tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-227511962024-03-15T05:50:03.204+11:00Gippsland Friends of Future Generations - Clean, Renewable Energy TodayWelcome to the Gippsland Friends of Future Generations weblog. GFFG supports alternative energy development and clean energy generation to help combat anthropogenic climate change. The geography of South Gippsland in Victoria, covering Yarram, Wilsons Promontory, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island, is suited to wind powered electricity generation - this weblog provides accurate, objective, up-to-date news items, information and opinions supporting renewable energy for a clean, sustainable future.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.comBlogger6072125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-21008378546450215582015-06-03T15:35:00.001+10:002015-06-03T15:45:44.212+10:00The disruptive power of batteries<a href="http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2015/6/1/automotive/disruptive-power-batteries" target="_blank">businessspectator</a><br />
Jun 03 2015<br />
I have just spent the weekend driving the remarkable Tesla Model S. A week ago I caught up with the video of Tesla founder, Elon Musk, presenting the company’s new products, the Powerwall and Powerpack.<br />
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I get it now. It’s all about the batteries. The car itself is a big leap forward, for sure, but it’s the batteries that will kill the internal combustion engine and, eventually, coal and gas electricity generation.<br />
<a href="http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2015/6/1/automotive/disruptive-power-batteries" target="_blank">More</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-85887801128282330352015-05-25T15:46:00.001+10:002015-05-25T15:47:46.982+10:00Rebirth for region's renewables after RET deal<a href="http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/rebirth-for-regions-renewables-after-ret-deal-20150523-gh717y.html" target="_blank">Canberra Times</a><br />
May 23, 2015<br />
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Developers believe dormant wind farm projects, valued at a combined $1 billion across the capital region, were set to be reawakened by the agreement on a renewable energy target last week.<br />
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After more than 18 months of deep uncertainty as the target was reviewed and lowered, 10 proposed wind farms in the Southern Tablelands now have a greater chance of being financed and built…GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-38474915122556660922014-05-09T16:07:00.006+10:002014-05-09T16:07:53.534+10:00Taking a break…The reason for this blog was to promote renewable energy at a local level and to provide up-to-date information on developments in all things renewable.<br />
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We have two wind farms nearby and a third under construction. There is no likelihood of another project until our current governments, state and federal, get with the program but as ever, I live in hope reason, evidence and science will overturn ideology so that we can look forward to a clean, renewable future.<br />
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I'm taking a break for a little while to recharge the batteries. Thanks for the encouragement (you know who you are)GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-67357216070990002762013-12-12T16:23:00.000+11:002015-05-25T15:43:46.527+10:00Waubra wind farm: locals petition to save town's name<a href="http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1889423/waubra-wind-farm-locals-petition-to-save-towns-name/?cs=62" target="_blank">www.thecourier.com.au</a><br />
5 Nov 2013<br />
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A GROUP of <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?ll=-37.360063,143.64015&z=12&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Waubra</a> residents say they don't want the debate about wind turbines and health to end. But they do want the name of their town left out of it. Waubra residents have collected more than 300 signatures of people within the town and the wider community, calling on the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Waubra_Foundation" target="_blank">Waubra Foundation</a> to remove the name Waubra from its title.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Waubra_Foundation" target="_blank">Waubra Foundation</a> describes itself as a national organisation to conduct research into health problems identified by residents living near wind turbines. The petition was sent to the <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Waubra_Foundation" target="_blank">Waubra Foundation</a> last week. Karen Molloy, one of the residents who started the petition, admits she does have wind towers on her own property.<br />
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However, she says, of the 315 signatories, only 28 actually host wind farms. "We've collected over 300 signatures, including 179 from the Waubra community", she says. "The others are all people affiliated with the town, such as footballers and netballers, and people who used to live here. "Even some people who weren't for the wind towers were happy to sign. This is not about the towers, it is about the community and its reputation outside. "The towers have been here for five years. It is time to get over it". Ten residents collected signatures for the petition.<br />
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One of them was Doug Hobson, who says the focus of anti-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> sentiment on Waubra has tarnished the town's reputation. He says most people in the town would describe it as a great place to live but a scan of the internet would not reveal that. "Waubra is associated with wind towers. We don't mind that," he says. "With the turbines people actually take more notice of our town as they pass through.<br />
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"But when you <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a> 'Waubra' the first thing that comes up is something negative about our town. People would think that everyone in Waubra doesn't like wind farms, and that is not the case." Marcia and Kerryn Gallagher agree. "Even if there is a disease we're campaigning for people to stop calling it Waubra disease and start calling it a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> disease," Marcia Gallagher says.<br />
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"I met some people who had come down from Queensland and they actually felt sorry for me because they thought I had some kind of disease." Kerryn Gallagher says the name <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Waubra_Foundation" target="_blank">Waubra Foundation</a> is misleading. "When you look at the word 'foundation', it is a strong word that means a strong base. So when the 'foundation' says we have an illness or sickness, people take it seriously and it's wrong," she says. "We're happy if they continue with their campaign against <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> but we simply want our name back."<br />
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Margaret McDonald says most people in Waubra would know someone in the town who has experienced health issues attributed to the wind towers. She says those who organised the petition did not want to trivialise their concerns. "We empathise with the people who feel that they are unwell," she says. "This not about the debate about wind farms. The debate will go on but we have to respect each other. We want to take the name Waubra out of the debate."GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-52921213231564086212013-12-12T16:22:00.000+11:002013-12-12T16:22:00.588+11:00Cutting energy costs with technology trials<a href="http://www.itnews.com.au/News/362868,telstra-trial-to-bring-solar-power-into-exchanges.aspx" target="_blank">www.itnews.com.au</a><br />
4 Nov 2013<br />
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<a href="http://telstra.com/index.jsp" target="_blank">Telstra</a> is working on a new way to feed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a> into its telephone exchanges, one of several initiatives underway to reduce its reliance on coal-fired electricity. The carrier's director of asset and facilities management, John Romano, told iTnews the "new solar design" is being worked on by an internal technology team with the aid of consultants.<br />
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"We've come up with a new solution on how we feed our sites with solar, and we're in the process of getting a few trials done around the country," he said. "It looks viable but we've got to test it. In three months we'll better understand if it's viable."<br />
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Some <a href="http://telstra.com/index.jsp" target="_blank">Telstra</a> exchanges currently have the ability to run equipment on a mix of mains and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a>, but the number is partially kept low by the cost and potential benefit. "What we do is feed the site with mains power and solar, so we reduce the cost and use of mains power," Romano said. "The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_panel" target="_blank">solar panels</a> are cheap but putting them on some of our sites and building them large enough to actually provide any benefit costs a fair bit".<br />
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The systems also typically provide only about "four or five hours a day" of benefit to an exchange site. But <a href="http://telstra.com/index.jsp" target="_blank">Telstra</a> sees a far bigger future for solar and other renewable energy sources, such as tri-generation, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biofuels" target="_blank">biofuel</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel-cell" target="_blank">fuel-cell</a> technology, which it made standard for back-up supplies to mobile towers and small exchanges last week.<br />
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"Ultimately it would be fantastic if we had to use no energy from coal to keep our sites running," Romano said. "That'd be the ultimate objective, but that's never going to happen while I'm alive. [For now] it's about what can we do with some of the new technologies that will enable us to use less coal power."<br />
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<a href="http://telstra.com/index.jsp" target="_blank">Telstra</a> has about eight trials running Australia-wide trialling various renewable energy sources to power telecommunications exchanges and equipment. Romano is more or less in the same boat as other testers in Australia — trying to find a business case to deploy technology that is at various stages of maturity.<br />
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"Some of this technology may not be viable now but it may be in three years," he said. "We're going to continue to assess [the technologies] and if they're viable we'll roll them out."<br />
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<a href="http://www.itnews.com.au/News/362868,telstra-trial-to-bring-solar-power-into-exchanges.aspx" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-77886293178990079992013-12-12T16:21:00.001+11:002013-12-12T16:21:06.028+11:00Saudi Arabia, Emirates lead charge on Mideast solar power<a href="http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2013/11/01/Saudi-Arabia-Emirates-lead-charge-on-Mideast-solar-power/UPI-75271383333106/" target="_blank">www.upi.com</a><br />
1 Nov 2013<br />
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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of the world's leading oil producers, are spearheading a Middle Eastern drive to develop <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a>, with plans for projects requiring $1.5 billion in investment by the end of 2014.<br />
The program, designed to free up for export increasing amounts of oil and gas being used domestically for power generation, got a major endorsement from the Arab Forum for Environment and Development Monday.<br />
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It urged Arab states to re-evaluate their relationship with oil, the economic mainstay of the Arab world since the 1950s, and phase out state energy subsidies to focus investment in developing renewable energy. "Oil and gas are important, they will continue to be important," said Najib Saab, the forum's secretary-general. "We call for more careful use of oil and gas and for more serious development of renewable energy."<br />
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Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter with declared reserves of 267 billion barrels, and the neighboring Emirates, a federation of seven gulf sheikdoms with reserves of 98 billion barrels, seek to add 1,000 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MWs</a> of solar capacity over the next few years to meet fast-growing industrial and social demand. That's enough to provide electricity for 200,000 homes.<br />
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While the producers want to conserve more of their oil output for exports, particularly with prices above $100 a barrel, Arab countries that rely on imported fuel see carbon-free power as a cheaper alternative.<br />
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From Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean eastward to the gulf sultanate of Oman on the Indian Ocean, governments are turning to alternative energy, driven primarily by a lack of gas for power generation, the fall in the cost of renewable technologies and their constantly improving efficiency.<br />
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<a href="http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2013/11/01/Saudi-Arabia-Emirates-lead-charge-on-Mideast-solar-power/UPI-75271383333106/" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-87387776393864434452013-12-12T16:19:00.001+11:002013-12-12T16:19:20.860+11:00Wal-Mart now draws more solar power than 38 US States<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013%2010%2024/wal-mart-now-has-more-solar-than-38%20u-s-states-drink-.html" target="_blank">www.bloomberg.com</a><br />
25 Oct 2013<br />
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In the race for commercial <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a>, <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> is killing it. The company now has almost twice as much capacity as second-place Costco. A better comparison: <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> is converting more sun into energy than 38 US states.<br />
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In the beer department, <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> recently decided alcohol was good business and vowed to double sales by 2016. The result: 500 reps from the alcohol industry converged on the Sam's Club auditorium in Bentonville, Arkansas, for an "adult beverages summit" focused on <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a>. "It's even selling it in garden centers", <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> News's Renee Dudley wrote in August.<br />
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With solar, will <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> have the same industry-focusing presence its had with booze? If small business is the heart of the US economy, <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> is the gluteus maximus--the power muscle. The company redefines global supply chains and crunches cost reductions in just about every area it touches. More than 80 publicly traded companies rely on <a href="http://www.walmart.com/" target="_blank">Wal-Mart</a> for 10% or more of their annual revenue, according to <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a> data.<br />
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"When we find something that works we go big with it", the company's website proclaims.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-24/wal-mart-now-has-more-solar-than-38-u-s-states-drink-.html" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-47847147150987920942013-12-12T16:18:00.000+11:002013-12-12T16:18:27.576+11:00Waubra disease a furphy<a href="http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/10/24/586831_opinion-news.html" target="_blank">www.weeklytimesnow.com.au</a><br />
24 Oct 2013<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uCxGBhdk4c/UqlHDnvkwOI/AAAAAAAACrY/XNDfS3CcJOs/s1600/20131121+turbine+ridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uCxGBhdk4c/UqlHDnvkwOI/AAAAAAAACrY/XNDfS3CcJOs/s1600/20131121+turbine+ridge.jpg" /></a>Waubra disease does not exist.<br />
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In my view it is a name dreamt up by the Australian Landscape Guardians group for what has always been known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> syndrome.<br />
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Others followed suit for their own ends, such as gaining publicity for the so-called <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Waubra_Foundation" target="_blank">Waubra Foundation</a>. This group of people owes the community of Waubra an apology for the damage they have done to the town's reputation. More important, they owe our schoolchildren a heartfelt and public apology for the psychological pain inflicted on them when they and their parents saw full-page ads claiming Waubra disease could make them ill.<br />
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Some children panicked every time they had a cold or any other normal childhood illness. It was a cruel hoax and someone needs to be accountable. Yes, Waubra does have a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>, but in a community of more than 500 people only about 1.3% are vehemently opposed to it. The rest are in favour of it or don't mind either way. Life goes on as it has for more than 100 years in a great community.<br />
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We still produce award-winning potatoes, crops, wool and fat lambs. Waubra Primary School is thriving, full of happy, healthy, carefree students. Yes, local groups such as the <a href="http://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">CFA</a>, school, kinder, sports clubs, <a href="http://www.landcareonline.com/" target="_blank">Landcare</a> groups and others receive financial assistance from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>, but that happens any time a large company moves into a local neighbourhood.<br />
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It is not "buying" those in it. It is showing appreciation to people for allowing their company to grow and prosper there. I don't have a problem with Landscape Guardians or individuals who have complaints of ill health or depression that they attribute to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>.<br />
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I do, however, have a problem with those who have never lived in Waubra who perpetrated an outrageous lie, tarnished the reputation of the community which, far from being divided and fractured, is a united one full of mutual support.<br />
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I believe Waubra is owed an apology and statements that use the name Waubra disease should be retracted. Call it what it is-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> syndrome-and let Waubra be known for what is it, one of the best farming areas in the country with property prices increasing. Visit our town and our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>. Only then will you know the truth.<br />
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Marsha Gallagher is a Waubra resident with turbines on her property.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-76262320751457211122013-12-09T18:07:00.000+11:002013-12-09T18:07:32.967+11:00Wave energy turbine on the way<a href="http://www.borderwatch.com.au/story/1854278/wave-energy-turbine-on-the-way/?cs=1266" target="_blank">www.borderwatch.com.au</a><br />
21 Oct 2013<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4utMPigtsU/UqVsJZRwIUI/AAAAAAAACrE/vEGJoI8SCV8/s1600/20131121+Wave+energy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4utMPigtsU/UqVsJZRwIUI/AAAAAAAACrE/vEGJoI8SCV8/s1600/20131121+Wave+energy.jpg" /></a>THE countdown to the arrival of the world's first 1<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_energy" target="_blank">wave energy</a> converter off the coast of Port McDonnell is underway with Sydney-based company <a href="http://www.oceanlinx.com/" target="_blank">Oceanlinx</a> Limited set to launch the project this week. See your ad here The converter-called greenWAVE-will be connected to the electricity grid in South Australia by the end of the year and is expected to put the South East on the world renewable energy map.<br />
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The company has released the first photographs of the groundbreaking unit's turbine, which will soon be part of the seascape off Port MacDonnell. Constructed and to be launched into the water from TechPort in Adelaide on Friday, the $7m project will be the first of its kind to be commissioned in the world.<br />
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The demonstration unit received $4m from the Federal Government in a bid to make the project ready for market. The unit-which is on track for a December completion-will be grid-connected and rigorously tested throughout 2014.<br />
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The 3000 tonne demonstration unit will be on display at TechPort before being towed to its final location a few km off the coast of Port MacDonnell. The unit has a rated capacity of 1<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>, which can supply power to about 1000 homes. <a href="http://www.oceanlinx.com/" target="_blank">Oceanlinx</a> managing director Ali Baghaei said the converter was based on the oscillating water column principle.<br />
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He said the technology was one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_energy" target="_blank">wave energy</a> sector's most tested and matured technologies. Mr Baghaei said the unit was completely environmentally friendly, sitting under its own weight on the seabed in shallow water with no anchors, mooring or attachment to the seabed. "It is expected to act as an artificial reef for sea life", Mr Baghaei said.<br />
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"It has no moving parts under the water and is designed to withstand the most aggressive sea conditions, while there is ease of access to the weather-tight powerhouse placed above the sea level, so the life management costs are kept to the minimum". He said <a href="http://www.oceanlinx.com/" target="_blank">Oceanlinx</a> had demonstrated three test platforms in the ocean over the past 16 years. See your ad here "It was the first company to achieve the full grid connection of a test platform in Australia in 2010", Mr Baghaei said.<br />
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"With an end to end solution, its technologies are globally patented and provide versatility for application in conjunction with a wide range of areas such as offshore platforms, breakwater construction, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desalination" target="_blank">desalination</a> and provision of energy and water to remote locations. "As a leading technology provider in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wave_energy" target="_blank">wave energy</a> conversion sector, <a href="http://www.oceanlinx.com/" target="_blank">Oceanlinx</a> is in discussion with a number of international entities to develop multiple units of this technology".GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-84973320005236067242013-12-09T17:53:00.003+11:002013-12-09T17:53:12.635+11:00Avaco hikes conversion efficiency by 30 percent in CIGS solar cells<a href="http://www.compoundsemiconductor.net/csc/detail-news/id/19736915/name/Avaco-hikes-conversion-efficiency-by-30%20percent-in-CIGS-solar-cells.html" target="_blank">www.compoundsemiconductor.net</a><br />
20 Oct 2013<br />
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The company's new ALD process system can provide a solution for buffer layer optimisation in the dry process to effectively convert <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a> during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic" target="_blank">photovoltaic</a> development process Avaco has developed a new concept of buffer layer deposition for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaic" target="_blank">photovoltaic</a> products.<br />
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By using Avaco's atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, the energy conversion efficiency improved to approximately 30% higher than the conventional <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_indium_gallium_selenide" target="_blank">CIGS</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell" target="_blank">solar cell</a> that uses CdS for the buffer layer. The new process enhanced quantum efficiency in both the short wavelength range and near infrared range.<br />
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The quantum jump in the short circuit current improvement in the <a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a>-<a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a> curve contributed to higher efficiency <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_indium_gallium_selenide" target="_blank">CIGS</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cell" target="_blank">solar cell</a> without affecting the open circuit voltage, Voc. What's more, Avaco has confirmed that its new buffer layer deposition technique can be applied to a wide range of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_indium_gallium_selenide" target="_blank">CIGS</a> absorbers regardless of the preparation methods.<br />
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"We are pleased with the latest ALD addition in our system product portfolio", says Chuck Kim, business development director of Avaco, "Expansion of our core technology further strengthens and broadens our offering of deposition process solutions enabling Avaco to continue to provide our customers with innovative and leading-edge technology solutions to address today's manufacturing challenges".<br />
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Avaco will be showcasing its products at booth #751, and/or education poster presentation at booth #4806 at Solar Power International (SPI) 2013 in Chicago.<br />
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Avaco, a publicly traded company headquartered in Daegu, South Korea, is a global supplier of thin-film processing equipment and specialises in the manufacture of sputtering (PVD) vacuum deposition equipment (in-line, cluster, and roll to roll type), ALD equipment, various BEOL equipment, and factory automation equipment such as clean stocker, clean crane, and overhead transfer system for large-scale substrates.<br />
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Avaco is known for delivering mass production manufacturing equipment that encompasses all aspects related to thin-film coating such as TCO, metal electrode, and dielectric layer.<br />
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The firm uses many target materials for its sputtering system. These include Ag, AGZO, Al, Al2O3, AlNd, AZO, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copper_indium_gallium_selenide" target="_blank">CIGS</a>, Cr, Cu, CuGa, CuIn, GZO, IGZO, In, ITO, IZO, Mo, MoTi, MoW, Ni, Se, SiO2, TiO2, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZnO" target="_blank">ZnO</a> and others with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current" target="_blank">DC</a>, pulsed-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_current" target="_blank">DC</a>, and MF utilising a single or dual magnetron source.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-81667687664200213822013-12-09T17:52:00.003+11:002013-12-09T17:52:44.772+11:00Wind turbines are quieter than a heartbeat, acoustical experts find<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/09/24/2653531/wind-turbines-quieter-than-a-heartbeat/" target="_blank">thinkprogress.org</a><br />
24 Sep 2013<br />
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One complaint voiced by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> opponents is that the turbines create too much noise — even noise below the range of human hearing, known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a>. These concerns fuel claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome," which advocates say is a medical condition that involves mental health problems, heart disease, and vertigo.<br />
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A study by an acoustic engineering group in Australia found that that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> generated by wind turbines is less loud than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> created by a listener's own heartbeat. It found that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> does increase as wind speed increases, but this is often masked by the natural noise of wind moving through the area.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.aaac.org.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants</a> said that "those investigations conclude that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> levels adjacent to wind farms are below the threshold of perception and below currently accepted limits set for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a>."GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-30423616871252242742013-11-21T11:58:00.002+11:002013-11-21T11:58:56.618+11:00Wind turbines are quieter than a heartheat, acoustical experts find<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/09/24/2653531/wind-turbines-quieter-than-a-heartheat/" target="_blank">thinkprogress.org</a><br />
24 Sep 2013<br />
<br />
One complaint voiced by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> opponents is that the turbines create too much noise--even noise below the range of human hearing, known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a>. These concerns fuel claims about "Wind Turbine Syndrome", which advocates say is a medical condition that involves mental health problems, heart disease, and vertigo.<br />
<br />
A study by an acoustic engineering group in Australia found that that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> generated by wind turbines is less loud than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> created by a listener's own heartheat. It found that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> does increase as wind speed increases, but this is often masked by the natural noise of wind moving through the area.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.aaac.org.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants</a> said that "those investigations conclude that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> levels adjacent to wind farms are below the threshold of perception and below currently accepted limits set for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a>".<br />
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Those limits are levels of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> that people encounter already, created by natural sources like breathing, wind, and waves, as well as mechanical sources like aircraft, traffic, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuels" target="_blank">fossil fuel</a> industry. The study noted that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> noise is all relative:<br />
<br />
Our environment has lots of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> already in it, the levels generated by wind farms from our point of view are quite low in comparison and they're no higher than what is already out there in the natural environment.,.. "People themselves generate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> through things like their own heartheat, through breathing and these levels of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound" target="_blank">infrasound</a> can be substantially higher than an external noise source."<br />
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<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/09/24/2653531/wind-turbines-quieter-than-a-heartbeat/" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-75195996189423556122013-11-21T11:57:00.001+11:002013-11-21T11:57:41.607+11:00Michigan's new tourist attraction? Like them or not, wind turbines<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20131020/FEATURES/310200073/State-s-new-tourist-attraction-Like-them-not-wind-turbines" target="_blank">www.freep.com</a><br />
20 Oct 2013<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE3u18iS3lU/Uo1adfQiceI/AAAAAAAACqc/YF1zNdYU13c/s1600/20131121+tourist+attraction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aE3u18iS3lU/Uo1adfQiceI/AAAAAAAACqc/YF1zNdYU13c/s1600/20131121+tourist+attraction.jpg" /></a>DELAWARE TOWNSHIP, MICH.--Whether they are beautiful or a blight on the landscape is beside the point.<br />
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Michigan's wind farms are here, en masse. And travelers can't miss them. With nearly 900 commercial wind turbines dotting Michigan, especially in the Thumb where the wind is strongest and most consistent, a scenic drive can turn into a jaw-dropping experience. The Thumb alone has 618 wind turbines already operating or scheduled to go into service by next year.<br />
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"I was driving down the road when the sun was coming up one morning, and the sun hit the turbines and it was beautiful", says Scott Carr of Elkton, whose tiny community has been transformed in the last five years by 32 wind turbines. "Some people don't like them, but they don't bother me".<br />
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Wind turbines began sprouting in the state in response to a 2008 Michigan law that requires at least 10% of the state's energy be provided by renewable energy sources, such as wind, by 2015. The first phase of a high-capacity, 140 mile electric transmission line called the Thumb Loop was just completed in the region. It is capable of carrying electricity linked from at least 2,800 wind turbines.<br />
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Many things have been said and written about wind turbines. All over the world, they have changed tourist landscapes, adding strong man-made vertical elements to nature's soft horizontal vistas. Some travelers see wind turbines as engineering marvels and symbols of energy independence. Some see them as evil industrial fans ruining treasured landscapes.<br />
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Some see beauty in a sunset that makes the towers shine, or charm in a scene of a small house dwarfed by a turning blade. Other see turbines as too big and harsh--which they are, compared to a cow, a sugar beet or a farmhouse. Some are so tall that Michigan residents can even see turbines erected across the water in Canada.<br />
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At first, they dotted the landscape here or there. Then, they spread. Last summer, an operator in the Ludington and Scottville area did a lively business driving busloads of tourists out to see the turbines. That success has others asking: How does Michigan make the most of their breathtaking stature and the awe that they stir inside of us?<br />
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<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20131020/FEATURES/310200073/State-s-new-tourist-attraction-Like-them-not-wind-turbines" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-6990373570119167072013-11-21T11:55:00.006+11:002013-11-21T11:55:57.872+11:00GE wants to power up older wind turbines<a href="http://www.elp.com/articles/2013/10/ge-wants-to-power-up-older-wind-turbines.html" target="_blank">www.elp.com</a><br />
18 Oct 2013<br />
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Earlier this year, <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">General Electric Co</a> (<a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a>) launched a package of technologies and services to improve output from its newer wind turbines like the 2.5 120, calling them "brilliant" at predicting and producing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a>. Now it's bringing those same capabilities to its existing turbine fleet by packaging them into a new suite called "PowerUp" to improve older wind turbines' output and profitability.<br />
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Andy Holt, general manager of <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a> Energy's projects and services group, explained to us how it works: <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a> analyzes a customer's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> capacity, turbulence, weight, its current condition and age, how hard it's been run, explore the on-site wind regime, and generates a list of possible improvements. "We'll put on as much as we can to optimize and maximize their output and revenue", he said.<br />
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One of these capabilities is the company's venerable WindBoost, which essentially nudges a turbine to run a little bit harder if conditions allow for it. Vortex generators, meanwhile, can be applied on the blade to decrease separation and increase lift. Other features that can be bundled with PowerUp run the gamut from trailing-edge serrations to reduce noise, to a winter operations mode that ramps down as ice forms.<br />
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Another aspect to PowerUp borrowed from the "brilliant" turbine setup is enabling predictability and condition-based maintenance, "having machines telling us when we have issues" to eliminate unplanned downtime, Holt said.<br />
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PulsePoint software monitors set points in the turbine to gauge factors including vibration, bearing temperature, and filter pressure. Other software awakens turbines to recognize when they're falling behind other turbines nearby and alert the dispatch center to find out why, or conversely notice if a turbine in the group (or groups) could be revved up to take advantage of current conditions<br />
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These types of tweaks take a page from what <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a> has done for its gas turbine customers, Holt pointed out.<br />
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The company especially sees a sweetspot for PowerUp in its flagship fleet of 9,000 1.5 77 turbines running nationwide, since "the technology has moved so far since we built the earlier machine", Holt said.<br />
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For just those turbines, <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a> claims that PowerUp could increase a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm's</a> output by up to 5% and a 20% increase in profit per turbine--even a 1% energy output increase would add another 420,000 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>h annually, according to the company. Holt walked us through how <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE</a> came up with those numbers:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2.3% more output per machine: Using WindBoost to run a little harder off the gearbox</li>
<li>0.5%: Seasonal tuning, such as changing pitch parameters from summer to winter</li>
<li>1.2%: Winter ice operations, sensing ice formation and derating/shutting itself down</li>
<li>1.5-2%: Vortex generators on the blades</li>
<li>0.5-1%: Blade cord extensions with slightly larger aerodynamic areas, increasing the velocity at the top of the blade</li>
<li>0.5-1%: Trailing-edge serrations</li>
</ul>
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Of course not every customer site will apply all of those improvements, but taking an average across <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE's</a> entire fleet the company calculates a 5% improvement in output.<br />
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That's "big enough to matter", Holt said, "and it's also just the beginning". Given the relative youth of <a href="http://www.ge.com/" target="_blank">GE's</a> fleet of turbines in the US (averaging 5 6 years) repowering of entire hubs and nacelles isn't yet a big services business, but PowerUp could fill a big need for customers who are keen to know more about their turbines' performance in wind speed regimes of between 5-7 meters per second, shy of the rated output.<br />
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"We're taking advantage of the design life in the machine that's being underutilized because of lower winds, and that's given birth to a whole upgrade business", he said.<br />
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Customers will pay for PowerUp based on "validated performance improvements" i.e, the additional power that gets produced. "We just commit to selling <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MWs</a> [to customers]", Holt said. "This is a simpler way to do business with us". PowerUp also can be incorporated into existing <a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a>&M contracts.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-30337429932536508332013-11-12T17:12:00.003+11:002013-11-12T17:13:40.102+11:00America’s first floating wind turbine – the future of offshore power generation?<a href="http://techandinnovationdaily.com/2013/10/03/offshore-wind-turbine/#more" target="_blank">techandinnovationdaily.com</a><br />
3 Oct 2013 <br />
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Sitting in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Maine, is a unique feat of technology. At first glance, this giant windmill-like object looks pretty out of place, bobbing around in the middle of the water. But in truth, the wind-lashed Atlantic is the perfect spot for it. VolturnUS 1:8 (trips off the tongue, doesn't it?!) is North America's first floating <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a>-an innovation that's being hailed as the future of US offshore energy generation.<br />
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Designed by engineers at the <a href="http://www.umaine.edu/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">University of Maine</a>, the turbine is an impressive piece of equipment. Standing 300 feet tall, "it's almost like a 30 to 35 story building", says Habib Dagher, Director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the university, and head of the VolturnUS 1:8 project.<br />
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In addition, the diameter of the rotor is the size of one and a half football fields, while "each blade would be the wingspan of a 747 jetliner". But this doesn't even scratch the surface of what the designers ultimately have in mind...<br />
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<b>Channeling the Atlantic's Anger into Power</b><br />
Right now, the VolturnUS 1:8 turbine can only generate enough energy to power four homes. But it's merely the working prototype for a much larger project. How large? "It's one-eighth the scale of a full-size five-to six-<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> turbine", says Elizabeth Viselli, Communications Manager of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center.<br />
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And that would produce enough <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> to power a few thousand homes. The reasoning behind putting these turbines at sea is simple... Winds are much stronger at sea than on land, with the optimum strength occurring during peak energy usage times in the late afternoon/early evening.<br />
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In fact, Dagher says, "Within 50 miles of US shores, there's enough offshore [wind] capacity to power the US four times over". And the fact that the <a href="http://www.umaine.edu/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">University of Maine</a> team has designed a floating turbine means it's significantly cheaper than a fixed installation turbine.<br />
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And as for fears that eyesore wind turbines will spoil the coastline... well, fear not. The team says the turbines will be 20 miles offshore-"beyond the horizon" and not visible from the coast. With the United States only generating 3.5% of its electric power from wind, the goal of this project is two-fold... Boost renewable energy output from wind and, according to Dagher, "bring the cost of offshore wind down by 2020, so it's competitive with other forms of electricity".GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-49112674755715591072013-10-18T16:04:00.002+11:002013-10-18T16:04:30.650+11:00Italian energy firm to accelerate wind investment<a href="http://www.businessspectator.com.au/news/2013/10/15/wind-power/italian-energy-firm-accelerate-wind-investment" target="_blank">www.businessspectator.com.au</a><br />
15 Oct 2013<br />
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Italian energy group <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a> plans to invest in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> in Brazil and Europe, accelerating its expansion in the sector after its recent decision to exit the refining sector.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a>, over 60% controlled by Italy's Garrone family, completed the acquisition of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> assets from France's <a href="http://www.gdfsuez.com/" target="_blank">GDF Suez</a> this year to become Italy's largest <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> player and one of the top ten in Europe.<br />
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Presenting the group's strategy in Vienna on Saturday, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a> chief executive Luca Bettone said <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a> planned to invest in countries and areas which had strong wind conditions and were less dependent on government subsidies, such as South America.<br />
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"This company must look to growth and, since we are now the biggest wind player in Italy, must try to move outside our national borders", Bettone said in comments that were embargoed until Monday. "There are opportunities in this country (Brazil) and we think we'll enter the market with acquisitions".<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a> has transformed itself in recent years into a renewable energy company in order to counter declining profits at its refinery business. Last week it struck a deal to sell its remaining stake in the ISAB oil refinery in Sicily to Russia's Lukoil for around 400 million euros-a sale Bettone said would yield no special dividend from the proceeds.<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a>, which is now targeting a 20% rise in core earnings next year to around 600 million euros ($813.75 million), intends to invest some 500 million euros to 2015 to focus on renewable energy.<br />
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In Europe, Bettone said, the company aimed to enter the Spanish market while strengthening its position in Bulgaria and Romania where it has <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> assets. He also confirmed that TotalErg-the joint venture between <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edoardo_Raffinerie_Garrone" target="_blank">ERG</a> and France's <a href="http://www.total.com/" target="_blank">Total</a>-was interested in the Italian petrol distribution network that <a href="http://www.shell.com/" target="_blank">Shell</a> is selling. TotalErg has a market share in Italy of 12% which would rise to 18% with the <a href="http://www.shell.com/" target="_blank">Shell</a> network.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-46129214468191210942013-10-18T16:03:00.002+11:002013-10-18T16:03:35.121+11:00Collector Wind Farm project recommended to go ahead<a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/collector-wind-farm-project-recommended-to-go-ahead-20131011-2vcu1.html" target="_blank">www.smh.com.au</a><br />
11 Oct 2013<br />
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The NSW Department of Planning released their final report on the $350 million project to the north of the ACT at the end of September, which recommended the project be approved. It has now been sent to the NSW <a href="http://www.pac.nsw.gov.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Planning Assessment Commission</a> (PAC) for final determination.<br />
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"The Department considers that the Project is justified and in the public interest and should be approved subject to the recommended conditions of approval and the proponent's statement of commitments", the report said.<br />
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<a href="http://ratchaustralia.com/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">RATCH-Australia</a>, the company proposing to build the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>, said it was confident its proposal met all the environmental and social requirements for approval. Project manager Anthony Yeates welcomed the PAC's pending work with the community and said he hoped for a determination within months.<br />
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"Anyone who's interested should get in touch with the PAC", project manager Anthony Yeates said. "Hopefully there will be a decision made through the remainder of this year".<br />
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Should approval be granted by the end of the year, Mr Yeates said a two-year design and construction process would likely begin by the end of 2014, with the project possibly nearing completion by the end of 2016.<br />
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The community meeting with PAC commissioners Garry West, Richard Thorp and Brian Gilligan will be held at 4pm on Tuesday, October 29 at the Collector Memorial Hall. Parties wishing to comment at the meeting must register by October 24 by calling 02 9383 2112. More information is available via the PAC website.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-21156719131912866822013-10-18T16:02:00.000+11:002013-10-18T16:02:35.962+11:00Wind-farm at a standstill<a href="http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/story/1842532/wind-farm-at-a-standstill/?cs=12" target="_blank">www.tenterfieldstar.com.au</a><br />
16 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xhEtqLlJsk/UmDA3LLAqAI/AAAAAAAACo4/vEgp7ICpnAM/s1600/131016+Bungulla+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6xhEtqLlJsk/UmDA3LLAqAI/AAAAAAAACo4/vEgp7ICpnAM/s1600/131016+Bungulla+.jpg" /></a>PROGRESS on a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> at <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/kI9XI" target="_blank">Bungulla</a> has stunted with testing still ongoing nearly four years after it began.<br />
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In late 2009 a wind speed mast was erected in <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/kI9XI" target="_blank">Bungulla</a> to test the viability of a future <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a>, but the development manager in charge of the project from <a href="http://www.res-ltd.com/" target="_blank">RES Southern Cross</a> Australia, Annette Devison, said it was "still early days". "These investigations typically take a long time", Ms Devison said. "The mast is still there testing but there are no plans to go forward at this stage".<br />
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At this stage wind farms in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_(Australia)" target="_blank">New England</a> region haven't been affected by the Federal Governments scrapping of the <a href="http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/clean-energy.../renewable-energy/" target="_blank">Clean Energy Finance Corporation</a>, but Ms Devison said there was uneasiness in the industry at the moment.<br />
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"There is a degree of uncertainty in the industry right now", she said. "It's a reasonable comment to say [the industry] it's at a bit of a standstill. "Things aren't stopping but are cautiously moving forward".<br />
<br />
If a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> project at <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/kI9XI" target="_blank">Bungulla</a> was to be approved it would mean the construction of a new section of line to an existing power-line and further collaboration with <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-29.041657,152.02133&z=15&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Tenterfield</a> <a href="http://upperlachlan.local-e.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">Upper Lachlan Council</a> <a href="http://upperlachlan.local-e.nsw.gov.au/" target="_blank">Upper Lachlan Council</a>. But Ms Devison said there hadn't been any recent contact with council. "There are no ongoing discussions with the council but they would be the first port of call when a decision is made.<br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/kI9XI" target="_blank">Bungulla</a> property owner, Brian Chorley, indicated he was still relatively in the dark when it came to the testing being done on his property. "<a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a> don't get much feedback from <a href="http://www.res-ltd.com/" target="_blank">RES Southern Cross</a>", Mr Chorley said. "It's on and off-it was around Christmas the last time <a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a> spoke to someone.<br />
<br />
Mr Chorley said he was aware of wind farms around the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-29.735655,151.73853&z=11&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Glen Innes</a> area going through "serious negotiations". "<a href="http://www.vicosc.unimelb.edu.au/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">VICOSC</a> think they are getting to the nitty gritty stuff", he said. "We'll have to wait and see-there are a lot of steps involved and government assessments".<br />
<br />
Wind speed tests were previously done on the eastern side of <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-29.041657,152.02133&z=15&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Tenterfield</a> some years ago but eventuated into nothing, and Mr Chorley said that could be the likelihood here too. "They just disappeared and this might disappear too", he said. <a href="http://www.res-ltd.com/" target="_blank">RES Southern Cross</a> Australia received construction approval for a project in <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?ll=-34.405568,149.81868&z=12&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Taralga</a>, north of <a href="http://maps.google.com.au/maps?ll=-34.755349,149.71781&z=12&t=h&hl=en" target="_blank">Goulburn</a>, back in 2007.<br />
<br />
Sixty-two turbines are set to be constructed and the <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/kI9XI" target="_blank">Bungulla</a> project could reach similar numbers depending on available land. Mr Chorley said he would be open to having that number of turbines on his land. "There was a timeframe at one stage but we'll just have to wait and see what negotiations bring", he said.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-80443206982075094012013-10-16T12:12:00.003+11:002013-10-16T12:12:31.445+11:00Gamesa signs agreement with Iberdrola to supply wind turbines for Penascal expansion project<a href="http://wind.energy-business-review.com/news/gamesa-signs-agreement-with-iberdrola-to-supply-wind-turbines-for-penascal-expansion-project-101013" target="_blank">wind.energy-business-review.com</a><br />
10 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.gamesaenergy.com.au/" target="_blank">Gamesa Corp</a> and <a href="http://www.iberdrola.es/" target="_blank">Iberdrola</a> Renewables have signed a supply agreement for the 202<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> Baffin <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> project, which is an extension to the Penascal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> complex in Texas. Under the agreement set to begin in mid-2014, <a href="http://www.gamesaenergy.com.au/" target="_blank">Gamesa Corp</a> will supply, install and commission 101xG97 wind turbines of 2<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> each for the project, which is likely to become operational by the end of 2014.<br />
<br />
To be built with an estimated cost of around $400m, the under-construction project will increase the Penascal complex's total capacity to 606<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>, thus becoming <a href="http://www.iberdrola.es/" target="_blank">Iberdrola's</a> largest renewable energy facility in the world. Located in Kenedy County, the complex is likely to generate enough electricity to power 210,000 households and curb 850,000 tons of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide" target="_blank">CO₂</a> emissions annually.<br />
<br />
Pending approval from the local government, the project will significantly contribute to growth of the local economy by creating up to 240 jobs during construction phase and eight fulltime operational jobs. As one of the largest wind developers, <a href="http://www.iberdrola.es/" target="_blank">Iberdrola</a> can use the contracted turbines at other US sites if it fails to secure approval from the local government.<br />
<br />
The agreement represents <a href="http://www.gamesaenergy.com.au/" target="_blank">Gamesa Corp</a> strengthen its position as <a href="http://www.iberdrola.es/" target="_blank">Iberdrola's</a> main <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> supplier as it provided 9,000<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> out of 14,000<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> turbines <a href="http://www.iberdrola.es/" target="_blank">Iberdrola</a> installed worldwide.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-64934566570717630022013-10-16T12:11:00.000+11:002013-10-16T12:11:30.266+11:00Archimede Solar Energy supplies the 4th release of molten salt receiving tubes for Archimede ISCC<a href="http://www.csp-world.com/news/20131010/001219/archimede-solar-energy-supplies-4th-release-molten-salt-receiving-tubes" target="_blank">www.csp-world.com</a><br />
10 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-capxLdVO_PI/Ul3ntJzDuzI/AAAAAAAACok/TBcL7XT4ZuI/s1600/131015+solar+thermal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-capxLdVO_PI/Ul3ntJzDuzI/AAAAAAAACok/TBcL7XT4ZuI/s1600/131015+solar+thermal.jpg" /></a>Italian <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_Solar_Power" target="_blank">CSP</a> receiver tubes manufacturer <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">Archimede Solar Energy</a> (<a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a>), has supplied the 4th release of Molten Salt receiving tubes to Archimede ISCC Plant in Sicily, Italy.<br />
<br />
The new tubes have been installed in order to maximize the performance of the solar field, in accordance to the long term and profitable cooperation agreement between <a href="http://www.enelgreenpower.com/" target="_blank">Enel Green Power</a>-tha plant owner-and <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a>. Archimede ISCC is the world's first and largest parabolic trough concentrated <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power" target="_blank">solar power</a> plant operating with Molten Salt as HTF, based on technology developed by Italy's research center ENEA.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a> claims to be the first and most experienced manufacturer of receiver tubes, stable at high temperature and suitable for Molten Salts. With thousands hours of tests and operation since 2007, the tubes have been constantly improved optimising the best optical and thermal performances and guaranteeing the required durability of the most rigorous market standards.<br />
<br />
The company says that molten salts are considered as the preferred HTF to enable the necessary technology leap that the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_Solar_Power" target="_blank">CSP</a> industry is expecting. A clear sign of this trend is demonstrated from the growing number of new entrants in every segment of the value chain. This confirms the efforts that ENEL, <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a>, ENEA and the Italian supply chain have taken during the last years.<br />
<br />
In order to increase the know-how about Molten Salts and improve consistently the receiver tubes, <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a> is operating since last July 2013 the first stand alone Parabolic Trough Molten Salt Test Loop (realized with the effort of Chiyoda and of other contributors) located close to the <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a> manufacturing plant in Massa Martana, as previously reported here at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_Solar_Power" target="_blank">CSP</a> World. The test loop is confirming the excellent performances of last <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a> receivers and the reliable operability of MS parabolic trough plant even in location with poor DNI resource, like the central part of Italy.<br />
<br />
Apart from the Archimede ISCC Plant, <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE</a> already secured the exclusivity, as receiver tubes supplier, in several Molten Salts <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_Solar_Power" target="_blank">CSP</a> projects planned in Italy, China and Egypt for about 300 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>.<br />
<br />
On July 2012, the Italian Minister of Economic Development and the Minister of Environment approved a new decree that regulates the renewable energy market. The new decree includes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concentrated_Solar_Power" target="_blank">CSP</a> as key <a href="http://www.res-ltd.com/" target="_blank">RES Southern Cross</a> for the Italian Renewable Energy Mix. In order to benefit from the incentive, the following two conditions have to be observed:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>It is mandatory to use a non-polluting and no flammable heat transfer fluid, unless the solar plant is in an industrial area (this requirement allows molten salt while rejecting the most widely used thermal oils).</li>
<li>Installations must show the minimum thermal storage capacity established by the Decree</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">Archimede Solar Energy</a>, a subsidiary of Angelantoni Group, is the most experienced manufacturer of receiver tubes to be used wth molten salt as heat transfer fluid. The company also produces receiver tubes for Oil and DSG-Direct Steam Generation (mainly superheated) based <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_thermal" target="_blank">solar thermal</a> power plants. <a href="http://www.angelantoni.it/archimede_angelantoni.htm" target="_blank">ASE's</a> current production capacity reaches 75,000 tubes per year, expandable to 140,000 receivers per year to reach an equivalent of 350<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>e per year.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-30372244019495658962013-10-15T14:21:00.000+11:002013-10-15T14:21:38.124+11:00IFA confirms significant wind farm uptake<a href="http://www.agriland.ie/news/ifa-confirms-significant-wind-farm-uptake/" target="_blank">www.agriland.ie</a><br />
9 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5adsx-V_xI/UlyzaPv9kyI/AAAAAAAACoQ/rnaNKBRATXo/s1600/131011+wind++farming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s5adsx-V_xI/UlyzaPv9kyI/AAAAAAAACoQ/rnaNKBRATXo/s1600/131011+wind++farming.jpg" /></a>The <a href="http://www.ifa.ie/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">Irish Farmers Association</a> (<a href="http://www.ifa.ie/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">IFA</a>) has secured the best possible <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> development negotiations for farmers across Ireland and it is up to the individual farmer to seek professional advice on legal, tax and proper planning.<br />
<br />
This is according to Jer Bergin, the association's climate change and renewables spokesman, who noted a significant number of farmers across the Midlands have signed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> energy contracts, in the region of 1,000 farmers, within the past six months.<br />
<br />
"We recently negotiated legal improvements for all farmers and retrospective improvements for approximately 200 farmers. These farmers are now happy. In general, farmers need to consider very carefully leasing their land to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> developers. A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> is a permanent structure and it needs to be considered very carefully by farmers and farmer families", he said.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.ifa.ie/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">IFA</a> published its strategy document on this area, entitled Harnessing Ireland's Wind Resource for Renewable Energy Production.It sets out a useful reference for landowners/farmers. This report a guide to the financial arrangements between individual farmers and wind development companies.<br />
<br />
The key elements include an annual payment during the period of the agreement of €1,000; minimum annual lease payments of 6000/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> or €18,000; a payment of 3% of the energy price; and green credits up to year 15, and 5% thereafter.<br />
<br />
The agreement also sets out that there will be full compensation for any losses in terms of forestry losses, REPS, Area Aid and/or Single Farm Payment. The deal also includes consultation regarding location of access roads and a payment of €10,000 €18,000 on receipt of planning.<br />
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The document also proposes that all wind development companies establish a community fund for each wind project. The fund in question must last for the duration of the wind project and its value should be one% of the annual revenue generated by the project or €2,500 per <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>, whichever is the greater, it recommends.<br />
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According to the <a href="http://www.ifa.ie/%E2%80%8E" target="_blank">IFA</a> document, the current proposed development in the Midlands is projected to contribute €2.5bn in gross electricity income. "This is the same value as the total annual dairy exports and 1.5 times beef exports in 2011", it noted.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-5305973241238048092013-10-15T14:14:00.003+11:002013-10-15T14:14:46.005+11:00Solar power stored at Arizona plant<a href="http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2013/10/09/Solar-power-stored-at-Arizona-plant/UPI-26501381320867/" target="_blank">www.upi.com</a><br />
9 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
PHOENIX, Oct. 9 (UPI)--Spanish energy company <a href="http://www.abengoa.com/" target="_blank">Abengoa</a> said Wednesday its Solana solar plant in Arizona produced electricity without direct sunlight in its first commercial test.<br />
<br />
The company said Wednesday the facility, about 70 miles southwest of Phoenix, has an installed capacity of 280 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MWs</a> of energy and can store the sun's power for six hours via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy" target="_blank">thermal energy</a>. The facility uses concave mirrors to focus the sun's rays to power a conventional steam turbine.<br />
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<a href="http://www.abengoa.com/" target="_blank">Abengoa</a> said it was able to produce electricity from the steam turbines after the sun went down for six hours using only the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy" target="_blank">thermal energy</a> storage capacity of the facility. State utility company Arizona Public Service has a 30 year agreement with <a href="http://www.abengoa.com/" target="_blank">Abengoa</a> to purchase electricity from the plant. The Solana facility will have the ability to meet the annual energy needs of 70,000 households.<br />
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<a href="http://www.abengoa.com/" target="_blank">Abengoa</a> said the facility is the first of its kind in the United States, which it said was a "turning point" for renewable energy in the country. The company said the plan represents a $2 billion investment. It said it received financial support through a $1.45 billion loan guarantee from the federal government.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-44467368894782442052013-10-11T13:14:00.001+11:002013-10-11T13:14:16.446+11:00 Tata Power arm to buy wind farm in Gujarat<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/tata-power-arm-to-buy-wind-farm-in-gujarat/article5214436.ece" target="_blank">www.thehindu.com</a><br />
8 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power</a>, on Tuesday, said that it would acquire a 39.2 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> in Gujarat in a move that would scale up its renewable energy portfolio.<br />
<br />
The company's 100% subsidiary, <a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power</a> Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL), has signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) with <a href="http://www.aes.com/" target="_blank">AES Corp</a> for acquisition of the US company's 100% shareholding in AES Saurashtra Windfarms Pvt Ltd. (ASW). The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.<br />
<br />
It costs about Rs. 6 crore to set up one <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> capacity. The reason behind the exit of AES from this project is not known. ASW owns and operates a 39.2 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> in Jamnagar district of Gujarat.<br />
<br />
The project has been fully operational since January, 2012, and ASW has executed a power purchase agreement with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd, for sale of electricity at a tariff of Rs. 3.56/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">kW</a> for the duration of the project.<br />
<br />
TPREL was selected as the preferred bidder for the sale, and the acquisition is subject to certain conditions. The deal is expected to go through in a few months time, <a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power</a> said.<br />
<br />
With this deal, <a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power's</a> wind operational generation capacity will go up to 437 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a>, with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_turbine" target="_blank">wind turbine</a> generators located across five states, including Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.<br />
<br />
"<a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power</a> is committed to generating 20 25% of its total generation capacity from clean energy sources, and is proud to have signed this SPA. This is our second acquisition of an operating wind asset and we are constantly looking out for similar opportunities in respect of wind and solar plants", Anil Sardana, Managing Director, <a href="http://www.tata.com/" target="_blank">Tata Power</a>, said in a statement.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-26949454281987136752013-10-11T13:13:00.000+11:002013-10-11T13:13:14.954+11:00Turkey's first nuclear power plant likely to be delayed<a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-turkey-nuclear-delay-20131008,0,1252142.story" target="_blank">www.chicagotribune.com</a><br />
8 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
ANKARA (<a href="http://www.reuters.com/" target="_blank">Reuters</a>)-Turkey's first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power" target="_blank">nuclear power</a> plant is likely to be delayed by at least a year, a source close to the plans said on Tuesday, as bureaucratic hurdles hamper the $20 billion project.<br />
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Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has been an advocate of the country's ambitious nuclear program, meant to help reduce its dependence on costly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocarbon" target="_blank">hydrocarbon</a> imports by providing 10% of its electricity needs by 2023.<br />
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But its first planned 4,800 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> plant, being built by Russia's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosatom" target="_blank">Rosatom</a>, is already falling behind schedule, with the first reactor unlikely to be operational by 2019 as planned.<br />
<br />
"Production in 2019 is not possible. 2020 is more likely", one source close to the project told <a href="http://www.reuters.com/" target="_blank">Reuters</a>, noting that a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_reactors" target="_blank">nuclear reactor</a> on this scale would need a test period of at least six to 12 months before it could be fully operational.<br />
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The start of construction for the Mersin Akkuyu plant in southern Turkey is scheduled for mid-2015 and by 2023 all four planned reactors are meant to have started generating power, but the project has still to obtain a construction license and has been hampered by other delays over the summer.<br />
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An environmental report by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosatom" target="_blank">Rosatom</a>, which requires approval by Turkish authorities, had to be resubmitted to the Environment Ministry in September, months behind the planned schedule. Without approval, Atomstroyexport, the main contractor chosen by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosatom" target="_blank">Rosatom</a> to build the reactors, cannot launch tenders for an estimated $7.5 8.0 billion worth of subcontracts.<br />
<br />
The source said he expected the tenders to be launched once the environmental assessment paper was approved, which he predicted would happen by the end of November.<br />
<br />
<b>Paperwork</b><br />
A tender by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Atomic_Energy_Authority" target="_blank">Turkish Atomic Energy Authority</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Atomic_Energy_Authority" target="_blank">TAEK</a>) for a firm to review and assess <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosatom" target="_blank">Rosatom's</a> reactor plans to ensure the design meets safety standards has been cancelled several times after bidders failed to meet the pre-qualification criteria.<br />
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Aaron Stein, associate fellow at the British defense and security think-tank the Royal United Services Institute, sees this as among the most serious risks to the timeline.<br />
<br />
"It all depends on whether they can get their tender documents going and all the indications right now are that they're having extreme difficulties", he said. "Let's assume they're going to go ahead with construction in 2016, that would still be three years to build one reactor and seven years to build all four. That is really, really fast".<br />
<br />
Turkey's power market looks to be alone in Europe in offering promising returns. Electricity consumption rose 5% to 242 billion <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">kW</a> hours (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">kW</a>) in 2012 and energy demand growth forecasts are second only to those of China.<br />
<br />
Turkey needs to add some 3,500 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> of installed power capacity annually to keep pace. Its second planned nuclear plant was awarded in May to a Japanese-French consortium. Japan's <a href="http://www.mhiaa.com.au/" target="_blank">Mitsubishi Heavy Industries</a> Ltd and Itochu Corporation, with France's <a href="http://www.gdfsuez.com/" target="_blank">GDF Suez</a>, will build the 4,800 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt" target="_blank">MW</a> plant at an estimated cost of $22 billion in the Black Sea coastal city of Sinop.<br />
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Industry sources have said the first reactor at that plant is slated to come online by 2023.GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-26233962730676014312013-10-11T13:10:00.003+11:002013-10-11T13:10:46.112+11:00Albertans losing no sleep over wind power<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/breakthrough/albertans-losing-no-sleep-over-wind-power/article14743121/" target="_blank">www.theglobeandmail.com</a><br />
8 Oct 2013<br />
<br />
Controversy that has marked Ontario's rapid growth in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> has been largely absent in Alberta, where the industry has operated for two decades and now has the third-largest installed generation capacity of the green energy source in Canada.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">Wind farm</a> operators in the Western province have had to work to solve environmental problems, notably bat and bird deaths, which have led to operational changes at some developments.<br />
<br />
But public complaints about facilities, which are concentrated in the breezy and sparsely populated southern part of the province best known for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuels" target="_blank">fossil fuel</a> development, are almost non-existent, according to recent research into what is seen as one of the most commercially viable forms of alternative energy.<br />
<br />
That is in sharp contrast to Ontario, where groups have been established to oppose <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power" target="_blank">wind power</a> and publicize potential human-health effects of facilities near homes. Government policies there aimed at promoting green energy have led to brisk activity in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> construction.<br />
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"We're not seeing the same type of organized push-back in Alberta", said Tim Weis, director of renewable energy and efficiency policy for the Pembina Institute, a non-profit environmental think tank.<br />
<br />
Some of the wind farms in Alberta, especially in the southwest, are relatively close to population centres. Public attitudes may be more accepting because many Albertans already have experience living close to conventional energy facilities, Mr. Weis said. In addition, virtually all commercial wind developments in the province are on privately owned land.<br />
<br />
Mr. Weis contributed to a Pembina study this summer that found the Alberta Utilities Commission, the provincial regulator governing commercial-scale wind farms, has not received a single complaint related to the facilities since 2000 in 31,000 "contacts" with the public. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_farm" target="_blank">wind farm</a> operators reported 10 complaints. By contrast, the oil-and-gas regulator has fielded more than 200 complaints per year about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuels" target="_blank">fossil fuel</a> operations affecting residents.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/breakthrough/albertans-losing-no-sleep-over-wind-power/article14743121/" target="_blank">Read More…</a>GFFGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com0