News for July 2013

News Archive

Gamesa commissions first offshore wind turbine in Spain Gamesa commissions first offshore wind turbine in Spain

The first offshore wind turbine installed in Spain has been commissioned by Gamesa, for installation at the Arinaga Quay in Gran Canaria (Canary Islands).

UK ‘off track’ for 2020 renewables target

Official energy statistics published today by the UK government report that the UK has missed its indicative renewable energy target for 2011-12.

EU and China agree solar panel price undertaking

The EU is reportedly “satisfied” by the offer of a price undertaking submitted by China’s solar panel exporters, according to EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht.

Inverter market revenue to fall 5 percent Inverter market revenue to fall 5 percent

The global market for PV inverters will decrease by 5 percent to US$6.7 billion in 2013, due to an 11 percent decrease in prices, says a new report.

Solar and wind dominate world market

Solar and wind energy use has grown significantly in 2012, and continues to dominate investment, states a new report.

US utilities aim for almost a gigawatt of new solar capacity

US utilities in Georgia, New York, and Colorado have announced plans to bring a total of 840 megawatts (MW) of solar energy online by 2016 through CLEAN programs set up by the Clean Coalition.

New report covers biofuels in the EU

EurObserv’ER has published a new barometer report, covering the current state of biofuels in the EU.

ABB acquires Power-One

ABB has completed its acquisition of power conversion specialist Power-One, making it a leading global supplier of solar inverters.

Europe’s largest energy storage trial deployed

S&C Electric Europe, Samsung SDI and Younicos have signed a joint agreement to launch Europe’s largest intelligent network storage project on a UK power networks substation.

PV briefing – California to face historic challenges

At the 11th PV Briefing & Networking Forum USA, part of the Intersolar North America event, delegates discussed the future of renewable energy in the US market, highlighting the importance of California in growing the technology.

Capatis Finance announces Solar PV Funding Solution

Capitas and its partners have announced an investment plan into consented ground mounted solar PV sites.

Conergy to sell global sales units

US based financial investor Kawa Capital Management, Inc has stated its intention to acquire most of Conergy’s global sales units as well as its necessary associated administrative, management and infrastructure functions.

New report covers PV monitoring

Yole Développement has released a new report featuring an analysis of PV monitoring including the main market drivers, technology and market trends, supply chain and vertical/horizontal integration trends and the positioning of leading companies.

Antidumping tariffs increase Chinese solar prices Antidumping tariffs increase Chinese solar prices

The era of low-cost Chinese solar PVmodules in Europe has come to an end, as the European Union’s antidumping tariffs spur an increase in prices for Chinese solar modules, says a new report.

Alstom and Soitec create a ‘French alliance’ for concentrated PV

Alstom and Soitec have signed a cooperative agreement to provide concentrated photovoltaic power plants.

Wind farm policy could cost renewables jobs

A review of wind farm planning policies in Scotland suggests that ruling out the use of ‘wild land’ could reduce the development of renewable energy in the country, threatening investment and jobs.

Phono Solar grows Australian presence

Phono Solar has signed a distribution agreement with an Australian solar distributor, helping consolidate its position in the Australian market.

First hydrogen fuel cell powered ferry in UK showcases green technology First hydrogen fuel cell powered ferry in UK showcases green technology

The UK’s first hydrogen-powered ferry – named Hydrogenesis – is operating in Bristol Harbour, demonstrating the practical and commercial advantages of fuel cell technology during a pilot scheme over the summer.

REC separates solar and silicon businesses REC separates solar and silicon businesses

REC plans to split itself into two entities, launching the silicon and solar divisions as independent, listed companies.

Employing ‘lean’ principles for safety and sustainability

According to Alison Cook, end user marketing manager UK, Ireland & Benelux at KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL, applying ‘lean’ principles can help companies improve health & safety at work, promote wellness among employees and boost productivity – critical components of a sustainable business.

Australia CPV plant could be country’s largest Australia CPV plant could be country’s largest

Solar Systems has opened what could one day be Australia’s largest ever solar concentrated photovoltaics (CPV) plant, the 1.5 MW Mildura Solar Demonstration Facility.

UK investigates how to deal with low carbon tech UK investigates how to deal with low carbon tech

The Customer-Led Network Revolution (CLNR) – the UK’s largest smart grid project, run by Northern Powergrid, British Gas, EA Technology and Durham University – is looking at how to accommodate increasing numbers of low carbon technologies in a more cost-effective way.

Biomass energy plant starts commercial operation

Following successful performance trials, Helius Energy plc says that the Helius CoRDe Limited biomass energy plant in Rothes, Speyside, Scotland has begun commercial operation.

Schmid delivers PV with tin rear contacts Schmid delivers PV with tin rear contacts

The Schmid Group has delivered its first TinPad systems which apply tin contacts onto the cell rear side in photovoltaics mass production.

REC installs three new farms in ‘solar power hotspot’ REC installs three new farms in ‘solar power hotspot’

REC, the largest European supplier of solar panels globally, has installed three new utility scale installations in North Carolina, regarded as the solar power hotspot of the USA.

£2.8 million boost for UK offshore supply chain £2.8 million boost for UK offshore supply chain

The National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in the UK has set up a £2.8 million public-private initiative to support small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the North East of England to move into the offshore wind and marine renewable energy supply chain.

Greenlight for New Zealand’s largest wind farm

Genesis Energy has received consents to build what could be New Zealand’s largest wind farm at Castle Hill, located on the North Island.

Rise in global clean energy investment

Global investment in clean energy in Q2 was up 22% from Q1, due to upturn in the financing of wind and solar projects and a 170% surge in equity funding for specialist companies on public markets.

7 Principles of Lean Supplies 7 Principles of Lean Supplies

How could your company change its approach and become a more efficient workplace?

Linde and LiSEC launch new glass coating technology to improve solar energy yields

Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, has announced the launch of S-COAT, a highly innovative and cost effective anti-reflection (AR) coating technology which significantly increases light transmission values and resultant energy yields of solar modules.

Platina completes full cycle on 2005 renewable energy fund

Renewables infrastructure specialist Platina Partners LLP (Platina) has announced the sale of the remaining assets in its 2005, Mistral Windfarm 1 fund (MWF), successfully completing the full investment fund cycle securing a gross IRR of more than 40% for investors.

SunDrum Solar Hybrid PVT System reaches peak 86% delivery record

SunDrum Solar LLC said it has achieved a solar industry one hour peak delivery record of 86% for a hybrid solar system, which generates both photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) solar energy.

Biopower market boosted by energy targets

According to a new report, Europe’s biomass and biogas power market growth will be boosted by targets produce 20% of its total power from renewable sources by 2020.

David Cameron opens world’s largest offshore wind farm David Cameron opens world’s largest offshore wind farm

UK prime minister David Cameron has officially opened the world’s largest offshore wind farm, the London Array, located in the Outer Thames Estuary.

Gamesa to supply 23 turbines to India

Gamesa plans to supply 23 GAMESA G97 2.0 MW wind turbines, producing 46 MW of power, to ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers Division, subsidiary of the Indian group ITC.

From the archive: Third of our "top 5 viewed articles" on Renewable Energy Focus.com...

Number 3: "Six renewable energy sources judged to be best prospect for future": report

Samsung to test 7MW offshore turbine at UK's new Narec facility

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) will test the drive train for their seven megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine at the National Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Northumberland, this summer.

Masdar launches Seychelles wind farm Masdar launches Seychelles wind farm

Abu Dhabi renewables company Masdar has announced the launch of a 6MW, 8-turbine wind farm in the Republic of Seychelles together with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).

The Switch calls for renewables industry to embrace Agile Positioning business model

The Switch has called for the renewable energy sector to embrace Agile Positioning, an industrial model that allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to market changes.

Formal consultation to begin on Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon

The proposed £650 mn tidal lagoon has taken another step forward with the announcement that formal consultation will begin on Thursday 4 July 2013 with a series of public exhibitions throughout Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

TÜV Rheinland launches research into thin-film module energy yield

German technical service provider TÜV Rheinland said it is conducting a research project stretching over several years to look into the energy yield of thin-film solar modules for electricity generation in different climatic regions around the world.

Energy rating of photovoltaic modules improves certainty for investors

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg said its new measurement procedures can offer more certainty to photovoltaic project developers and investors.

Poll finds 51% of UK public want more investment in renewables

A poll by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers on UK energy policy has found that 51% of people think the government should support the construction of more renewable energy sources like solar, wave and tidal power.

Powerteam connects 34MW Athea wind farm

Irish high voltage (HV) electrical design and build company Powerteam, a wholly owned subsidiary of ESB, said it is in the final stages of completing the £3.6m electrical substation construction and fit out for the Athea wind farm in County Limerick.

Infinia commissions utility-scale Stirling solar technology

Infinia Corporation has announced it has begun commissioning the first of seven commercial-scale PowerDish installments currently underway at the Tooele Army Depot, a U.S. Army installation in Utah, USA.

Tidal Energy announces partnership with Milford Haven Port

Tidal Energy said it has entered into a partnership with the Port of Milford Haven to develop an operating base, in readiness for the forthcoming sea trials of its DeltaStream prototype in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.