Renewable Energy Focus
Pike Research - Jan 7
An often unrecognized but important component of the developing market for energy storage systems, thermal energy storage (TES) is most often used to provide cooling capacity for commercial buildings. Today, TES systems are also increasingly seen as an effective means of shifting electricity use from daytime peak periods to less expensive periods of the day or at night, saving money and increasing overall system efficiency. According to a recent report from Pike Research, a part of Navigant’s Energy Practice, total revenue from worldwide sales of thermal energy storage will grow steadily over the remainder of this decade, reaching $3.6 billion by 2020.
North American Wind Power - Jan 10
Pattern Energy Group LP announced that its Ocotillo Wind project, located in Southern California, reached commercial operation and is transmitting energy to the Sunrise Powerlink, a newly constructed, 117-mile, 500 kV transmission line linking San Diego and the Imperial Valley. The 265 MW wind project consists of 112 Siemens 2.37 MW turbines, which feature wind towers, blades and nacelles made in the U.S.
Biz Journal - Jan 16
The Navy has signed off on an environmental assessment for the Kalaeloa Renewable Energy Park solar photovoltaic project being developed by a partnership of the Hunt Cos., Norway-based Scatec Solar and Hanwha SolarEnergy America on 20 acres in West Oahu.
Boston Globe - Jan 8
The Chinese company that bought MiaSole, a California producer of thin-film solar panels, says it can make the emerging technology successful where others have suffered huge losses. Hanergy Group’s strong finances will help MiaSole invest in research and ride out a downturn in the global solar market, while its links to customers in China and abroad will help build sales, chairman Li Hejun said.
Asian Power - Jan 7
The number and value of equity investment deals in the Chinese clean energy sector plunged to a six-year low in 2012. Only eight deals were made and these received funds of US$510 million, down 82% and 49% year-on-year, respectively, said the China Venture Group. China Venture Group is a research and consulting institute in China providing investment advisory services to China-focused investment banks and investment institutions.
Energy and Capital - Jan 7
An international consortium that includes General Electric’s Energy Financial Service is set to purchase 32 fully-operating French wind farms from Iberdrola in a deal worth around 350 million euros, or roughly US$461.5 million. The farms were commissioned between 2006 and 2012 and are situated all over France. Collectively, they have a capacity of 321.4 MW, and all electricity produced is sold under terms set by long-term contracts, subject to France’s feed-in tariffs.
Boston Globe National News - Jan 5
Here is a sampling of studies, papers, and articles on the health effects of wind turbines. The bottom line: many questions remain, and more study is needed.
Notable Renewable Energy Projects and Deals
Biz Journal - Jan 10
Duke Energy Renewables has completed its 12.5-megawatt solar project in eastern North Carolina's Beaufort County and its 10-megawatt project near Kingman, Ariz.
Clean Technology Business Review - Jan 9
Renewable energy developer Sempra US Gas & Power completed construction of the 150MW Mesquite Solar 1 project in Arlington, Arizona. The facility, now operational, is the first phase of the company's larger Mesquite Solar complex. California utility Pacific Gas & Electric will purchase the electricity produced at the project, expected to power 56,000 average American homes, under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Clean Technology Business Review - Jan 8
EDF Renewable Energy announced the commencement of commercial operations at the 102.5MW Shiloh IV Wind Project in US. The project is located Solano County, California and employs 50 REpower MM92 turbines to produce sufficient electricity for 40,000 American homes.
New Energy World Network - Jan 7
EDF Renewable Energy has completed installation of the 150MW Bobcar Bluff wind farm, located in Archer County, Texas. The French company acquired the project in March 2012 and commenced construction the following month. It consists of 100 turbines supplied by General Electric and is expected to meet the annual power requirement of 40,000 average homes.
