Monmouthshire Building Society
Date: 2020-07-01
In the UK, Newport-based Monmouthshire Building Society is touting the VALUER Project, a collection of industry partners led by Monmouthshire Building Society, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Rightmove and zero carbon homebuilder and sustainable energy service provider Sero.

The VALUER Project aims to launch the first mortgages and additional borrowing in the UK that recognizes home energy efficiency in their mortgage affordability calculations. The scheme's new green mortgages and additional borrowing products will be available to new build low energy homes using solar panels, energy storage and smart energy systems as well as existing homes looking to make retrofit energy improvements.

Under the scheme, new home purchasers will be offered pilot mortgage products that include assessments of energy efficiency and other new considerations. (Source: Monmouthshire Building Society, 30 June, 2020) Contact: Monmouthshire Building Society, www.monbs.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

Standard Solar
Date: 2020-07-01
Rockville, Maryland-based Standard Solar, Inc., a solar energy company specializing in the development and financing of commercial solar electric systems nationwide, reports it has closed a tax equity commitment for up to $105 million from Fifth Third Bank, National Association and IBERIABANK to finance distributed generation (DG) solar projects in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.

The portfolio of nine projects is a combination of community solar and traditional DG projects , two of which are now in operation while the others are projected to be completed throughout this year. (Source: Standard Solar, The Oklahoman, 30 June, 2020) Contact: Standard Solar, Peter Coleman, VP Structured Finance, 888.474.3843, www.standardsolar.com

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

TPB,Matrix Renewable
Date: 2020-07-01
San Francisco-based alternative asset manager TPG reports its Rise Fund has acquired a 1GW portfolio of solar projects from Trina Solar for its newly created, Matrix Renewables which is based in Madrid.

The acquisitions include operational, under construction or in late stage development nearing ready-to-build status projects in Spain, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Acquisition details have not been resealed. (Source: TPG, PR, Bus.Wire, Various Media, 1 June, 2020) Contact: TPB Rise Fund , Steve Ellis, Managing Partner, www.therisefund.com; TPG, (415) 269-9884, ggonder@tpg.com, www.tpg.com; Trina Solar, www.trinasolar.com

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

Canadian Solar
Date: 2020-07-01
Guelph, Ontario-headquartered Canadian Solar Inc. is reporting the launch of its super-high power Series 5 and Series 6 PV modules incorporating the company's proprietary and record-breaking cell technology, as well as the latest cutting-edge module designs.

The new modules will join Canadian Solars HiKu, BiHiKu and HiDM portfolios, expanding the range of high-power, high-efficiency monofacial and bifacial solar modules.

The new products will be backed by competitive warranties and Canadian Solar's commitment to high quality customer service. Series 5 and Series 6 portfolios further expand the Company's broad range of PV products and services. (Source: Canadian Solar, PR, 1 July, 2020) Contact: Canadian Solar, www.canadiansolar.com

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

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee the Committee) have outlined their strategy for renewable energy, 'green' hydrogen, and energy storage, all of which play a crucial role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities.

MEPs also highlight the potential of hydrogen produced from renewable sources ("green hydrogen" ) and call on the EC to continue supporting research into and development of a hydrogen economy. The EC should also assess if retrofitting gas infrastructure to transport hydrogen is possible, as the use of natural gas is only of a transitional nature.

The committee also supports the EC's efforts to create European standards for batteries and to reduce dependence on their production outside of Europe. The EU's heavy dependence on importing raw materials from sources where extraction degrades the environment should be reduced through enhanced recycling schemes and by sourcing raw materials sustainably, possibly in the EU.

Finally, MEPs propose ways to boost other storage options, such as mechanical and thermal storage, as well as the development of decentralized storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems. The EC estimates that the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonized economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or "green" hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply for European citizens." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Paris Climate Agreement news,  Renewable Energy news,  Energy Storage news,  Hydrogen news,  

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee have outlined their strategy for renewable energy and energy storage and their role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and EU's 27 member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities. The MEPs also propose boosting mechanical thermal, and other other energy storage options as well as the development of decentralized storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems.

The committee also supports efforts to create European battery standards and battery recycling initiates and reduce dependence on their production outside of Europe.

Finally, the EC estimates the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonised economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or green hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply for European citizens." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Storage,  European Union,  European Commission,  Battery,  

European Union,European Commission
Date: 2020-07-01
In Brussels, Members of the European Union Parliament (MEPs) Industry, Research and Energy Committee have outlined their strategy for renewable energy and energy storage and their role in reaching the goals of the Paris Agreement on Climate change.

The Committee calls on the EC and the EU 27 member states to remove regulatory barriers that hamper the development of energy storage projects, such as double taxation or shortcomings in EU network codes. The Trans-European energy networks also need to be revised in order to improve eligibility criteria for those wishing to develop energy storage facilities. The MEPs also propose ways to boost other storage options, such as mechanical and thermal storage, as well as the development of decentralised storage through home batteries, domestic heat storage, vehicle-to-grid technology and smart home energy systems. The committee also recommends European battery standards recycling initiates and reducing the EU's dependence on batteries produced outside of Europe. Finally, The EC estimates the EU will need to be able to store six times more energy than today to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

According to lead MEP Claudia Gamon, "Energy storage will be essential for the transition to a decarbonised economy based on renewable energy sources. As electricity generated by wind or solar energy will not always be available in the quantities needed, we will need to store energy. Apart from storage technologies that we already know work well like pumped hydro storage, a number of technologies will play a crucial role in the future, such as new battery technologies, thermal storage or green hydrogen. These must be given market access to ensure a constant energy supply." (Source: European Union News, European Commission PR, 30 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy,  Energy Storage,  European Union,  European Commission,  

Tucson Electric Power
Date: 2020-06-29
Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is reporting plans to provide more than 70 pct of its power from wind and solar resources as part of a cleaner energy portfolio that will reduce carbon emissions 80 pct by 2035.

The 15-year 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) calls for a dramatic expansion of wind and solar power resources, supported by efficient natural gas fired generators and energy storage systems the retirement of TEP's remaining coal-fired power plants over the next 12 years. Key IRP elements include:

2,457 MW of new wind and solar power systems, including 457 MW that will be coming online over the next year.

1,400 MW of new energy storage systems.

A proposal to ramp down and ultimately retire two units at the coal fired Springerville Generating Station in 2027 and 2032.

Eliminating the use of surface water for power generation and a 70 pc treduction in groundwater use.

Continued support for energy efficiency programs to reduce usage and peak power demands.

TEP's CO2 emission reduction goal was developed in partnership with the University of Arizona's Institute of the Environment with input from a diverse group of customers, community leaders, local government representatives and environmental advocates. The target represents TEP's fair share of worldwide efforts to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius under the 2015 Paris Agreement. TEP's plan would reduce its CO2 emissions by 80 pct, according to the release.

Download the TEP 2020 Integrated Resource Plan, HERE. (Source: TEP, PR, 26 June, 2020) Contact: TEP, Joseph Barrios , (520) 884-3725, jbarrios@tep.com, www.tep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tucson Electric Power,  Renewable Energ,  Carbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Clenera,Basin Electric
Date: 2020-06-29
In Montana, electric cooperative Basin Electric and Boise, Idaho based solar power specialist Clenera are reporting plans to develop Cabin Creek Solar -- two, 550-acre solar farm installations in Fallon County, Montana. To encourage the project, the county granted the development a 10-year property tax abatement .

Clenera is an end-to-end utility-scale solar development and asset management service provider. (Source: Basin Electric, Clenera Website, NPR 26 June, 2020) Contact: Clenera, 208-639-3232, www.clenera.com; Basin Electric Power, Paul Sukut, CEO, Matt Greek, Snr. VP Technology R&D, (701) 223-0441, www.basinelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Clenera,  Basin Electric,  

Black Hills Energy
Date: 2020-06-29
In a 120-day report to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Cheyenne, Wyoming-headquartered Black Hills Energy forecasts its proposed 200-MW solar project to be constructed in Pueblo County under its Renewable Advantage Plan would generate $66 million in energy savings over 15 years for its customers. The project would also generate $178 million in direct and indirect economic benefits through state, local and federal taxes; 250 construction jobs; 51 pct renewable energy mix; and 71 pct reduction in carbon emission by 2024, according to a Black Hills release.

The project, which represents the utility's preferred bid in a competitive solicitation for resources held earlier in the year, would break ground in 2021 for completion in 2023, if approved by the PUC. (Source: Black Hills Energy, Pueblo Chieftain, 27 June, 2020) Contact: Black Hills Energy, Vance Crocker, VP Southern Colorado, 888-890-5554, www.blackhillsenergy.com

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

Solar
Date: 2020-06-29
Valparaiso, Indiana-based real estate developer and home builder Wayne Enterprises reports the commissioning of their 40.33 kW bifacial roof-mount solar energy system for their new downtown Valparaiso Vale View facility.

The system was installed by West Layfayette-based Emergent Solar Energy and is expected to generate approximately 50,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually enough emissions-free, clean energy to offset nearly 2,000 tpy of carbon dioxide -- equivalent to offsetting emissions from 3 million miles driven or the amount sequestered by more than 1,400 acres of U.S. forests. (Source: Wayne Enterprises, PR 27 June, 2020) Contact: Wayne Enterprises, Matthew Welter, CEO, www.wevalpo.com; Emergent Solar Energy, 765-753-9155, www.emergentsolar.energy{

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Rooftop Solar,  bifacial ,  

Tucson Electric Power
Date: 2020-06-29
In Arizona, Tucson Electric Power (TEP) is reporting plans to provide more than 70 pct of its power from wind and solar resources as part of a cleaner energy portfolio that will reduce carbon emissions 80 pct by 2035. The utility's 15-year 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) calls for a dramatic expansion of wind and solar power resources, increased energy storage systems and energy efficiency and the retirement of TEP's remaining two coal-fired power plants in 2027 and 2032. The changes are expected to avoid more than 50 million tons of CO2 emissions over the next 15 years.

TEP's CO2 emission reduction goal was developed in partnership with the University of Arizona's Institute of the Environment with input from a diverse group of customers, community leaders, local government representatives and environmental advocates. The target represents TEP's fair share of worldwide efforts to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius under the 2015 Paris Agreement. TEP's plan would reduce its CO2 emissions by 80 pct, according to the release. (Source: TEP, PR, 26 June, 2020) Contact: TEP, Joseph Barrios , (520) 884-3725, jbarrios@tep.com, www.tep.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Tucson Electric Power,  Paris Climate Agreement,  Climate Change,  Carbon Emissions,  

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Date: 2020-06-24
In Copenhagen, the Danish parliament reports it has approved plans for the world's first two energy island "hubs" and a 1GW North Sea offshore wind farm as included in the government's new climate plan . Technology-specific onshore wind and solar PV tenders for the project would be held in 2020 and 2021. According to Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) the energy islands could be completed without government funding due to investors' -- Pension Danmark, PFA and SEAS-NVE -- expressed €50 million combined interest in the project.

Denmark plans to source 100 pct of its electric power from renewable energy by 2027, and to reduce emissions by 70 pct by 2030 from a 1990 baseline. (Source: WindPower, Various Trade Media, 22 June, 2020)

More Low-Carbon Energy News Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners,  Offshore Energy Hub,  Offshore Wind,  Solar,  

City of Lisbon,Sharing Cities
Date: 2020-06-24
In Porutgal, the city of Lisbon is reporting energy consumption at Lisbon's 1880 vintage City Hall has been reduced by 36 pct through what has been hailed as the "first deep energy-efficiency retrofit for a heritage building in Portugal."

Measures to reduce energy usage included replacing the building's HVAC system, switching to LED lighting, installing solar panels and a Sustainable Energy Management System (SEMS) to monitor the loads from the PVs, HVAC, water heaters and other equipment.

Developed by Sharing Cities, the SEMS advanced modular system centralises information and control of local energy systems and devices, and optimises the energy network.

Lisbon originally planned a full energy retrofit of the building in 2016 under the EU Horizon 2020 Sharing Cities programme. (Source: City of Lisbon, Cities Today, 23 June, 2020) Contact: EU Horizon 2020 Sharing Cities, www.sharingcities.eu

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency news,  Sharing Cities news,  

CS Energy,Kearsarge Energy
Date: 2020-06-24
Edison, New Jersey-based clean energy contractor CS Energy is reporting completion of a 4.5MW solar project installation with a 3.8 megawatt-hour (MWh) lithium-ion battery system on a landfill cap site in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

The project, which was developed as part of a partnership between the City of Amesbury and Kearsarge Energy, was one of the first solar plus energy storage projects to participate in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program (Source: CS Energy , renews.biz, 24 June, 2020) Contact: CS Energy, Sean Harrington, Dir. Energy Storage, 732 860 4660, www.csenergy.com; Kearsarge Energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News CS Energy news,  Solar news,  Energy Storage news,  Kearsarge Energy news,  

South Korea Solar
Date: 2020-06-22
In South Korea, Seoul-based E1 is reporting completion of an 8-MW solar power plant covering nearly 70,000 square meters 93 miles east of Seoul. The power plant includes a 21.2 megawatt-per-hour energy storage system (ESS) and generates sufficient energy for roughly 2,900 households.

The new solar facility is the company's first megawatt-class solar power plant. (Source: Ei, PR, Aju Business Daily, 22 June, 2020) Contact: E1, + 82-2-3441-4114, www.e1.co.kr/eng

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar news,  Korea Solar news,  Korea Renewable Energy news,  

JA Solar
Date: 2020-06-19
The first large-scale floating solar power facility in Thailand, with a capacity of 12.5 MW, has started supplying power to the grid, China's JA Solar Technology Co Ltd . which provided the solar modules for the project, said on Wednesday.

JA Solar equipped the facility with its bifacial double-glass modules based on the Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) technology. (Source: JA Solar, Renewables, 17 June, 2020) Contact: JA Solar Holdings, www.jasolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JA Solar,  Floating Solar,  

Xcel Energy
Date: 2020-06-19
Xcel Energy is proposing to accelerate nearly $3 billion in spending on new large renewable-energy projects, including a new solar plant in Becker that would be at least four times larger than Minnesota's current largest solar array.

Xcel would also speed up the planned repowering of four older wind farms with new turbines and other new equipment at a projected cost of $1 billion to $1.4 billion. The wind farm repowering, which hed been previously scheduled for the late 2020s, would allow Xcel to take advantage of federal tax credits.

Xcel would also be able to use federal tax credits for a 450-MW solar plant, which would cost up to $650 million and be located next to the company's coal-fired plant in Becker. Xcel had been planning to add 3,000 MW of new solar power on line 2026 through 2030 as its coal plants are shutdown.

Xcels' push to advance its renewables projects is in response to the Minnesota PUC's call for the state's electric and gas utilities to "assist in Minnesota's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic." (Source: Xcel Energy, Star Tribune, June, 2020) Contact: Xcel Energy, Christopher Clark, Pres. for Minnesota and the Dakotas, www.xcelenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Xcel Energy,  Wind,  Renewable Energy,  solar,  

Adani Green Energy
Date: 2020-06-19
Gujarat, India-based Adani Green Energy Ltd, part of the diversified Adani Group, reports it expects to invest $6 billion to ad 2 GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity. The move follows Adani Green Energy's previously reported winning bid to manufacture 8 GW of photovoltaic solar power projects over the next five years.

The first 2 GW of solar generation capacity will be commissioned by 2022. The project will be in various locations, including a 2 GW single-site generation project, the company said. (Source: Adani Green Energy Ltd., AgMetal Miner, 17 June, 2020) Contact: Adani Green Energy, +91-79-2656 5555, info@adani.com, www.adanigreenenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Adani Green Energy news,  Solar news,  PV news,  

Morgan Solar,Silfab Solar
Date: 2020-06-19
Toronto, Ontario-based Morgan Solar is reporting the sale of 13.6 MW of its innovative bifacial solar panels with SimbaX technology to Enbridge for installation at the 13-MW Alberta Solar One Inc. project in Burdett, Alberta. The panels will be manufactured by Mississauga, Ontario-headquartered Silfab Solar under an exclusive license agreement.

Alberta Solar One Inc., a joint venture between Enbridge Inc. and Morgan Solar, is expected to be completed by 2021 and will be the first major deployment of Morgan Solar's SimbaX concentrated-PV technology which , according to the company, can be integrated into any standard silicon PV panel assembly and boosts PV module performance. (Source: Morgan Solar, PR, June, 2020) (Contact: Morgan Solar, Mike Andrade, CEO, (416) 203-1655, www.morgansolar.com; Silfab Solar, Paolo Maccario, CEO, (905) 255-2501, www.silfabsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Silfab Solar,  Morgan Solar,  Solar Cell,  Solar Panel,  

Solar Landscape
Date: 2020-06-19
The New Jersey BPU has awarded 20.358 MW, or more than 26% of first-round capacity, to solar contractor Solar Landscape as part of the New Jersey Community Solar Pilot Program. It’s a joint effort: All those solar panels will sit on 1 million square feet of roof space on buildings on four industrial sites in the Garden State. The sites are located in Perth Amboy (pictured above), Peterboro, and Woodridge, and are owned by Duke Realty, the largest domestic-only real estate investment trust in the US. Solar Landscape says that 51% of the electricity the project generates will be sold to low- and moderate-income households. It will deliver more than 250 million kWh of green electricity over 20 years. (Source: Solar Landscape,NJBPU, June, 2020) Contact: Solar Landscape, .Shaun Keegan, CEO, NJBPU,

More Low-Carbon Energy News NJBPU news,  Solar Landscape news,  

JA Solar, Exel Solar
Date: 2020-06-17
Beijing-based high-performance PV products manufacturer JA Solar is reporting a partnership agreement with Mexican PV products distributor Exel Solar. As part of the agreement, the two parties are set to strengthen cooperation in providing more high-quality solar modules to the consumers in Mexico, driving forward the development of the solar energy market in the country.

Exel Solar has corporate offices in Merida, Yucatan and warehouses in Mexico City Monterrey Guadalajara , Chihuahua, Tijuana and Merida

JA has 12 manufacturing bases and more than 20 branches around the world. The company's product line includes silicon wafers, cells, modules and photovoltaic power stations. (Source: JA Solar Technology Co., Ltd, PR, CNW, 16 June, 2020) Contact: JA Solar, www.jasolar.com; Exel Solar, +55 5531 0649 , atencionalcliente@exelsolar.com, www.exelsolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News JA Solar,  Exel Solar,  Solar,  Mexico Solar,  

Hawaiian Electric Company
Date: 2020-06-17
In Honolulu, the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has issued a request for information (RFI) from land and building owners on the islands of O'ahu, Hawai'i Maui, and Moloka'i with sites that could be available for future HECO renewable energy projects.

HECO is seeking parcels as small as one acre and rooftops with at least 3,200 square feet of usable space for future development of grid-scale wind, solar and community solar projects. The location should be reasonably flat and sunny and can include open space of any kind, including large parking lots that could be covered with a shading roof of solar panels.

The RFI may be viewed and responded to at www.hawaiianelectric.com/landRFI Responses are requested by July 12, 2020. (Source: HECO, PR, 15 June, 2020) Contact: HECO, Jim Alberts, Snr. VP Strategic Planning and Business Development, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric Company,  HECO,  Renewable Energy,  Wind,  Solar Hawaii Renewable Energy,  

Sunrun,Southern California Edison
Date: 2020-06-17
In the Golden State, San Francisco-based home solar, battery storage, and energy services specialist Sunrun Inc. reports it is working with regional utility Southern California Edison (SCE) to launch one of the first residential energy storage virtual power plants in operation in the U.S.

Beginning this month and continuing through mid-2021, Sunrun and SCE will network up to 300 of Sunrun's Brightbox residential rooftop solar plus battery storage systems across Southern California to demonstrate how clean energy stored in Sunrun Brightbox rechargeable solar battery systems can provide the peaking capacity to the electrical grid for Southern California residents.

The program unlocks additional value for both Sunrun and Sunrun customers. Homeowners will earn an incentive for participating in the program, and Sunrun will generate revenue by managing and dispatching the networked home solar and battery-stored energy to the grid when SCE calls an event to meet local grid operational requirements. (Source: Sunrun, PR, 16 June, 2020) Contact: Sunrun, Lynn Jurich, Co-founder and CEO., (833) 324-5886, www.sunrun.com; Southern California Edison, William Walsh, VP Energy Procurement & Management, www.sce.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Southern California Edison,  Sunrun,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Nelnet Renewable Energy
Date: 2020-06-15
Nelnet Renewable Energy reports it is looking to expand renewable energy use by helping solar developers find subscribers for their community solar projects -- homeowners, renters, and businesses -- and achieve fully subscribed projects.

Nelnet starts with a project-specific, multi-channel marketing plan, coupled with effective subscriber education content, flexible enrollment options, and ongoing customer engagement and collection services.

Nelnet's involvement in renewable energy began in 2018 with a commitment to fund over $142 million for the building of solar energy projects via tax equity financing. (Source: Nelnet Renewable Energy, PR, Solar Builder, 12 June, 2020) Contact: Nelnet Renewable Energy, Jeff Noordhoek, CEO, www.nelnetinc.com/nds/industries/renewable-energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News Community Solar,  Solar,  

New Energy Equity
Date: 2020-06-15
Annapolis, Maryland-based solar developer New Energy Equity (NEE) is reporting the completion and commissioning of a 2,106 ground-mounted panel, 789-kW solar system for Hicksville Public Schools in Ohio. Financial services firm New Resource Solutions and solar developer Solscient Energy partnered on the project which will be maintained and serviced by NEE.

NEE has developed distributed generation solar projects totaling more than 250 MW and completed over 40 projects for public and private schools throughout the US. (Source: New Energy Equity, PR, Renewables, 12 June, 2020) Contact: New Energy Equity, 443-267-5012, www.newenergyequity.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News New Energy Equity,  Solar,  

GAF Energy
Date: 2020-06-15
In the Golden State, Campbell-based roof-integrated solar systems specialist GAF Energy is reporting the launch the of their Flex option for use with the company's redesigned Decotech 2.0 roof-integrated solar product.

The Flex option offers a set number of system structure and wattage building-blocks that roofers can use to design optimal roof-integrated solar products designed to provide a good-looking, low-profile alternative to standard rack-mounted solar panels . The GAF system is integrated directly with the roofing system and requires no penetration of the roofing membrane. High-efficiency solar panels in the system optimize power output and provide a matching color profile to the roof to maximize aesthetic appeal, combined with robust flashing and a sleek black perimeter shield to reduce the risk of leaks and animal intrusion, according to the company website. (Source: GAF Energy LLC, PR, Website, New Kerala, June, 2020) Contact: GAF Energy LLC, Martin DeBono, Pres., www.gaf.com/en-us/residential-roofing/decotech, www.gaf.energy

More Low-Carbon Energy News GAF Energy,  Solar,  

Stem Inc
Date: 2020-06-15
In the Golden State, Millbrae-based artificial intelligence -- driven energy storage services specialist Stem Inc reports it led commercial storage installations in California during 2019, with 106 sites totaling 26,991 kW, according to a recent analysis from the California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA).

Stem's Athena™ AI analytics platform enables customers and partners to optimize energy use by automatically switching between battery power, onsite generation and grid power. Stem's solutions help enterprise customers benefit from clean, adaptive energy infrastructure and achieve a wide variety of goals, including expense reduction, resilience, sustainability, environmental and corporate responsibility and innovation. Stem also offers full support for solar partners interested in adding storage to standalone, community or commercial solar projects – both behind and in front of the meter. (Source: Sten Inc., PR, June, 2020) Contact: California Solar and Storage Association, www. calssa.org; Stem Inc., John Carrington, CEO, 877-374-7836, www.stem.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Stem Inc,  Energy Storage,  artificial intelligence ,  

Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition
Date: 2020-06-12
The attached report from the Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition's (OREAC) Ocean Panel has found that ocean-based renewable energy, such as offshore wind, floating solar, tidal and wave power, could meet nearly 10 pct of the global annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions needed to remain on a Paris-compliant 1.5 degrees C pathway in 2050.

The report estimates that up to 85 pct of this decarbonization potential will come from offshore wind. 1,400 GW of offshore wind would power one-tenth of global electricity demand while saving over 3 billion tpy of CO2 -- equal to taking 800 million cars off the road.

OREAC is spearheaded by Orsted and Equinor, and includes other major players in the global offshore wind industry: CWind, Global Marine Group, JERA, MHI Vestas, MingYang Smart Energy, Mainstream Renewable Power, Shell, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, TenneT, and GE Renewable Energy. Additional partner organisations include Global Wind Energy Council, World Resources Institute, UN Global Compact, the Chinese Wind Energy Association and Ocean Energy Systems.

Download the OREAC The Ocean as a Solution to Climate Change report HERE. (Source: OREAC, PR, reve, June, 2020) Contact: OREAC, www.oceanrenewable.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Ocean Renewable Energy Action Coalition,  Ocean Energy,  Renewable Energy,  Wave Energy,  Tidal EnergyCarbon Emissions,  Climate Change,  

Alberta
Date: 2020-06-12
On the Canadian Prairies, the office of Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon has announced the closure of Energy Efficiency Alberta and the transfer of the 2017-vintage agency's $8-million budget into other departments or the current Emissions Reduction Alberta.

Energy Efficiency Alberta received funding from a provincial carbon tax on gasoline and heating fuels. The agency issued initiatives and rebates on everything from solar panels to energy-efficient appliances, windows, insulation, LED light bulbs and low-flow shower heads. The rebates were cancelled last fall. (Source: Office of Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon , JWN, Canadian Press, 12 June, 2020) Contact: Alberta Environment Minister Jason Nixon, 780-427-2711, www.alberta.ca/minister-of-environment-and-parks.aspx

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

Asian Development Bank
Date: 2020-06-12
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reports the inking of a $17.7 million financing package with Spectra Solar Park Limited (SSPL) for a 35-MW solar PV plant in Bangladesh. The solar park is one of the first private sector solar plants in Bangladesh to be financed by multilateral institutions.

When fully on line, the plant will generate more than 50 GWh per year of electricity for the national grid and avoid 33,200 metric tpy of carbon dioxide emissions. The project aligns with the Government of Bangladesh's aim to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels through renewable energy under Bangladesh Vision 2021. (Source: ADB, Dhaka Tribune, 10 June, 2020) Contact: Asia Development Bank, Takehiko Nakao, Pres. +63 2 632 4444, www.adb.org

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

Longroad Energy
Date: 2020-06-10
Following up on our 15th May report, renewable energy project developer Longroad Energy reports it has been selected by the Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) to develop and construct two utility-scale solar and battery storage projects with 160MW of solar with 640MWh of battery storage capacities in Hawaii.

The 120MWac/480MWh Mahi Solar project will be developed in Kunia, Oahu, while the 40MWac/160MWh Pulehu Solar power facility will be built in Pulehu, Maui. The two projects are slated for completion in 2023. Longroad also has plans to negotiate power purchase agreements (PPA) with HECO in the next few months, including beginning the permitting process and virtual public meetings. (Source: Longroad Energy, PR, HECO, PowerTech, June, 2020) Contact: Longroad Energy, Paul Gaynor, CEO, www.longroadenergy.com; HECO, Jim Alberts, Snr. VP, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News HECO,  Longroad Energy ,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  

Adani Green Energy
Date: 2020-06-10
Ahmedabad, India-headquartered Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL) has won the first of its kind manufacturing linked solar agreement from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).

As a part of the award, AGEL will develop 8 GW of solar projects at various locations as well as establish 2 GW of additional solar cell and module manufacturing capacity no later then 2022. The award will entail a single investment of $6 billion and displace 900 million tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

With this win, AGEL will now have 15 GW capacity in operation, under construction or under contract. (Source: Adani Green Energy Ltd., Website, Equity Bulls, 9 June, 2020) Contact: Adani Green Energy Ltd., +91-79-2656 5555, info@adani.com, www.adanigreenenergy.com; Solar Energy Corporation of India, www.seci.co.in

More Low-Carbon Energy News Adani Green Energy ,  Solar,  Solar Energy Corporation of India ,  

Solaque,GEO Renewables
Date: 2020-06-10
Solar and wind energy specialist Solaque Holding, an affiliate of Warsaw, Poland-based renewables and environment company GEO Renewables, is reporting the sale of its Grajewo and Miawa wind farms in Poland totaling 51.4 MW to Fonnes, a subsidiary of Finland-headquartered fund management firm, Taaleri.

Since its founding a decade ago, Solaque has completed acquisitions with an aggregate value of PLN 2 billion ($507.4 million). (Source: Solaque Holding, ICLG, 8 June, 2020) Contact: GEO Renewables, Solaque Holding, +22 378 29 00, +22 378 22 39 - fax, geor@georenewables.pl, www.georenewables.pl

More Low-Carbon Energy News GEO Renewables,  Wind,  Wind Poland,  

National Grid,UNFCCC
Date: 2020-06-10
National Grid reports it is supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) global "Race to Zero Campaign" and has to date cut its emission by 70 pct over 1990 levels.

To future meet its goals, National Grid is also: reducing SF6 emissions used in electrical equipment and swapping for alternatives; increasing energy efficiency; moving to renewable energy sources; researching the potential of hydrogen and renewable natural gas; and promoting similar actions among its supply chain and communities, targeting indirect emissions in particular.

In the US, National Grid it is working with customers to improve energy efficiency, investing in future energy systems through National Grid Partners, and supporting both solar and wind developments through Geronimo Energy. (Source: National Grid, PR, Energy Insider, 9 June, 2020) Contact: National Grid, John Pettigrew, CEO, www2.nationalgrid.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Grid,  Carbon Emission,  UNFCCC,  

Panasonic,Span
Date: 2020-06-10
U.S.-based electric panel manufacturer Span Inc reports it is partnering with Panasonic to offer a combined energy storage and residential energy management product that pairs Panasonic's EverVolt residential battery system, which comes in two sizes: 11.4 kWh and 17.1 kWh , with Span's electric panel.

Span's electric panel is designed to monitor and control up to 32 circuits, all managed through a smartphone app . The Panasonic systems are intended for indoor usage and are available in DC-coupled or AC-coupled versions and can be retrofitted to existing solar systems. (Source: Span Inc., PV Mag., June, 2020) Contact: Span Inc, Arch Rao, CEO, www.span.io, www.span.io/panasonic-evervolt

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

Broad Reach Power
Date: 2020-06-10
In the Lone Star State, Houston-headquartered utility-scale independent power producer Broad Reach Power reports it will construct 15 utility-scale, 10-MW battery storage plant sites in the Houston and Odessa area by the end of the year.

The company owns a 3-GW portfolio of utility-scale solar and energy storage power projects in Montana, Wyoming, California, Utah, and Texas. (Source: Broad Reach Power , Website, 9 June, 2020. Contact: Broad Reach Power , Steve Vavrik, CEO, www.broadreachpower.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Broad Reach Power ,  Energy Storage,  

BMW
Date: 2020-06-08
In India, a release from the 2010 vintage BMW Group Plant Chennai reports energy efficiency and sustainability is a top priority at the manufacturing facility which is taking an active lead towards a green and sustainable future.

To that end, the plant is committed to increasing use of renewable energy to meet 100 pct of its energy needs by end of the year and has launched new initiatives for water conservation and tree plantation/biodiversity. A 1350 KW solar array presently supplies 40 pct of the plant's electric power and a recent conversion to LED lighting and other energy efficiency initiatives have cut power consumption by 50 pct.

Water used for cleaning is treated and reused in landscaping and sensor-equipped taps and other efforts have cut water consumption by 45 pct -- from 40825 KL to 20594 KL for the period 2016 to 2019. Additionally, a new Rainwater Harvesting Project stores up to 2,000 kilolitres and meets 40 pct of the plant's requirements and treated sewage is used for toilet flushing. (Source: BMW Group Plant Chennai, Business Wire India, 5 June, 2020) Contact: BMW Group Plant Chennai, www.bmwgroup.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News BME news,  Energy Efficiency news,  

Hawaiian Electric
Date: 2020-06-05
Hawaiian Electric (HECO) has posted details of 16 solar-plus-storage or standalone-storage projects selected in the latest phase of the clean energy transition for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island.

The name, location, developer, technology, size and estimated completion dates are listed on the Hawaiian Electric renewable project status board at www.hawaiianelectric.com/statusboard along with as links to each project's individual website. Each developer is responsible for ongoing outreach to their prospective neighboring communities, alerting them to plans and responding to concerns.

If all projects are completed as planned, nearly seven points will be added to HECO's renewable portfolio percentage by 2025. The company expects to reach the mandated 30 pct renewable energy goal by the end of this year with plans in place to exceed 40 pct by 2030, 70 pct by 2040 and 100 pct clean energy for electricity by 2045.

Review the Hawaiian Electric renewable project status board HERE. (Source: Hawaiian Electric, PR, 2 June, 2020) Contact: HECO, Jim Alberts, Snr. VP, Shelee Kimura, VP Bus. Dev., (808) 543-7780, andrfi@hawaiianelectric.com, www.hawaiianelectric.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Hawaiian Electric ,  Solar,  Energy Storage,  Renewable Energy,  

Q Cells
Date: 2020-06-03
In the Land Down Under, Newcastle, New South Wales-based SwitchDin is reporting receipt of a $5 million investment from global solar giant Q-Cells. The investment will help further develop SwitchDin's DER energy management and storage technology while helping Q Cell move beyond rooftops to vertically integrated clean energy solutions.

SwitchDin gives energy companies -- network operators, electricity retailers and integrated utilities -- the tools they need to securely integrate and manage diverse mixes of small-scale distributed energy resources (DERs) to optimise system-wide outcomes for everyone.

The company works with players across the energy sector, with clients and partners that include not only utilities, but also equipment manufacturers, solar installers and energy end-users themselves, according to the company website. (Source: SwitchDin, Website, One Stop Off the Grid, June, 2020) Contact: SwitcheDin, Andrew Mears, CEO, +61 2 4786 0426, www.switchdin.com; Hanwha Q Cells, Charles Kim, CEO, www.hanwha-qcells.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  Q Cell,  

Williams Companies
Date: 2020-06-03
Tulsa, Oklahoma-headquartered natural gas processing and transmission firm The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB) reports it plans to install solar arrays near its existing facilities. The solar installations are expected to come online in late 2021.

The on-site solar farms are expected to produce a combined 350 MW of power with some hubs having the potential to sell any excess power generated back to the grid.

The company has identified initial sites suitable for solar photovoltaic (PV) plants in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. (Source: The Williams Companies Inc., Zacks, June, 2020) Contact: The Williams Companies Inc., 800-945-5467, www.williams.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar,  

EDF Renewables, Alliant Energy
Date: 2020-06-03
In the Badger State, Madison-headquartered Alliant Energy is reporting plans to acquire and advance 675 MW of solar in the mostly rural Grant, Jefferson, Richland, Rock, Sheboygan and Wood Counties.

When fully operational, the projects will generate sufficient power for 175,000 homes per year -- making Alliant Energy the largest owner-operator of solar in Wisconsin. Alliant previously announced its plan to install 1,000 MW of solar generation in Wisconsin by 2023.

The projects, along with the recently announced retirement of the Edgewater Generating Station in Sheboygan, further Alliant Energy's goal of reducing CO2 emissions from fossil-fueled generation by 40 pct. (Source: Alliant Energy, PR, 26 May, 2020) Contact: Alliant Energy, Susan Gille, Inv. Rel, (608) 458-3956, www.alliantenergy.com

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

Alliant Energy, Geronimo
Date: 2020-06-03
Minneapolis-based renewable energy developer Geronimo Energy and Alliant Energy are reporting Alliant will purchase Geronimo's 50-MW North Rock Solar power development in the town of Fulton, Wisconsin, subject to regulatory approvals. Geronimo will continue acting as developer of North Rock Solar. (Source: Alliant Energy, Milton Courier, June, 2020) Contact: Alliant Energy, Susan Gille, Inv. Rel, (608) 458-3956, www.alliantenergy.com; Geronimo Energy, Ben Adamich, (952) 988-9000, info@geronimoenergy.com, www.geronimoenergy.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Alliant Energy,  Solar,  Geronimo,  

Energy Efficiency
Date: 2020-06-03
Montenegrin state power utility Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG) is reporting an energy efficiency upgrade project at its headquarters building in the city of Niksic.

The first stage involves installing solar panels on the roof and the parking lot. Other measures include thermal insulation of exterior walls, thermal and hydro insulation of the roof, installation of a modern HVAC system, and LED lighting, all of which will eventually meet up to 97 pct of the building's energy needs and cut the 60-year old building's CO2 emissions by nearly 1,290 tpy, according to the EPCG release. (Source: EPCG, Balkan News, 2 June, 2020) Contact: EPCG, www.epcg.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Energy Efficiency,  

8minute Solar Energy
Date: 2020-06-03
Los Angeles-based solar and solar energy storage developer 8minute Solar Energy (8minute) reports it has secured a $225 million Letter of Credit (LoC) facility from a consortium of 5 banks to support its 18GW pipeline of solar and energy storage projects.

The company will use the oLC for power purchase agreements (PPAs) and interconnection agreements for its projects in California, Texas and the south-western US, according to a company statement. (Source: 8minute Solar Energy, PR, Power Tech, 2 June, 2020) Contact: 8Minute Soplar Energy, Dr. Tom Buttgenbach, Pres., CEO, Katie Struble Director, Corporate Communications, 608 332 2809, kstruble@8minute.com, www.8minute.com

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

National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Date: 2020-06-01
The US DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) reports it is exploring the possibilities of using blockchain for renewable energy. To that end, NREL will work with energy utility, Exelon, and the Energy Web Foundation (EWF) to research blockchain for community-based energy markets.

The project will focus on enhancing coordination between utilities and consumers and finding ways to connect distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels to local distribution networks by using digital identity and hardware created by NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF).

NREL plans to leverage blockchain to create a scalable solution for electricity feeders, which can be customized as desired. Currently, they are running a virtual pilot that connects electric vehicles, smart appliances, batteries, and other components, to a blockchain.

NREL is a member of Blockchain for Optimized Security and Energy Management (BLOSEM), and provides expertise on accelerating blockchain adoption in the energy sector. The BLOSEM project is led by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and is funded by the Grid Modernization Laboratory Consortium. (Source: NREL, COINGEEK, 30 May, 2020) Contact: NREL, Dane Christensen, dane.christensen@nrel.gov, www.nrel.gov; Excelon, www.exeloncorp.com; Web Foundation, www.energyweb.org

More Low-Carbon Energy News National Renewable Energy Laboratory ,  NREL,  Renewable Energy,  Exelon,  ,  

Photon Energy
Date: 2020-06-01
In Australia, Photon Energy Australia is reporting financial close on two New South Wales solar farm projects -- the Leeton and Fivebough projects with a combined capacity of 14MW.

Photon will act as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the two projects which are expected to be completed and commissioned in Q4,2020. Battery storage is expected to be added to the solar farms at some point and no PPA have yet been signed.

Photon Energy Australia is a subsidiary of Photon Energy, a global provider of complete large solar power systems,according to the company website. (Source: Photon Energy Australia, PR, ReNew Economy, 30 May, 2020) Contact: Photon Energy Australia, Michael Gartner, Managing Dir., info.aus@photonenergy.com, www.photonenergy.com.au

More Low-Carbon Energy News Photon Energy,  Solar,  Australia Solar,  

Asian Renewable Energy Hub
Date: 2020-06-01
In the Land Down Under, the Perth-based Asian Renewable Energy Hub reports its nearing 15 gigawatts of solar and wind generation capacity with the Western Australia state Environmental Protection Authority's conditional approval of its proposed wind-solar-green hydrogen manufacturing project that would supply the Pilbara region.

The mega renewables project has been in the planning stages since 2014 and was revealed in 2017 as a 6-gigawatt hybrid plant. Since then, the proposed facility's generation capacity has been scaled up to 9, 11 and as of 2019, 15 GW.

The original plan was for the project to export clean electricity to Jakarta and Singapore via sub-sea high voltage DC cables, but the focus has shifted to domestic industrial users, with more than half the output allocated to the Pilbara region. (Source: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, Construction Review OnLIne, 30 May, 2020) Contact: Asian Renewable Energy Hub, info@asianrehub.com, www.asianrehub.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Renewable Energy news,  Green Hydrogen news,  

Sun Tribe Solar
Date: 2020-06-01
As part of a proposed solar development, Charlottesville, Virginia-based Sun Tribe Solar reports it has offered a power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Pennsylvania borough of Chambersburg for a 19.5 MW solar PV system. This solar PPA will meet 10 pct of the community's power needs when completed in 2021.

According to the release, "The PPA allows the Borough to lock in affordable rates for the long-term, serving as source of budgeting certainty and a hedge against rising wholesale power prices in the future." Chambersburg is home to the largest municipal electric utility in the Keystone State. (Source: Sun Tribe Solar, PR, CleanTechnica, 30, 2020) Contact: Sun Tribe Solar, Danny Van Clief, CEO, Rob Corradi, Public Affairs, (410) 212-5483, rob.corradi@suntribesolar.com, www.suntribesolar.com

More Low-Carbon Energy News Solar news,  

Rocky Mountain Power,Utah Inland Port Authority
Date: 2020-05-29
In the Beehive State, the Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA) and Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) report the inking of a Joint Clean Energy Cooperation Statement to create a sustainable energy supply within the UIPA jurisdictional area. The agreement allows the sharing of data and resources to identify solutions to meet future needs with net 100 pct renewable energy, planning for electrification of freight, cargo and logistics equipment, and energy efficiency programs.

Work will begin by developing a 10-year power use forecast for the current UIPA jurisdictional land that identifies how much power is needed, followed by a renewable energy generation and storage forecast to serve as a roadmap for future action that includes resource type (wind, solar, battery, renewable energy credits, etc.), resource size (in megawatts), and capital. Additional agreements and approvals on specific projects are anticipated as this work goes forward.(Source: Utah Inland Port Authority , KUTV, 17 May, 2020) Contact: Utah Inland Port Authority, Jack Hedge, Executive Director, www.utahinlandport.org; Rocky Mountain Power, Gary Hoogeveen, Pres., CEO, (800) 222-4335, www.rockymountainpower.net

More Low-Carbon Energy News Rocky Mountain Power,  Energy Eficiency,  Renewable Energy,