Nuclear, University of Manchester to dispose plutonium stockpile at Sellafield

2012-06-01T01:09:00.001-07:00

The agreement follows the announcement last month at a nuclear industry conference that GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and the National Nuclear Laboratory intend to collaborate.

The University of Manchester recently won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its internationally renowned nuclear research and skills development for the nuclear industry, making it an ideal partner to work with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy in the potential deployment of PRISM.

“We continue to capitalize on the UK’s nuclear expertise and are excited by the opportunity of working with the esteemed and prestigious University of Manchester on this potential project,” said Danny Roderick, senior vice president of new plant projects for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

“Manchester is a growing center of expertise for the civil nuclear energy sector, so we’re delighted to work with them on PRISM, which we believe is the best way to manage the UK’s plutonium stockpile efficiently, securely and safely while generating low-carbon electricity at the same time.”

Tim Abram, professor of nuclear fuel technology at the University of Manchester...GE Hitachi Nuclear, University of Manchester to dispose plutonium stockpile at Sellafield

Enel hooks up Castle Rock Ridge wind farm to Canadian grid

2012-05-31T13:16:00.001-07:00

The 33 turbines of the wind farm will be able to generate over 200 million kWh each year, avoiding atmospheric emissions of more than 130 thousand tons of CO2 annually.

With Castle Rock Ridge, Enel Green Power has increased its installed capacity to 124MW in Canada, while the group’s total installed capacity in North America has reached 1,088MW.

"Castle Rock Ridge is a clear demonstration of our ability to build power plants in Canada and a first step for future potential development in the Alberta region,” said Enel Green Power CEO Francesco Starace. “The entry into service of the new plant has further increased our ‘zero-emissions’ capacity in the country, where we have had a well established presence for a long time, stressing our commitment to contributing to sustainable growth.”

Enel Green Power North America, a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, is a owner and operator...Enel hooks up Castle Rock Ridge wind farm to Canadian grid

Iceland volcanoes may generate geothermal power for UK

2012-05-31T13:12:00.001-07:00

In particular, the two countries pledged to - exchange information on the development of the deep geothermal sector in the UK, including in the supply of heat to district heating networks; and explore the possibility of developing electricity interconnection between Iceland and the UK, including relevant legal and regulatory issues.

In addition, the UK and Iceland have also agreed to work with their respective Ministries for International Development on renewable energy projects in developing countries with a special focus on East Africa; and exchange information regarding the development of oil and gas industries, including offshore drilling.

UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said: “Today’s agreement will help pave the way for a closer relationship with Iceland, which I hope can yield significant benefits for the UK, including the development of geothermal power, greater use of interconnectors to transport energy under the sea, and developing oil and gas resources.
Iceland volcanoes may generate geothermal power for UK

Enel Green Power starts Rancia 2 geothermal power plant in Tuscany

2012-05-31T13:08:00.001-07:00

The plant will be able to generate about 150 million kilowatt hours of power, avoiding the emission of 100 thousand tonnes of CO2 and saving 33 thousand TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent) of fossil fuels per year.

The Rancia 2 project, which is at the forefront of the geothermal power field, was carried out in compliance with the highest quality and safety standards developed over the course of a century of experience, said Enel Green Power.

The work on the Rancia 2 plant will also include the construction of an AMIS facility, a patented Enel Group process to improve the environmental performance of the plant. The refurbishment project was developed by the in-house engineering resources of Enel Green Power, with construction being carried out using primarily local labor and firms....
Enel Green Power starts Rancia 2 geothermal power plant in Tuscany

BG sells interest in Philippines power plants to First Gen

2012-05-31T12:53:00.001-07:00

The sale and purchase agreement covers the 1,000 megawatt Santa Rita power plant and the 500 megawatt San Lorenzo power plant, both on the island of Luzon.

BG Group chief executive Sir Frank Chapman said: “The sale of our interest in these power generation plants in the Philippines is another step to realising the planned release of $5 billion of capital in the next two years. This deal, along with strategic divestments already announced this year, will release some $3.6 billion from BG Group's balance sheet."

BG Group, active in more than 25 countries on five continents, has a broad portfolio of exploration and production, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and transmission and distribution business interests.
BG sells interest in Philippines power plants to First Gen

ACCIONA launches 56MW Tuppadahalli Wind Park in India

2012-05-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

The three wind farms ACCIONA owns in India are located in the state of Karnataka, with a total installed capacity of 85.8MW. Tuppadahalli will produce renewable electricity equivalent to the consumption of around 35,000 Indian homes per year.

The Tuppadahalli wind park has thirty-four 1.65MW turbines which, through wind power, will avoid the emission of around 129,000 metric tons of CO2 a year to the atmosphere from conventional power plants in the state. The electricity generated is purchased by the state-owned distribution company MESCOM.

All ACCIONA's wind parks in India are wholly owned by the company. The new facility joins the wind parks of Arasinagundi (13.2MW), installed in 2007, and Anabaru (16.5MW), which entered service in 2008.

ACCIONA has a number of projects in an advanced stage of development, with the aim of consolidating its position as the leading Spanish wind power operator in India...
ACCIONA launches 56MW Tuppadahalli Wind Park in India

Emerson to provide safety systems for BP’s Clair Ridge project

2012-05-30T00:52:00.001-07:00

The offshore oil platforms are part of the Clair Ridge project being developed by BP and its co-venturers, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Shell, and will use the latest technologies to enhance oil recovery and avoid environmental impact in the area near the UK’s Shetland Islands.

In addition to providing automation technologies, Emerson will serve as the project’s main automation contractor under a global agreement with BP. In this role, Emerson will provide automation services that include system engineering, installation, configuration, testing, and ongoing support.

The integrated Emerson solution will use Emerson’s PlantWeb™ digital plant architecture, including its DeltaV™ digital automation system, DeltaV SIS™ process safety system, and AMS Suite predictive maintenance software. The digital automation technologies will support BP’s Field of the Future^® program for enhancing operating efficiency and oil recovery....
Emerson to provide safety systems for BP’s Clair Ridge project

TGE receives US$11.5 million grant for Apas Kiri geothermal project

2012-05-30T00:13:00.001-07:00

Apas Kiri will be Malaysia's first geothermal energy development. It is expected to come online by early 2015 with a rated net capacity of 30MWs. Continental Energy owns a 10 percent stake in TGE.

The grant will be disbursed under the Facilitation Funds Agreement (FFA) by Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), a development bank owned by the Malaysian Government and mandated to provide medium to long term financing to capital intensive development and infrastructure projects.

The proceeds of the grant are to be exclusively utilized by TGE to pay for costs associated with constructing access roads and making related infrastructure improvements involving the Apas Kiri geothermal power development....
TGE receives US$11.5 million grant for Apas Kiri geothermal project

First power module at Neal Hot Springs reaches mechanical completion

2012-05-30T00:07:00.001-07:00

The total project is about 90 percent complete with aruound 65 percent of the US Dept of Energy project loan already drawn down to fund construction.

Mechanical completion of the first module marks the initiation of commissioning activities on various individual power plant components, controls and the related production and injection wellfield. Once these commissioning activities are complete, the power module will undergo acceptance testing, leading up to full module startup and continuous operation.

The second power plant module is expected to achieve mechanical completion around June 7, 2012 and the third module is slated to achieve mechanical completion by the end of June, 2012.
First power module at Neal Hot Springs reaches mechanical completion

TGE receives US$11.5 million grant for Apas Kiri geothermal project

2012-05-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

FuelCell Energy renews service agreements for DFC power plants

2012-05-29T13:51:00.001-07:00

The total value of the service agreements is approximately $15 million. Three different fuel cell markets are represented by these customers including education, municipal wastewater treatment, and food processing.

DFC power plants electrochemically convert a fuel source into electricity and heat in a highly efficient process that emits virtually no pollutants due to the absence of combustion. DFC power plants are fuel flexible, capable of operating on natural gas or renewable biogas. Efficiency of up to 90 percent can be achieved when the DFC plant is configured for combined heat and power (CHP).

"A fundamental cornerstone of our business model is keeping our customers satisfied, which generates growth in our Services business," said Chip Bottone, president and chief executive officer, FuelCell Energy. "By having FuelCell Energy responsible for the operation and maintenance of the power plants, our customers can concentrate on their core competencies."

"Existing customers extending service agreements is a strong testament to the favorable economic... FuelCell Energy renews service agreements for DFC power plants

Canadian Solar powers up biggest solar park in Hesse

2012-05-29T06:57:00.001-07:00

More than 40,000 Canadian Solar modules were installed on an area spanning 153,000 square meters within the period of a few weeks. The project contractor was Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH (FES). Onsite construction was carried out by the Sinusstrom GmbH. The solar park is operated by the RMS Rhein-Main Solarpark GmbH, a joint subsidiary of the Stadtwerke Dreieich and the FES. The project allocated 25 percent of the modules for use as a public participation solar park, administered by the Solar Initiative Marburg eV.

"With a solar project of this size the smooth implementation and installation of high performance quality modules is essential. Having chosen the right partners, we accomplished installation and grid connection by the end of 2011," said FES project manager Florian Benten.

Dr Shawn Qu, chairman and chief executive officer of Canadian Solar, said: “We are pleased that RMS Rhein-Main Solarpark GmbH and Sinusstrom have chosen solar modules by Canadian Solar... Canadian Solar powers up biggest solar park in Hesse

AEG PS expands solar portfolio with new central inverter Protect PV630

2012-05-29T06:55:00.001-07:00

With 630kW performance, the new inverter is the next step in AEG PS‘s offering of high-end utility-class inverters. The launch follows on from the success of Protect PV.250 and PV.500 (currently with more than 860 installations around the world).

All former series are available as different indoor- and outdoor versions for connection to the medium voltage grid. The new Protect PV 630 is immediately available in indoor version, the outdoor solution will be introduced shortly to the market, said AEG PS.

Designed for global use, PV.630 has received certifications and is compliant with the national grid regulations of several countries. Protect PV.630 is also available as a turnkey container solution, TKS-C 1250, equipped with 2 inverters, transformer and switchgear....
AEG PS expands solar portfolio with new central inverter Protect PV630

Gamesa enters Nicaraguan market, to install 44MW turnkey wind farm

2012-05-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

Gamesa will install 22 of its G90 wind turbines, each with capacity of 2MW, which it will manufacture in Spain and the United States during 2012. The wind farm, in the town of Rivas, is on the shore of Lake Nicaragua in south-western Nicaragua.

Pursuant to the agreement, Gamesa will also develop all necessary infrastructures for the project's construction and operation, including an electricity substation, a high-tension line and the site's connection to the power grid. Furthermore, it will carry out operation and maintenance (O&M) services at the wind farm for a period of 10 years.

Eolo de Nicaragua is owned by Globeleq Mesoamerica Energy (Wind) Limited, a subsidiary of Globeleq Generation Limited and Mesoamerica Power Ltd.

For the second time, Gamesa will work with Globeleq, after completing...Gamesa enters Nicaraguan market, to install 44MW turnkey wind farm

ACCIONA, Aveng to build Gouda Wind Park and Sishen Solar PV plant in South Africa

2012-05-26T02:24:00.001-07:00

The Department of Energy of South Africa selected two projects presented by ACCIONA and Aveng in the second round of the Independent Power Producers Renewable Bid (IPP REBID). The installations are a 135.2MW wind park (138MW nominal capacity) and a 74MW photovoltaic solar plant (94MWp), which will be built between 2013 and 2014.

The two facilities will be ACCIONA's first investments in South Africa, a country that has pledged to diversify its energy mix with renewable sources while seeking to fulfill the country's growing demand for power.

South Africa plans to award 3,725MW in clean energy projects by the end of 2013, as part of a long-term strategy to incorporate 17,000MW of new renewable energy capacity by 2030.....
ACCIONA, Aveng to build Gouda Wind Park and Sishen Solar PV plant in South Africa

RMT initiates major erection at First Wind's Kawailoa Wind Farm

2012-05-26T02:08:00.001-07:00

"First Wind is pleased to again be working with RMT and to continue our commitment to building first-class renewable energy facilities in Hawaii. We appreciate the cooperation and support of the Hawaiian regulatory officials, local government, land owners, neighbors, and our construction team in safely building Hawaii's largest renewable energy facility to date," said Michael Alvarez, president and CFO of First Wind.

RMT broke ground at Kawailoa in 2011, and recently mobilized construction crews to commence heavy civil construction and turbine erection. The company is providing engineering, procurement, and construction of the civil and electrical infrastructure, including the installation of 30 Siemens 2.3-MW wind turbines.

The civil infrastructure includes roads, crane paths and pads, and turbine foundations. The electrical infrastructure includes a 23-kV collection system, two 23kV/46kV substations, and a 46-kV transmission line that will interconnect to the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) system....
RMT initiates major erection at First Wind's Kawailoa Wind Farm

Entergy secures 20-year renewal for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

2012-05-26T02:03:00.001-07:00

The approval means the NRC has concluded there is no safety or environmental issue that precludes renewal of the plant's license to operate for an additional 20 years.

Entergy Nuclear filed Pilgrim's license renewal application on January 25, 2006, making this the longest license review on record. The plant's original 40-year license was scheduled to expire on June 8, 2012. Pilgrim's renewed license enables the plant to operate until 2032.

John Herron, president, CEO and chief nuclear officer of Entergy Nuclear, said: "The NRC conducted extremely thorough safety and environmental reviews of Pilgrim's application for license renewal and concluded the station can safely operate another 20 years. The decision ensures Pilgrim's generation of safe, clean, reliable and low-cost energy will continue to benefit the... Entergy secures 20-year renewal for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station