NYSERDA
Date: 2020-03-23
In the Empire State, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) are reporting the awarding of 21 large-scale solar, wind and energy storage projects across upstate New York.

According to a release from the governor's office, the 21 projects will spur more than $2.5 billion in direct, private investments toward their development, construction and operation and create more than 2,000 short-term and long-term jobs. Several of the projects are expected to break ground as soon as late 2020, and all projects are expected to be operational by 2024.

NYSERDA payments under these awards will not begin until projects have obtained all the required permits and local approvals, and begin commercial operation. The projects are expected to generate more than 2.5 million MWh of renewable energy annually, enough to provide power to more than 350,000 homes.(Source: NNY 360, Watertown Daily Times, 21 Mar., 2020) Contact: Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, (518) 474-8418, (212) 682-4640, www.governor.ny.gov; NYSERDA, Alicia Barton, Pres., CEO, (518) 862-1090, www.nyserda.ny.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News NYSERDA,  Cuomo,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar,  

Penso Power
Date: 2020-03-20
In the UK, London-based Energy storage developer Penso Power reports receipt of the necessary approvals for a 150MW battery energy storage installation near Swindon, south-west England, the largest project of its kind in Europe. The first 100MW phase of Minety project will enter operation later this year with the remaining 50MW going live in 2021.

Penso Power has also inked an offtake agreement with Shell Energy Europe for the project's original 100MW. G2 Energy is the project's principal contractor. Sungrow is supplying the battery storage system which uses lithium ion cells from Samsung and CATL. (Source: Penso Power, renews, 19 Mar., 2020) Contact: Penso Power Ltd., Richard Thwaites, CEO, hello@pensopower.com, www.pensopower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Penso Power,  Energy Storage,  

Itochu,Eguana Technologies
Date: 2020-03-16
Tokyo-headquartered Japanese general trader Itochu Corp. reports it has closed its previously announced $5 million ($3.6 million US) investment in Calgary, Alberta-based energy storage systems developer Eguana Technologies Inc . Eguana will use the proceeds to finance working capital and general corporate expenditures, as previously reported. (Source: Itochu Corp, Renewables, 16 Mar., 2020) Contact: Eguana Technologies, Justin Holland, CEO, (416) 728.7635, (905) 929-7522,Justin.Holland@EguanaTech.com, www.EguanaTec.com; Itochu Corp., www.itochu.co.jp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eguana Technologies ,  Energy Storage,  

Energy Storage Grand Challenge Program
Date: 2020-03-13
In Washington, the Trump administration DOE is touting the recently launched Energy Storage Grand Challenge Program aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation energy storage technology and creating and sustaining global leadership in energy storage utilization and exports by 2030. The Challenges goals are as follows:

Technology Development -- Establish ambitious, achievable performance goals, and a comprehensive R&D portfolio to achieve them;

Technology Transfer -- Accelerate the technology pipeline from research to system design to private sector adoption through rigorous system evaluation, performance validation, siting tools, and targeted collaborations;

Policy and Valuation -- Develop best-in-class models, data, and analysis to inform the most effective value proposition and use cases for storage technologies;

Manufacturing and Supply Chain --Design new technologies to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and recyclability, and to reduce dependence on foreign sources of critical materials; and

Workforce -- Train the next generation of American workers to meet the needs of the 21st century electric grid and energy storage value chain.

Download DOE Energy Storage Grand Challenge program details HERE (Source: US DOE, Mar, 2020) Contact: Energy Storage Grand Challenge Program, www.energy.gov

Battery Energy Storage
Date: 2020-03-13
In the Land Down Under, the government of New South Wales, Australia, reports due to a record number of battery installations throughout 2019 its $6000 Home Battery Scheme subsidy has been cut by 30 pct and may be further decreased throughout 2020.

The Energy NSW Home Battery Scheme details are HERE. (Source: Energy NSA, 12 Mar., 2020) Contact: Energy NSW, www.energy.nsw.gov.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  Battery Energy Storage,  

NGP Energy Capital Management
Date: 2020-03-09
In the Lone Star State, Dallas-based NGP Energy Capital Management (NGP) reports investing in NGP Energy Technology Partners III, L.P. (NGP ETP 3) through an equity commitment from NGP Natural Resources XII, L.P..

NGP ETP 3 will target investments between $20-30 million of growth capital in companies with products, services or technologies serving the renewable energy, power, energy storage, energy efficiency, environmental and transportation sectors. (Source: NGP, Valdosta Times, Dallas BusWire, 2 Mar., 2020) Contact: NGP, James Wallis, Partner, (713) 579-5700, www.ngpenergycapital.com; .NGPETP3, Phil Deutch, CEO, (202) 536-3930, inquiries@ngpetp3.com, www.ngpetp3.com.

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Date: 2020-03-09
In Albany, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced the launch of the New York Power Authority (NYPA)--Israel Smart Energy Challenge, a $2.5 million competition to attract Israeli companies with expertise in energy efficiency and clean energy generation to submit proposals to collaborate with New York's public utility on new clean energy technologies. NYPA is collaborating with the Israel Smart Energy Association on the project aimed at attracting Israeli companies that will advance power grid reliability, storage, sustainability and affordability, all of which benefit ratepayers, utilities and the environment.

The competition will focus on research areas centered around meeting digital utility challenges such as electric vehicle charging, distributed energy solutions, grid modernization, energy storage, microgrids, cybersecurity, blockchain and energy trading, buildings/campus energy management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and use of drones/autonomous robots in power systems.

Interested companies may apply and submit their proposals to the NYPA/Israel Smart Energy Challenge online. The deadline for submissions is April 20. A pre-bid conference for parties interested in applying to the Challenge is scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at: Ha-Umanim Street 12, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Register on Eventbrite or meetup.

Governor Cuomo's Green New Deal climate and clean energy initiative puts the Empire State on a path to being entirely carbon-neutral across all sectors of the economy and establishing a goal to achieve a zero-carbon emissions electricity sector by 2040, faster than any other state. It builds on New York's ramp-up of clean energy including a $2.9 billion investment in 46 large-scale renewable projects across, the creation of more than 150,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector, a commitment to develop nearly 1,700 MW of offshore wind by 2024, and 1,700 pct growth in the distributed solar sector since 2012.

The recently passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates the Green New Deal's clean energy targets: nine gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, six gigawatts of distributed solar by 2025, and three gigawatts of energy storage by 2030, while calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy. The CLCPA also directs New York State agencies and authorities to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 pct from 1990 levels by 2050 and aim to invest 40 pct of clean energy and energy efficiency program resources to benefit disadvantaged communities. (Source: New York State Governor's Office, PR, Google News, 6 Mar., 2020)Contact: Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, www.governor.ny.gov; Israel Smart Energy Association, www.isea.org.il; NYPA, Gil C. Quiniones, Pres., CEO, www.nypa.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo,  New York Power Authority,  Clean Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Azelio ,Masen
Date: 2020-03-09
Gothenburg, Sweden-headquartered Azelio -- fka Cleanergy -- is reporting installation of its renewable energy storage with 24-hour clean power production at the Noor Ouarzazate solar complex in Morocco.

Azelio's system uses recycled aluminum as a storage medium, contains no rare minerals , suffers no reduced capacity over time and is scalable from 100 kW to 100 MW .

The installation is a partial result in a joint technical and business development agreement between Azelio and the Moroccan Agency For Solar Energy (MASEN. (Source: Azelio, PR, Tech Review Middle East, 8 Mar., 2020) Contact: Azelio, Jonas Eklind, CEO , +46-709-40-35-80, jonas.eklind@azelio.com, www.azelio.com; MASEN, www.masen.ma

More Low-Carbon Energy News Azelio,  Solar,  Energy Storage ,  

Pivot Power,Wartsila
Date: 2020-03-02
Finnish technology group Wartsila Energy is reporting receipt of an order from UK-based energy storage specialist Pivot Power, an EDF Renewables company, for delivery of 100 MW of lithium-ion battery energy storage, including 10-year service and support agreements, for two, 50 MW projects in the UK. The projects are both expected to be completed and online before the year end.

The two 50 MW lithium-ion battery projects will be the first projects completed as part of Pivot Power's programme to develop, own and operate up to 2GW of grid-scale energy storage and high volume power connections which are directly connected to the UK high-voltage transmission system.

The systems are based on Wartsila's advanced energy management software platform GEMS, which leverages AI and machine learning to enable the intelligent management of large-scale energy storage systems. (Source: Wartsila, PR, utilities, 29 Feb.,2020) Contact: Wartsila Energy, Christophe Demay Senior Business Development Manager, +33 6 7889 2182, christophe.demay@wartsila.com, Andrew Tang, VP, Energy Storage and Optimization, www.wartsila.com; Pivot Power, Matt Allen, CEO, www.pivotpower.co.uk

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lithium-Ion,  Battery,  Pivot Power,  EDF Renewables,  Energy Storage,  Wartsila,  

Ameren,Ameren Missouri
Date: 2020-03-02
St. Louis-based Ameren Missouri reports that under its Smart Energy Plan it will its will invest $7.6 billion over five-years in wind and solar energy, energy storage and smart meters to serve its customers, primarily in Missouri. The plan includes;

More than 2,000 infrastructure improvement projects across the state totaling $5.3 billion in capital investments over the next five years, including approximately $1 billion in electric investments in 2019.

Major renewable energy projects to continue the transition to a cleaner energy future for customers, including $1 billion for wind energy in 2020. This also includes modernizing the energy grid to allow Ameren Missouri to add more solar energy and battery storage on the system to cost-effectively boost reliability, particularly in rural areas.

New smart grid sensors, switches and self-healing equipment to rapidly detect and isolate outages- reducing the number of outages and speeding power restoration when service interruptions occur.

A stronger, more secure energy delivery backbone including installing 12,000 new utility poles for storm hardening, many fortified with composite materials to better withstand severe weather.

More than 400 miles of new underground cable and equipment to create a more efficient and reliable underground energy delivery system that better serves customers.

Over 70 new or upgraded substations to increase energy service reliability and serve more customers through a streamlined network that is more cost-effective and efficient.

Addition of 800,000 smart electric meters through 2023 to give customers more insight and control of their energy options and costs.

Details of Ameren's Smart Energy Plan are HERE. (Source: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Corporation, PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Ameren Missouri, Michael Moehn, Pres., Andrew Kirk, 314.554.4859, akirk@ameren.com, www.ameren.com, Andrew Kirk, 314.554.4859, akirk@ameren.com, Twitter at @AmerenMissouri, Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ameren Missouri,  

Savion LLC,Dominion Energy Virginia
Date: 2020-03-02
Kamsas City, Missouri-based utility-scale solar and energy storage project developer Savion, LLC is reporting the finalization of a 20 MW PPA with Richmond-based Dominion Energy Virginia Inc. for the $30 million Westmoreland County Solar project. The project is expected to break ground this spring for startup and commissioning befor the year end.

The Westmoreland County project is one of three projects totaling 115 MW at a cost of roughly $150 million that Savion is expected to construct in the Old Dominion State this year. (Source: Savion. PR, Virginia Business, 28 Feb., 2020) Contact: Savion, LLC, Rob Freeman, CEO, Kelly Cooper, Parris Communications (816) 931-8900, kcooper@parriscommunications.com, www.savionenergy.com; Dominion Energy Virginia, Keith Windle, VP Business Development and Merchant Operations, www.dominionenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Savion LLC,  Solar,  Dominion Energy Virginia ,  

ConEdison
Date: 2020-02-24
In the Empire State, ConEdison reports it is seeking proposals from parties to construct, own, and operate energy-storage facilities in vacant, ConEdison company-owned properties Brooklyn load pockets.

The power rating of the energy storage system should be up to 10MW with an energy rating of at least 40MWh. The actual energy rating will depend on the design of the vendor's energy storage system and the need to fit in the assigned space, while adhering to applicable local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and laws.

The installed storage system will have a limited planned tenure on ConEdison property from the summer period of 2021 to 2030. After 2030, ConEdison will require the removal and safe disposal of the system, or we may consider extending the contract, purchasing the system, and/or expanding the system.

Download the Energy Storage RfP details HERE. (Source: ConEdison, PR, 19 Feb., 2020)Contact: ConEdison, Jorge J. Lopez, Pres., CEO, (914) 286-7094, www.conedsolutions.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ConEdison,  Energy Storage,  

Energy Storage Association
Date: 2020-02-24
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Clarion North America Energy is reporting a strategic partnership with the U.S. Energy Storage Association (ESA), the national trade association for companies that develop and deploy the energy storage technologies that are key to modernizing the grid.

The partnership, which involves a well-defined content program at multiple US events including, DISTRIBUTECH International and POWERGEN International, will bring forward thought-leadership and peer-to-peer discussion platforms around markets, policy and technology, furthering the ESA's focus to advance the adoption of competitive and reliable energy storage systems in the U.S, according to the release..

By partnering with ESA, Clarion Energy North America events will increase and enhance coverage of energy storage and offer ESA members exposure to a broad range of energy education with an audience that is highly-interested in energy storage. ESA member companies will present and speak at Clarion's event content platforms, including Full Conference Summit and Expo Hall Knowledge Hub content, pre-conference workshops and symposiums. Collaborating with ESA will give event attendees the chance to participate in conversations with leaders who are advancing the technology and applications of energy storage, the release notes. (Source: Clarion North America Energy, PR, New Kerla, 21 Feb., 2020) Contact: Energy Storage Association, www.energystorage.org; Clarion North America Energy, MaryBeth DeWitt, Snr. VP, www.clarion-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage Association news,  Energy Storage news,  

North Carolina State University
Date: 2020-02-21
North Carolina State University in Raleigh is reporting the upgrading of all T12 fluorescent lights to LED light at Biltmore Hall and Pulp and Paper labs. The switch to LEDs is expected to save the school over 400,000 kW of electricity per year for an annual energy cost saving of $30,000.

Other "green" improvements and upgrades include the installation of low-flow plumbing fixtures, lighting fixture-integrated occupancy sensors, thermal energy storage and water conservation capacity, and others. (Source: NC State University, Technician, 19 Feb., 2020) Contact: NC State University, Kerby Smithson, Energy Project Manager, 919-515-2011, www.ncsu.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  LED Light,  

UPC Renewables Australia
Date: 2020-02-19
In the Land Down Under, UPC/AC Renewables Australia is reporting plans to construct an 800-MW, 175 turbine wind farm with possible energy storage capabilities in New South Wales State. If constructed, the "Valley of the Winds" facility is expected to generate sufficient power for for roughly 590,000 homes a year.

According to the company release, the project is subject to regulatory and environmental approvals and still in the early planning stage.

UPC/AC Renewables Australia is the developer of the 1-GW Robbins Island and Jims Plain wind projects in Tasmania and the 600-MW New England solar park scheme in New South Wales, and has an additional development portfolio of 3 GW located in New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria, according to the company website. (Source: UPC Renewables, Renewables, Feb., 2020) Contact: UPC Renewables Australia, (852) 2673 2233, info@upcrenewables.com, www.upcrenewables.com › australia

More Low-Carbon Energy News UPC Renewables Australia,  

Clean Power Alliance
Date: 2020-02-19
Following up on our October 24th, 2019 coverage, in the Golden State, electric power provider Clean Power Alliance (CPA) has launched new programs and online resources to help its customers access solar and energy storage backup power and earn financial incentives managing their energy use.

The programs will offer smart thermostat and solar energy and solar energy storage programs that will serve participating residential customers who will be paid for enrolling and reducing their energy during peak energy times and notified about when to reduce energy consumption.

CPA has also launched an online Solar Marketplace in collaboration with EnergySage for customers seeking solar and or solar-plus-storage battery systems. Customers can quickly receive and compare customized solar quotes from local, vetted contractors through the user-friendly website. Participating CPA customers will also get support from EnergySage's vendor-neutral Energy Advisors and educational tools to address questions about various solar and battery companies, equipment, and financing options. (Source: CPA, Feb., 2020) Contact: CPA, Ted Bardacke, Exec. Dir., 888-585-3788, www.cleanpoweralliance.org; CPA Online Solar Marketplace, ; EnergySage, www.energysage.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Power Alliance,  Solar Energy Storage,  Smart Thermostat,  Energy Storage,  ,  

Montana Climate Change
Date: 2020-02-14
The Montana Climate Solutions Council has published draft recommendations on how the Cowboy State should tackle climate change.

The Montana Climate Solutions Plan outlines dozens of possible initiatives that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the state adapt to the changing climate, develop new technologies and transition to a low-carbon, greener economy. The plan also recommends expanding the state's research and monitoring of climate change, incorporating climate change into government planning efforts, investing in energy storage, supporting community-based renewable energy projects, creating tax breaks for low- and zero-emission vehicles and offering building energy efficiency incentives.

Download the Montana Climate Solutions Plan HERE. (Source: Montana Climate Solutions Council, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, 12 Feb., 2020) Contact: Montana Climate Solutions Council, (406) 444-2544, deq.mt.gov › DEQAdmin › dir › Climate

More Low-Carbon Energy News Climate Change,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-02-14
In a recently released UK survey of over 100 built environment experts including leading architects, property developers and public and private sector building administrators, 51 pct considered "energy efficiency and decarbonisation as the most important outcomes for the retrofit of buildings." Of those surveyed, 85 pct said there is not currently enough legislation around retrofit project investment in their region, which in turn is slowing progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

To be successful in retrofit projects, 51 pct of respondents said more innovation in renewable power generation and energy storage is needed, with 48 pct agreeing that solar power will provide the biggest performance gain on retrofit projects over the next two years. As well, digitalised energy systems, which could feed into smart meters or energy use apps, look set to allow customers greater control over their energy use to the point where efficiencies can result in a surplus of energy, was also widely agreed upon. 50 pct of respondents believe that net-zero carbon buildings will soon be able to generate income by selling excess energy. The survey also found an ambitious national retrofit campaign is needed. (Source: WSP Consultancy, pbctoday, Feb., 2020) Contact: WSP, Nick Offer, UK Building Services Head, www.wsp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Mocean Energy
Date: 2020-02-12
Aberdeen, Scotland-headquartered Mocean Energy is reporting its collaboration with UK North Sea independent Chrysaor, subsea energy storage specialist EC-OG, and AUV developer Modus to assess the potential of Mocean Energy's Blue Star wave energy converter and EC-OG's HALO subsea energy storage system to sub-sea sub-sea applications.

The project is being funded by the partners and the Oil and Gas Technology Centre (OGTC) in Aberdeen. If the initial work is successful, the partners will commit to a field trial using a Mocean Energy prototype offshore Orkney, northern Scotland, later this year. In 2019, Wave Energy Scotland agreed to supply £3.3 million ($4.27 million) to the company to construct and test a half-scale version of its technology at sea. (Source: Mocean Energy, PR, 10 Frb., 2020) Contact: Mocean Energy , Cameron McNatt, Managing Director, +44 (0)131 651 7959, hello@mocean.energy, www.mocean.energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mocean Energy.Ocean Energy,  Wave Energy,  

Western Michigan University
Date: 2020-02-12
In Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University (WMU) is reporting receipt of $9.6 million in US DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy grant funding for a new sustainable lithium-ion battery R&D project entitled "Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique."

The project focuses on developing cost-effective manufacturing process for better lithium-ion batteries for various applications. The project is being led by assistant professor Dr. Qingliu Wu of WMU's Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering. (Source: Western Michigan University, WKZ, 10 Feb., 2020) Contact: Western Michigan University, Dept. of Paper and Chemical Engineering, (269) 276-3500 www.wmich.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Sunnova Energy
Date: 2020-02-07
Houston, Texas-headquartered residential solar and battery storage service provider Sunnova Energy International Inc. is reporting a new product which bundles financing for roof replacements with a Sunnova solar or solar + battery storage system under a single loan or finance agreement.

This offering will enable homeowners to install a new roof together with a state-of-the-art home solar system covered by the Sunnova Protect™ 25-year service guarantee. (Source: Sunnova Energy International Inc., PR, Feb., 2020) Contact: Sunnova Energy, John Berger, CEO, Kelsey Hultberg, (281) 985-9900, Kelsey.Hultberg@sunnova.com, www.sunnova.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sunnova Energy ,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  Solar + Storage,  

US DOE EERE,
Date: 2020-02-07
The U.S DOE has announced an $18.8 million funding that will go towards six innovative R&D initiatives aimed towards:

Exploration RD&D -- Hidden Geothermal Systems in the Basin and Range; and

Advanced Energy Storage Initiative (AESI) -- Bi-directional Energy Storage Using Low-Temperature Geothermal Applications.

The first topic aims to build on the success of the Geothermal Technologies Office's Play Fairway Analysis (PFA) initiative. The PFA technique is a method for discovering hidden hydrothermal systems in the Basin & Range region of the western U.S using known geologic factors associated with geothermal systems. By reducing the uncertainty of discovering geothermal systems in such settings, development and investment in the area can become more attractive.

The second topic aims to enhance the resilience of energy systems through the use of Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage (RTES) technology particularly in low-temperature geothermal systems. Deep-Direct Use (DDU) for space heating is being considered as the best application of this technolgoy, as excess thermal energy during summer could be stored as a reserve for winter heating.

Interested applicants may submit a letter of intent until February 28, 2020, 5 PM. Only those who have submitted the letter will be eligible for full applications, which will be accepted until April 6, 2020, 5 PM. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office, 6 Feb., 2020) Contact: U.S. DOE Geothermal Technologies Office, geothermal@ee.doe.gov, egs@ee.doe.gov, www.energy.gov/eere/geothermal/geothermal-technologies-office-contacts-0

More Low-Carbon Energy News Geothermal,  US DOE EERE,  

Blue Raven Solar LLC
Date: 2020-02-05
Orem, Utah-headquartered Blue Raven Solar LLC reports it has submitted an application to construct and operate a new 66-MW fleet of solar panels on 400 acres of public land near Rock Springs, Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The project, which would include battery energy storage backup capacity, is now in a 30-day scoping period by the Bureau of Land Management. (Source: Blue Raven Solar LLC, Casper Star Tribune, 29 Jam., 2020) Contact: Blue Raven Solar LLC, 800-377-4480, support@blueravensolar.com, www.blueravensolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Blue Raven Solar,  Solar ,  

GlidePath Power Solutions ,NYSERDA
Date: 2020-02-05
Elmhurst, Illinois-headquartered energy storage specialist GlideParth Power Solutions (GlidePath) is reporting it will complete development and construction readiness this year on one of the largest portfolios of standalone battery energy storage projects to date in the Empire State.

The New York portfolio consists of four 20 MW battery storage projects located in the Lower Hudson Valley near the towns of Catskill, Highland, New Windsor and Ulster. New York currently has only 62.2 MW of battery storage facilities in operation statewide.

The GlidePath project is supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) under the Market Acceleration Bridge Incentive program for energy storage.

The portfolio represents at least 320 MWhs of new battery storage capacity in New York State and a total capital investment of approximately $120 million in the Hudson Valley. (Source: GlidePath Power Solutions, PR, 4 Feb., 2020) Contact: GlidePath Power Solutions, Dan Foley, Founder, 630-501-0162, www.glidepath.net; Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, www.quinbrook.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy STorage,  NYSERDA,  GlidePath Power Solutions ,  

Energport
Date: 2020-02-05
Fremont, California-based Energport Inc. is reporting the launch of its turnkey on-site energy storage systems leasing program with low up-front costs and fixed monthly payments, for California businesses.

Energyport's 5-year leasing program incorporating California's Self Generation Incentive Program is built around Energport's L3060 energy storage system. The 30kW/60kWh systems feature lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology and are scalable and compliant with grid standards. (Source: Energport, PR, 4 Feb., 2020) Contact: Energport, Jack Chen, CEO, (510) 279-3183, info@energport.com, www.energport.com/lease-program

More Low-Carbon Energy News Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Safari Energy,Extra Space Storage
Date: 2020-02-03
New York City-based commercial solar developer Safari Energy is reporting completion of its 100th solar projects with Extra Space Storage. Spanning over a dozen states and more than 10 MW of capacity, the projects have, to date, produced more than 33 GWh of solar power, the equivalent of offsetting emissions from 5,000 cars driven each year.

Since 2008, Safari Energy has developed hundreds of commercial-scale solar projects that have generated approximately 300 million kWh of electricity, the largest project being a 531 kW rooftop solar system in Central Valley, New York.

Safari Energy also provides funding for solar projects developed by partners and clients throughout the project life-cycle. (Source: Safari Energy, PR, 31 Jan., 2020) Contact: Safari Energy, John Lind, Bus. Dev., 212-935-2500, info@safarienergy.com, www.safarienergy.com; Extra Space Storage, Joe Margolis, CEO, (888) 609-8483, www.extraspace.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Safari Energy,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Renew Financial ,Amalgamated Bank
Date: 2020-02-03
In the Golden State, Oakland-based Renew Financial is reporting the sale of $160 million of residential Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) assets in California and Florida to union-owned Amalgamated Bank.

The PACE assets included in the sale have helped over 6,500 homeowners make energy efficiency upgrades including solar energy, hurricane-resilient roofs, impact resistant windows and doors, HVAC improvements, battery energy storage and others. Amalgamated Bank is the largest union-owned bank and one of the only unionized banks in the United States. Amalgamated Bank is currently majority-owned by Workers United, an SEIU Affiliate. (Source: Renew Financial Group LLC, PR, 31 Jan., 2020) Contact: Renew Financial Group, Kirk Inglis, CEO , Brit Moller, bmoller@renewfinancial.com, www.renewfinancial.com; Amalgamated Bank, 800-662-0860, www.amalgamatedbank.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News PACE,  Energy Efficiency,  

Voltalia
Date: 2020-01-31
Paris-headquartered renewable energy specialist Voltalia is reporting receipt of planning permission for its planned 40MW solar farm with battery storage in Dorset, England.

The company is moving the project into the implementation phase this year and will be looking for local partners in Dorset for the completion and delivery of the project. (Source: Voltalia, Energy Storage 30 Jan., 2020) Contact: Voltalia, +33 1 81 70 37 00, accueil.paris@voltalia.com, www.voltalia.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Voltalia,  Energy Storage,  Solar ,  

California Energy Commission,Aemetis
Date: 2020-01-29
Cupertino, California-headquartered Aemetis, Inc. is reporting its subsidiary Aemetis Advanced Fuels Keyes, Inc. has scored two grants totaling $14 million from the California Energy Commission for plant upgrades to reduce reduce natural gas consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improve efficiency and decrease operating costs, and reduce the carbon intensity of fuel grade ethanol produced at the Keyes plant. The upgrades are expected to improve the annual operating cash flow of the Keyes plant by $13 million, according to the release.

The upgrades will include installation of a 1.56-MW photovoltaic micro grid solar array with integrated battery energy storage and an AI-driven power distribution control system, which is expected to significantly reduce the natural gas consumption improve operational efficiency. (Source: Aemetis, PR, NewsWire, 28 Jan., 2020)Contact: Aemetis, Eric McAfee, CEO , Todd Waltz, (408) 213-0940, emcafee@aemetis.com, www.aemetis.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Energy Commission,  Aemetis,  Biofuel,  

Statkraft,Envios
Date: 2020-01-29
Norwegian state-owned energy giant Statkraft AS reports it and Alberta, Canada-based energy management specialist Envios Systems have inked an agreement with German automaker Daimler to supply 100 pct wind and solar generated electricity using a new concept that combines wind, solar and hydropower to match the demand.

The electricity for Daimler's factories will be generated mostly by Statkraft's wind and solar projects in Germany, and then added to by its hydropower facilities when necessary. Under the agreement, Envios Systems is responsible for the energy management process "including physical delivery, balancing group management, billing, grid usage, consumption forecasts and hedging of green electricity quantities," according to Statkraft. (Source: Statkraft, PR, Windpower, 28 Jan., 2020)Contact: Statkraft AS, Duncan Dale, VP UK, +47 24 06 70 00, www.statkraft.com; Envos Systems, 1 888 547 7401, info@enviosystems.com, www.enviosystems.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Statkraft,  Envios,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  

New Jersey
Date: 2020-01-27
Garden State Governor Phil Murphy (D) has unveiled the state's Energy Master Plan, which outlines key strategies to reach the Administration's goal of 100 pct clean energy by 2050. The Energy Master Plan outlines the following energy efficiency related strategies and includes an implementation plan that lays out next steps and timelines:

Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Transportation Sector, including encouraging electric vehicle adoption, electrifying transportation systems, and leveraging technology to reduce emissions and miles traveled.

Accelerating Deployment of Renewable Energy and Distributed Energy Resources by developing offshore wind, community solar, a successor solar incentive program, solar thermal, and energy storage. It also involves adopting new market structures to embrace clean energy development and contain costs, opening electric distribution companies' circuits for distributed energy resources (DER), and developing low-cost loans or financing for DER.

Maximizing Energy Efficiency and Conservation, and Reducing Peak Demand including enacting 0.75 percent and 2 percent utility energy efficiency standards for natural gas and electricity, respectively, improving energy efficiency programs in New Jersey, adopting new clean energy and energy efficiency financing mechanisms, and strengthening building and energy codes and appliance standards.

Reducing Energy Consumption and Emissions from the Building Sector through decarbonization and electrification of new and existing buildings, including the expansion of statewide net zero carbon homes incentive programs, the development of EV-ready and Demand Response-ready building codes, and the establishment of a long-term building de-carbonization roadmap.

De-carbonizing and Modernizing New Jersey's Energy System through planning and establishment of Integrated Distribution Plans, investing in grid technology to enable increased communication, sophisticated rate design, and reducing our reliance on natural gas.

Supporting Community Energy Planning and Action in Under served Communities through incentivizing local, clean power generation, prioritizing clean transportation options in these communities, and supporting municipalities in establishing community energy plans.

Expand the Clean Energy Innovation Economy by expanding upon New Jersey's existing 52,000 clean energy jobs and investing in developing clean energy knowledge, services, and products that can be exported to other regions around the country and around the world, thereby driving investments and growing jobs. New Jersey will attract supply chain businesses to create dynamic new clean energy industry clusters and bring cutting-edge clean energy research and development the state. (Source: InsideNJ, PR, 27 Jan., 2020)

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NV Energy
Date: 2020-01-24
NV Energy has issued a request for proposals (RfP) to add new renewable energy projects to its portfolio. This announcement comes on the heels of the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada's (PUCN) December 2019 approval of 1,190 mw of new solar energy and 590 mw of battery storage to be built in Nevada and serving customers by Jan. 1, 2024.

The RfP seeks solar, geothermal, wind, biomass and biogas technology projects compliant with Nevada's existing renewable portfolio standards. NV Energy will also consider adding supplemental energy storage systems that are integrated with the proposed renewable energy resource and stand-alone energy storage systems. Projects will be competitively evaluated on a number of factors, including best value to customers of NV Energy and creation of economic benefits to the State of Nevada.

NV Energy requests that all parties interested in becoming a bidder for this opportunity register on the company's website www.nvenergy.com and follow each of the directives under the "Steps to Complete" section of the website. Bids are due by 4 p.m. on March 9. Projects proposed by successful bidders will require the approval of the PUCN. It is anticipated the projects would be completed and producing energy for customers by December 31, 2025.

Las Vegas-based NV Energy, Inc. is a holding company whose principal subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company, do business as NV Energy. (Source: NV Energy, PR, 22 Jan., 2020) Contact: NV Energy, Doug Cannon, Pres., CEO, Kristen Saibini, Corp. Communications, 775-834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com, www.nvenergy.com

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Enphase Energy
Date: 2020-01-22
Fremont, California-based global energy management technology and solar microinverter specialist Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH) reports it has been selected by one of the largest full-service, privately-held roofing and solar companies in the U.S. Petersen-Dean, Inc., as its premier supplier of solar inverters and battery storage systems. commercial construction.

Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year limited warranty as a result of a rigorous reliability and quality testing regimen with more than one million hours of power-on testing to ensure exceptional performance under heat, high humidity, salty air, and extreme cold. Enphase Encharge storage systems feature Always-On Enphase Ensemble™ energy management technology and will offer usable and scalable capacity of 3.4 kWh and 10.1 kWh, respectively. (Source: Enphase, Jan., 2020) Contact: Enphase Energy, Badri Kothandaraman, Pres., CEO, Christian Zdebel, 484-788-2384, pr@enphase.com, www.enphase.com; Peterson-Dean, Christine Rombouts, 949-887-7723, crombouts@ca.rr.com, www.petersendean.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Daybreak Power
Date: 2020-01-20
In the Old Dominion State, Vienna-based gigawatt-scale energy storage projects developer Daybreak Power Inc. is reporting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted the company's application for a preliminary permit for its proposed $3.6 billion, 2,200 MW Navajo Energy Storage Station at the retired Navajo Generating Station coal plant near Page, Arizona.

The Navajo Energy Storage Station (NESS) is a pumped storage hydropower facility that would use water from Lake Powell and a new reservoir on a plateau above the lake to create a gigantic battery. The facility would use solar and wind energy to pump water to the upper reservoir, then release it through turbines to generate 10 hours of renewable energy each day to power cities in California, Arizona and Nevada.

The NESS facility is Daybreak's second huge energy storage project, following its proposed 1,540 MW Next Generation Pumped Storage facility that would utilize water from Lake Mead and transmission infrastructure near Hoover Dam, according to the release. (Source: Daybreak Power,PR, Website, 17Jan., 2020) Contact: Daybreak Power, Jim Day, CEO, 703-624-4971,jim@gaybreakpower.com, www.daybreakpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Pumped Hydro,  Daybreak Power,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  

Sunnova
Date: 2020-01-20
Sunnova Energy International Inc., a residential solar and energy storage service provider, has entered the Colorado and New Hampshire markets, bringing its array of product offerings to both states. Sunnova has also expanded its Sunnova SunSafe solar + battery storage system offering into South Carolina, making it the 16th state where the system is available. Weather events affect regions across the country. In the Northeast, high winds and tropical storms can knock out power. In 2017, New Hampshire experienced 21 power outages affecting approximately 450,000 people, with the average duration lasting a little over six hours. In Colorado, 594 power outages occurred between 2008 and 2017, affecting nearly 2 million people. Unlike a solar-only system, Sunnova SunSafe customers can continue to generate solar energy during the day when a power outage occurs. Any excess energy produced is stored in the battery for use at night or when needed. When charged at 100%, customers can power their most needed lights and appliances for approximately 10 to 13 hours, depending on battery capacity and usage. Additional batteries increase energy availability during a power outage. (Source: Sunnova, Solar Ind., 16 Jan., 2020) Contact: Solar Stack, Michael Grasso, Marketing, 505-242-6411, www.solarstack.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Sunnova news,  Solar news,  

NEC Energy Solutions
Date: 2020-01-15
In the Bay State, Westborough-based energy storage specialist NEC Energy Solutions, Inc. reports it will provide 100MW of energy storage in Northern Ireland for the Gore Street Energy Storage Fund (GSF) and project developer Low Carbon.

The 100MW of energy storage is comprised of two 50MW projects now under construction in County Tyrone and County Armagh. The two projects are the largest projects to date in Northern Ireland and are expected to derive revenue from the new Irish "Delivering a Secure Sustainable Electricity System" (DS3) program to enable Ireland to meet its target of 75 pct non-synchronous and renewable (i.e. wind and solar) electricity across the all-island network. Both 50MW projects will be completed and commissioned in Q1 2021. (Source: NEC Energy Solutions, PR, 14 Jan., 2020) Contact: NEC, Roger Lin, (508) 497-7261, rlin@neces.com, www.neces.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NEC Energy Solutions,  Energy Storage,  

Clean Energy Finance Corporation
Date: 2020-01-13
In the Land Down Under, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) is launching a green home loan program at 2.44 pct interest for borrowers who meet a minimum seven-star energy rating, which it says is the first loan to use energy efficiency measurement tools to determine eligibility. The Bank Australia -- the first lender to offer the scheme -- will draw on up to $60 million in CEFC finance, providing the interest rate discount to mortgages below $1.5 million

A minimum of seven stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) -- which rates the energy efficiency of a home based on its design -- exceeds the minimum standards of the National Construction Code, and homes built to this rating require less energy for heating and cooling.

At a later date, Bank Australia is expected extend the discounted loan program to finance green home improvements, including energy monitoring, energy storage systems, solar hot wate, energy efficient air conditioning and others. (Source: Clean Energy Finance Corp., Domain, 14 Jan., 2019) Contact: Clean Energy Finance Corporation, www.cefc.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Finance Corporation,  Energy Efficiency ,  

Clean Energy Group
Date: 2020-01-13
The Kresge Foundation, the Montpelier, Vermont-based not-for-profit Clean Energy Group (CEG) and New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation (NYCEEC) are reporting a $3.3 million commitment to accelerate the market development of solar PV plus battery storage (solar+storage) technologies in historically under-served communities. The multiyear financing program guaranteed by the Kresge Foundation includes:

A $3 million loan guarantee to reduce credit risk for solar+storage projects in low- and moderate-income areas. Structured as a 50 pct payment guarantee to help ensure borrowers' loan payments remain current, this innovative credit enhancement reduces the risk of a payment default to lenders and their investors who provided capital for solar+storage loans.

$170,000 in a capacity-building grant to accelerate the participating lender's ability to finance solar+storage projects, build project pipelines and actively engage in information sharing.

$120,000 in technical-assistance grants to enable eligible project owners and developers to assess the technical and financial feasibility of new solar+storage projects.

Clean Energy Group is a national, nonprofit advocacy organization working on innovative technology, finance, and policy programs in the areas of clean energy and climate change.

Established in 2010 as the nation's first local green bank, NYCEEC is a 501(c)(3) mission-driven lender focused exclusively on energy efficiency and clean energy in buildings. (Source: Clean Energy Group, Vermont Business, 9 Jan., 2020) Contact: NYCEC, Jessica Luk, Director of Development, www.nyceec.com; Clean Energy Group, Robert Sanders, rsanders@cleanegroup.org, www.cleanenergygroup.org; Kresge Foundation, www.kresge.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Energy Group,  Solar+Storage,  Energy Storage,  

Duke Energy Renewables
Date: 2020-01-08
Charlotte, North Carolina-based Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, reports its 200-MW) Mesteno Windpower project in Starr County, Texas began commercial operation on Dec. 31, 2019. It is Duke Energy's fourth wind generation facility in Starr County and its eleventh in Texas.

The project's output will be sold into the ERCOT market and Duke Energy Renewables has entered into a long-term hedge agreement covering the majority of the expected wind energy production. The 200-MW Mesteño wind facility will generate sufficient power for about 60,000 average homes.

Duke Energy Renewables, a non-regulated unit of Duke Energy, operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., with a total electric capacity of 3,000 MW. Duke Renewables also operates energy storage and microgrid projects. (Source: Duke Energy News Center, 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres., www.duke-energy.com/renewable

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy Renewables,  Wind,  

Maine Energy Storage
Date: 2020-01-08
In Augusta, a panel of Maine State lawmakers and stakeholders is recommending the state set an initial goal of adding 100 MW of energy storage by 2025. The panel is calling for "achievable" near-future policy actions, paired with further study and investigation to inform future policy action.

The panel's report noted energy storage could help Maine reach its renewable energy goals, which climb to 80 pct of retail sales by 2030 and 100 pct by 2050. To that end, the report recommended offering incentives for energy storage to be included with renewable energy procurements. The report also recommends the Efficiency Maine Trust, which oversees the state's energy efficiency programs, be given the authority to use energy storage to lower peak demand, and that the Maine PUC should consider time-of-use rates to support energy storage as well as clarify utility ownership for energy storage facilities. The report also suggested the Governor's Energy Office conduct an in-depth study on the costs and benefits of energy storage and propose future energy storage targets based on its study. (Source: Maine State Legislature Energy Storage Commission, American Public Power Assoc., 6 Jan., 2020) Contact: Maine State Legislature Energy Storage Commission, http://legislature.maine.gov/energy-storage-commission

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  

California Energy Commission
Date: 2020-01-03
In Sacramento, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has released a solicitation to fund innovative, non-Li-ion energy storage research projects, including green electrolytic hydrogen systems. This solicitation aims to fund the development and field testing of emerging energy storage technologies for the purpose of raising the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and accelerating market penetration.

Group 1 -- $9 million available to develop and validate new and emerging non-Lithium ion energy storage technologies that focus on customer side of the meter applications. This group will focus on supporting energy storage technologies that are in the early stages of development. Group 1 will support the development and field testing of emerging and prototype energy storage systems.

Group 2 -- $2 million available to develop and validate green electrolytic hydrogen storage systems in customer side of the meter applications with an electricity-in and electricity-out capability. This group will focus specifically on green electrolytic hydrogen systems.

Group 2 will be open to Applied Research applications of green electrolytic hydrogen as a stationary energy storage system that is comparable in performance to other stationary energy storage systems (such as advanced batteries, flywheels, thermal storage, and compressed air systems). The hydrogen systems must demonstrate an electricity-in and electricity-out solution in customer side of the meter applications (not just generate electrolytic hydrogen). Additional services (such as heat, oxygen, compressed air or other non-electricity products) can be proposed as long as they have value to the customer and the primary input and output is electricity and the overall system is projected to be cost effective when it reaches the scale necessary for future commercialization.

Download the solicitation HERE. (Source: California Energy Commission, Jan., 2019) Contact: California Energy Commission, (916) 465-4500, www.energy.ca.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News California Energy Commission ,  Energy Storage,  

Saint Jean Carbon
Date: 2019-12-30
Oakville, Ontario-headquartered carbon science and energy storage specialist Saint Jean Carbon Inc. reports it has been awarded two graphene related projects from K-Technology USA Inc.

The first project is the development of superconducting wire based on Saint Jean's provisional patent application for the development of a diamagnetic superconducting wire. The second project is to develop a waste energy capture system patented by K-Technology. The project entails the rewiring of the motors (4) on a drone with Saint Jean hyper-conducting wire and engineering an alternator re capture system to recharge the batteries. Both projects are moving along on time and are expected to be completed in early 2020. (Source: Saint Jean Carbon, PR, 23 Dec., 2019) Contact: Saint Jean Carbon Inc. Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director, (905) 844-1200, info@saintjeancarbon.com, www.saintjeancarbon.com

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EDP Renewables,First Solar, ConnectGen
Date: 2019-12-23
Following up on our 13th November report, First Solar reports EDP Renewables and Houston-headquartered ConnectGEN LLC's acquisition of three First Solar projects totaling 278MW AC in the US has been completed . The projects include the 154MWAC Sun Streams 1 project in Maricopa County, AZ, the 20MWAC Windhub A project in Kern County, CA, and the 103MWAC Sunshine Valley project in Nye County, Nevada.

EDP Renewables North America commissioned its first two solar parks in California in January 2015, subsequently adding three solar parks in South Carolina to its operational portfolio.

Houston-headquartered ConnectGen develops renewable energy and energy storage projects across North America. The company is backed by Quantum Energy Partners, a provider of private equity capital to the global energy industry. (Source: EDP Renewables, First Solar, Printed Electronics, 30 Dec., 2019) Contact: EDP Renewables North America, Miguel Prado, CEO, (713) 265-0350 - Houston, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com; First Solar, Kathryn Arbeit, VP, Project Dev., David Brady, Inv. Rel., (602) 414-9315, dbrady@firstsolar.com, www.firstsolar.com; ConnectGEN LLC, (346) 998-2020, www.connectgenllc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDP Renewables ,  Solar,  First Solar,  ConnectGen ,  

Highview Power Storage
Date: 2019-12-23
In the U.K., London-headquartered cryogenic energy storage system specialist Highview Power Storage, Inc., and Encore Renewable Energy, a developer of renewable energy generation and storage projects are jointly reporting plans to develop the United States' first long duration, liquid air energy storage system -- a minimum of 50MW sytem providing 400MWh stroage -- in northern Vermont.

Highview Power's CRYOBattery™ proprietary liquid air energy storage system relies on low-risk, proven technology, generates zero emissions, has zero water impact and can be delivered at a cost of approximately half of the current cost of traditional lithium-ion batteries. When paired with renewables, the systems are equivalent in performance to fossil fuel powered thermal and nuclear baseload power. (Source: Encore Renewable Energy, Highview Power, PR, 18 Dec., 2019) Contact: Highview Power Storage, Inc., Javier Cavada, CEO , Salvatore Minopoli, VP, salvatore.minopoli@highviewpower.com, www.highviewpower.com; Encore Renewable Energy, Chad Farrel, CEO, www.encorerenewableenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Highview Power,  Energy Storage,  

DOE SETO
Date: 2019-12-20
Cleveland-headquartered power management specialist Eaton Corp is reporting receipt of $3 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to pursue research and development initiatives that enable more widespread adoption of solar power and energy storage.

Eaton's research will focus on developing a real-time controller for behind-the-meter distributed energy resources and loads, such as solar generation and battery storage. The project will integrate data from smart meters to enable enhanced grid services that improve reliability in distribution systems with high solar penetration.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Electric Power Research Institute, Pecan Street, Provo City Power and Commonwealth Edison will participate in Eaton's research. m will work with existing utility infrastructure.

SETO supports early-stage R&D to improve the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. (Source: Eaton, PR, BusinessWire, 19 Dec., 2019) Contact: Eaton, Cara Klaer, Media, (248) 226-1755, CaraLKlaer@eaton.com, www.eaton.com; DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office, www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-technologies-office

More Low-Carbon Energy News Eaton Corp,  SETO,  U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies ,  

NV Energy
Date: 2019-12-20
In Carson City, the Nevada Public Utility Commission reports it will to fine NV Energy $100,000 for failure to comply with an agreement to allocate $10 million in incentive payments for energy storage systems.

The PUC claims the utility essentially ignored commission orders implementing a 2017 state law that required the company to put aside $10 million -- $5 million each in incentive payments for small and large scale energy storage systems -- instead using the funds to pump up subsidy payments for solar installations. (Source: Nevada Public Utility Commission, The Nevada Independent, 18 Dec., 2019) Contact: Nevada PUC, (775) 684-6101, www.puc.nv.gov; NV Energy, Doug Cannon, Pres., CEO, Kristen Saibini, Corporate Communications, 775-834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com, www.nvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NV Energy,  Energy Storage,  

Gresham House Energy Storage Fund
Date: 2019-12-16
In the UK, Gresham House Energy Storage Fund is reporting the acquisition of two operational battery storage facilities totaling 50 MW. The £29.2 million($38.6 million) acquisitions were from VLC Energy, a joint venture between Low Carbon and VPI Immingham, a subsidiary of Vitol Group.

The acquisitions include a 40 MW facility in Kent and a 10 MW project in Cumbria that were commissioned in January 2018. The plants are two of the UK's largest energy storage facilities and their combined 50 MW capacity represents a quarter of National Grid's 2016 Enhanced Frequency Response (EFR) capacity. (Source: Gresham House Energy Storage Fund, PEI, 16 Dec., 2019) Contact: Gresham House Energy, www.greshamhouse.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  

Hydrostor,NRStor
Date: 2019-12-11
Toronto-based Hydrostor, a developer of Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) projects, in partnership with energy storage project developer NRStor, also of Toronto, has announced completion of the Goderich A-CAES compressed-air energy storage facility in Goderich, Ontario.

The first-of-its-kind utility-scale Goderich A-CAES Facility is commercially contracted to Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for peaking capacity and ancillary services to support grid reliability.

The project, was supported by Export Development Canada (EDC), Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE). (Source: Hydrostor, Elec. Bus., 9 Dec., 2019) Contact: Hydrostor, Curtis Vanwallegham, CEO, (416) 548-7880, info@hydrostor.ca, www.hydrostor.ca: NRStor, Peter Gregg, President, (647) 281-7200, www.nrstor.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hydrostor,  Compressed Air Energy STorage,  Energy Storage,  NRStor,  

Maui Electric,HECO
Date: 2019-12-09
In the Aloha State, the Public Utilities Commission reports it has approved Maui Electric's planned RFP for Molokai to be supplied with 78 pct renewable sources and Lanai 55 to 61 pct by 2023 under a procurement process started by Maui Electric Co. The projects would come online in 2023.

Estimated targets of the new renewable generation for Molokai are the equivalent of approximately 4 MW of solar or 3.6 MW of small wind, specified as turbines 100 kilowatts or less, and paired with energy storage. On Lanai, the company is seeking renewable energy generation equivalent up to 9.5 MW of solar paired with energy storage on land owned by Pulama Lanai.

The procurement efforts for Molokai and Lanai are part of the Hawaiian Electric Companies (HECO) largest-ever renewable energy push for Maui County, Oahu and Hawaii Island.

Proposals are due by Jan. 31 with final awards announced March 31 for Lanai and July 14, 2020 for Molokai. (Source: Maui News, Maui Electric, HECO, PR,5 Dec. 2019) Contact: HECO, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Maui Electric,  Solar,  HECO,  

Packard Foundation
Date: 2019-12-09
According to the newly released Global Change Biology study from the Los Altos, California-based David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the burgeoning bioenergy sector must peak and decline in the next 30 years to alleviate extreme pressure on land. The study researchers assert that projections envisioning the use of biomass from crops, trees or grasses for fuel through 2100 overlook the technology's high carbon footprint and excessive land use.

An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released last year found that many scenarios capable of reducing the threat of climate change relied heavily on bioenergy, predicting that energy from biomass could make up 26 pct of primary energy in 2050 -- up from 10 pct in 2020 -- and predicting that solar and wind combined would likely only account for 22 pct. Those scenarios often relied on significant use of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), which involves growing trees across a large area of land to produce wood pellets burned for energy, then capturing and sequestering the carbon emissions. In its analysis, though, the IPCC found significant challenges associated with a high reliance on bioenergy, noting in particular that the vast areas of land required to produce biomass for energy would compete with food production and other human needs.

The Global Change Biology assessment examine a flurry of recent reports that suggest even more problems with large-scale bioenergy projects reliant on large tracts of land, and also show that more cost-effective alternatives will be available in the coming decades. Pulling from these recent studies, the authors establish three reasons why large-scale bioenergy must and can peak and decline in the next 30 years:

Large-scale bioenergy emits carbon. Carbon emissions from bioenergy can be greater in the near-term than emissions from the fossil fuels it is replacing, undermining the assumption that bioenergy is always a relatively low-emission and low-cost form of energy. Burning wood pellets, for example, creates a "double climate problem." Manufacturing and shipping wood pellets entails substantial emissions of fossil CO2, and it can take decades or centuries for harvested areas to return to pre-harvest carbon stocks.

Large-scale bioenergy puts a squeeze on land. Land is already a scarce resource, and it will become even scarcer with time due to an increase in the human population and a rise in the appreciation of the conservation value of natural and mostly-natural ecosystems--even if agricultural yields continue to increase. Because land is so limited, we should use it as efficiently as possible for energy production. In contrast to land-intensive bioenergy, the amount of electricity that can be produced from a hectare of land using photovoltaics is at least 50-100 times that from biomass.

Large-scale bioenergy is inferior to other solutions. And, by mid-century, land-intensive bioenergy will face fierce competition from superior technologies such as wind and solar energy, the development of efficient storage and other flexibility solutions, and the advent of more effective carbon removal technologies such as direct air capture with carbon storage.

The assessment comes at a time when the bioenergy industry is ramping up worldwide, with the EU in the lead. Bioenergy currently accounts for 10 pct of the world's energy, and 50 pct of our renewable energy. In the EU, bioenergy accounts for two-thirds of all renewable energy (nearly half from wood). Two-thirds of the EU's "20 pct Renewable Energy by 2020" target depends on bioenergy. And the bloc is also about to greenlight the conversion of five large coal plants to bioenergy plants that burn imported wood pellets from overseas forests.

Land-intensive electrical power projects in particular are picking up steam as governments and industry leaders seek to transform disused coal factories into new profit centers. Between 2006 and 2015, the production of wood pellets for biomass energy use quadrupled to 26 million tons. Worldwide, demand for globally traded wood pellets destined for use in phased-out coal plants or new dedicated bioenergy plants is expected to rise 250 pct by 2027.

The study lays out a bioenergy trajectory that policymakers can use to encourage sustainable bioenergy while also opening the door for new technologies to replace land-intensive bioenergy in the very near future. These recommendations include improved accounting of the actual carbon emissions associated with the use of biomass, favoring biomass from waste, residues or land management practices that enhance carbon storage, and providing incentives for energy storage, direct air capture technologies, and low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. Above all, the authors argue that bioenergy projects should be avoided if they involve natural forests, such as converting natural forests to bioenergy plantations, or use land best suited for food crops. And the authors caution that claims that bioenergy projects are a zero-carbon form of energy should be met with skepticism.

The Packard Foundation through 2020, will have awarded nearly $1 billion in grants to reduce carbon emissions, one of the its greatest program commitments in its 55-year history. (Source: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Dec., 2019) Contact: David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Walt Reid, Director Conservation and Science Program, Report Author, 650-948-7658, www.packard.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Bioenergy,  CO2,  CCS,  Biofuels,  Carbon Emissions,