News for October 2011

News Archive

London taxis, scooter fleet powered by UK’s first hydrogen station network

A new project in London will see an additional hydrogen fueling station to support 15 fuel cell powered black cabs (taxis) and five fuel cell Suzuki Bergmann scooters carrying passengers around the city, in time for the London 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Half of Danish power consumption provided by wind in 2020

The new Danish centre-left coalition government has increased the target for wind capacity to 50% of the total power consumption in Denmark in 2020.

DONG tests Vestas' 7 MW offshore wind turbine DONG tests Vestas' 7 MW offshore wind turbine

DONG Energy and Vestas will test Vestas' V164 7 MW offshore wind turbine at DONG’s demonstration site in the waters off Frederikshavn in Northern Jutland, Denmark.

REpower's CEO becomes head of Pelamis Wave Power

Pelamis Wave Power has appointed REpower's former CEO, Per Hornung Pedersen, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

BrightSource Energy files application for 750 MW of solar thermal in California

BrightSource Energy Inc has filed an Application for Certification (AFC) with the California Energy Commission to develop three 250 MW solar thermal power plants in Riverside County, CA, USA.

Industry backs UK Secretary's emphatic defence of renewable energy

RenewableUK welcomed the UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Chris Huhne's vigorous defence of the renewables industry in his keynote speech at RenewableUK's annual conference in Manchester last week.

Siemens commissions Les Mées solar PV farm in France

Siemens Energy has commissioned the 31 MW Les Mées solar photovoltaic (PV) farm in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in the south of France for Eco Delta Développement (EDD).

Geothermal industry calls for US tax credit extension

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) has submitted a statement to the Select Revenue Measures and Oversight subcommittees in the US calling for the extension of the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC).

Dantherm Power to supply fuel cell system for Anglo American in South Africa

Dantherm Power is to supply a 150 kW hydrogen fuel cell generator and associated engineering services to Anglo American Platinum, for deployment at a mining operation in South Africa.

3TIER has helped solar developers secure US$4.1bn

3TIER has helped utility-scale solar energy developers secure over US$4.1 billion in public and private project financing and loan guarantees by reducing investment risk.

EIB lends €53m for biomass boiler at Polish power station

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will lend PLN210 million (€53m) for the construction and operation of a biomass boiler at Jaworzno III Power Plant in Poland.

REpower supplies 12 wind turbines to Alaska

REpower Systems SE will deliver 12 wind turbines to Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) for the 24.6 MW Eva Creek wind farm near Ferry, Alaska, USA.

First 1000 tonnes of end-of-life solar PV modules collected for recycling

PV CYCLE has reached its first 1020 tonnes of end-of-life solar photovoltaic (PV) modules collected for recycling since the programme became operational in June 2010.

Solar PV equipment suppliers must adjust strategies after US$6bn overspend Solar PV equipment suppliers must adjust strategies after US$6bn overspend

Global solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment spending, including c-Si ingot-to-module and thin-film panel, is now projected to fall by more than 45% in 2012, down from the historic peak of US$13.1 billion this year, according to Solarbuzz.

ZeaChem raises US$19m to advance commercial biorefinery production

ZeaChem Inc has raised US$19 million in Series C financing to advance commercial production of its biorefinery solutions.

SunPower's solar CPV C7 Tracker lowers LCOE by 20% SunPower's solar CPV C7 Tracker lowers LCOE by 20%

SunPower Corp has launched the SunPower™ C7 Tracker for concentrating photovoltaics (CPV) solar systems said to lower the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) by up to 20% compared to competing technologies.

EMEC showcases Scotland’s renewable energy potential

The European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) welcomed the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee (ECCC) to its base at Stromness and testing sites around the Islands for wave and tidal power, last week.

ETI models the UK’s tidal energy resources

The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) will model the UK's tidal energy resources to improve understanding of the possible interactions between tidal energy extraction systems as they are deployed between now and 2050.

Foundations in place for Thornton Bank 2 offshore wind farm Foundations in place for Thornton Bank 2 offshore wind farm

The 25 jacket foundations for RWE Innogy's Thornton Bank 2 offshore wind farm off the coast of Belgium have now been installed.

Santerno provides solar inverters for Renault’s French manufacturing plants

Italian solar photovoltaic (PV) inverter company, Santerno, will deliver 84 of its Sunway™ TG730 inverters to be installed on the five French factories for Renault.

NRG intros ultrasonic wind sensors

NRG Systems is introducing a new line of ultrasonic wind sensors that measure wind speed and direction using sound waves.

Micronesia sees installation of 1.5 MW wave energy project

Ocean Energy Industries and Kosrae Utilities have launched a 1.5 MW wave energy project in the State of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia.

Nigeria looks to renewable energy

Nigeria is looking to increase its share of renewable energy towards 2020, according to Renewable Energy Nigeria.

Langlee receives funding for New Zealand wave power project Langlee receives funding for New Zealand wave power project

Langlee Wave Power has secured NZ$312,000 in funding for a wave power project on Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Sungevity and Rabobank establish US residential solar fund

Sungevity Inc and Rabobank have established a residential solar fund that could support over US$50 million of new US residential solar lease projects.

Proven Energy sold to Kingspan Renewables

UK's small wind turbine manufacturer, Proven Energy Ltd, has been sold to Kingspan Renewables Ltd.

Hawaii PUC approves contract for 5 MW solar farm in Kalaeloa

The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a contract between SunPower Corp and Hawaiian Electric Company for the output of a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm planned for Kalaeloa in West Oahu, Hawaii.

Puerto Rico’s first commercial wind farm secures financing

Financing has been completed for the 75 MW Finca de Viento Santa Isabel wind farm in Puerto Rico, Pattern Energy Group LP says.

Continued renewable energy support in Ontario following election

The continuation of the feed-in tariff programme in Ontario, Canada, seems to be secured with the election victory of the Liberal Party earlier this month.

Abengoa builds US$120m bioethanol plant in Uruguay

Abengoa is building a US$120 million bioethanol plant in Paysandú, Uruguay for Alcoholes de Uruguay (ALUR).

US solar firms accuses China of dumping solar modules in the US

SolarWorld Industries America Inc, along with six other solar manufacturers, have filed cases with the US Department of Commerce and International Trade Commission accusing Chinese solar cell and module manufacturers of illegal dumping in the US market.

Goldwind starts mass-production of high altitude wind turbines

Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co Ltd has begun mass production of its permanent magnet direct drive (PMDD) 1.5MW wind turbines for high altitude areas.

American Electric Technologies introduces news solar inverters

American Electric Technologies Inc. (AETI) is introducing two 1000 V Integrated Solar Inversion Station (ISIS™) solar inverter modules.

REA says UK renewable energy support degression “makes sense”

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) says it is a relief that the UK renewables obligation document has been published and that it makes sense with a degression as costs decrease.

GE and Greenko develop wind power in India

GE Energy Financial Services and India's Greenko Group Plc will develop up to 1 GW of wind energy projects across India.

Nordex wind turbines to Pakistan

Nordex has signed supply and service contracts for its N100/2500 wind turbines totalling 250 MW with four companies in Pakistan.

Revised UK support levels for large-scale renewable energy from 2013

The UK Government has published a consultation proposing new support levels for large-scale renewable electricity from 2013-17, and 2014-17 for offshore wind, under the Renewables Obligation (RO).

Bio-methanol fuel for IdaTech telecom backup power fuel cell systems

US-based fuel cell manufacturer IdaTech has announced the availability of bio-HydroPlus renewable fuel. This mixture of bio-methanol and deionized water can be used to power IdaTech fuel cell products for telecommunications and other critical backup power applications.

Spire delivers 25 MW solar PV module assembly line to India

Spire Corporation is providing a 25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) module assembly line to Sonali Energees Pvt Ltd in Gujarat, India.

Vestas wind turbines to 99 MW Texan wind farm

Vestas will supply 55 of its V100 1.8 MW wind turbines for a 99 MW wind farm in Texas, USA.

American Superconductor becomes AMSC

American Superconductor Corporation will be doing business as AMSC as it introduces a new corporate identity “to foster strong, sustainable growth”, reflecting its international wind and grid activities.

Tata Power reaches 300 MW wind milestone in India

Tata Power has reached the 300 MW milestone for installed wind power capacity in India.

SOLARWATT AG enters Danish solar PV market

Germany's SOLARWATT AG has expanded its solar photovoltaic (PV) distribution network to include Solarglas A/S in Aarhus, Denmark.

Conergy launches solar systems planning tool

Conergy has launched a solar system planning tool, the ‘Conergizer’ in the UK to helps users work out the best solar solution for any roof.

ESA Renewables completes 999 kW solar farm in North Carolina

ESA Renewables has completed a 999 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Murphy, North Carolina.

SANJOSE to build €19m solar PV farm in Spain

SANJOSE has been awarded an EPC contract for a €19 million, 9 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) farm in Spain to be executed this year.

MCT and RWE npower secures tidal site lease

Marine Current Turbines (MCT) and RWE npower renewables have secured an agreement for lease for the 10 MW Skerries Tidal Stream off the cost of Anglesey, north Wales, from the UK Crown Estate.

Solar employment soars as US economy lags

Employment figures for the US solar industry is soaring despite a lagging economy, according to the Solar Foundation's National Solar Job Census 2011: A Review of the US Solar Workforce.

Renault installs 60 MW of solar in France

French car manufacturer Renault pans to install 60 MW of solar power at five of its factories and two other work sites in France.

First Solar and Solar Chile to develop solar in Chile

Fundación Chile subsidiary Solar Chile and First Solar have entered a strategic alliance to co-develop solar projects in Chile.

juwi builds 53 MW wind farm in south-western Germany

Construction of the 23 turbine wind farm in Kirchberg, Rhine-Hunsrueck, Germany has started and the official inauguration is expected next summer.

Wind overtakes aerospace as advanced composite user

Wind energy is set to overtake aerospace as the largest user of advanced composite materials, according to Lux Research.

Solar PV component profits down 70% in Q4’11 Solar PV component profits down 70% in Q4’11

Solar photovoltaic (PV) component profits are set to fall by 70% year-on-year in Q4’11 according to IMS Research.

US Interior Secretary calls for offshore wind commitment

US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar calls for continued and unwavering commitment from industry and the Government for US offshore wind.

Thermal waste processing worth £5.6bn annually

An estimated €5.6 billion is invested annually in building, expanding, modernising and maintaining waste-incineration plant and power stations which use refuse-derivative fuel (RDF), according to IFAT ENTSORGA, the trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management.

Call for Papers: Fuel Cells 2012 Science & Technology conference in April in Berlin

Abstracts are now being invited for the Fuel Cells 2012 Science & Technology conference, which will take place 10–11 April 2012 at the Hotel Maritim in Berlin, Germany.

Suntech celebrates 10 years and 5 GW milestone

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd is celebrating its 10th anniversary and 5 GW of Suntech solar panels installed by customers and partners worldwide.

eIQ Energy DC parallel system at 1.2 MW solar PV installation

eIQ Energy has supplied its vBoost DC Parallel System for the 1.2 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) system at Granite Construction Inc's aggregate and hot mix facility in Coalinga, California, USA.

GE plans large solar panel factory in Colorado, USA

GE is planning to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel factory in Aurora, Colorado, USA, starting production in 2012.

FuturaGene and Guangxi develop eucalyptus biofuel process FuturaGene and Guangxi develop eucalyptus biofuel process

FuturaGene and the Guangxi Academy of Sciences (GXAS) will collaborate on the development and optimisation of second generation biofuel production from woody species, and eucalyptus in particular.

South Korea provides loan for solar PV in Mozambique

South Korea will provide two loans totalling US$60 million to Mozambique for the construction of three solar photovoltaic (PV) power stations and to finance an emergency information management system.

City of Austin goes 100% renewable

The City of Austin, Texas, USA, has switched to 100% renewable energy with all facilities from neighbourhood libraries and recreation centres to police and fire stations subscribing to Austin Energy’s GreenChoice® renewable energy.

Stable Federal policy needed to establish US offshore wind

Original equipment and wind turbine manufacturers say stable Federal policies are needed to establish a US offshore wind industry at the Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition in Baltimore, MD, USA, this week.

Indian research institute opens European office in the Netherlands

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) of India, which focuses on sustainable development and energy, has opened its European head office in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

US invests US$250m in 51 solar projects in Thailand

The US Government's development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), has approved US$250 million in financing to develop 51 solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants in Thailand.

Substantial variability in US solar performance

An anomaly study from 3TIER shows how solar irradiance in the USA varied from its long-term norm this summer.

37,000 US jobs predicted from Treasury 1603 extension

An extension of the 1603 Treasury Program could result in more than 37,000 jobs in the USA next year driven by solar market growth, according to an EuPD Research.

Australian clean and renewable energy legislation passed

The Australian Clean Energy legislative package, which put a price on carbon emissions and promotes renewable energy, has been passed by the House of Representatives.

Solar Millennium sells off 2.25 GW CSP – projects converted to PV

Solar Millenium AG is selling off its 2.25 GW concentrating solar power (CSP) portfolio in the American Southwest to solarhybrid AG, which will build solar photovoltaic (PV) plants at the sites.

Hydrogenics to provide energy storage for wind-hydrogen installation in Germany

Canadian-based Hydrogenics has been selected by the German city of Herten to supply a wind-hydrogen energy storage solution. The project will allow excess renewable energy to be stored as hydrogen for later use in a fuel cell.

Saudi Arabia inaugurates 500 kW solar PV plant

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated a 500 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Farasan.

Canadian Solar supplies 15 MW of modules of Isolux' UK projects

Canadian Solar Inc has provided 22,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) modules totalling 15 MW for Isolux Corsan's three solar PV plants in the UK.

Making tidal power a commercial reality

The tidal power industry is invited to join an initiative to help enable tidal energy to become a commercial reality at a ‘How to Build a Tidal Array in a Day’ seminar on 25 October during the RenewableUK 2011 conference and exhibition in Manchester, UK.

REpower supplies 23 wind turbines to Burgundy, France

REpower Systems SE is delivering 23 of its MM92, 2.05 MW wind turbines to La Compaigne du Vent, GDF SUEZ Group, for two wind farms totalling 47 MW in Burgundy, France.

FLABEG collector reduces CSP cost by 25%

FLABEG, together with schlaich bergermann und partner, is working on a collector design to improve efficiency and reduce cost by up to 25% for concentrating solar power (CSP) parabolic trough plants.

AES constructs 24 MW solar PV in Puerto Rico

AES Solar has closed the financing and started construction of a 24 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant in Guayama, Puerto Rico.

Taiwan inaugurates its “largest” solar plant

Taiwan has started operations at what could be its largest solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in the southern city of Kaohsiung.

Desert Sunlight gets DoE loan guarantee

The 550 MW Desert Sunlight Project in California, USA, has received US$1.46 billion in partial loan guarantees from the US Department of Energy (DoE).

ITM Power to cooperate with Dutch Fuel Cell Consortium on hydrogen energy projects

ITM Power has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dutch Fuel Cell Consortium (DFC), to cooperate on developing hydrogen energy system projects for clean fuel and energy storage applications in the Benelux region.

AV Solar Ranch 1 gets US$646m DoE loan guarantee

The 230 MW Antelope Valley Solar Ranch 1 has received a US$646 million loan guarantee from the US Department of Energy (DoE).

Barclays lends £3.4m to finalise wave power array

Barclays Corporate has agreed a £3.4 million loan to wave energy company Aquamarine Power to finalise its wave power array in Orkney, marking a first in bank debt financing for a UK marine energy project.

Sanyo labelled with “Top Brand PV” by EuPD Research

EuPD Research is awarding Sanyo the seal “Top Brand PV” as the solar company achieves higher than average evaluations in the category 'quality'.

Hydrogen CHP is theme for 2012 Hydrogen Student Design Contest

The theme for the 2012 Hydrogen Student Design Contest is 'Combined Heat, Hydrogen, and Power'. The contest challenges students to design a trigeneration system that yields heat, hydrogen, and power while utilizing local resources.

REpower supplies 122 MW Dutch wind farm

REpower Systems SE is supplying 36 of its 3.4M104 wind turbines for a 122 MW wind farm near Zeewolde, the Netherlands, to be developed by Zuidlob Wind B.V., which is owned by Nuon, part of Swedish Vattenfall.

Grid, storage, and electric vehicle M&As hit new highs in H1

Grid, storage and electric vehicle mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the first half (H1) of 2011 have reached double of full year 2010's activity as cash-starved companies head for the auction block, Lux Research says.

Wind and solar hybrid systems Wind and solar hybrid systems

Southwest Windpower Inc and Advanced Technology & Research Corp (ATR) are joining forces to design and manufacture wind and solar hybrid systems.

Heliocentris wins energy lab order in Qatar, expands Middle East presence

Heliocentris Energy Solutions has won an order from Qatar University, to supply a complete teaching laboratory for energy generation, storage, and management. The German-based company is also opening an office in Dubai, to boost its presence in the Middle East.

REC closes down Norwegian solar wafer production

Norway's Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) is assessing a permanent closedown of 45% of its solar wafer production capacity in Norway due to weak market conditions – 700 jobs could go.

BP builds 419 MW Kansas wind farm

BP Wind Energy plans to build a 419 MW wind farm, Flat Ridge 2, in Barber, Harper, Kingman and Sumner Counties, Kansas, USA.

Ohio lends US$15m for ISOFOTON’s solar panel plant

The State of Ohio is providing three loans totalling US$15 million to ISOFOTON North America to develop a solar photovoltaic (PV) panel manufacturing plant in Napoleon, Ohio, USA.

Action for Renewables set up in the UK

Action for Renewables (A4R) has been set up as an alliance of NGOs, trade unions, grassroots activists and industry bodes to campaign for the expansion of renewable energy in the UK.

US announces grid modernisation pilot projects

The Obama Administration is accelerating the permitting and construction of 7 proposed electric transmission lines in a move to modernise the US grids.

SolarWorld constructs silicon factory in Qatar

SolarWorld AG will, together with partners, invest a total of US$1 billion produce up to 8000 tonnes of silicon suitable for solar wafers annually in Qatar.

EIB provides €350m loan for France-Spain interconnector

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a €350 million loan to grid operators RTE and REE to build direct current (DC) interconnector between France and Spain.

European officials to drive Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicle European officials to drive Hyundai ix35 fuel cell vehicle

The European Commission-supported Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking has selected a Hyundai ix35 fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) as a demonstration vehicle for European Parliament members and policymakers.

PG&E dedicates three Californian solar PV plants

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has dedicated three solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants totalling 50 MW in Fresno County, California, USA.

Construction starts on 16.1 MW solar PV in Maryland

Constellation Energy has started construction on a 16.1 MW DC grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) installation in Emmitsburg, Maryland, USA.

ABB opens solar inverters and engineering centre in Estonia

ABB has opened its first production line for solar string inverters and an engineering centre in Jüri, Estonia.

Financing complete for 200 MW onshore wind farm in Sweden

Financing for the €335 million, 200 MW Jädraås wind farm in Sweden has been completed by private equity fund manager Platina Partners LLP and onshore wind developer Arise Windpower AB.

New Energy Capital invests US$12m in solar installer FLS

The New Energy Capital Cleantech Infrastructure Fund has invested US$12 million in commercial solar hot water system installer and solar photovoltaic (PV) integrator, FLS Energy Inc.

Stirling Energy caves in against PV's falling costs

Stirling Energy Systems has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy as the stirling dish technology could not compete against the falling costs of solar photovoltaics (PV), according to media reports.

NEPGA highlights concerns with Northern Pass Transmission Project

The New England Power Generators Association (NEPGA) has issued a public policy position paper highlighting its concerns with the Northern Pass Transmission Project (NPTP).

Bioenergy project awarded US$132m loan guarantee

Abengoa Bioenergy Biomass of Kansas LLC (ABBK) has been awarded a US$132.4 million loan guarantee form the US Department of Energy (DoE) for the development of a commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Hugoton, Kansas, USA.

Costs pull the plug on Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees is ending the competitive solicitation process for the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Project (GLOW) without awarding a contract due to cost concerns.

New WEBINAR recording available

Renewable Energy Focus' latest webinar on the development of solar electric technologies is now available online...

New WEBINAR recording available

Renewable Energy Focus' latest webinar on the development of wind power is now available online...

Innotech Solar commissions factory in Germany

Norway's Innotech Solar ASA has commissioned a solar factory in Halle/Saale, Germany, for testing and optimising solar photovoltaic (PV) cells.

ReneSola modules power German solar PV plant

ReneSola Ltd has provided 27.5 MW of its Multi and Virtus solar photovoltaic (PV) modules for Enerparc's solar power plant in Gahro, Germany.

Suntech delivers 35 MW of solar panels to Californian projects

Suntech Power Holdings Co Ltd has supplied a total of 35 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for two solar power plants in central California built by Cupertino Electric Inc.

Hawaii tests algae biofuel

Phycal Inc will supply 100,000-150,000 gallons of algae biofuel to Hawaiian Electric for testing at the Kahe Generating Station, Hawaii, USA.

California Valley Solar Ranch acquisition complete

NRG Energy Inc has completed the acquisition of the 250 MW California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) project from SunPower Corp.

Siemens aims for 10% wind business profit margin

Siemens AG says it is aiming for a profit margin of at least 10% of revenues for its wind power operations, achieved through cost cutting and streamlining operations.

Ming receives 'Alternative Nobel Prize' for solar thermal

Huang Ming, the Founder of Himin Solar, has been awarded the Right Livelihood Award for his work on solar thermal.

Three wind turbine projects unveiled in South Lanarkshire, UK

Scottish Resources Group (SRG) is unveiling plans for three wind turbine projects in South Lanarkshire, UK.

Solar PV shifts from incentives to end user opportunities

The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry has to focus on reducing module prices as customers are expecting to pay less for solar energy, according to SolarPlaza.

AFC Energy commissions two fuel cell Beta Systems at AkzoNobel plant in Germany

AFC Energy has completed the commissioning of two commercial-scale alkaline fuel cell systems at the AkzoNobel chlor-alkali plant in Bitterfeld, Germany.

European Association for Storage of Energy founded

The international non-profit association will promote the roles of energy storage as key enabling technologies for Europe’s transition towards a greener energy system.