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jpak
jpak's Journal
jpak's Journal
January 17, 2012
Private investment funds Terra Nex of Switzerland and Germany's Middle East Best Select (MEBS) plan to build 400 megawatts (MW) of solar power generating capacity in Oman, the European investors said on Sunday.
Terra Nex, a wealth management company specializing in Middle East investment, and MEBS plan a 2-billion dollar integrated project to develop solar technology in the oil and gas exporting country, including facilities to manufacture solar panels for Oman and for export.
"Oman's stable business environment and pro-environmental policies makes the Sultanate a natural partner to this project," David Heimhofer, chairman of Terra Nex, said in a statement.
"The government's aim to produce 10 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy resources by 2020 is laudable and this project will go a long way in making that vision a reality."
<more>
German funds plan $2 billion Oman solar project (400 MW)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/15/us-solarpower-oman-idUSTRE80E0HC20120115Private investment funds Terra Nex of Switzerland and Germany's Middle East Best Select (MEBS) plan to build 400 megawatts (MW) of solar power generating capacity in Oman, the European investors said on Sunday.
Terra Nex, a wealth management company specializing in Middle East investment, and MEBS plan a 2-billion dollar integrated project to develop solar technology in the oil and gas exporting country, including facilities to manufacture solar panels for Oman and for export.
"Oman's stable business environment and pro-environmental policies makes the Sultanate a natural partner to this project," David Heimhofer, chairman of Terra Nex, said in a statement.
"The government's aim to produce 10 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy resources by 2020 is laudable and this project will go a long way in making that vision a reality."
<more>
January 17, 2012
Suzlon Energy, the world's fifth-leading and India's largest wind turbine manufacturer, today announced a memorandum of understanding with the government of Andhra Pradesh for the development of wind capacity in the state totalling 3,000 MW between 2012 and 2016, creating potential investments of up to Rs 18,000 crore. The announcement was made through a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
According to the press release, the MoU was signed under the auspices of the Partnership Summit 2012 in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy.
Under the MoU, the state government will facilitate Suzlon in obtaining necessary permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances for the development of the wind farms. Suzlon, in turn, will play the role of a developer and facilitate the channelisation of investments into the state through its customers investing in wind energy.
Tulsi Tanti, chairman of Suzlon was quoted in the filing as saying, "We are extremely pleased to sign this MoU with the Andhra Pradeh government. This not only reinforces the state's position as one of emerging markets in wind energy, but also illustrates their committment to power a low-carbon economy by embracing progressive policies to power rapidly growing economy of the state."
<more>
Suzlon to develop 3,000 MW windfarm in Andhra Pradesh (India)
http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/suzlon-to-develop-3000-mw-windfarm-in-andhra-pradesh/155357/onSuzlon Energy, the world's fifth-leading and India's largest wind turbine manufacturer, today announced a memorandum of understanding with the government of Andhra Pradesh for the development of wind capacity in the state totalling 3,000 MW between 2012 and 2016, creating potential investments of up to Rs 18,000 crore. The announcement was made through a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
According to the press release, the MoU was signed under the auspices of the Partnership Summit 2012 in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy.
Under the MoU, the state government will facilitate Suzlon in obtaining necessary permissions, registrations, approvals and clearances for the development of the wind farms. Suzlon, in turn, will play the role of a developer and facilitate the channelisation of investments into the state through its customers investing in wind energy.
Tulsi Tanti, chairman of Suzlon was quoted in the filing as saying, "We are extremely pleased to sign this MoU with the Andhra Pradeh government. This not only reinforces the state's position as one of emerging markets in wind energy, but also illustrates their committment to power a low-carbon economy by embracing progressive policies to power rapidly growing economy of the state."
<more>
January 17, 2012
A report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance said that a sluggish economy did not hamper investments in renewable energy projects, (solar power, wind energy and geothermal energy).
Investments in renewable energy rise 5% in 2011 to $260 billion. Global investment in clean energy (wind power, geothermal energy and solar energy) reached a new record of $260 billion in 2011, up 5% on 2010 and almost five times the total of $53.6 billion in 2004.
Photovoltaic solar energy has approached competitiveness with other sources. This includes USD 354 million invested in the 92.5 MW Hanas Ningxia Yanchi Gaoshawo concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) plant in China.
"The cost of PV technology has fallen, but the volume of PV sold has increased by a much greater factor as it approached competitiveness with other sources of power.”
<much more>
Renewable energy investments worldwide set record high in 2011
http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=15959A report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance said that a sluggish economy did not hamper investments in renewable energy projects, (solar power, wind energy and geothermal energy).
Investments in renewable energy rise 5% in 2011 to $260 billion. Global investment in clean energy (wind power, geothermal energy and solar energy) reached a new record of $260 billion in 2011, up 5% on 2010 and almost five times the total of $53.6 billion in 2004.
Photovoltaic solar energy has approached competitiveness with other sources. This includes USD 354 million invested in the 92.5 MW Hanas Ningxia Yanchi Gaoshawo concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) plant in China.
"The cost of PV technology has fallen, but the volume of PV sold has increased by a much greater factor as it approached competitiveness with other sources of power.”
<much more>
December 29, 2011
The German Solar Industry Association (BSW) has announced that German solar power producers have increased electricity output this year by 60 percent over 2010 to 18 billion kWh. This is more than three percent of total power output volumes.
The solar sector has already produced enough electricity to power approximately 5.1 million households in Germany.
BSW's managing director Carsten Koernig stated that "solar energy has become an indispensable ingredient of a successful energy strategy shift". The solar sector has already produced enough electricity to power approximately 5.1 million households. This accounts for about one-eighth of all households in Germany.
BDEW, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries, stated that PV power installation was the fastest growing sector amongst German renewable power sources this year. Renewable power accounted for about 19.9 percent of the energy mix in 2011, compared with 16.4 percent last year, as BDEW's preliminary data shows.
<more>
Germany: Solar power output increases by 60 percent in 2011
http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/archive/2011/december/beitrag/germany--solar-power-output-increases-by-60-percent-in-2011_100005358/The German Solar Industry Association (BSW) has announced that German solar power producers have increased electricity output this year by 60 percent over 2010 to 18 billion kWh. This is more than three percent of total power output volumes.
The solar sector has already produced enough electricity to power approximately 5.1 million households in Germany.
BSW's managing director Carsten Koernig stated that "solar energy has become an indispensable ingredient of a successful energy strategy shift". The solar sector has already produced enough electricity to power approximately 5.1 million households. This accounts for about one-eighth of all households in Germany.
BDEW, the German Association of Energy and Water Industries, stated that PV power installation was the fastest growing sector amongst German renewable power sources this year. Renewable power accounted for about 19.9 percent of the energy mix in 2011, compared with 16.4 percent last year, as BDEW's preliminary data shows.
<more>
December 28, 2011
<snip>
It is estimated that Iowa now gets as much as 20 percent of its electricity from wind turbines. So how has that affected the price Iowans pay for their power? The Iowa Policy Project last week released a report that shows that the price of electricity in Iowa is trending well below the national average:
One of the most common arguments for not addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas pollution is that the solutions are cost-prohibitive. However, amidst Iowa’s massive expansion of windpower, our average electricity prices have remained below the national average and in fact have not increased as quickly as the national average price in the last four years (2005 to 2008).
The data from the Energy Information Administration show Delaware's electricity prices climbing even faster that the U.S. average. Delaware could use some of the price stability that wind power seems to be providing Iowa.
<more>
Wind Power and Electricity Prices in Iowa
http://www.tommywonk.com/2010/03/wind-power-in-iowa-httpwww.html<snip>
It is estimated that Iowa now gets as much as 20 percent of its electricity from wind turbines. So how has that affected the price Iowans pay for their power? The Iowa Policy Project last week released a report that shows that the price of electricity in Iowa is trending well below the national average:
One of the most common arguments for not addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas pollution is that the solutions are cost-prohibitive. However, amidst Iowa’s massive expansion of windpower, our average electricity prices have remained below the national average and in fact have not increased as quickly as the national average price in the last four years (2005 to 2008).
The data from the Energy Information Administration show Delaware's electricity prices climbing even faster that the U.S. average. Delaware could use some of the price stability that wind power seems to be providing Iowa.
<more>
December 28, 2011
<snip>
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has established a tradition of taking a look back in December at the events that shaped the year in wind farm. Here's a look at just some of the many happenings that made 2011 yet another big year in the continued evolution of the industry.
1 – Iowa, South Dakota reach 20 percent wind farm penetration overall. U.S. wind energy industry observers no longer need look to Europe for examples of huge wind power penetrations. Both Iowa and South Dakota reached the important milestone of 20 percent of their electricity coming from wind power, a first for the U.S. And more projects are coming.
2 - Xcel Energy shatters wind barrier with 50 percent at one time.While Iowa and South Dakota lead the nation with their 20 percent wind penetration overall benchmark, a utility system in Colorado made some noise on the integration front as well. Investor-owned utility Xcel Energy set a wind power world record on the morning of October 6, when subsidiary Public Service Co. of Colorado got 55.6 percent of the electricity on its system at one time from wind power, as reported in the Denver Post. The leading utility for wind power on its wires, Xcel Energy is proving once again that large amounts of wind can be successfully integrated onto the grid.
3 - Cost drop: Wind power gets leaner and meaner. Wind turbine prices have dropped sharply in recent years, and a government report released in 2011 highlights that trend with some telling numbers. According to the latest edition of the U.S. Department of Energy's "Wind Technologies Market Report," turbine prices decreased by as much as 33 percent or more between late 2008 and 2010. As discussed in AWEA's most recent industry Annual Report, more efficient U.S.-based manufacturing is saving on transportation, and technology improvements are making turbines better and more efficient.
<more>
Wind power achieves many milestones this year
http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=15463<snip>
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has established a tradition of taking a look back in December at the events that shaped the year in wind farm. Here's a look at just some of the many happenings that made 2011 yet another big year in the continued evolution of the industry.
1 – Iowa, South Dakota reach 20 percent wind farm penetration overall. U.S. wind energy industry observers no longer need look to Europe for examples of huge wind power penetrations. Both Iowa and South Dakota reached the important milestone of 20 percent of their electricity coming from wind power, a first for the U.S. And more projects are coming.
2 - Xcel Energy shatters wind barrier with 50 percent at one time.While Iowa and South Dakota lead the nation with their 20 percent wind penetration overall benchmark, a utility system in Colorado made some noise on the integration front as well. Investor-owned utility Xcel Energy set a wind power world record on the morning of October 6, when subsidiary Public Service Co. of Colorado got 55.6 percent of the electricity on its system at one time from wind power, as reported in the Denver Post. The leading utility for wind power on its wires, Xcel Energy is proving once again that large amounts of wind can be successfully integrated onto the grid.
3 - Cost drop: Wind power gets leaner and meaner. Wind turbine prices have dropped sharply in recent years, and a government report released in 2011 highlights that trend with some telling numbers. According to the latest edition of the U.S. Department of Energy's "Wind Technologies Market Report," turbine prices decreased by as much as 33 percent or more between late 2008 and 2010. As discussed in AWEA's most recent industry Annual Report, more efficient U.S.-based manufacturing is saving on transportation, and technology improvements are making turbines better and more efficient.
<more>
December 27, 2011
WASHINGTON – Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, today published the following review of the U.S. solar energy market in 2011:
“In contrast to some of the recent headlines, the solar energy industry is a strong, thriving industry in the United States that is creating jobs and lowering costs for the consumer. In 2011, a number of myths about the solar energy industry circulated nationally. Let’s set the record straight. Here are seven truths about this thriving American industry:
1. Solyndra did not kill the industry. In fact, the solar energy industry is expanding rapidly and has become a highly competitive, thriving industry in the United States. Solyndra’s high-profile bankruptcy in August was an anomaly in what proved to be the industry’s most successful quarter on record. Although Solyndra couldn’t compete, the rest of the industry grew by 140 percent in the last year and costs came down by 40 percent. America discovered that one company’s failure does not reflect an entire industry. In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans feel it’s important to develop and use more solar in the U.S., according to an independent national poll conducted a month after Solyndra declared bankruptcy.
2. Today, U.S. solar is an economic force: employing more than 100,000 Americans at 5,000 businesses across all 50 states. The solar industry proved itself to be a strong job creator in the United States. The vast majority of the 5,000 companies that make up the industry in the U.S. are small businesses, engines of growth for our economic recovery. These are real people in real solar jobs as reported by The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2011. The solar value chain includes engineers, sales people, and other administrative professionals as well installers, roofers, electricians, plumbers and contractors – skilled labor professions hit hard by rampant unemployment in recent years – now finding new opportunities to put their expertise to work in the solar industry.
Source: Red Green & Blue (http://s.tt/14ZKQ)
<more>
2011 year in review: Solar energy has a great year
http://redgreenandblue.org/2011/12/26/2011-year-in-review-solar-energy-has-a-great-year/WASHINGTON – Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association, today published the following review of the U.S. solar energy market in 2011:
“In contrast to some of the recent headlines, the solar energy industry is a strong, thriving industry in the United States that is creating jobs and lowering costs for the consumer. In 2011, a number of myths about the solar energy industry circulated nationally. Let’s set the record straight. Here are seven truths about this thriving American industry:
1. Solyndra did not kill the industry. In fact, the solar energy industry is expanding rapidly and has become a highly competitive, thriving industry in the United States. Solyndra’s high-profile bankruptcy in August was an anomaly in what proved to be the industry’s most successful quarter on record. Although Solyndra couldn’t compete, the rest of the industry grew by 140 percent in the last year and costs came down by 40 percent. America discovered that one company’s failure does not reflect an entire industry. In fact, 9 out of 10 Americans feel it’s important to develop and use more solar in the U.S., according to an independent national poll conducted a month after Solyndra declared bankruptcy.
2. Today, U.S. solar is an economic force: employing more than 100,000 Americans at 5,000 businesses across all 50 states. The solar industry proved itself to be a strong job creator in the United States. The vast majority of the 5,000 companies that make up the industry in the U.S. are small businesses, engines of growth for our economic recovery. These are real people in real solar jobs as reported by The Solar Foundation’s National Solar Jobs Census 2011. The solar value chain includes engineers, sales people, and other administrative professionals as well installers, roofers, electricians, plumbers and contractors – skilled labor professions hit hard by rampant unemployment in recent years – now finding new opportunities to put their expertise to work in the solar industry.
Source: Red Green & Blue (http://s.tt/14ZKQ)
<more>
December 27, 2011
In 2010, Maine’s three large wind farms—Mars Hill, Stetson (I & II), and Kibby—generated 486,683 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 69,000 average Maine households in a year. Because the Kibby and Stetson II projects did not begin operating until well into 2010, the amount of generation from these facilities, pro-rated for a full calendar year, would be at least 620,000 MWh –enough to power 88,600 households.
For wind facilities that operated for a full 12-month period during 2010 (Mars Hill, Stetson I, and Vinalhaven), the actual generation was between 92 percent and 104 percent of the estimated output predicted in their development permit applications.
“We’re pleased that Maine’s first few wind farms are operating generally as expected, generating large amounts of clean electricity for our grid and displacing fossil fuel use,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “Because these projects are generating electricity, New England is burning fewer fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. Reducing our fossil fuel dependence is essential for a clean environment, healthy air, and long-term economic prosperity. And what’s exciting from this new data is that it shows just how much energy is now being provided by wind power projects operating in Maine.”
By way of comparison, the combined output of Maine’s largest three wind farms is roughly the same as the output of Maine’s three largest biomass power plants or the three largest hydropower dams on the Androscoggin River. “Wind power is clearly taking its place right alongside existing, traditional renewable energy sources in Maine,” said Voorhees.
<more>
That's 4% of the state's total generation or 5% of in-state electrical demand.
Those figures do not include the Rollins wind project that went on-line this year or the smaller Beaver Ridge and Vinalhaven projects - or the Record Hill and Spruce Mountain wind farms that will coming on-line very soon - or the Oakfield wind farm in northern Maine that was just approved by the voters there - or the expansion of Kibby Mountain - or the wind farms in Dixfield, Canton and Carthage....more than 220 MW addition capacity
Wind power will produce double-digit percentages of Maine's electricity in the next 3 years.
yup
They do not know what they are talking about
http://www.nrcm.org/news_detail.asp?news=4306In 2010, Maine’s three large wind farms—Mars Hill, Stetson (I & II), and Kibby—generated 486,683 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, which is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 69,000 average Maine households in a year. Because the Kibby and Stetson II projects did not begin operating until well into 2010, the amount of generation from these facilities, pro-rated for a full calendar year, would be at least 620,000 MWh –enough to power 88,600 households.
For wind facilities that operated for a full 12-month period during 2010 (Mars Hill, Stetson I, and Vinalhaven), the actual generation was between 92 percent and 104 percent of the estimated output predicted in their development permit applications.
“We’re pleased that Maine’s first few wind farms are operating generally as expected, generating large amounts of clean electricity for our grid and displacing fossil fuel use,” said Dylan Voorhees, Clean Energy Director for the Natural Resources Council of Maine. “Because these projects are generating electricity, New England is burning fewer fossil fuels to meet our energy needs. Reducing our fossil fuel dependence is essential for a clean environment, healthy air, and long-term economic prosperity. And what’s exciting from this new data is that it shows just how much energy is now being provided by wind power projects operating in Maine.”
By way of comparison, the combined output of Maine’s largest three wind farms is roughly the same as the output of Maine’s three largest biomass power plants or the three largest hydropower dams on the Androscoggin River. “Wind power is clearly taking its place right alongside existing, traditional renewable energy sources in Maine,” said Voorhees.
<more>
That's 4% of the state's total generation or 5% of in-state electrical demand.
Those figures do not include the Rollins wind project that went on-line this year or the smaller Beaver Ridge and Vinalhaven projects - or the Record Hill and Spruce Mountain wind farms that will coming on-line very soon - or the Oakfield wind farm in northern Maine that was just approved by the voters there - or the expansion of Kibby Mountain - or the wind farms in Dixfield, Canton and Carthage....more than 220 MW addition capacity
Wind power will produce double-digit percentages of Maine's electricity in the next 3 years.
yup
December 25, 2011
Renewable energy critics are convinced that Germany is going to see skyrocketing electricity prices due to it dropping both coal and nuclear. Well, anyone who looks at the long-term economics of all these options knows that clean, renewable energy is a winner (don’t be a hater, it’s just how it is). Now, natural gas is the newly adored fossil fuel, due to its relatively cheap prices right now (many claim it’s the cheapest electricity option these days), and it’s less-several environmental costs (compared to coal). But something I’ve been writing for quite awhile now is that wind is cheaper than natural gas in many (perhaps most) locations. Recent news out of Germany confirms that is the case there.
Due to surging wind power capacity in northern Germany (and its low price), Statkraft AS is looking to possibly shut down two gas-fired power plants totaling 1 gigawatt (yes, GW) of capacity.
Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/14WpS)
<more>
Increasing Wind Energy in Germany Pricing Out Natural Gas Plants
http://cleantechnica.com/2011/12/20/increasing-wind-energy-in-germany-pricing-out-natural-gas-plants/Renewable energy critics are convinced that Germany is going to see skyrocketing electricity prices due to it dropping both coal and nuclear. Well, anyone who looks at the long-term economics of all these options knows that clean, renewable energy is a winner (don’t be a hater, it’s just how it is). Now, natural gas is the newly adored fossil fuel, due to its relatively cheap prices right now (many claim it’s the cheapest electricity option these days), and it’s less-several environmental costs (compared to coal). But something I’ve been writing for quite awhile now is that wind is cheaper than natural gas in many (perhaps most) locations. Recent news out of Germany confirms that is the case there.
Due to surging wind power capacity in northern Germany (and its low price), Statkraft AS is looking to possibly shut down two gas-fired power plants totaling 1 gigawatt (yes, GW) of capacity.
Source: Clean Technica (http://s.tt/14WpS)
<more>
December 22, 2011
A123 Systems today announced that a Hawaiian wind project developer will use its batteries to firm up power delivery into the grid. The Auwahi Wind project, which has a generating capacity of 21 megawatts, will be buttressed by a giant battery bank able to deliver 11 megawatts of power.
It's the second time this year that A123 Systems' storage systems, built around shipping container-size battery banks, were chosen to be co-located with a wind farm. The Laurel Mountain wind farm in West Virginia has a 32-megawatt battery bank attached to it, making it a more reliable source of electricity.
At the Auwahi Wind project, the batteries will be used to provide a more steady supply of power, which dips and rises with changing wind. The system will also be tapped to maintain a steady voltage.
One of the advantages of lithium ion batteries is that they are able to supply lots of power very quickly. A123 Systems said its power electronics can detect fluctuations in supply and be able to send 11 megwawatts of power in milliseconds. Adding storage to renewable energy generation is more commercially viable in Hawaii because it has the highest electricity prices in the U.S.
<more>
Hawaii wind farm leans on giant battery bank
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-57347037-54/hawaii-wind-farm-leans-on-giant-battery-bank/A123 Systems today announced that a Hawaiian wind project developer will use its batteries to firm up power delivery into the grid. The Auwahi Wind project, which has a generating capacity of 21 megawatts, will be buttressed by a giant battery bank able to deliver 11 megawatts of power.
It's the second time this year that A123 Systems' storage systems, built around shipping container-size battery banks, were chosen to be co-located with a wind farm. The Laurel Mountain wind farm in West Virginia has a 32-megawatt battery bank attached to it, making it a more reliable source of electricity.
At the Auwahi Wind project, the batteries will be used to provide a more steady supply of power, which dips and rises with changing wind. The system will also be tapped to maintain a steady voltage.
One of the advantages of lithium ion batteries is that they are able to supply lots of power very quickly. A123 Systems said its power electronics can detect fluctuations in supply and be able to send 11 megwawatts of power in milliseconds. Adding storage to renewable energy generation is more commercially viable in Hawaii because it has the highest electricity prices in the U.S.
<more>
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