Author: Anela Dokso

Hybrid systems of floating solar panels and hydropower plants may hold the technical potential to produce a significant portion of the electricity generated annually across the globe, according to an analysis by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The researchers estimate that adding floating solar panels to bodies of water that are already home to hydropower stations could produce as much as 7.6 terawatts of potential power a year from the solar PV systems alone, or about 10,600 terawatt-hours of potential annual generation. Those figures do not include the amount generated from hydropower. For comparison,…

Vestas has secured a 28 MW order from the AM Energie Rinnovabili for the Serra del Vento project, located in the Palermo province, Italy. The order includes the supply and installation of eight V136-3.45 MW wind turbines as well as a 20-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement. This order adds to the more than 1.1 GW of contracts signed by Vestas in Italy’s auction system. The order also reinforces Vestas’ leadership in the country’s wind energy sector, where it has installed more than 4.3 GW since 1991, accounting for a 40 percent market share. “I would like…

Helios Infrastructure (Helios), a joint venture between Nationwide and Sol Systems, has acquired the largest solar power project in Louisiana. The 50-megawatt (MW) system is located in West Baton Rouge Parish, and it is now owned and operated by Helios. This acquisition marks the largest single project investment for Helios to date. Entergy Louisiana is purchasing the energy produced by the project through a 20-year power purchase agreement. “This is an important day for Nationwide as this project is a continuation of our broader effort, focused on ESG-related investments. Sourcing projects that focus on clean energy and a sustainable future…

Walmart Canada is extending its reservations of 18-wheeler Tesla Semi trucks as it drives towards its commitment to alternative power. Walmart Canada is now reserving a total of 130 Tesla Semi trucks, making it one of the largest reservations of electrified trucks in the country. The move comes on the heels of Walmart Canada announcing a major $3.5 billion investment over the next five years aimed to generate significant growth in the business and is aligned with Walmarts global goal to target zero emissions by 2040. Walmart Canada is committed to converting 20 per cent of Walmart’s fleet to electric…

Teesside-based Laytrix has received a funding award for a Front End Engineering Design (FEED) study to investigate the feasibility of using its pipelay concept for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The adaptable and modular system is focused on the use of cost-effective vessels of opportunity resulting in significant savings for the end client. The award, made by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority under their Collaborative Networks Fund will see Laytrix partner with Darlington based design house Ardmore Craig and an international partner alongside the wider Teesside supply chain to adapt its existing design for CCS projects such…

Swancor Renewable Energy, backed by affiliates of U.S. based Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, is progressing the development of a 4.4GW portfolio of offshore wind projects in the northwestern territorial waters of Miaoli County. The portfolio would consist of 3 sites: Formosa 4-1, Formosa 4-2 and Formosa 4-3. The sites would cover a large maritime area located 18 to 20 kilometers off the coast of Miaoli County, Taiwan. The three wind farms combined have a total potential capacity of up to 4.4 GW and would generate enough electricity to power over 4.5 million homes. Currently, both bottom-fixed and floating foundations are under…

Alpha has opened a new training centre in Houston after achieving accreditation from the Global Wind Organisation (GWO) to deliver its Basic Safety Training (BST). The base makes the company one of only seven providers accredited to supply the globally recognized GWO training courses in the United States. The approved status will see Alpha, which was acquired by Sparrows Group in 2017, provide training to both individuals and businesses working in the rapidly growing wind energy market in the region. GWO is a non-profit body founded by wind turbine manufacturers and owners. The member-organization sets out common, international standards for…

Trafigura Group has formed a new company to invest in a series of solar, wind and power storage projects globally. The new company, Nala Renewables, has an ambitious target to build a portfolio of renewable energy projects with a cumulative capacity of two gigawatts to be operating, in construction or in late stage development, within the next five years. Nala Renewables is a joint venture with global institutional fund manager IFM Investors, extending the two firms’ existing relationship through the Impala Terminals joint venture, created in 2018. Nala Renewables will identify, build and operate projects that produce renewable energy in…

Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure (CEI) business has entered into an agreement to acquire interests in three solar photovoltaic (PV) projects from LS Power. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2020. The portfolio comprises 316 MW of operating solar resources located in California, Arizona, and Delaware. Each project utilizes commercially proven and efficient technology, and is fully contracted under long-term power purchase agreements. The projects achieved commercial operations between 2011 and 2014. The portfolio includes 100% interest in Centinela Solar Energy, 252 MW located in Imperial County, CA;…

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has held its second meeting of the Collaborative Framework on hydropower. With more than 100 attendees from 49 Members and States in Accession, the virtual meeting witnessed a high level of engagement to take advantage of the knowledge and expertise that exists within the Agency and its global Membership. The two-hour session was moderated by H.E. Mr. Jean-Christophe Fueeg, head of International Energy Affairs at the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications of Switzerland. Today, hydropower is the largest source of renewable energy worldwide, and its development is considered essential in…