Hanwha Q Cells
Date: 2019-10-11
Solar cell manufacturer Hanwha Q Cells is reporting the Australian launch of Q.Home, a "fully wrapped" home solar and storage package.

The Q.Home combines solar panels, a hybrid inverter, and lithium-ion battery storage scalable from 4-12kWh up to 12kWh. On average, the Q.Home system is expected to generate 355kWh more energy than the industry standard -- which equates to a surplus of 35.5kWh per year for 10 years. The Q.Home's Home Energy Management System (HEMS) allows consumers to monitor and predict household usage patterns and solar energy production. The system can also be paired with either of Q Cells new launched premium panels with 25-year product warranty, the Q.PEAK DUO-G5+ or Q.PEAK DUO-G6+. (Source: Hanwha, Oct., 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,  Energy Storage,  

ReEnergy
Date: 2019-10-09
Following up on our March 13th report of the closure of ReEnergy's former 22-mw woody biomass-to-electricity facility due to the loss of a contract to sell renewable energy certificates (RECs) to the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), the 46-acre site and plant are still not completely demolished in preparation for the hand-over to the area development authority.

ReEnergy was recently granted an extension until Dec. 31 for completing the demolition and site cleanup, transferring the property and paying $22,000 in lieu of taxes. Two solar companies and a company that uses the pyrolysis high temperature process to turn wood into other products, have reportedly shown interest in the property.

ReEnergy owns and operates a biomass facility in Fort Drum, New York. (Source: Watertown Daily, NNY360, 7 Oct., 2019) Contact: ReEnergy Holdings, Sarah Boggess, Communications and Governmental Affairs, (518) 810-0200, sboggess@reenergyholdings.com, www.reenergyholdings.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ReEnergy,  Lyonsdale,  Biomass,  Woody Biomass,  

Rocky Mountain Power, PacifiCorp
Date: 2019-10-09
Salt Lake City-based PacifiCorp, which operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, has released a draft of its 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that continues investments in new wind generation and transmission, while adding significant new solar and storage resources as follows:

WIND -- More than 3,500 MW of new wind generation by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and a total of more than 4,600 MW of new wind generation by 2038,

More than 1,500 MW of new wind generation that is currently under construction, including new wind projects in Wyoming as part of the company’s Energy Vision 2020 initiative

1,920 MW of additional new wind generation in Wyoming by 2024

1,100 MW of new wind generation in Idaho in the 2030 to 2032 time frame.

SOLAR & STORAGE -- Nearly 3,000 MW of new solar by 2025, including resources acquired through customer partnerships, and more than 6,300 MW of new solar by 2038

Nearly 600 MW of battery storage by 2025 and more than 2,800 MW of battery storage by 2038

3,000 MW of new solar in Utah paired with 635 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2037

1,415 MW of new solar in Wyoming paired with 354 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2038

1,075 MW of new solar in Oregon paired with 244 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2020 and 2033

814 MW of new solar in Washington paired with 204 MW of battery storage, phased in between 2024 and 2036

PacifiCorp develops and seeks regulatory acknowledgement of its long-term resource plans every two years to account for changing market conditions, new policies and other factors that determine the least-cost resource portfolio. (Source: PacifiCorp, SweetwaterNow, Oct., 2019) Contact: PacifiCorp, Chad Teply, VP Business Policy and Dev., www.pacificorp.com/irp

More Low-Carbon Energy News PacifiCorp,  Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  Wind,  Solar,  Rocky Mountain Power,  

Kaluza,Powervault
Date: 2019-10-09
In the UK, London-headquartered energy tech firm Kaluza is reporting a technology partnership with UK energy storage specialist Powervault. The partnership will incorporate Powervault 3 devices into Kaluza technologies.

Kaluza's technology will enable the coordination and control of millions of connected devices, creating a fully distributed energy system and 100 pct penetration of renewable power.

Powervault's cloud-connected home energy storage system stores electricity from solar panels or the grid. According to the company, the system can lower electric power bills by up to 20 pct. Within the next twelve months the company plans to launch a new product with second life batteries, larger inverter and energy utility revenues delivering a gross IRR of 15 pct. and secure project financing to start a roll out of storage as a service. (Source: Powervault,CrowdFund Insider, 23 June, 2017)> (Source: Powervault, Current+-. 8 Oct., 2019) Contact: Powervault, Joe Warren, Managing Director, +44 (0) 20 3603 0230, contact@powervault.co.uk, www.powervault.co.uk; Kaluza, media@kaluza.com, www.kaluza.com

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

Dominion Energy Virginia
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Old Dominion State, Richmond-headquartered Dominion Energy reports it has inked a sublease with Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) -- Washington Dulles International Airport -- to begin feasibility studies for a proposed 100-MW solar energy project at the Dulles Airport.

If constructed, power from the solar project would connect to Dominion's existing transition line located on the airport's property in 2022. (Source: Dominion Energy Virginia, Loudon Times-Mittor, 4 Oct., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy Virginia Keith Windle, VP Business Development and Merchant Operations, www.dominionenergy.com

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

NV Energy
Date: 2019-10-07
In the Silver State, Las Vegas-based NV Energy, the state's largest utility reports it is terminating its power contract with Santa Monica-based commercial-scale solar specialist SolarReserve's $1 billion, 110-MW Crescent Dunes Solar facility in Tonopah, Nevada on the grounds that the facility "failed to produce" the required amount of energy, according to a lawsuit filed on Wednesday.

NV Energy notified the plant of the termination in June. NV Energy's grace period after defaulting on the contract ended Thursday, 3rd Oct. The lawsuit was filed in court on Wed., 2nd Oct.

In June, NV Energy announced it was seeking to build about 1,200 mw of solar generation and nearly 600 mw of battery storage. (Source; NV Energy, Nevada Independent, 6 Oct., 2019) Contact: NV Energy, Doug Cannon, Pres., CEO, Kristen Saibini, Senior Corporate Communication Specialist, (775) 834-3891, ksaibini@nvenergy.com, www.nvenergy.com; SolarReserve, Mary Grikas, (310) 315-2274, mary.grikas@solarreserve.com, www.solarreserve.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Crescent Dunes Solar,  NV Energy ,  SolarReserve,  Concentrated Solar,  

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,  

Shanghai Electric Power Construction
Date: 2019-10-04
Chinese state news agency Xinhua is reporting the Chinese firms PowerChina Construction and Shanghai Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd have completed construction of a 300-mw solar farm in the highlands of northern Argentina.

The $390 million Cauchari solar project -- Argentina's largest solar project -- was 85 pct financed by the state-run Import-Export Bank of China. (Source: Xinhua, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, Oct., 2019) Contact: Shanghai Electric Power Construction, +86-21-6433-6865, www.sepcc.com; PowerChina Construction, en.powerchina.cn; Import-Export Bank of China, english.eximbank.gov.cn

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Argentina Renewable Energy,  

Clean Power Alliance
Date: 2019-10-04
In the Golden State, the Clean Power Alliance, the California government-run agency now responsible for supplying electricity to over 1 million homes and businesses in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, reports it is looking to Moorpark as the site of its first stand-alone battery solar energy storage facility. The exact location and developer of the facility have not been revealed.

If constructed, the energy storage facility would enable the Alliance comprising 29 cities and two counties, to distribute electricity during peak-demand times and reduce the need for natural gas at night or on cloudy days, according to CPA.

Required by state law to get 55 pct of their energy from renewable sources by 2025, all power companies in California are investing in solar storage. To date, CPA has executed three agreements, two for solar and one for hydroelectric. The projects, still under construction, are expected to go online between December 2020 and December 2022, according to CPA. (Source: Clean Power Alliance, Thousand Oaks Acorn, Oct., 2019) Contact: Clean Power Alliance, Ted Bardacke, Exec. Dir., www.cleanpoweralliance.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Clean Power Alliance ,  Soar,  Energy Storage,  

Indiana Municipal Power Agency
Date: 2019-10-02
After a five year search for a site, a new 5.25-MW solar park is now online and generating sufficient energy for roughly 850 homes in the community of Tipton, Howard County, Indiana.

The 17,000 panel solar facility was constructed by the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA), an energy co-op made up of 61 communities in Indiana, including Tipton, Peru, Gas City and Anderson. (Source: Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Kokomo Tribune, 1 Oct., 2019) Contact: Indiana Municipal Power Agency, 317-573-9955, www.impa.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Date: 2019-09-30
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) order to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees C over pre-industrial averages within this century -- the goal set by the Paris climate agreement -- the entire world would have to transition to 100 pct clean energy by the middle of the century -- a lofty goal. But up until now, clean energies haven't bee cost competitive in a market flooded with cheap natural gas, coal, and oil. But now, renewables that one needed financial incentives to be adopted at any serious scale, have fallen in price to the point that no government subsidies are required.

Download the report HERE. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Yahoo Finance, 26 Sept., 2019) Contact: IPCC, www.ipcc.ch

More Low-Carbon Energy News Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,  Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Wind ,  

City of Norman
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Sooner State, the Norman City Council and Norman Ready for 100 policy committee is touting its previously reported resolution to transition all city facilities to 100 pct wind, solar, energy efficiency measures and other renewable sources within the electricity sector by 2035, and all energy-use sectors, including heating and transportation, by 2050.

To that end, the Norman Ready for 100 is relying on the Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E) utility to add sufficient new renewable energy to its system so the city can meet its self imposed program goals. The committee also wants to raise the efficiency standards in the city's building codes to 2015 levels.

The Ready for 100 is a national Sierra Club campaign with 133 U.S. city participants. Norman city facilities currently consumes about 10 MW of electricity. (Source: City of Norman, Norman Transcript, AP, 29 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of Norman, Darrel Pyle, City Manager, 405-366-5402, www.normanok.gov › city-manager

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  

Dominion Energy
Date: 2019-09-30
In the Old Dominion State, Richmand-based Dominion Energy, Inc. subsidiary Dominion Generation, Inc. is reporting acquisition of two solar generating projects from Savion LLC, a subsidiary of Macquarie's Green Investment Group.

The 15-MW Myrtle Solar project in the City of Suffolk is expected to come online in Q2, 2020. The 80-MW Greensville Solar facility in Greensville County is expected to come online in late 2020.

Power generated at the two sites, as well as the renewable energy credits, will go to telecommunications company T-Mobile USA, Inc., under long-term PPAs. {Source: Dominion Energy, PR, 28 Sept., 2019) Contact: Dominion Energy, Aaron Ruby, (804) 771-3404, Aaron.F.Ruby@dominionenergy.com, Gary Courts, GM New Bus. Dev., www.DominionEnergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Dominion Energy ,  Offshore Wind,  

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,  

Climate Investment Fund
Date: 2019-09-27
The World Bank is reporting several European states have committed to bankroll various World Bank clean energy initiatives in support of renewable energy-- energy storage projects in middle-income and developing countries.

The funding comes as part of the Climate Investment Funds Global Energy Storage Program's Energy Storage Partnership aimed at financing 17.5GWh of battery storage by 2025 -- over triple the 4-5GWh installed across all developing countries. The program is expected to support middle-income and developing countries as they increase their use of renewables, improve energy security, grid stability and expand electricity access.

In addition to the UK's £200 million commitment, France and the Netherlands pledged US$55 million and US$44 million respectively for the development of solar in Sub-Saharan Africa.(Source: World Bank, Energy Storage, 24 Sept., 2019)Contact: Climate Investment Fund, www.climateinvestmentfunds.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Energy Storage,  Climate Investment Fund,  

ABB
Date: 2019-09-27
ABB Group reports it is collaborating with Lindin, Utah-based solar power battery storage specialist Humless Universal on a 10/4 "plug-and-play" residential energy storage system powered by 48V Universal Energy Management (UEM) and ABB's UNO-DM-TL-PLUS line of residential inverters.

The system integrates with existing residential grid-tied solar systems and works with any manufacturer's panels. Humless Universal is the first to enable simultaneous AC/DC Coupling and is very expandable. (Source: ABB, PR, BusinessWire, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: ABB, Franklin Sullivan, EVP, Market Manager US Electrification, www.abb.com; Humless Universal, 866-438-7129, www.humless.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News ABB,  Humless,  Solar,  Energy Management,  Energy STorage,  

CalCom Energy
Date: 2019-09-27
In the Golden State, Fresno-based CalCom Energy is reporting the launch of the Agriculture Energy Infrastructure Fund, a $100 million resource to build solar and energy storage projects in California.

The fund, developed in partnership with Symbiont Energy and Live Oak Bank, will enable agriculture companies to build on-site clean energy projects over the next 24 months. The fund, which will provide long-term, lower cost energy through clean energy power purchase agreements (PPAs), is intended to assist agriculture companies and farmers hit hard by the impact of recent California wildfires, lack of grid resiliency and ever-increasing energy and water costs. With a CalCom PPA and on-site solar energy, CalCom customers can cut or eliminate their electricity costs while directly reducing carbon emissions. CalCom estimates potential savings of $250 million in utility bill savings for its customers over the life of the energy assets.

CalCom Energy develops, finances and builds solar and energy storage projects and has developed more than 200 MW of clean energy projects, including some of the largest agricultural solar farms in the West. (Source: CalCom Energy, PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: CalCom Energy, Dylan Dupre, Pres., CEO, David Williams, Chief Commercial Officer , 559.667.9200, Sales@CalComEnergy.com, www.calcomenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News CalCom Energy,  Solar,  Energy STorage,  

JinkoSolar
Date: 2019-09-27
Shanghai-headquartered Solar module manufacturer JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. reports it has committed to the RE100 and EP100 initiatives which are led by the international not-for-profit Climate Group.

The RE100 initiative and its partner companies are committed to 100 pct renewable power and a low carbon economy. Accordingly, JinkoSolar will power all of its solar plants and global operations with 100 pct renewable power by 2025. By 2030, the Company will deploy an energy management system across its operations and improve its energy productivity by 30 pct when compared to 2016. JinkoSolar has also signed up for the EP100 Cooling Challenge to increase the energy efficiency of its cooling operations. (Source: JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., PR, 25 Sept., 2019) Contact: Climate Group's global EP100 initiative, www. theclimategroup.org/EP100; Jinko Solar Holding Co. Ltd., Ripple Zhang, +86 21-5183 3105 pr@jinkosolar.com, www.jinkosolar.com; CDP, RE100, www.RE100.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News JinkoSolar,  Renewable Energy,  

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,  

ABB,Humless
Date: 2019-09-25
ABB reports it is collaborating with Lindin, Utah-based solar power battery storage specialist Humless on the new Universal 10/4 "plug-and-play" Residential Energy Storage System powered by 48V Universal Energy Management (UEM) and ABB's UNO-DM-TL--PLUS line of residential inverters.

The ESS integrates with any existing residential grid-tied solar system and works with any manufacturer's panels. Humless Universal is the first to enable simultaneous AC/DC Coupling and is very expandable. (Source: ABB, PR, BusinessWire, 24 Sept., 2019) Contact: ABB, Franklin Sullivan, EVP, Lead Market Manager, U.S. Electrification business, www.abb.com; Humless, 866-438-7129, www.humless.com

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

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,  

Solar River Project, GE Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-09-23
In the Land Down Under, the Solar River Project and GE Renewable Energy are reporting GE has been selected for the supply and integration of one of the largest grid-scale battery technology hybrid deployment to be installed for the Solar River Project in South Australia. The energy storage system will be coupled to a large 200 MW photovoltaic generation plant.

Solar River Project will incorporate more than 640,000 solar panels and GE's 100-MW, 3 hours battery storage system -- sufficient electric power to 90,000 South Australian homes. The project is expected to come on line in early 2021. (Source: GE Renewable Energy, PR, reve, 19 Sept., 2019) Contact: Solar River Project, Jason May, CEO, www.srproject.com.au; GE Renewable Energy, www.ge.com/renewableenergy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar River Project,  GE Renewable Energy,  Solar,  Energy STorage,  

South Windsor Connecticut
Date: 2019-09-20
In Connecticut, the Town of South Windsor (pop. 25,00 +-) reports it is proposing a solar installation in neighboring East Windsor as a source of more than 80 pct of the power needs of 40 municipal buildings.

100 pct of the 10-acre, NorCap South solar array's power will be delivered to the electric grid and distributed through a virtual net metering agreement to 10 municipal accounts in the town of South Windsor and other locations. (Source: South Windsor. CT Mirror, Sept., 2019) Contact: Town of South Windsor, www.southwindsor-ct.gov

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

San Jose
Date: 2019-09-18
In the Golden State, the city of San Jose (pop. 1.2 milluon +-) reports the adoption of the San Jose Reach Code Ordinance which includes new building codes designed to "increase building efficiency, mandate solar readiness, and increase requirements related to electric vehicle charging stations." The new building code will apply to all new residential and non-residential construction in the city.

More than 45 cities and counties are considering adopting reach codes that require building and transportation electrification. Nineteen cities in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont, have adopted similar ordinances. (Source: City of San Jose, San Jose Spotlight, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: City of San Jose, www.sanjoseca.gov

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

Hawaiian Electric Company
Date: 2019-09-18
Honolulu-headquartered Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) reports it has approved the 864-panel, 270 MW Mililani Tech Solar I community solar project to be constructed in the Mililani Tech Park area.

The project -- the Aloha State's first community solar project -- is being developed by Honolulu-based Tritium3 Renewable Ventures and is fully subscribed with participants who will receive bill credits once the project is sending energy to the grid.

Six other Hawaiian community solar projects are still under review in the first phase of community solar which allows for a total of 8 MW capacity across the Hawaiian Electric service territory. More projects like Mililani Tech Solar I are expected to be approved in 2020. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Tritium3 Renewable Ventures, Ryan McCauley, CEO, (808) 377-4408, info@tritium3.com, www.tritium3.com; Mauii Electric, www.mauielectric.com/communitysolar; HECO, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Hawaiian Electric Company,  HECO,  Solar,  

Mass. DOER
Date: 2019-09-18
In the Bay State, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) reports it has released plans to reform and expand the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program which incentivizes cost effective solar and promises to double the amount of solar in the commonwealth.

To meet increasing customer demand for solar energy, DOER proposes adding 800 MW to the SMART incentive program, bringing the total to 2.4 gigawatts. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) supports this expansion but, in comments to regulators, is calling for even more capacity to be added to the program. To that end, DOER has proposed the dollowing regulatory clarifications and fixes:

DOER proposes clarifying SMART metering configurations when projects are paired with storage. The clarification will impact residential and larger scale projects. These issues have drawn the ire of utilities, regulators and solar firms for the past year. DOER guidance on metering is critical.

DOER proposes an increase to the stepped-up incentive for municipal projects. A higher incentive would make it easier for cities, towns and school districts to go solar. In addition, DOER proposes more time for municipal projects to meet certain milestones for qualification, recognizing that public projects almost always have to go through a bidding process. SEIA agrees with the intent of this proposal.

Fixing compensation for solar projects serving on-site energy needs. Based on the current regulatory framework, some projects without a net metering allocation get reduced values. DOER proposes expanding the use of certain credits and changing the way energy compensation is calculated.

According to SEIA, the most troubling aspects of DOER's plans involve the treatment of community solar projects, including a proposed five-fold increase in penalties for larger scale solar projects on certain lands. DOER calls for the new penalties to apply to a broader swath of community solar projects and for changes to apply to projects already in development. These proposals would have a negative impact on the community solar market. Increased penalties will halt solar development, with penalties ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to many millions, according to SEIA. (Source: Mass. DOER, Solar Energy Industries Assoc., 16 Sept., 2019)Contact: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, (617) 626-7300, doer.energy@mass.gov, www.mass.gov/doer; SEIA, Abigail Ross-Hopper, CEO, (202) 682-0556, info@seia.org, www.seia.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News Mass. DOER,  Solar,  SEIA,  

Turkey
Date: 2019-09-18
In Ankara, the Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS) in Turkey is reporting the country produced 132.90 GWh of wind generated electricity on Sunday, 14th Sept. -- 19 pct of the total power being generated. In this particular time period, wind power became the third largest energy source after imported coal, which generated 157.87 GWh of electricity. Lignite came second with 144.18 GWh. Throughout the period, wind power generation per hour remained above 5 GWh.

According to TEIAS, Turkey's total installed power capacity was 90.39 GW as of Sept. 15. Wind power installed capacity was 7.27 GW in the same period.

Turkey has announced plans to boost its wind and solar capacity by 10,000 MW) each in the coming decade through renewable energy resources zone (YEKA) tenders. (Source: Electricity Transmission Corporation, Daily Sabah, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Electricity Transmission Corporation, www.teias.gov.tr

More Low-Carbon Energy News Turkey Wind,  Wind,  

Encore Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-09-18
Burlingto, Vermont-based Encore Renewable Energy reports it is pushing ahead the development of community-scale solar and energy storage projects on underutilized and "brownfield" sites with a $1.8 million development loan from Durham, North Carolina-based Leyline Renewable Energy's Windstar Fund I, L.P.

Leyline provides development capital for early- to mid-stage renewable energy developers, which accelerates their development process and the growth of their project pipelines. (Source: EncoreRenewableEnergy, PR, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Leyline Renewable Energy, Erik Lensch, 919.636.8320, erik.lensch@leyline-energy.com, www.leylinecapital.com; Encore Renewable Energy, 802-861-3023, www.encorerenewableenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Encore Renewable Energy,  Clean Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

Capstone Turbine
Date: 2019-09-18
Van Nuys, California-headquartered microturbine technology specialist Capstone Turbine Corporation Inc. is reporting receipt of an order from 247Solar Inc. for two C200S microturbines to be used in combination with 247Solar's technology to produce reliable, zero-carbon power generation.

The 247Solar system uses mirrors (heliostats) to focus sunlight onto a solar receiver to heat air flowing through it, which is then used to drive the Capstone microturbines to produce electricity. That heated airflow can also be directed to a thermal storage system, and then transferred back into the Capstone microturbines at night when solar irradiance is not available.

The first installation is slated for mid-2020 in Ouarzazate, Morocco, in collaboration with the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN). Morocco is aiming to secure 52 pct of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030. (Source: Capstone Turbine, Street Insider, 16 Sept., 2019) Contact: Capstone Turbine, www.capstoneturbine.com; 247Solar Inc., www.247sola.com; Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, www.masen.ma

More Low-Carbon Energy News Capstone Turbine,  Solar ,  

SimpliPhi Power,Sol-Ark
Date: 2019-09-18
Oxnard, California-based SimpliPhi Power is reporting their collaboration with veteran-owned Parker, Texas-based solar energy inverter specialist Sol-Ark on the latest evolution of the company's turn-key AccESS energy storage and management system.

The SimpliPhi AccESS Energy Storage System combines cobalt-free, non-toxic LFP PHI batteries with the DC transformerless Sol-Ark hybrid inverter and built-in dual integrated charge controllers in a NEMA-3R indoor/outdoor-rated cabinet

Available with 15.2 or 22.8 kWh of PHI storage, the AccESS can scale up with additional cabinets for more power storage and greater output with the introduction of Sol-Ark's 12K in Q4 2019. Units can be safely installed indoors or outdoors and can be charged with solar, wind, grid or generator power and comes pre-wired and pre-programmed. (Source; SimpliPhi Power, PR, 17 Sept., 2019) ; Contact: Sol-Ark, www.sol-ark.com; Simplifi Power, Catherine Von Burg, CEO, (805) 640-6700, www.Simpliphipower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News SimpliPhi Power,  Energy Storage,  Sol-Ark,  

Duke Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
In Charlotte, the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) is reported to have approved Duke Energy's Green Source Advantage (GSA) program enabling the company to expand renewable energy options for customers.

The GSA program give large energy users flexibility in selecting and negotiating all contract prices and terms directly with a renewable supplier of their choice, including the purchase of renewable energy certificates (RECs) generated by that renewable facility. The GSA program will be available until the total capacity of 600 MW is fully subscribed. Of this 600-MW capacity, 100 MW will be set aside for military installations and 250 MW set aside for University of North Carolina institutions, according to North Carolina's Competitive Energy Solutions legislation. The remaining 250 MW will be reserved for large nonresidential customers -- 160 MW for Duke Energy Carolinas and 90 MW for Duke Energy Progress. Facilities that are used for the GSA program will be owned and operated by eligible renewable energy developers.

Duke Energy's $62 million solar rebate program for residential, commercial and nonprofit customers in North Carolina has helped 3,000 customers go solar in its first two years. Duke Energy will continue offering these rebates over the next three years. In 2018, Duke Energy launched a competitive bidding process for new solar capacity and connected over 500 MW of new solar capacity. To date in 2019, Duke Energy has contracted for more than 600 MW of new solar capacity. The company also offers a solar leasing program. (Source: Duke Energy North Carolina, , PRN, 15 Sept., 2019) Contact: Duke Energy North Carolina, Stephen De May, Pres., www.duke-energy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Duke Energy North Carolina,  ,  Solar,  Renewable Energy Rebates,  

Black Hills Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
Rapid City South Dakota-based Black Hills Energy is touting a new "Renewable Ready" subscription-based program that allows certain customers to decide the percentage of their energy they want to come from solar, hydro and wind resources.

To qualify for the program, customers must more than 300,000 KW per year of electric power. Since its launch, governmental, industrial, and retail customers have expressed interest in the program. (Source: Black Hills Energy, KOTA TV, 11 Sept., 2019) Contact: Black Hills Energy, www.blackhillsenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Black Hills Energy,  Renewable Energy,  

India Renewable Energy
Date: 2019-09-16
In New Delhi, the Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is calling for state-run companies to build massive clean energy parks at an expected cost of around $2 billion each. The proposed energy parks will be set up under the existing Solar Park scheme, which provides land and grid connectivity.

The proposed renewable energy power parks averaging 2,000 MW apiece, are intended to help developers achieve economies of scale, further reduce solar and wind power tariffs, and bolster India's image as a clean energy developer and industry leader. Clean energy presently account for more than 20 pct of India's installed power generation capacity. (Source: Livemint, Financial Tribune, 14 Sept., 2019)

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PSEG
Date: 2019-09-16
"Compared with wind and solar energy efficiency is both faster and cheaper to access because it doesn't have to be built. It also doesn't require the extensive use of land that wind and solar do, and has much shorter payback periods than renewable resources." -- Ralph Izzo, Pres & Ceo, Public Service Enterprise Group, Sept., 2019) Contact: PSEG 2018 Sustainablity Report

More Low-Carbon Energy News PSEG,  Energy Efficiency,  

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)

EDF Renewables,Altus AG,
Date: 2019-09-13
EDF Renewables reports acquisition of a roughly 300 MW, 10 project pipeline of German wind projects from wind and solar energy developer Altus AG in Karlsruhe.

The projects, which are at various stages of development, are expected to to be completed and commissioned over the next 5 years. Once fully permitted, the projects will participate to the onshore wind auctions organized by the German Federal Government in order to secure 20-year Power Purchase Agreements.

EDF Renewables presently operates more than 580 MW of wind projects in Germany through its subsidiaries, among which 400 MW offshore wind capacity as an operation and maintenance service provider. (Source: EDF Renewables, PR, reve, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Altus AG, +49 721 6269060, www.altus-ag.de; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

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Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar)
Date: 2019-09-13
At the World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and French low-carbon electricity leader EDF are reporting an agreement to launch a new joint venture energy services company in order to expand into non-utility scale building energy efficiency, solar technology below 50 MW and others. The agreement is in line with Masdar's global clean energy ambitions and further supports the UAE's Energy Strategy 2050 objectives to increase renewable energy usage and energy efficiency across the UAE region, according to a release. (Source: Masdar, EDF, Trade Arabia News, Sept., 2019) Contact: Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO, Shaima Al Jarman, Marketing & Communications, +971 02 8109365, saljarman@masdar.ac.ae, www.masdar.ca.ae; EDF Renewables, www.edf-re.com

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

Common Energy
Date: 2019-09-13
In the Empire State, the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority (SSHA) reports it is partnering with community solar energy specialist Common Energy to increase use of clean energy and use the saving to fund more then $100,000 in energy efficiency investments at SSHA facilities.

This partnership is supported by NYSERDA through its NY-Sun Affordable Solar Predevelopment and Technical Assistance program, which provides funding to address resource gaps and solve market barriers preventing the development of solar installations serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) households.

Common Energy works with businesses and households to connect their existing utility account to local, clean energy projects. (Source: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, PR, NewsWire, 12 Sept., 2019) Contact: Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, Malcolm Bliss, www.saratogaspringspha.org; Common Energy, www.commonenergy.com

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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

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Clearway Energy Group
Date: 2019-09-11
In the Aloha State, Clearway Energy Group, in partnership with Hawaiian Electric Company, Kamehameha Schools, Moss Solar, and others, has brought online three grid-scale solar power projects on the island of Oahu that will significantly contribute to the state's goal of 100 pct renewable energy by 2045.

The projects at Kawailoa, Waipio, and Mililani total 110 MW and will generate renewable energy equivalent to that used by about 18,000 Oahu homes each year. The three projects represent the largest block of grid-scale solar power ever developed in Hawaii and together will contribute approximately 3 pct to Hawaiian Electric's renewable portfolio standards (RPS) goal, which reached 27 pct at the end of 2018.

The 49-MW Kawailoa Solar project will incorporate nearly 500,000 solar panels. The Waipio Solar project at 45.9 MW will consist of over 160,000 panels while the 14.7MW Mililani Solar II will use more than 150,000 solar panels. All the power generated by the three projects feeds into the Hawaiian Electric grid for the benefit of all customers on Oahu. (Source: Hawaiian Electric Co., PR, 9 Sept., 2019) Contact: Clearway Energy Group, www.clearwayenergygroup.com

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American Electric Power
Date: 2019-09-11
In the Buckeye State, Columbus-based American Electric Power (AEP) reports it is cutting carbon dioxide emissions faster than anticipated and has revised its 2030 reduction target to 70 pct from 2000 levels. The company's previous target was a 60 pct reduction from 2000 levels by 2030. The company will cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 80 pct from 2000 levels by 2050, according to a release.

To that end, AEP will further invest in renewable generation and transmission and distribution technologies to enhance efficiency, and expanded demand response and energy efficiency programs. AEP's resource plans include adding more than 8,600 megawatts (MW) of new wind and solar generation to serve the company's regulated utility customers by 2030. Between 2019 and 2023, the company plans to invest approximately $2.2 billion in contracted renewables and renewables integrated with energy storage and approximately $25 billion over the next 5 years in its transmission and distribution systems.

To date, AEP has cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 59 pct since 2000. (Source: AEP, PR, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: AEP Clean Energy Strategy, www.aep.com/investors/ESG .

More Low-Carbon Energy News American Electric Power,  CO2,  Carbon Emissions ,  

8minute Solar Energy
Date: 2019-09-11
Los Angeles-based solar and solar energy storage developer 8minute Solar Energy is reporting the sale of equity interests in the 67 mw-dc Lotus Solar Farm in Madera County, California to Allianz Global Investors. (AllianzGI). The acquisition is AllianzGI's first U.S. solar project purchase.

The 375 acre solar farm will generate sufficient energy for more than 12,000 local homes and businesses once complete in May 2020. Signal Energy is providing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for the Lotus project.

Allianz Global Investors is a global investment management firm with offices in over 20 locations worldwide.The company manages more the €500 billion in assets on behalf of institutional and retail clients. It is owned by global financial services group, Allianz SE. (Source: 8minute Solar Energy, PR, Business Wire, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: 8minute Solar Energy, www.8minute.com; Allianz, www.allianzgi.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News 8minute Solar Energy,  Solar,  

Longroad Energy Services
Date: 2019-09-11
Longroad Energy Holdings LLC affiliate Longroad Energy Services LLC is reporting a long-term asset management and operations (O&M) oversight agreements for DIF Capital Partners' Idaho Wind Partners (IWP) project in Twin Falls, Idaho.

Including this agreement, Longroad's managed portfolio includes nine wind projects and more than 400 solar projects. (Source: Longroad Energy Services, NA Windpower, 10 Sept., 2019) Contact: Longroad Energy Services, Michael Alvarez, COO, Paul Gaynor, CEO, www.longroadenergy.com, linkedin.com/company/longroad-energy-partners ; DIF Capital Partners, Idaho Wind Partners, www.dif.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Longroad Energy ,  Wind,  Idaho Wind Partners,  

Lightsource BP,Pennsylvania State University
Date: 2019-09-09
Following up on our 19th August report, Lightsource BP reports it has broken ground on a 70-MW solar project for Penn State University that will be installed across three locations, encompassing approximately 500 acres in Franklin County, outside of Chambersburg, and near Penn State's Mont Alto campus in Pennsylvania.

Lightsource BP will finance, construct, own and operate the three solar arrays, with Penn State purchasing all of the electricity generated under a 25-year PPA. The project is expected to save Penn State a minimum of $14 million over the contract term, while meeting 25 pct of the university's power requirements. (Source: Lightsource BP, Sept., 2019)Contact: Lightsource BP, Carl Jackson, Director Utility-scale Solar Initiatives, www.lightsourcebp.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Lightsource BP ,  Solar,  

Snohetta Architects
Date: 2019-09-09
In Norway, the Oslo-based international architectural firm Snohetta is reporting the recently completed 18,000 square-meter Powerhouse Brattorkaia office in Trondheim, is producing more than double the amount of electricity it consumes daily.

The angular office building is wrapped by 3,000-square-metres of solar panels that generate approximately 500,000 kWh of power to meet 100 pct of the buildings electric power needs. The surplus power is stored in batteries and/or sold to neighboring buildings and city transport.

The building's energy efficiency features include a lighting motion detection system, extremely efficient insulation, smart systems that regulates HVAC, and a low-emission concrete structure that helps regulate the building's temperature using thermal mass. (Source: Dezeen Snohetta Architects, Sept., 2019) Contact: Snohetta, contact@snohetta.com, www.snohetta.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Australia
Date: 2019-09-06
In the Land Down Under, the Melbourne-based Australian Clean Energy Regulator is reporting Australia met its 2020 target for generating electricity from large-scale renewable energy a year ahead of plan despite more than a decade of climate policy uncertainty.

The target, launched in 2001 and reduced in 2015, called for Australia to generate 33,000 GWh power from large-scale renewable energy by 2020. Australia's total power generation is presently around 260,000 GWh, according to Reuters.

The clean energy industry reports A$24 billion ($16 billion US) has been invested in renewable energy in the last 18 months alone, while wind and solar have gone from the most expensive form of power in 2001 to the least expensive today.(Source: Clean Energy Regulator, Reuters, Sept., 2019) Contact: Australia Clean Energy Council, Kane Thornton, CEO, +61 3 9929 4100www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Australia Renewable Energy,  

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)

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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,  

Sunrun
Date: 2019-09-04
In Chicago, not-for-profit environmental and economic development organization Blacks in Green (BIG) reports it is partnering with residential solar, battery energy storage and energy services company, Sunrun, to expand access to solar energy and jobs in the Chicago area. The partnership aims to to increase opportunities for Southside Chicago homeowners to access solar energy and to increase clean energy career opportunities for residents in traditionally under-served and underrepresented communities.

Under the partnership, Sunrun commits to recruit solar trainees from the BIG network and support BIG at educational events throughout the community so residents can learn about rooftop solar, including the Illinois "Solar for All" low-income solar program to increase access to solar energy for underserved communities. (Source: Blacks in Green, Sunrun, Chiago Defender, 2 Sept., 2019) Contact: Blacks in Green, Naomi Davis, Pres., www.blacksingreen.org; SunRun, Lynn Jurich, CEO, Patrick Jobin, VP, Finance & Investor Relations, (415) 510-4986, investors@sunrun.com, www.sunrun.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Sunrun,  

Oz Minerals
Date: 2019-08-30
Adelaide-based Australian mining giant Oz Minerals is reporting plans to deploy a 55MW hybrid wind and solar power plant to to meet three-quarters of the power needs of the new West Musgrave nickel project in remote central Australia.

The hybrid renewable energy system , which would be backed up and balanced by battery storage and diesel generators, is intended to reduce the project's energy capacity needs from 65MW to 55MW. (Source: Oz Minerals Release, Renew Economy, 27 Aug., 2019) Contact: Oz Minerals, +61 8 8229 6600, Facsimile - +61 8 8229 6601, info@ozminerals.com, www.ozminerals.com

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