Platte River Power Authority
Date: 2019-10-04
The Fort Collins, Colorado-based utility Platte River Power Authority has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for as much as 150 MW of additional solar PV power generating capacity before current tax credits end December 31, 2023. The not-for-profit wholesale electricity generation and transmission provider plans to ink a PPA with the winner of the RfP for a term of between 15 years and 25 years. The new solar park should be hooked to Platte River's transmission system in the northern part of the state or substations located near any of its four owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont or Loveland. Interested bidders can submit proposals by October 25, 2019. The result of the process is seen to be announced by the end of the year. (Source: Platte River Power Authority, Renewables Now, 3 Oct., 2019) Contact: Platte River Power Authority, 970-226-4000, www.prpa.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Platte River Power Authority,  Solar,  

US EIA
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the recently released U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report, despite renewable energy investment more than tripling globally during the current decade compared to the last 10-year period, most of the power delivered to the world's electric grids during the recent decade was from coal -- still the world's largest source of electricity, providing 38 pct of world electrical generation in 2018, about the same as 1997.

The world spent about $2.6 trillion on renewable energy projects during the decade, over three times the amount spent from 2000 to 2009. Solar PV investments totaled around $1.3 trillion, and onshore and offshore wind investment totaled around $1 trillion. Globally, solar energy capacity increased by 638 GW between 2009 and 2019, while coal-fired capacity increased by 529 GW, wind capacity increased 487 GW, and natural gas capacity increased 436 GW. In 2018, $41 billion was invested in coal worldwide.

China's spending on renewable electricity was the highest in the world at $758 billion from 2000 to the first half of 2019. The US was second with $356 billion, followed by Japan at $202 billion. The European nations spent around $698 billion on wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, with Germany and the UK spending the most. It is expected that 330 GW of new wind power capacity will come online over the next five years, driven primarily by onshore wind power projects in the US and China. Investments in renewable power capacity in 2018, however, dropped 38 pct in China and by 6 pct in the US, while rising 45 pct in Europe.

The report predicts that electric power demand for coal will fall to 17 pct of total generation by 2050. Moody's Investors Service predicts coal will represent 11 pct of total U.S. power generation by 2030 -- down from 27 pct in 2018. The over 50 pct drop in coal demand from utilities by 2030 implies that coal demand would decline by about 7 pct per year on average over the next 10 years.

Download the US EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2019 -- Projections to 2050 report HERE. (Source: US EIA, Sept., 2019) Contact: US EIA, www.eia.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Coal,  Renewable Energy,  US EIA,  

Intersect Power
Date: 2019-09-27
US-based renewable energy projects developer Intersect Power is reporting plans to develop a 1.7GW solar power plant portfolio in 2020. The portfolio will include five shovel-ready solar projects, which will be located in California and Texas.

Out of the five projects, three will be developed in Texas. Juno, a 425MW project is scheduled to begin construction in February 2020, while Titan, a 375MW project is slated for Culberson County with an expected expected ground-breaking in March 2020. The Aragorn project will have an installed capacity of 250MW will be built at Culberson Country, with construction works expected to begin in June 2020.

In California, the company will develop Athos I and Athos II in Riverside County in June and October 2020 respectively.

First Solar will supply more than 3.7 million thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules for these projects. Signal Energy will handle engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities. (Source: Interstate Power, Power Tech., 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: Interstate Power, Sheldon Kimber, CEO, www.intersectpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intersect Power,  Solar,  

Contemporary Amperex Technology
Date: 2019-09-25
Chinese global battery manufacturer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) reports it will introduce two residential energy storage products with 100Ah battery cells -- its first residential energy storage solution for the U.S. market -- at Solar Power International 2019 (SPI).

The company cites the projected rapid expansion of the energy storage market as a chief reason for the expansion (Source: CATL, PV Mag, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Contemporary Amperex Technology, +86 0 593 258 3668, (248) 289-6200 – Detroit Office, www.catlbattery.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Contemporary Amperex Technology,  Battery,  Energy Storage,  Solar,  

European Commission,Strategic Research Institute
Date: 2019-09-25
With the goal of boosting the circular economy, energy efficiency and emissions reduction, Spanish auto maker SEAT S.A. reports it will participate in the Life Landfill Biofuel project which will obtain renewable gas from municipal landfills. The project, which was recently approved by the European Commission, is intended to produce biomethane from an indigenous, abundant biomass energy source. The 4-year project is budgeted at €4.6 million of which the European Commission will provide 55 pct.

SEAT is currently working on the Life Methamorphosis project to obtain biomethane from previously selected waste and animal slurry from a farm in Lleida, Spain. The new Life Landfill Biofuel project is a step further as the raw material originates directly from the landfill, without prior separation.

Other project participants include FCC, IVECO, The University of Granada, the CARTIF Foundation, SYSADVANCE and Gasnam. SEAT previously developed a similar project with Aqualia to convert waste water into biofuel. (Source: SEAT S.A. Website, Strategic Research Institute, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: Universitat de LLeida, Departament de Produccie Vegetal, www.pvcf.udl.cat; SEAT, www.seat.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Landfill Gas,  Biomethane,  Waste-to-Fuel ,  

Date: 2019-09-13
A 200 MW storage project is being developed by Hanwha Energy Corporation and Lumcloon Energy. The €300 million facility is intended to stabilize the grid to host more renewable energy capacity. With that tweet, Ireland’s minister for communications, climate action and environment, Richard Bruton, welcomed the beginning of construction of a 200 MW storage project planned in County Offaly, in Leinster province in the east of Ireland. The project consists of two 100 MW lithium-ion storage units near the municipalities of Ferbane and Shannonbridge, Irish broadcaster RTE revealed. The developer is Korea-based Hanwha Energy Corporation, the parent company of module maker Hanwha Q Cells, and Irish company Lumcloon Energy Limited is a partner on the project. The storage facility is intended to secure power supply for the country’s future energy grid, which is expected to accommodate a rising share of renewable energy generation. Lumcloon Energy Limited announced the project with Hanwha in April 2018. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, Ireland had a pumped storage capacity of 292 MW at the end of last year. Its installed hydropower capacity stood at 529 MW while solar and wind had shares of 3,518 MW and 29 MW, respectively. Fossil fuels still meet around half of Ireland’s power demand. (Source: pv mag, 10 Sept., 2019)

Solar
Date: 2019-09-11
Reporting from Harare, the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe has issued an RfP seeking partners for the development and construction of seven solar parks totaling 235 MW, plus two mini-hydro power projects.

The PV plants include 50 MW facilities at the GDE Bulilima Solar Energy Project; the Sable Solar Farm Project at Kwekwe, Midlands province; the Gwayi Solar Project in Matabeleland North; and the Rufaro Solar Farm Project at Marondera. As of December 2018, Zimbabwe had only 11 MW of installed solar capacity, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IREA).

RFP details HERE. (Source: Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, pv mag, Sept., 2019) Contact: Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, + 263 4 7501718, + 263 4 749012 -- fax., management@idbz.co.zw, www.idbz.co.zw

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Solar
Date: 2019-09-06
MIT researchers Ian Peters and Tonio Buonassisi have found the power generated by solar PV drops by 0.45 pct for every degree of increased temperature.

Download the MIT study HERE (Source: MIT, Ecologist, Sun Investment Group, PR, Sept., 2019) MiT (Source: MIT, Khmer Times, Reuters, 5 Sept., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

R.Power, mBank
Date: 2019-09-06
Poland's largest renewable energy developer R.Power Renewables Group and mBank are reporting conclusion of a €20.7 million solar power deal in Poland.

The investment includes construction of 34 solar power plants that will generate approximately 35,000 MWh of electricity per year -- sufficient power for 15,000 households. Construction is underway for completion and commissioning not later the Q1, 2020. (Source: R.Power, Emerging Europe, 5 Sept., 2019) Contact: R.Power, https://ca.linkedin.com/company/r-power-polska; mBank, +48 42 6 300 800, kontakt@mbank.pl, www.mbank.pl

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Green Building Council South Africa
Date: 2019-08-30
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Properties and Services Department is touting its sustainability plan aimed at reducing reduce energy consumption and achieving close to net-zero carbon emissions not later than 2050. The UCT sustainability plan includes:

extensive energy audits of building energy consumption;

intensified energy metering and monitoring;

improved, automated building management systems

energy efficient lighting and heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations and retrofits;

"green" energy efficiency certification on new buildings;

replacing diesel powered shuttle transportation with electric buses;

solar photovoltaic (PV) installations on rooftops and parking areas -- a feasibility study is presently under way to determine which buildings and locations are most suitable for solar PV installations.

Over the past 10 years UCT has converted electric hot water boilers in residences to energy-efficient heat pumps, conducted energy audits in some buildings and retrofitted energy-efficient lighting fixtures in one residence.

In 2012 the university committed to green designs for all new buildings -- independently certified by the Green Building Council South Africa.(Source: Univ. of Cape Town, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: University of Cape Town, www.uct.ac.za; Green Building Council South Africa, +27 86 104 2272, www.gbcsa.org.za

More Low-Carbon Energy News Green Building,  Energy Efficiency,  

Royal Dutch Shell,Punjab Renewable Energy Systems
Date: 2019-08-30
Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell Plc reports is subsidiary Shell India has invested $7.7 million in the Indian biomass supply company Punjab Renewable Energy Systems Pvt. Ltd. which is backed by Neev Fund and responsAbility.

Punjab Renewable, is involved in the collection, processing, storage and supply of paddy straw, cotton stalk, soya husk, maize cob and mustard stalk biomass for use in to power plants, biofuel production and various other applications.

Punjab Renewable notes it can handle more than 1,000 tpd and plans to scale up to 10,000 tpd in the next few years. (Source: VCCircle, Royal Dutch Shell, 29 Aug., 2019) Contact: Shell India, www.shell.in; Punjab Renewable Energy Systems, +91 22 2757 0498, www.prespl.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Royal Dutch Shell,  Biomass,  

Duke Energy,SolAmerica
Date: 2019-08-28
Duke Energy Renewables is reporting commissioning of 9 Georgia solar power plants totaling 14.1 MW under a partnership with Atlanta-based SolAmerica Energy. The nine projects, which range from 960 kW and 2.3 MW, were developed under an engineering, production and procurement (EPC) agreement between REC Solar, a unit of Duke Energy Renewables, and SolAmerica. The complex's 54,590 photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity and renewable attributes that will be sold under a 35-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Georgia Power, as part of the latter's Renewable Energy Development Initiative. (Source: Duke Energy, Renewables, 26 Aug., 2019) Contact: Solamerica Energy, 404-351-8175, www.solamericaenergy.com; Duke Energy Renewables, Rob Caldwell, Pres, (704) 594-6200, rob.caldwell@duke-energy.com, www.duke-energy.com

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

Mozambique,Gigawatt Global
Date: 2019-08-28
In Maputo, the capital city of of Mozambique, the government's director of Mineral Resources and Energy is reporting the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Anglican church in Niassa and Amsterdam, the Netherlands-based Gigawatt Global for the construction of $200 million photovoltaic power plant in Lichinga, the capital of Niassa province, in northern Mozambique.

The 50 MW project, which is expected break ground in September, will deliver its power production to the national grid. (Source: Construction Review Online, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Gigawatt Global, +31 20 262 3893, info@gigawattglobal.com, www.gigawattglobal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  PV,  

TOTAL,Vents d'Oc.
Date: 2019-08-28
Oil major TOTAL is reporting its renewable energy subsidiary Quadran has acquired Montpeller, France-based wind developer Vents d'Oc and its renewable energy project pipeline of more than 200MW.

With this acquisition, Quadran now holds a wind, solar PV and hydro portfolio of more than 830MW. As of 1 Sept., Quadran will change its name to Total Quadran. (Source: TOTAL, Windpower, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Vents d'Oc, +33 4 67 47 86 61, www.ventsdoc.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News TOTAL,  Wind,  

LONGi Solar
Date: 2019-08-26
Xi'an, China-based LONGi Solar, a subsidiary of LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd, reports it has achieved AA-Rating status, in the first quarterly release of PV-Tech's new PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings.

The PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings system is the solar industry's first qualified tool that allows investors to understand and benchmark solar module suppliers. The analysis tracks a wide range of manufacturing and financial performance metrics, combining these to generate an overall bankability score between 0 and 10. Companies are then graded across nine risk categories from AAA-Rated (most bankable) to C-Rated (high risk). The system evaluates the investment risk -- financability -- rating for all PV module manufacturers, which combined with manufacturing capacity and financial health scores. At present, no company has been rated AAA and the Top 4 companies are all rated AA.

LONGi is one of China's leading solar manufacturers, with a fully vertically integrated monocrystalline supply chain from silicon ingot, wafer, cell to module. The company's cell and module capacities will reach 10GW and 16GW respectively by the end 2019, and are expected to reach 15GW and 25GW at the end of 2020. (Source: LONGi Solar, PR, TASS, 23 Aug., 2019) Contact: LONGi Solar, Dr. Lv Jun, VP, + 86-021-6104 7380, Ted Yang, +86-153-886-37121, en.longi-solar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Longi Solar,  Solar,  

EDF Renewables,Elsewedy Electric
Date: 2019-08-21
Two major Egyptian photovoltaic plants totaling 130-MW are reported to now be online and generating sufficient electric power for as many as 140,000 homes. The projects in the Aswan Valley were developed, financed, constructed and are owned by a joint venture between Cairo-based Elsewedy Electric and French renewable developer EDF Renewables. Both pprojects have a 25-year PPA with the state-owned Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company.

The Egyptian government is aiming to generate 20 pct of the country's power from renewable sources by 2022, increasing to 42 pct by 2035. (Source: EDF Renewables, Middle East Utilities, 20 Aug., 2019) Contact: Elsewedy Electric, www.elsewedyelectric.com; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Solar,  PV Solar,  Egypt Solar,  

Hanwha Q Cells
Date: 2019-08-21
South Korean solar cell manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells Corp., a unit of conglomerate Hanwha Group, is reported to have been the leading U.S. residential solar power modules in Q1 of this year. The company claimed a 27 pct share of the U.S. residential market, up 15.4 pct from the same period in 2019, according to global consultancy Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables. Hanwha Q Cells also supplies PV modules in Korea, Germany, the UK and Japan. (Source: Hanwha, Maeil Business News Korea, 20 Aug., 2019)Contact: Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., www.hanwha-qcells.com, www.hanwha.com/en/about_hanwha.html

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hanwha Q Cells,  Solar,  Hanwha,  

Canadian Solar, Direct Energy
Date: 2019-08-19
Guelph, Ontario-headquartered solar power specialist Canadian Solar Inc. is reporting an agreement with Centrica PLC subsidiary Direct Energy for the purchase of electricity from its 32 MWp/23 MWac Suffield solar facility in Southeastern Alberta. The Suffield solar facility is anticipated to be the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in Alberta when fully operational in 2020.

The Suffield project will incorporate Canadian Solar's high efficiency BiKu bifacial solar modules that produce electricity from both sides of the solar panel as well as single-axis trackers,

As previously reported, the Suffield project received $15.3 million in funding through Natural Resources Canada's Emerging Renewable Power Program. (Source: Canadian Solar, Others, newkerala, 18 Aug., 2019) Contact: Centrica PLC, www.centrica.com; Canadian Solar Solutions, www.canadiansolar.com; Direct Energy, Mike Senff, VP, (416) 758-8700, www.directenergybusiness.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Canadian Solar,  Solar,  Direct Energy,  

EDP Renewables North America
Date: 2019-08-14
In the Golden State, EDP Renewables North America reports it will sell 110 MW of electricity from the Sonrisa solar farm and battery storage facility to San Jose Clean Energy The 20-year PPA covers 100 MW of solar energy and 10 MW of storage capacity. In June, EDP inked a similar PPA with East Bay Community Energy for 100 MW of photovoltaic and 30 MW of storage.

The two PPAs together account for 100 pct of the facility's power and storage capacity.(Source: EDP Renewables North America, PR, ReNEWS, Aug., 2019) Contact: EDP Renewables North America, Miguel Prado, CEO, (713) 265-0350 - Houston, +351 21 001 25 00, www.edpr.com; East Bay Community Energy, 833-699-3223, www.ebce.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDP Renewables North America ,  

Neoen
Date: 2019-08-09
French renewables developer Neoen reports the South Australian governmentit has approved its planned 125 MW of wind generation, 150 MW solar PV generation and 130MW/400MWh of lithium-ion battery storage project that could also integrate up to 50 MW of on-site hydrogen production capability.

The solar project would incorporate 400,000‐500,000 solar panels mounted on single-axis trackers. The wind farm would utilize 26 turbines and 130 MW/400 MWh lithium-ion energy storage facility connected to the national grid. The energy storage facility will be located on a separate site and connected to the wind park and solar farm via underground transmission cables.

To date, Neoen has invested more than $1 billion in South Australia. (Source : Neoen Australia, PV Mag., 8 Aug., 2019) Contact: Neoen Australis, Garth Heron, Head of Development, +33 805 160 022, www.neoen.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Neoen,  Renewable Energy,  PV,  Solar,  

Leclanche
Date: 2019-08-09
In the Caribbean, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the state-owned St. Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC) and the Swiss energy storage specialist Leclanche SA are touting the planned construction of a 35.6 MW solar energy plant and 44.2 MWh battery storage facility adjacent to the City of Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts. When fully operational, the system will provide between 25-30 pct of the island nation's electric power requirements.

Leclanche will serve as the prime engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the installation of both the solar photovoltaic (PV) system and battery energy storage system and will be responsible for the completed project's management, operations, maintenance and warranties. SKELEC and Leclanche have inked a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the facility's output.

Ground-breaking is slated for mid-October 2019 for completion and commissioning in September 2020. (Source: Leclanche, PR, 7 Aug., 2019) Contact: Leclanche Anil Srivastava, CEO, +41 (0) 24 424 65 00, Fax: +41 (0)24 424 65 20, info@leclanche.com, www.leclanche.com; St. Kitts Electric Company, 869-465-2000, www.skelec.kn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Leclanche,  

AEP,City of Shelby
Date: 2019-08-07
In the Buckeye State, Shelby City Council reports the passage of three resolutions entering into an agreement with American Electric Power (AEP) for a 2.5 MW photovoltaic (PV) electric generation facility on 14 acres in Shelby (pop. 9,000 +-). The installation would incorporate "several thousand" 370-watt photovoltaic panels to generate roughly 3,500 MWh per year.

The city will be the sole consumer of the solar facility's power production. When fully online, the solar installation is expected to save the city an estimated $3 million in energy costs over 10 years. (Source: City of Shelby, Richland Source, 5 Aug., 2019) Contact: City of Shelby, John Ensman, Dir. of Utilities, 419-342-4085, www.shelbycity.oh.gov; American Electric Power, Nicholas K. Akins, Pres., (614) 716-1000, www.aep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  AEP,  

DEWA,Stanford University
Date: 2019-08-07
In the UAE, the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) reports it's Research and Development Center will collaborate with California's Stanford University on radiation cooling to improve the efficiency and performance of solar panels. The research will include the utilization of autonomous robots in monitoring and maintaining solar power plants, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to forecast the performance and production of photovoltaic solar plants in the short term.

The DEWA R&D Centre, situated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, also has renewable and alternative energy co-operation agreements with the U.S. DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Spanish National Renewable Energy Centre, as well as the United Arab Emirates University and Khalifa University.

The UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031; the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 aims to diversify the country's energy mix and provide 75 pct of Dubai's total power output from clean sources by 2050. (Source: DEWA, MEP Middle East, Stanford, DEWA, Aug., 2019) Contact: DEWA, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO, www.dewa.gov.ae; Stanford, www.stanford.edu

More Low-Carbon Energy News DEWA,  Solar,  Stanford,  PV,  

Guizhou province
Date: 2019-08-05
The Chinese news agency Xinhua is reporting Southwest China's Guizhou Province (pop. 34.75 million) will complete and commission 63 photovoltaic (PV) projects totaling 3.6 million kilowatts of installed capacity this year -- 16 pct of the country's total solar capacity. The projects will be subsidized by the country, with a total subsidy of 450 million yuan ($64.85 million) U.S. dollars), which occupies about 26.5 percent of the country's total subsidies for such projects, according to the provincial energy bureau.

By the end of this June, Guizhou province had installed 28.25 million kilowatts of new and renewable energy, accounting for 45.6 percent of the province's installed capacity of electricity. (Source: Xinhua, Aug., 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  China Soar,  

Canadian Solar ,Natural Resources Canada
Date: 2019-07-31
Ontario-based solar panel maker Canadian Solar Solutions Inc reports it will receive close to $8 million ($6.1 million US) from Natural Resources Canada's (NRC) energy innovation programme to develop and test high-density (HiDM) PV panels.

The new HiDM panels will use a first-of-its-kind shingled module technology that can be adapted to any type of solar cell, and are 20 pct more efficient than conventional panels, according to a company statement. (Source: Canadian Solar Solutions, Renewables, 30 July, 2019) Contact: Canadian Solar Solutions, www.canadiansolar.com; NRC, Vanessa Adams, Office of the Minister of Natural Resources, (343) 543-7645, Vanessa.Adams@canada.ca, www.nrcan.gc.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News NRC,  Canadian Solar ,  PV,  

Mali,Solar
Date: 2019-07-29
The landlocked African nation of Mali reports it is set to begin construction of a 33 MW Segou solar photovoltaic power plant in southern Mali. The $53.7 million project, which will incorporate 104,764 ground mounted solar panels, is being developed with Norwegian assistance in the design, construction and operations of the plant and 2.8 km of a 33kV transmission line.

The project will be implemented by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under a 25-year Build, Own and Operate & Transfer (BOOT) Concession Agreement with the Government of Mali (GoM) and a 25-year Take-or-Pay Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Energie du Mali (EDM), the country's national utility. When fully operational, the project will be connected to Mali's national grid via the substation of the state-owned Mali Electricity Company (EDM). (Source: Mali Electricity Company, CR, 29 July, 2019)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Date: 2019-07-29
! Castrol oil, with a high specific gravity, thickness and hydroxyl value, is used either in its refined hydrogenated form or crude form, is primarily used for the production of various bio-based chemicals, biodiesel fuel and other valuable products.

According to the report, the Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the castor oil derivatives market in the time period 2018-26. India is projected to be the major production hub of castor oil derivatives globally, followed by Brazil, Russia, Paraguay, Philippines, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, and Thailand.

Some prominent market players of global castor oil and derivatives market are Liaoyang Huaxing Chemical Co., ITOH Oil Chemicals Co. Ltd., Jayant Agro Organics, Bom Brazil, Hokoku Corporation, Ltd., Kanak Castor Products Pvt. Ltd., Thai Castor Oil Industries Co. Ltd., Gokul Overseas, and others are among the major global players in the castor oil market.

Download report details HERE and HERE (Source: The Market Plan, 28 July, 2019) Request For Table of Contents: https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/requesttoc/9536

More Low-Carbon Energy News Castor Oil,  Biochemical,  Biofuel,  

Southern Power, esVolta
Date: 2019-07-29
Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, is reporting a partnership with Aliso Viejo, California-headquartered utility-scale energy storage project specialist esVolta LP to develop four energy storage facilities totaling over 86 MW / 345 MWh in Southern California Edison (SoCal) service territory. Southern Power has closed on the investment in one of the four projects, with the other three subject to completion.

esVolta LP is a leading developer, owner and manager of utility-scale energy storage projects across North America. The company's portfolio of operational plus contracted projects totals over 400 MWhs of capacity. The company is supported by a long-term capital commitment from Blue Sky Alternative Investments LLC, and a strategic procurement arrangement with Powin Energy Corporation, according to the company. (Source: esVolta LP, Southern Company, PV Mag, Contact: esVolta, Randolph Mann, President, www.linkedin.com/in/randolph-mann-570b562b, (949) 330 6300, info@esvolta.com, www.esvolta.com; Southern Power, Buzz Miller, Pres., CEO, (404) 506-5000, www.southerncompany.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern Power,  esVolta,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Santa Monica
Date: 2019-07-24
In the Golden State, the city of Santa Monica reports it expects to invest $2.6 million on the installation of solar panels on two buildings at the Santa Monica Airport and on the City Services Building (CSB) currently under construction behind City Hall.

The installations are part of the City's Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project to help meet its goal of making Santa Monica a carbon neutral city by 2050.

Seven city owned facilities presently have a total combined solar capacity of 442 kW. The new solar installations would add a total of 559 kW of capacity -- a 127 pct increase that would bring the total to 1.001 MW. (Source: City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Lookout, July 22, 2019) Contact: City of Santa Monica, www.smgov.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Goldwind
Date: 2019-07-22
In Beijing, Chinese wind turbine manufacturer Goldwind reports it has become one of the first partners in a wind-to-hydrogen project in the city of Baicheng, Jilin province, northeast China.

The project plans to eventually deploy 20 GW of wind turbines producing green fuel for a clean transportation system. The Baicheng project -- which also plans to include 15 GW of solar PV -- is the largest yet announced in China to explicitly integrate renewable generation and hydrogen infrastructure within a "hydrogen valley" producing more than one million tonnes of the fuel annually by 2035. (Source: Goldwind, PR,reve, 20 July, 2019) Contact: Goldwind, www.goldwindglobal.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Goldwind,  Wind,  Hydrogen ,  

Artisun Solar
Date: 2019-07-19
In the Show Me State, the Boulevard Brewing Company is reporting Artisun Solar has completed the installation of a 200-kW rooftop solar array at its Kansas City brewery facility.

The new solar installation was financed with CleanView Capital and is additional to Boulevard's existing solar portfolio. (Source: Boulevard Brewing Company, ClearView Capital, PV World, 17 July, 2019) Contact: Boulevard Brewing Company, www.boulevard.com; Artisun Solar, Kirk Kreisel, Pres., 816-265-1786, info@artisunsolar.com, www.artisunsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Artisun Solar,  Solar,  

African Energy Live Data
Date: 2019-07-17
Further to our 24th May report, African Energy Live Data is reporting pre-qualification has begun for phase two of the giant Midelt solar project in Morocco. The project, which is part of the Noor programme managed by the Rabat-based Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), incorporates both concentrated solar power (CSP) and solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies.

The first 800MW phase was awarded to a consortium of France's EDF, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (MASDAR), and Green of Africa in May. Initial plans were for the first phase to consist of two separate hybridised CSP and PV plants. The CSP component of each project was planned to be around 150-190MW and the PV component 150-210MW, making a maximum of 400MW for each plant. A similar structure was contemplated for the second phase but this appears to have been rejected in favour of a single plant.

The second phase preferred bidder will design, finance, build, operate and maintain the plant, which will be constructed roughly 20 km north of Midelt on plains around the Moulouya River.

The project company will also sign a 25-year PPA with MASEN and will be owned by a lead member, expected to hold at least 35 pct , as well as a technical member holding 5 pct. MASEN will likely take a 25 pct stake in both the project company and the operations and maintenance company. The second phase is expected to be built on a turnkey basis through a lump sum fixed-price engineering, procurement and construction contract.

MASEN notes the Noor-Ouarzazate I solar project achieved 32 pct industrial integration, while Noor Ouarzazate II and III both reached 35 pct. (Source: African Energy Live Data, ESI Africa, July, 2019) Contact: African Energy Live Data, www.africa-energy.com/live-data; Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, www.masen.ma/en; Masdar, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ac.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News Noor Solar,  MASDAR,  

Synergy
Date: 2019-07-15
In Uttar Pradesh, India's Synergy Teletech Pvt. Ltd is reporting the launch of its new 'Synergy Green Diesel', a distilled grade biodiesel fuel aimed at the "non-transport, B2B" market -- including MSMEs, hotels, RWAs, office complex, construction sites, telecom towers, etc.

The new fuel is also less costly than regular diesel ang be used in existing diesel engines without engine modifications, according to the company release. (Source: Synergy Teletech Pvt. Ltd, ET Auto, 11 July, 2019) Contact: Synergy Teletech Pvt. Ltd, Prasan Surana, Founder, +91 120 483 6000, www.synergyteletech.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biodiesel,  Green Diesel,  

Sunworks,Bright Power
Date: 2019-07-12
Roseville, California-based solar power specialist Sunworks, Inc. reports receipt of an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from Bright Power to develop a 567 kilowatt roof-top solar PV project for a Northern California residential complex.

Bright Power, which specializes in multifamily apartment buildings, works with building owners to increase their net operating income through energy and water savings while decreasing negative impact on the environment. The project is slated for completion in Q4, 2020. (Source: Sunworks, PR, Yahoo, 11 July, 2019) Contact: Bright Power Inc., 212.803.5868, 415.914.7171, www.brightpower.com, Sunworks, Chuck Cargile, CEO, (866) 600-6800, www.sunworksusa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rooftop Solar,  Sunworks,  Solar,  Bright Power,  

Repsol
Date: 2019-07-08
In Madrid, Spanish energy major Repsol SA is reporting the acquisition of two wind projects and one solar photovoltaic (PV) scheme totaling 794 MW. The company also announced it will develop the 335-MW Delta wind project in Zaragoza, Aragon, as well as a 255-MW wind project in the provinces of Palencia and Valladolid, Castilla y Leon, bought from Iberen and the 204-MW Sigma solar project in Cadiz, Andalucia. The three projects will be managed by Repsol Electricidad y Gas and are expected to come on line in the coming four years.

Repsol aims to operate 4,500 MW of low-emissions generation by 2025 and when those three new projects are put on stream it will have achieved 90% of that objective. The company presently has 2,952 MW of installed low-emission capacity. (Source: Repsol,Renewables Now, July, 2019) Contact: Repsol SA, (+34) 91 7538100 / 91 7538000, sacportal@repsol.com, www.repsol.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Wind,  Solar,  

Jetion Solar,WElink Energy
Date: 2019-06-28
Chinese manufacturer Jetion Solar has supplied 221 MW of its polycrystalline modules to the scheme, which is being developed by Irish firm WElink Energy with state-owned China National Building Materials the EPC provider. Jiangsu, China-based solar manufacturer and project developer Jetion Solar reports subsidy-free construction is nearing completion on its 221-MW Solara 4 project in Vaqueiros, Portugal.

With the project set to become Europe's largest subsidy-free solar facility upon completion in September. The project is being developed by Dublin, Ireland-based renewables company WElink Energy with state-owned Chinese entity China National Building Materials Group Corp performing engineering, procurement and construction at the site. (Source: Jetion Solar, PV Mag, 26 June, 2019) Contact: Jetion Solar, 0510-86687300-2500, 0510-68822889 marketing@Jetion.com.cn, en.jetion.com.cn; WElink Energy, info@welink.eu, +353 1 2944 294, www.welink.eu/energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News WElink Energy ,  Jetion Solar,  Solar,  

NV Energy
Date: 2019-06-26
In the Silver State, Las Vegas-based NV Energy reports it will seek Nevada PUC approval for the addition of nearly 1,200 MW of new solar PV generation along with 590 MW of battery storage to be added to its energy mix in the form of three projects in southern Nevada. With the addition of these new projects, NV Energy will double its renewable energy by 2023.

Each of the three announced projects -- the 200-mw Arrow Canyon Solar Project with a 75 mw battery storage system; the 300-mw Southern Bighorn Solar & Storage Center with 135-mw Li-Ion battery energy storage system; and the 690-mw Gemini Solar + Battery Storage Project with a 380 mw AC battery storage system -- are expected to be online by the end of 2023.

NV Energy's current portfolio includes 57 geothermal, solar, hydro, wind, biomass and supported rooftop solar projects both in service and under development. (Source: NV Energy, PR, 24 June, 2019) Contact: NV Energy, Doug Cameron, CEO, Pres., www.nvenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News NV Energy,  Solar,  

Net-Zero Energy
Date: 2019-06-24
The Eastern Mediterranean island country of Cyprus reports the incorporation of EU Directive -- 2010/31 / EU -- which aims to improve the energy performance of buildings while taking into account the external climatic conditions and indoor climate requirements.

Under the new legislation, photovoltaic (PV) systems will be mandatory in homes, business and government buildings to hlp Cyprus meet energy consumption and near zero-energy goals.

Buildings constructed after 31 December 2018 are required to hold an Energy Performance Certificate classifying them as Energy efficiency class B. This means that buildings will have to be built with materials insulating the interior and generate part of their energy needs from renewable energy sources. Housing units built after the end of 2018 should be producing up to 25 pct, blocks of flats 3 pct and other building types 7 pct -- rising in 2020 when all buildings must be classified as class A. This entails high-performance thermal insulation (walls, ceilings, windows, exposed floors), very low heating requirements, and have a primary annual energy consumption of under 100 kWh per m2. (Source: Cyprus Energy Ministry, Financial Mirror, June, 2019) Contact: Cyprus Energy Ministry, +357 22 867100, www.mcit.gov.cy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Net-Zero Energy,  Energy Efficiency,  

CsGBC
Date: 2019-06-21
Toronto, Ontario's Humber College reports its newly retrofitted NX building has been awarded Zero Carbon Building Design Certification by the Canada Green Building Council -- the first such certification in Canada. With the retrofit, the North Campus building will use 70 pct less energy than previously consumed, making it the college’s most energy efficient building, and one of the most energy efficient in North America, according the the Canada Creen Building Council.

Energy efficiency work on the NX building included: a complete envelope retrofit that is highly insulated and airtight; new triple-pane windows; energy efficient LED lighting upgrades; HVAC systems upgrades; the addition of a new 25kW Solar PV system.

The work, which was undertaken by BIRD Construction, is slated for completion this summer. (Source: CaGBC, PR, Humber College, 20 June, 2019) Contact: Canada Green Building Council, Thomas Mueller, President and CEO, Mark Hutchinson, Director of Green Building Programs, (866) 941-1184, info@cagbc.org, www.cagbc.org; Humber College, (416) 675-3111, www.humber.ca

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  CaGBC,  

First Solar
Date: 2019-06-19
Tempe, Arizona-headquartered thin-film solar module maker First Solar Inc is reported to be seeking a purchaser for a 45-MW photovoltaic (PV) plant portfolio in the Indian state of Karnataka, according to liveMINT.

The planned sale, which is expected to raise approximately $43 million, would be the company's second such sale in India. In 2017 the company sold 190 MW of PV assets across seven sites in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to IDFC Alternatives. (Source: First Solar, liveMINT, June, 2019) Contact: First Solar, Kathryn Arbeit, VP, Project Dev., David Brady, Inv. Rel., (602) 414-9315, dbrady@firstsolar.com, www.firstsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News First Solar,  Solar,  

Trina Solar
Date: 2019-06-14
Shanghai-headquartered solar panel manufacturer Trina Solar Limited reports it has begun mass production of its N-type i-TOPCon double-glass bifacial modules. The best front side power output of a module with 144 half-cut i-TOPCon cells reaches 425 Wp, and the best module efficiency reaches 20.7 pct.

The new i-TOPCon double glass PV modules integrate N-type bifacial i-TOPCon cells with over 80 pct bifaciality, multi-busbar (MBB) design, full square monocrystalline cells, dual-side and half-cut technologies. The highly efficient modules feature a lower temperature coefficient and low light induced degradation (LID), greatly improving the actual power output. They also provide an extra 5 pct to 30 pct power generation from their back side, and feature a 30-year linear power warranty. (Source: Trina Solar, PR, Trina Solar Co., Ltd., 13 June, 2019) Contact: Trina Solar, www.trinasolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trina Solar,  Solar Cell,  Solar Module,  

Engie,Greene Ensys
Date: 2019-06-14
The government of Djibouti through the country's electricity utility Electricite de Djibouti (EDD) is reporting a framework agreement with French company Engie for construction of a 30 MW PV power plant in the Grand Bara region, south of Djibouti.

The project, which will be the first large-scale solar power plant in the country, is part of a much larger project -- the construction of a 300 MW solar complex.

Phase one of the project was initially awarded to Green Enesys, a Swiss company. The overall investment is expected to amount to US $406 million. The country aims to have 100 pct renewable and local energy by 2020.

Also in Djibouti, French firm Blue Shark Power is developing a 120-MW tidal power project. (Source: Construction Review. 13 June, 2019) Contact: EDD, www.edd.dj; Engie, www.engie.com/en; Greene Ensys, www.greenenesys.com; Blue Shark Power, www.bluesharkpower.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Engie,  Solar,  PV,  Greene Ensys,  

Auburn University, Southern Solar Systems
Date: 2019-06-07
Auburn University's National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) and Tyson Foods, Inc report the opening of a 27,000 sq-ft stand-alone solar powered poultry house to be operated completely off the grid in Cullman County, Alabama. A second facility will also be operated exclusively by solar power.

The first house's power will be generated by photovoltaic (PV) panels with a battery set and generator installed by Southern Solar Systems. On-site researchers from Auburn will compare the two poultry house's energy use with normal poultry house operations over a 12 month period to determine best practices for future similar solar installations. (Source: Auburn University, The Poultry Site, 6 June, 2019) Contact: Auburn University National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC) , https://poul.auburn.edu/associates/nptc; Southern Solar Systems, (256) 883-9848, www.southernsolarsys.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Auburn University,  Solar,  Tyson Food,  Southern Solar Systems,  

Vidullanka PLC
Date: 2019-06-05
In Sri Lanka, Vidullanka PLC is reporting the commissioning and grid connection of its 3.3MW Dehiattakandiya Dendro power plant through its joint venture company, Vidul Biomass (Pvt.) Ltd. The facility will use only locally sourced , fast growing gliricidia -- aka "qickstick" -- as a feedstock.

The project is a Rs.1.45 billion investment jointly undertaken by Vidullanka and OC Energy Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, a fully-owned subsidiary of the Japanese construction giant, Obayashi Corporation. The investment in Vidul Biomass (Pvt.) Limited is the first of its kind for the Japanese conglomerate in Sri Lanka. The power plant is expected to supply 22 GWh of annual energy to the national grid. (Source: Vidullanka PLC, Daily Mirror, 4 June, 2019) Contact: Vidullanka PLC , Chamil Silva, CEO, + 94 11 4760000 + 94 11 4760076, info@vidullanka.com, www.vidullanka.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Biomass Energy,  

juwi
Date: 2019-05-29
Worrstadt, Germany-based renewable energy developer Juwi AG's greek subsidiary juwi Hellas has announced plans to begin construction on its 204 MW Kozani solar park in Greece in December 2019. When fully operational and grid connected in April, 2021, the Kozani solar park will be the largest solar PV project in South-East Europe, according to the juwi release. (Source: Balkan Green Energy News, 27 May, 2019) Contact: Juwi AG, Dave Manning, Global Head of Hybrid Energy, Christian Hinsch, Communications, +49 (0) 6732. 96 57-1201, +49 (0) 172. 67 949 12, hinsch@juwi.de, www.juwi.de

More Low-Carbon Energy News juwi,  Solar,  

Trina Solar
Date: 2019-05-29
Shanghai-headquartered Trina Solar's State Key Laboratory (SKL) of PV Science and Technology (PVST) of China has confirmed Trina set a new world record for a high-efficiency n-type mono-crystalline silicon i-TOPCon solar cell.

The record-breaking bifacial solar cell was fabricated on a 244.62 sq-cm wafer with a low-cost industrial process of advanced Industrial Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (i-TOPCon) technologies, having a front boron emitter and a rear full-area passivating contact. The bifacial solar cell reached a total-area front side efficiency of 24.58 pct, as independently confirmed by the ISFH CalTeC in Germany. (Source: Trina Solar, May, 2019) Contact: Trina Solar, Jifan Gao, CEO, +86 519-8517-6878, ir@trinasolar.com, www.trinasolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Trina Solar,  Solar,  Solar Cell Efficiency,  

Colorado PUC
Date: 2019-05-24
In Denver, with the expected signing of SB19-236 -- the Colorado PUC "Sunset" bill -- by Governor Jared Polis (D) Colorado will take its first step to becoming carbon free by 2030, which will probably be followed by an increased focus on renewable energy development.

SB19-236, which has passed the State House and Senate, directs all utilities in the state to set a goal of 80 pct carbon reduction by 2030, followed by 100 pct carbon-free electric power generation by 2050. SB19-236 also allows electric utilities to use low-cost bonds to help refinance retiring fossil fuel generating facilities, a call for distribution system planning and plans to create new workforce and community transition opportunities. (Source: Colorado PUC, Various Media, PV Mag, May, 2019) Contact: Colorado PUC, (303) 894-2000, www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/puc

More Low-Carbon Energy News Carbon Emissions,  Renewable Energy,  Carbon Neutral,  

EDF Renewables
Date: 2019-05-24
A consortium led by French EDF Renewables, in collaboration with UAE renewables developer and operator Masdar, and the Moroccan company Green of Africa reports it has been awarded a tender to build an 800-MW solar plant near the Moroccan city of Midelt. The $751.5 million Noor Midelt I solar project, which will incorporate a hybrid system of concentrated solar plant (CSP) and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, is part of Morocco's goal to produce 42 pct of its electrical power from renewable energy by 2020 and 52 percent by 2030. (Source: EDF Renewables, Middle East Utilities, 23 May, 2019) Contact: EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com; Masdar, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ac.ae

More Low-Carbon Energy News EDF Renewables,  Solar,  Masdar,  

Asian Development Bank
Date: 2019-05-22
The Manila-headquartered Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reported to have offered $4 million in loan funding to Barakat Kandahar Solar Energy (BKSE), a special purpose vehicle company majority owned by 77 Afghanistan, a subsidiary of 77 Group, for construction of a 15.1 MW solar PV power plant in Afghanistan.

The solar plant is expected to generate about 27.5GWh per year of electric power for the country's grid. The project will also add significantly to the country’s share of renewable energy in the total installed power generation capacity between 4.5GW and 5GW by 2032. (Source: ADB, 21 May, 2019)Contact: Asia Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, Pres. +63 2 632 4444, www.adb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Asian Development Bank,  Solar,  

Orix,Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services
Date: 2019-05-20

Japan's Orix Corporation reports it will purchase the remaining shares in seven Indian wind power plants totaling 874 MW in the form of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) from Mumbai-based Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) Wind Energy Limited (IWEL). Orix already holds 49 pct of the seven wind farms.

IL&FS expects deal to be closed by the end of June 2019, subject to compliance and regulatory approvals. (Source: IL&FS, PTI, !8 May, 2019) Contact: Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services, www.ilfsindia.com; ORIX, www.orix.co.jp/grp

More Low-Carbon Energy News Orix,  Wind,