www.businessspectator.com.au
30 Apr 2012
Thai energy company Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc is planning to invest US$600 million (A$572 million) in new wind turbine plants in Australia, tripling its local wind-power output to 300 MWs. The expansion by Ratchaburi's subsidiary, Ratch-Australia Corporation, is aimed at staying in step with Australia's future energy policies, Ratchaburi Electricity chief executive Noppol Milinthanggoon said. The planned investment comes as Ratchaburi Electricity is moving to complete a $US813 million acquisition of Transfield Services Infrastructure Fund in raising its stake to 80% by June 2012.
Noppol said Ratchaburi Electricity is to invest a further $US30.5 million in Ratch-Australia to meet the 80% target from a current stake of 68%. A spokesperson for the company said the Australian offshoot will lead the expansion as part of the company's offshore investment plans. Ratch-Australia operates three wind power plants in Victoria at Starfish Hill, Toora and Windy Hill.
The Toora operation has 12 turbines with a production capacity of 1.75 MWs, meeting the power needs of 6600 families. "We have a goal to invest in at least three wind power projects with a total production volume of 200 MWs from an existing 100 MW capacity", Noppol said. He said the company was also looking to overhaul and expand the production capacity at Ratch-Australia's existing plants. Ratch-Australia Corporation currently oversees three natural gas power plants, two coal power plants and three wind power plants with a total production capacity of 1,126 MWs. The company says it has firm agreements covering 90% of the generated electricity to be purchased under contract over the next 11 years.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Friday, 4 May 2012
WA to launch world-first wave energy project
www.smh.com.au
1 May 2012
The first wave energy project in the Southern Hemisphere is set to commence operation in Western Australia next year, with the federal government announcing almost $10 million in funding today. WA-based energy company Carnegie Corporation will begin construction of Australia's first commercial scale grid-connected wave project next year, which will be located on and around Garden Island, with power delivered by the end of 2013. Energy Minister Craig Ferguson today announced the federal government would contribute $9.9 million as part of the Emerging Renewables program, with the state government contributing $5.5 million under the Low Emissions Energy Development program.
Mr Ferguson commended the project for showcasing innovative Australian technology, and said the by-product of emission-free desalinated water was a "welcome bonus". "This is where I see Australia growing into renewable energy jobs of the future", he said. As well as being the first such project in the Southern Hemisphere, the project also uses Australian-owned and developed CETO technology, which is the only of its kind in the world. Developed in WA over the last 10 years at a cost of $60 million, CETO differs to other wave energy technology by operating out of sight and underwater, where it is anchored to the ocean floor and generates electricity onshore, rather than offshore.
The CETO units move with motion of passing waves, driving pumps which deliver pressurised water to shore via a pipeline, which in turn drives hydroelectric turbines. In addition to generating zero-emission electricity, the pressurised water delivered ashore can also be used to supply a desalination plant. The unique Australian technology has already been snapped up by the world's largest electricity generator, French company EDF Energy, for use on Reunion Island. The project's onshore power generation facility will be located at Australia's largest naval base HMAS Stirling, and is expected to produce 2 MWs of electricity by 2014, with later expansion to 5 MWs.
A CSIRO study last year found Australia's wave energy alone was capable of providing three times Australia's annual energy consumption, which was 50,000 MWs. Carnegie Corporation chief executive officer Dr Michael Ottaviano said the project provided a unique opportunity for Australia to become a "technology provider rather than technology taker". Australia could rival Scotland, Dr Ottaviano said, which was trying to capture the wave energy industry by virtue of its offshore engineering experience and good wave resources.
"We've got just as much, if not more, competent offshore engineering experience from the oil and gas industry and our wave resources are some 20 times greater than Scotland", he said. State and federal government funds will comprise half of the project's $31.2 million cost, with New York-based investors Lind group also providing funding. Carnegie Corporation has signed memorandums of understanding with the Department of Defence and West Australian retailer, Synergy Energy.
1 May 2012
The first wave energy project in the Southern Hemisphere is set to commence operation in Western Australia next year, with the federal government announcing almost $10 million in funding today. WA-based energy company Carnegie Corporation will begin construction of Australia's first commercial scale grid-connected wave project next year, which will be located on and around Garden Island, with power delivered by the end of 2013. Energy Minister Craig Ferguson today announced the federal government would contribute $9.9 million as part of the Emerging Renewables program, with the state government contributing $5.5 million under the Low Emissions Energy Development program.Mr Ferguson commended the project for showcasing innovative Australian technology, and said the by-product of emission-free desalinated water was a "welcome bonus". "This is where I see Australia growing into renewable energy jobs of the future", he said. As well as being the first such project in the Southern Hemisphere, the project also uses Australian-owned and developed CETO technology, which is the only of its kind in the world. Developed in WA over the last 10 years at a cost of $60 million, CETO differs to other wave energy technology by operating out of sight and underwater, where it is anchored to the ocean floor and generates electricity onshore, rather than offshore.
The CETO units move with motion of passing waves, driving pumps which deliver pressurised water to shore via a pipeline, which in turn drives hydroelectric turbines. In addition to generating zero-emission electricity, the pressurised water delivered ashore can also be used to supply a desalination plant. The unique Australian technology has already been snapped up by the world's largest electricity generator, French company EDF Energy, for use on Reunion Island. The project's onshore power generation facility will be located at Australia's largest naval base HMAS Stirling, and is expected to produce 2 MWs of electricity by 2014, with later expansion to 5 MWs.
A CSIRO study last year found Australia's wave energy alone was capable of providing three times Australia's annual energy consumption, which was 50,000 MWs. Carnegie Corporation chief executive officer Dr Michael Ottaviano said the project provided a unique opportunity for Australia to become a "technology provider rather than technology taker". Australia could rival Scotland, Dr Ottaviano said, which was trying to capture the wave energy industry by virtue of its offshore engineering experience and good wave resources.
"We've got just as much, if not more, competent offshore engineering experience from the oil and gas industry and our wave resources are some 20 times greater than Scotland", he said. State and federal government funds will comprise half of the project's $31.2 million cost, with New York-based investors Lind group also providing funding. Carnegie Corporation has signed memorandums of understanding with the Department of Defence and West Australian retailer, Synergy Energy.
Coal or wind in your backyard?
www.climatespectator.com.au
30 Apr 2012
If you're going to 'pick winners' from the energy market, you at least want to choose wisely. So it's hard to see why Victorian laws treat coal and coal seam gas more favourably than renewable energy. The Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) (EDO) released a report last week that finds Victoria's laws give the mining industry privileged treatment that few other industries enjoy. In particular, they now make it easier to obtain approval for a coal mine than a wind farm in Victoria.
The planning rules for wind farms introduced by the state government last year are some of the toughest that apply to any type of development anywhere in the country. No new wind projects have been proposed in Victoria since they have been introduced. At the same time, the government has moved to relax the laws that apply to new mining projects, developing a strategy to encourage brown coal export in Victoria, and initiating a Parliamentary Inquiry to identify and remove barriers to further 'Greenfields' minerals exploration and mining. That Parliamentary Inquiry is due to table its report tomorrow. Let's hope it considers the following differences between the treatment of coal mines and wind farms in Victoria:
This treatment is obviously at odds with the scientific need to make a rapid transition out of polluting energy sources, like coal and gas, and into renewable energy. It is at odds with Victoria's abundant renewable energy resources, and their potential for growth in investment and jobs. It also represents a formidable distortion to the Victorian energy market. The carbon price and other Clean Energy Future policies will drive billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy, but that investment will not go to Victoria so long as these regulatory barriers are in place.
It reflects an assumption that the public benefit of extracting minerals is greater than any costs that may arise from doing so. However, the Industry Commission noted in 1991 that this is not necessarily the case--an argument which seems even more true now that more is understood about the impact on the health and safety of regional communities, the environmental impacts of mining (especially for coal and coal seam gas), and the macroeconomic costs of the mining boom for other economic sectors.
Why then should wind power be subject to more restrictive laws than coal and coal seam gas? For example, if wind farms are subject to 'no go' zones, why shouldn't coal mines be? The EDO report calls for a strategic planning process to identify sensitive areas (for example, those with valuable groundwater resources, or prime agricultural land, or high conservation value areas) and protect them from mining altogether through 'no go' zones closed to mining.
If regional communities can 'veto' wind farms near their property, why shouldn't they have the same rights for coal mines? The Victorian Farmers Federation has called for this right of veto. The EDO report also calls for regional communities to have the right to appeal mining approvals, and to enforce breaches of the law, in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
There are good reasons to think that renewable energy should be treated more favourably than fossil fuels, and given further support from the Victorian government. But at the very least, the government should level the playing field. After all, giving privileged support an industry as questionable as the coal and coal seam gas industry is stretching the limits of the phrase 'picking winners'.
Michael Power is a Law Reform Lawyer at the Environment Defenders Office (Victoria), an independent not-for-profit centre dedicated to public interest environment law.
30 Apr 2012
If you're going to 'pick winners' from the energy market, you at least want to choose wisely. So it's hard to see why Victorian laws treat coal and coal seam gas more favourably than renewable energy. The Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) (EDO) released a report last week that finds Victoria's laws give the mining industry privileged treatment that few other industries enjoy. In particular, they now make it easier to obtain approval for a coal mine than a wind farm in Victoria.
The planning rules for wind farms introduced by the state government last year are some of the toughest that apply to any type of development anywhere in the country. No new wind projects have been proposed in Victoria since they have been introduced. At the same time, the government has moved to relax the laws that apply to new mining projects, developing a strategy to encourage brown coal export in Victoria, and initiating a Parliamentary Inquiry to identify and remove barriers to further 'Greenfields' minerals exploration and mining. That Parliamentary Inquiry is due to table its report tomorrow. Let's hope it considers the following differences between the treatment of coal mines and wind farms in Victoria:
- A wind farm cannot be built within two km of a person's home without their consent. But a coal mine can be opened within 100 meters of a home without the owner's consent.
- Wind farms are now excluded from 'no go' zones stretching across the state. But coal mines face no such 'no go' zones: the only place they are excluded from is national parks (for now).
- All wind farms require planning approval from the local council. Coal projects, on the other hand, can avoid the need to obtain certain planning approvals at all in some cases.
- Wind farms must comply with environmental laws like any other project. Coal projects, on the other hand, are exempt from parts of key laws like the Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic).
This treatment is obviously at odds with the scientific need to make a rapid transition out of polluting energy sources, like coal and gas, and into renewable energy. It is at odds with Victoria's abundant renewable energy resources, and their potential for growth in investment and jobs. It also represents a formidable distortion to the Victorian energy market. The carbon price and other Clean Energy Future policies will drive billions of dollars of investment in renewable energy, but that investment will not go to Victoria so long as these regulatory barriers are in place.
It reflects an assumption that the public benefit of extracting minerals is greater than any costs that may arise from doing so. However, the Industry Commission noted in 1991 that this is not necessarily the case--an argument which seems even more true now that more is understood about the impact on the health and safety of regional communities, the environmental impacts of mining (especially for coal and coal seam gas), and the macroeconomic costs of the mining boom for other economic sectors.
Why then should wind power be subject to more restrictive laws than coal and coal seam gas? For example, if wind farms are subject to 'no go' zones, why shouldn't coal mines be? The EDO report calls for a strategic planning process to identify sensitive areas (for example, those with valuable groundwater resources, or prime agricultural land, or high conservation value areas) and protect them from mining altogether through 'no go' zones closed to mining.
If regional communities can 'veto' wind farms near their property, why shouldn't they have the same rights for coal mines? The Victorian Farmers Federation has called for this right of veto. The EDO report also calls for regional communities to have the right to appeal mining approvals, and to enforce breaches of the law, in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
There are good reasons to think that renewable energy should be treated more favourably than fossil fuels, and given further support from the Victorian government. But at the very least, the government should level the playing field. After all, giving privileged support an industry as questionable as the coal and coal seam gas industry is stretching the limits of the phrase 'picking winners'.
Michael Power is a Law Reform Lawyer at the Environment Defenders Office (Victoria), an independent not-for-profit centre dedicated to public interest environment law.
Dhursar solar project commissioned
www.power-eng.com
28 Apr 2012
FirstSolar, Inc, has announced the commissioning by Reliance Power Ltd, a Reliance ADAGroup company, of a 40 MW ground mounted solar photovoltaic power plant in Rajasthan that will provide clean energy to Mumbai. The project was built in just five months. Comprising some 500,000 FirstSolar thin-film modules, the power plant is spread over 350 acres near Dhursar village in Jaisalmer district.The plant is expected to generate more than 60 million units (kW) of clean solar power a year,making it one of the country's largest photovoltaic power plant in terms of electricity generation.
Covering 350 acres, it is 23 times the size of Calcutta's famous EdenGardens cricket grounds and is expected to satisfy the annual electricity needs of more than 70,000 average Indian households. It will displace more than 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year,the equivalent of taking more than25,000 cars off the road. The Dhursar project is the first of several that Reliance plans to build with FirstSolar modules as part of a 100 MW module order placed last year.
28 Apr 2012
FirstSolar, Inc, has announced the commissioning by Reliance Power Ltd, a Reliance ADAGroup company, of a 40 MW ground mounted solar photovoltaic power plant in Rajasthan that will provide clean energy to Mumbai. The project was built in just five months. Comprising some 500,000 FirstSolar thin-film modules, the power plant is spread over 350 acres near Dhursar village in Jaisalmer district.The plant is expected to generate more than 60 million units (kW) of clean solar power a year,making it one of the country's largest photovoltaic power plant in terms of electricity generation.
Covering 350 acres, it is 23 times the size of Calcutta's famous EdenGardens cricket grounds and is expected to satisfy the annual electricity needs of more than 70,000 average Indian households. It will displace more than 60,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year,the equivalent of taking more than25,000 cars off the road. The Dhursar project is the first of several that Reliance plans to build with FirstSolar modules as part of a 100 MW module order placed last year.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
UK launches North Sea renewable energy hub
www.reuters.com
25 Apr 2012
LONDON, April 26 (Reuters)-More than twenty companies have signed a partnership agreement to turn the North Sea into a major renewable energy hub focusing on offshore wind power, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce on Thursday. Major utilities, such as Britain's Scottish Power and Norway's Statoil, manufacturers from Siemens to Gamesa Corp and supply chain companies are supporting the initiative, provisionally named Norstec.
"Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable", Cameron will tell ministers from 23 countries who are attending a two-day clean energy summit in London. Further details about the operations of the network will be releaved at an offshore wind conference in London in June. Britain has an ambitious target of installing 18 GWs of offshore wind power capacity by 2020, compared with around 2 GW in operation in British waters at the moment.
German utility E.ON is also on Thursday expected to award a 736 million pound cable installation contract to British construction firm Balfour Beatty to connect its Humber Gateway offshore wind farm to the electricity grid. The 230 MW wind farm will be located 8 km off the coast of East Yorkshire and its 73 turbines will produce the equivalent of electricity used in 150,000 homes.
Two UK biomass power plants also reached major milestones on Thursday, with Helius Energy close to securing a finance deal to fund its 300 million pound Avonmouth plant and a construction start at the ECO₂ 38 MW biomass plant in Sleaford. British Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said earlier this week Britain would also sign clean energy cooperation agreements with Brazil, Germany, South Korea and the U.S, as part of the international summit. On Monday, Britain announced a partnership with the U.S, to support the development of floating wind turbines which can tap stronger wind forces.
25 Apr 2012
- Major utilities, manufacturers sign up to partnership
- E.ON awards offshore cable contract to Balfour Beatty
- Two UK biomass plants reach milestones
LONDON, April 26 (Reuters)-More than twenty companies have signed a partnership agreement to turn the North Sea into a major renewable energy hub focusing on offshore wind power, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron is to announce on Thursday. Major utilities, such as Britain's Scottish Power and Norway's Statoil, manufacturers from Siemens to Gamesa Corp and supply chain companies are supporting the initiative, provisionally named Norstec.
"Our commitment and investment in renewable energy has helped to make renewable energy possible. Now we have a different challenge. We need to make it financially sustainable", Cameron will tell ministers from 23 countries who are attending a two-day clean energy summit in London. Further details about the operations of the network will be releaved at an offshore wind conference in London in June. Britain has an ambitious target of installing 18 GWs of offshore wind power capacity by 2020, compared with around 2 GW in operation in British waters at the moment.
German utility E.ON is also on Thursday expected to award a 736 million pound cable installation contract to British construction firm Balfour Beatty to connect its Humber Gateway offshore wind farm to the electricity grid. The 230 MW wind farm will be located 8 km off the coast of East Yorkshire and its 73 turbines will produce the equivalent of electricity used in 150,000 homes.
Two UK biomass power plants also reached major milestones on Thursday, with Helius Energy close to securing a finance deal to fund its 300 million pound Avonmouth plant and a construction start at the ECO₂ 38 MW biomass plant in Sleaford. British Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said earlier this week Britain would also sign clean energy cooperation agreements with Brazil, Germany, South Korea and the U.S, as part of the international summit. On Monday, Britain announced a partnership with the U.S, to support the development of floating wind turbines which can tap stronger wind forces.
Japan recommends preferential price rates for renewable energy
www.bloomberg.com
25 Apr 2012
Japan will require power utilities to pay above market rates for electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, based on recommendations announced today by a government panel. The preferential rate, known as a feed-in tariff, for solar power was recommended at 42 yen (52 U.S,¢) a kW for 20 years, compared with the current rate of 13.65 yen a kW for industry and commercial users, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Wind-generated power was recommended at 23.10 yen a kW for plants with the capacity of 20 kWs or more and 57.75 yen for smaller ones, both for 20 years. For geothermal, the panel recommended 27.30 yen a kW for plants with the capacity of 15,000 kWs or more and 42 yen for smaller plants, both for 15 years. Japan currently gets about 9% of its electricity from renewable energy.
Pending approval by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the feed-in tariffs will be introduced in July to spur investment in solar, wind geothermal, biomass and hydroelectric power generation as Japan plans a shift away from atomic power after the Fukushima disaster. In August, Japan's parliament approved legislation for the feed-in tariffs to help diversify its energy mix following the devastating accident at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant in March 2011. Atomic power provided about 30% of the country's electricity before the Fukushima crisis.
Nuclear Free
Japan is set to be nuclear free for the first time in more than four decades next month as the last of its 50 operating reactors is scheduled to be shut for maintenance. All the reactors are being kept offline pending safety tests and government approval for restarts. The price recommendation for solar is in line with that earlier proposed by the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association. The Japan Wind Power Association had suggested a wind tariff of up to 25 yen over 20 years for bigger producers. The Japan Geothermal Developers' Council had recommended 25.8 yen a kW for 15 years for bigger suppliers.
25 Apr 2012
Japan will require power utilities to pay above market rates for electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, based on recommendations announced today by a government panel. The preferential rate, known as a feed-in tariff, for solar power was recommended at 42 yen (52 U.S,¢) a kW for 20 years, compared with the current rate of 13.65 yen a kW for industry and commercial users, according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Wind-generated power was recommended at 23.10 yen a kW for plants with the capacity of 20 kWs or more and 57.75 yen for smaller ones, both for 20 years. For geothermal, the panel recommended 27.30 yen a kW for plants with the capacity of 15,000 kWs or more and 42 yen for smaller plants, both for 15 years. Japan currently gets about 9% of its electricity from renewable energy.
Pending approval by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the feed-in tariffs will be introduced in July to spur investment in solar, wind geothermal, biomass and hydroelectric power generation as Japan plans a shift away from atomic power after the Fukushima disaster. In August, Japan's parliament approved legislation for the feed-in tariffs to help diversify its energy mix following the devastating accident at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant in March 2011. Atomic power provided about 30% of the country's electricity before the Fukushima crisis.
Nuclear Free
Japan is set to be nuclear free for the first time in more than four decades next month as the last of its 50 operating reactors is scheduled to be shut for maintenance. All the reactors are being kept offline pending safety tests and government approval for restarts. The price recommendation for solar is in line with that earlier proposed by the Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association. The Japan Wind Power Association had suggested a wind tariff of up to 25 yen over 20 years for bigger producers. The Japan Geothermal Developers' Council had recommended 25.8 yen a kW for 15 years for bigger suppliers.
App shows green power flows to German consumers
www.reuters.com
25 Apr 2012
(Reuters) - Power users with "green" leanings in Germany now can put into practice what they preach by switching on electrical devices at times of high renewable energy production. A new app offered by German utility Vattenfall Europe provides short-term information about the share of power derived from renewables such as wind or solar within the overall power mix. Stromwetter (power weather), the smartphone app which was developed by the firm, displays in green colour any share of renewable power exceeding 10%, or 8 GW of usage out of the maximum power load on the transmission grids of roughly 80,000 MW, Vattenfall said on Wednesday.
"If you prefer to use power from wind and solar power sources, then that is the time period on which to focus your consumption," said Helmar Rendez, managing director of Vattenfall Distribution. "By using the app, power customers can voluntarily support the strategy shift towards renewables, independently of where they are buying their power and at what tariff it is priced," he added. Wind power accounted for 38% of renewable power output last year and solar power for 16%, with biomass accounting for 30% and hydroelectric power the rest.
Stromwetter will derive the data from Leipzig power exchange EEX, which collects and relays aggregated production figures from German and Austrian power companies in 15-minute intervals. Germany has embarked on a shift toward renewables and away from nuclear power in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in March 2011. It derived 20% of power from renewables last year. It wants 35% by 2020 and 80% by the middle of the century.
25 Apr 2012
(Reuters) - Power users with "green" leanings in Germany now can put into practice what they preach by switching on electrical devices at times of high renewable energy production. A new app offered by German utility Vattenfall Europe provides short-term information about the share of power derived from renewables such as wind or solar within the overall power mix. Stromwetter (power weather), the smartphone app which was developed by the firm, displays in green colour any share of renewable power exceeding 10%, or 8 GW of usage out of the maximum power load on the transmission grids of roughly 80,000 MW, Vattenfall said on Wednesday.
"If you prefer to use power from wind and solar power sources, then that is the time period on which to focus your consumption," said Helmar Rendez, managing director of Vattenfall Distribution. "By using the app, power customers can voluntarily support the strategy shift towards renewables, independently of where they are buying their power and at what tariff it is priced," he added. Wind power accounted for 38% of renewable power output last year and solar power for 16%, with biomass accounting for 30% and hydroelectric power the rest.
Stromwetter will derive the data from Leipzig power exchange EEX, which collects and relays aggregated production figures from German and Austrian power companies in 15-minute intervals. Germany has embarked on a shift toward renewables and away from nuclear power in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster in March 2011. It derived 20% of power from renewables last year. It wants 35% by 2020 and 80% by the middle of the century.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Ryan resists mining veto calls
www.abc.net.au
23 Apr 2012
The Victorian Government is resisting calls to give landholders the power to veto mining activity on their land. Households can currently veto wind farm projects within a 2 km radius and the Victorian Farmers Federation says the laws should also apply to mining projects. It says farmers are particularly concerned about the risks associated with coal seam gas projects. However, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan says the current environment laws provide adequate protection.
"Through the laws that govern our mining regime in this state, anybody who wants to explore, for let alone actually mine coal seam gas in this state, will have to comply with the most rigorous laws in this nation", he said. He says coal seam gas projects do not pose a risk to the state's agriculture industry. "We have the best laws in Australia to make sure that not only is exploration very, very heavily monitored but to then make the next stage to mining is a huge quantum leap", he said. "We are very, very protective of all the environmental issues, particularly around the watertables".
23 Apr 2012
The Victorian Government is resisting calls to give landholders the power to veto mining activity on their land. Households can currently veto wind farm projects within a 2 km radius and the Victorian Farmers Federation says the laws should also apply to mining projects. It says farmers are particularly concerned about the risks associated with coal seam gas projects. However, Deputy Premier Peter Ryan says the current environment laws provide adequate protection.
"Through the laws that govern our mining regime in this state, anybody who wants to explore, for let alone actually mine coal seam gas in this state, will have to comply with the most rigorous laws in this nation", he said. He says coal seam gas projects do not pose a risk to the state's agriculture industry. "We have the best laws in Australia to make sure that not only is exploration very, very heavily monitored but to then make the next stage to mining is a huge quantum leap", he said. "We are very, very protective of all the environmental issues, particularly around the watertables".
Wind farm ecologist defends bird safety
www.abc.net.au
24 Apr 2012
An ecologist says there is no evidence wind farms are threatening the future of native bird populations. A dead wedge-tailed eagle has been found not far from the base of a wind turbine at the Waterloo wind farm in the mid-north of South Australia. Dr Cindy Hull, who works for renewable energy producer Hydro Tasmania, says some birds fly into blades but wind farms do not affect habitats or migration patterns.
"There's been a lot of work trying to assess whether it's impacting on the fate of the species and it isn't", she said. "The wind industry is actually the only electricity generators that monitor their impact on wildlife, no-one else does. "So just because nothing's been reported from the other types of electricity generation, doesn't mean impacts aren't occurring, they're just not being measured".
Environmental consultant Travis How of consultancy company EBS Ecology says there are wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons at the proposed Stony Gap wind farm site, south of Burra. "We've worked with TRUEnergy to then design infrastructure around that so potential habitat and the known populations aren't impacted upon at all", he said.
24 Apr 2012
An ecologist says there is no evidence wind farms are threatening the future of native bird populations. A dead wedge-tailed eagle has been found not far from the base of a wind turbine at the Waterloo wind farm in the mid-north of South Australia. Dr Cindy Hull, who works for renewable energy producer Hydro Tasmania, says some birds fly into blades but wind farms do not affect habitats or migration patterns."There's been a lot of work trying to assess whether it's impacting on the fate of the species and it isn't", she said. "The wind industry is actually the only electricity generators that monitor their impact on wildlife, no-one else does. "So just because nothing's been reported from the other types of electricity generation, doesn't mean impacts aren't occurring, they're just not being measured".
Environmental consultant Travis How of consultancy company EBS Ecology says there are wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons at the proposed Stony Gap wind farm site, south of Burra. "We've worked with TRUEnergy to then design infrastructure around that so potential habitat and the known populations aren't impacted upon at all", he said.
Study claims tourists 'not put off' by wind farms in Scotland
www.bbc.co.uk
24 Apr 2012
Tourists visiting Scotland do not see wind farms as a problem, new research has suggested. In a survey commissioned by tourism agency VisitScotland, about 80% said a wind farm would not affect their decision about where to take a holiday. The study follows claims by US tycoon Donald Trump that wind farm developments would kill off tourism. He is expected to tell MSPs that the Scottish government's policy of promoting wind power is a mistake.
Nearly half of those questioned in the VisitScotland survey said they would be interested in visiting a wind farm if it had a centre included. Most of the 3,000 people questioned in the study neither agreed nor disagreed that wind farms spoil the look of the Scottish countryside. A similar number neither agreed nor disagreed that they would avoid an area of the countryside if there were a wind farm. The Scottish government said the survey proved that wind farms were not a problem for most visitors. The study came as Mr Trump prepared to appear at a Scottish parliament committee which is looking into green energy.
Earlier this year, Mr Trump-who is objecting to a planned offshore wind development near the site of his £1bn Aberdeenshire golf resort-accused First Minister Alex Salmond of being "hell bent on destroying Scotland's coastline". He has also attacked Scottish Natural Heritage and VisitScotland for "remaining silent on the issue". Mr Salmond hit back at the criticism ahead of Mr Trump's appearance before MSPs. He told the Scottish Trades Union Congress in Inverness that investment in Scotland did not "imply ownership of Scotland". He added that energy policy would be set by the Scottish people and parliament, and not by others.
24 Apr 2012
Tourists visiting Scotland do not see wind farms as a problem, new research has suggested. In a survey commissioned by tourism agency VisitScotland, about 80% said a wind farm would not affect their decision about where to take a holiday. The study follows claims by US tycoon Donald Trump that wind farm developments would kill off tourism. He is expected to tell MSPs that the Scottish government's policy of promoting wind power is a mistake.
Nearly half of those questioned in the VisitScotland survey said they would be interested in visiting a wind farm if it had a centre included. Most of the 3,000 people questioned in the study neither agreed nor disagreed that wind farms spoil the look of the Scottish countryside. A similar number neither agreed nor disagreed that they would avoid an area of the countryside if there were a wind farm. The Scottish government said the survey proved that wind farms were not a problem for most visitors. The study came as Mr Trump prepared to appear at a Scottish parliament committee which is looking into green energy.
Earlier this year, Mr Trump-who is objecting to a planned offshore wind development near the site of his £1bn Aberdeenshire golf resort-accused First Minister Alex Salmond of being "hell bent on destroying Scotland's coastline". He has also attacked Scottish Natural Heritage and VisitScotland for "remaining silent on the issue". Mr Salmond hit back at the criticism ahead of Mr Trump's appearance before MSPs. He told the Scottish Trades Union Congress in Inverness that investment in Scotland did not "imply ownership of Scotland". He added that energy policy would be set by the Scottish people and parliament, and not by others.
Friday, 27 April 2012
Ministers planning 'hidden subsidies' for nuclear power
www.guardian.co.uk
20 Apr 2012
Ministers are planning to subsidise nuclear power through electricity bills-despite their promises not to, a secret document seen by the Guardian reveals. The leaked document clearly lays out plans to use "contracts for difference" for nuclear power, which would allow nuclear operators to reap higher prices for their energy than fossil fuel power stations. The plans will further inflame rows over energy policy and cause a political furore for the Liberal Democrats, who fought the general election firmly opposing an expansion of nuclear power.
Fiona Hall, leader of the Lib Dem group in the European parliament with a special interest in energy, said she now had no doubt that the contract for difference was a subsidy. "Industry on all sides believe this is a subsidy". She wants the UK court of auditors as well as the European commission to give a legal ruling on the issue and believes any subsidy runs against the coalition agreement. In a blog posted on the Liberal Democrat Voice website she calls on fellow party members to "speak out" against nuclear subsidies.
The issue is a key one for many Lib Dem supporters and has acquired even greater resonance since the Fukushima disaster and the withdrawal from nuclear of countries such as Germany and Italy. Green campaigners believe the Lib Dems have been persuaded into allowing higher energy bills to flow into increased profits for nuclear companies by a sleight of hand that lets ministers disguise nuclear subsidies as support for "low-carbon power".
The Guardian has also seen a presentation made by Scottish & Southern Energy to MPs last month, saying the plans contain "hidden subsidies", will be open to challenge on legal grounds, and could "mess up" funding for renewables. Hall commented: "I have not seen the SSE presentation but even the nuclear industry accepts this is a covert subsidy".
Read More…
20 Apr 2012
Ministers are planning to subsidise nuclear power through electricity bills-despite their promises not to, a secret document seen by the Guardian reveals. The leaked document clearly lays out plans to use "contracts for difference" for nuclear power, which would allow nuclear operators to reap higher prices for their energy than fossil fuel power stations. The plans will further inflame rows over energy policy and cause a political furore for the Liberal Democrats, who fought the general election firmly opposing an expansion of nuclear power.Fiona Hall, leader of the Lib Dem group in the European parliament with a special interest in energy, said she now had no doubt that the contract for difference was a subsidy. "Industry on all sides believe this is a subsidy". She wants the UK court of auditors as well as the European commission to give a legal ruling on the issue and believes any subsidy runs against the coalition agreement. In a blog posted on the Liberal Democrat Voice website she calls on fellow party members to "speak out" against nuclear subsidies.
The issue is a key one for many Lib Dem supporters and has acquired even greater resonance since the Fukushima disaster and the withdrawal from nuclear of countries such as Germany and Italy. Green campaigners believe the Lib Dems have been persuaded into allowing higher energy bills to flow into increased profits for nuclear companies by a sleight of hand that lets ministers disguise nuclear subsidies as support for "low-carbon power".
The Guardian has also seen a presentation made by Scottish & Southern Energy to MPs last month, saying the plans contain "hidden subsidies", will be open to challenge on legal grounds, and could "mess up" funding for renewables. Hall commented: "I have not seen the SSE presentation but even the nuclear industry accepts this is a covert subsidy".
Read More…
Hydrogenics joins Enbridge in developing utility-scale energy storage
www.brandonsun.com
23 Apr 2012
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.-Hydrogenics Corp. and pipeline giant Enbridge Inc. have announced a joint venture to develop utility-scale energy storage in North America. The agreement, which includes a $5 million equity investment in the hydrogen generation company by Enbridge, brings together Hydrogenics' expertise in water electrolysis with Enbridge's expertise in natural gas pipeline networks and renewable energy generation.
Under the program, hydrogen produced during periods of excess renewable generation will be injected into Enbridge's existing natural gas pipeline network, proportionally increasing the renewable energy content in natural gas pipelines for essentially the operating cost of the electrolyzer. "Small quantities of hydrogen can be manageable in existing natural gas pipeline networks", the companies said in a joint release. "With the significant scale of the natural gas pipeline network, these same quantities of hydrogen have a very meaningful impact on electricity energy storage potential".
The collaboration between Hydrogenics and Enbridge will initially focus on the deployment of utility-scale energy storage in Ontario, with the opportunity to expand into Enbridge's operations elsewhere. "This clean energy solution establishes a bridge between the electricity and natural gas networks to bring seasonal storage capabilities to electricity networks", Enbridge spokesman Chuck Szmurlo said in a release. "This is another example of how Enbridge is investing in alternative energy technologies that complement our pipeline businesses while contributing to our growth in renewable and clean energy", said Szmurlo, vice-president of alternative and emerging technology.
Hydrogenics president and CEO Daryl Wilson said the two companies look forward to advancing the commercialization of hydrogen energy storage solutions that have GW-hour potential for electricity storage. "With distinct advantages over conventional energy storage methods, the hydrogen solution provides unrivalled energy storage capacity and application flexibility to meet the growing need for energy storage by North America's electricity grid operators".
Enbridge, with some 6,900 employees, operates the world's biggest crude oil and liquids transportation system with pipelines across North America and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company with operations in Ontario, Quebec and New York state. It also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission and has interests in close to 1,000 MWs of renewable and alternative energy generating capacity.
23 Apr 2012
MISSISSAUGA, Ont.-Hydrogenics Corp. and pipeline giant Enbridge Inc. have announced a joint venture to develop utility-scale energy storage in North America. The agreement, which includes a $5 million equity investment in the hydrogen generation company by Enbridge, brings together Hydrogenics' expertise in water electrolysis with Enbridge's expertise in natural gas pipeline networks and renewable energy generation.Under the program, hydrogen produced during periods of excess renewable generation will be injected into Enbridge's existing natural gas pipeline network, proportionally increasing the renewable energy content in natural gas pipelines for essentially the operating cost of the electrolyzer. "Small quantities of hydrogen can be manageable in existing natural gas pipeline networks", the companies said in a joint release. "With the significant scale of the natural gas pipeline network, these same quantities of hydrogen have a very meaningful impact on electricity energy storage potential".
The collaboration between Hydrogenics and Enbridge will initially focus on the deployment of utility-scale energy storage in Ontario, with the opportunity to expand into Enbridge's operations elsewhere. "This clean energy solution establishes a bridge between the electricity and natural gas networks to bring seasonal storage capabilities to electricity networks", Enbridge spokesman Chuck Szmurlo said in a release. "This is another example of how Enbridge is investing in alternative energy technologies that complement our pipeline businesses while contributing to our growth in renewable and clean energy", said Szmurlo, vice-president of alternative and emerging technology.
Hydrogenics president and CEO Daryl Wilson said the two companies look forward to advancing the commercialization of hydrogen energy storage solutions that have GW-hour potential for electricity storage. "With distinct advantages over conventional energy storage methods, the hydrogen solution provides unrivalled energy storage capacity and application flexibility to meet the growing need for energy storage by North America's electricity grid operators".
Enbridge, with some 6,900 employees, operates the world's biggest crude oil and liquids transportation system with pipelines across North America and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company with operations in Ontario, Quebec and New York state. It also has a significant and growing involvement in natural gas gathering and midstream businesses, and an increasing involvement in power transmission and has interests in close to 1,000 MWs of renewable and alternative energy generating capacity.
Majority in UK accept wind turbines on landscape-poll
www.reuters.com
19 Apr 2012
(Reuters)-A majority of British people accept the look of wind turbines on the landscape and around two thirds favour wind power as an energy source, a sample of over 1,000 adults surveyed across the United Kingdom showed. Onshore wind is the least costly source of low-carbon energy, but a minority opposed to the look of turbines has slowed its development and raises costs for the UK to achieve its climate targets, a spokesman for RenewableUK said.
"Opposition to wind farms is the reserve of a relatively very small, but a very noisy and vociferous minority that is causing more difficulties at a local level", said Adam Bell of the wind and marine power lobby group, which had commissioned market research group Ipsos MORI to conduct the survey. "What this poll shows is that there is a silent majority in favour of wind power and a silent majority that (accepts) the look of wind turbines", he said, noting a number of onshore wind farm projects have been facing difficulties in getting approval.
In the online survey, respondents aged 16 64 were asked to rate the level of acceptability of the look of wind farms on the landscape on a 10 point scale ranging from completely unacceptable (1) to completely acceptable (10). Fifty-seven% of the 1,009 respondents gave a score between seven and 10, while one in six gave scores between one and four. Two in 10 were neutral, while 4% did not know. The survey results were similar to a renewable energy survey carried out late last year by online research firm YouGov, suggesting opposition to wind is often localised to particular projects and does not reflect wider public opinion.
The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world, with a 2050 goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels. It has set legally binding targets for four five-year periods to 2027, known as carbon budgets. Britain also has a 2020 target to deliver 15% of the country's energy consumption from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, marine and biomass. Data from the UK's Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DECC) suggests installed onshore wind capacity could grow to 13 GWs by the end of the decade from just over 4 GW in operation today.
But the government may have to turn to other, more expensive renewable sources if the vocal minority opposed to the erection of more onshore turbines succeeds in blocking development. "The less onshore wind you deploy, the more expensive technologies you will have to deploy instead which just increases the cost of going green", Bell said. The cost of electricity generated from onshore wind ranges between ₤75-₤127 ($120 $200) per MW, according to DECC, citing 2010 data. By comparison, the cost of solar ranges between ₤202-₤380 pounds/ MW, offshore wind ₤149-₤191/ MW and dedicated biomass ₤127-₤165 pounds/ MW.
19 Apr 2012
- Two thirds of respondents favour wind power
- Majority says look of wind turbines acceptable
- Vocal minority still an obstacle for expansion
(Reuters)-A majority of British people accept the look of wind turbines on the landscape and around two thirds favour wind power as an energy source, a sample of over 1,000 adults surveyed across the United Kingdom showed. Onshore wind is the least costly source of low-carbon energy, but a minority opposed to the look of turbines has slowed its development and raises costs for the UK to achieve its climate targets, a spokesman for RenewableUK said.
"Opposition to wind farms is the reserve of a relatively very small, but a very noisy and vociferous minority that is causing more difficulties at a local level", said Adam Bell of the wind and marine power lobby group, which had commissioned market research group Ipsos MORI to conduct the survey. "What this poll shows is that there is a silent majority in favour of wind power and a silent majority that (accepts) the look of wind turbines", he said, noting a number of onshore wind farm projects have been facing difficulties in getting approval.
In the online survey, respondents aged 16 64 were asked to rate the level of acceptability of the look of wind farms on the landscape on a 10 point scale ranging from completely unacceptable (1) to completely acceptable (10). Fifty-seven% of the 1,009 respondents gave a score between seven and 10, while one in six gave scores between one and four. Two in 10 were neutral, while 4% did not know. The survey results were similar to a renewable energy survey carried out late last year by online research firm YouGov, suggesting opposition to wind is often localised to particular projects and does not reflect wider public opinion.
The UK has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the world, with a 2050 goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from 1990 levels. It has set legally binding targets for four five-year periods to 2027, known as carbon budgets. Britain also has a 2020 target to deliver 15% of the country's energy consumption from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, marine and biomass. Data from the UK's Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency (DECC) suggests installed onshore wind capacity could grow to 13 GWs by the end of the decade from just over 4 GW in operation today.
But the government may have to turn to other, more expensive renewable sources if the vocal minority opposed to the erection of more onshore turbines succeeds in blocking development. "The less onshore wind you deploy, the more expensive technologies you will have to deploy instead which just increases the cost of going green", Bell said. The cost of electricity generated from onshore wind ranges between ₤75-₤127 ($120 $200) per MW, according to DECC, citing 2010 data. By comparison, the cost of solar ranges between ₤202-₤380 pounds/ MW, offshore wind ₤149-₤191/ MW and dedicated biomass ₤127-₤165 pounds/ MW.
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Moyne Shire 'lucky' to have boom
www.abc.net.au
19 Apr 2012
The chairman of Rural Councils Victoria, Ken Gale, says the Moyne Shire, in the state's south-west, is experiencing a boom. The organisation is hosting the annual Rural Summit in Port Fairy. Councillor Gale is also a councillor on the Moyne Shire and says it has been blessed with large industrial developments while other small municipalities are struggling. He says gas and renewable energy developments are driving growth.
"We're very lucky here, we've got very low unemployment, we're in an excellent situation, we've got the wind farms, the power companies are setting up a range of projects throughout the shire", he said. "I think there's something like 17 projects on the go at the moment, so we're very lucky that we've got that to boost our economy".
He says most rural councils have a small rate base and need help. "We want them to really survive and thrive", he said. "They're doing an excellent job but they need a really big boost I believe from the Federal Government. "I don't think there's a lot of money around, state or federally, so we'll just have to wait and see but I would urge,.. mainly the Federal Government, to look at our smaller municipalities".
19 Apr 2012
The chairman of Rural Councils Victoria, Ken Gale, says the Moyne Shire, in the state's south-west, is experiencing a boom. The organisation is hosting the annual Rural Summit in Port Fairy. Councillor Gale is also a councillor on the Moyne Shire and says it has been blessed with large industrial developments while other small municipalities are struggling. He says gas and renewable energy developments are driving growth.
"We're very lucky here, we've got very low unemployment, we're in an excellent situation, we've got the wind farms, the power companies are setting up a range of projects throughout the shire", he said. "I think there's something like 17 projects on the go at the moment, so we're very lucky that we've got that to boost our economy".
He says most rural councils have a small rate base and need help. "We want them to really survive and thrive", he said. "They're doing an excellent job but they need a really big boost I believe from the Federal Government. "I don't think there's a lot of money around, state or federally, so we'll just have to wait and see but I would urge,.. mainly the Federal Government, to look at our smaller municipalities".
Vestas to install research wind turbine at Sandia facility in Texas
phys.org
18 Apr 2012
The initial phase of Sandia National Laboratories' Scaled Wind Farm Technology facility (SWIFT), currently being constructed in partnership with Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, will be a little bigger than originally planned. Leading wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems will add its own 300 kW, V27 research turbine to the two Sandia National Laboratories V27 research turbines. The Labs worked with Vestas Wind Systems to develop the new three-turbine site plan, uniquely tailored to study turbine-to-turbine interactions. Sandia National Laboratories and Vestas Wind Systems will conduct collaborative research with all three turbines, although each turbine can also be used separately with minimal interaction.
"The Lubbock site benefits from high wind resource and low turbulence, which is ideal for research", said Jon White, project manager and researcher in Sandia National Laboratories's Wind Energy Technologies group. "Wind at the site comes predominately from the south, making it easy to set up the turbine array for research on turbine-to-turbine interactions". The SWIFT concept reflects a shared emphasis amongst the partners on lowering the cost of wind power by maximising the output of a wind power plant rather than a single turbine.
Read more…
18 Apr 2012
The initial phase of Sandia National Laboratories' Scaled Wind Farm Technology facility (SWIFT), currently being constructed in partnership with Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, will be a little bigger than originally planned. Leading wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems will add its own 300 kW, V27 research turbine to the two Sandia National Laboratories V27 research turbines. The Labs worked with Vestas Wind Systems to develop the new three-turbine site plan, uniquely tailored to study turbine-to-turbine interactions. Sandia National Laboratories and Vestas Wind Systems will conduct collaborative research with all three turbines, although each turbine can also be used separately with minimal interaction.
"The Lubbock site benefits from high wind resource and low turbulence, which is ideal for research", said Jon White, project manager and researcher in Sandia National Laboratories's Wind Energy Technologies group. "Wind at the site comes predominately from the south, making it easy to set up the turbine array for research on turbine-to-turbine interactions". The SWIFT concept reflects a shared emphasis amongst the partners on lowering the cost of wind power by maximising the output of a wind power plant rather than a single turbine.
Read more…
CEFC review to fast-track transition to low cost clean energy
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
17 Apr 2012
The clean energy industry today welcomed the report on the Clean Energy Finance Corporation delivered to the Federal Government by the independent Expert Review Panel led by Reserve Bank Board Member Jillian Broadbent. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton congratulated the panel on recognising the importance of developing our clean energy future, to insure Australia against rising energy prices in years to come.
"Australia has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. Taking advantage of those through the CEFC can attract a massive amount of investment into clean energy and develop a range of technologies that will enable us to deliver low cost clean energy in a carbon-constrained world", Mr Thornton said. "We are encouraged by the review's understanding of the challenges our industry must overcome to develop new clean energy technologies such as wave energy, geothermal and large scale solar power.
"The report reveals a strong understanding of the complexities involved in providing support for new technologies, while not distorting the existing markets for proven clean energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric. The panel's recognition of the need for the CEFC to work in tandem with the Renewable Energy Target and a carbon price reflect a mature understanding of Australia's energy landscape. "The recognition that flexibility is required in assessing funding opportunities on a case-by-case basis is particularly important, as well as the independence from government that will ensure only the best projects receive investment support.
"This includes remaining open minded about investments in transmission, energy storage and the potential to aggregate smaller-including community owned-clean energy projects", he said. Mr Thornton said there had not been any form of electricity generation technology developed in Australia without significant government support. "The current challenge of developing new forms of energy technology is not unique to the clean energy sector, and other technologies such as coal and gas generation have enjoyed decades of public support to get to where they are today", said Mr Thornton. "Some level of government support is warranted when long-term investments requiring large amounts of capital are needed to kick-start promising first-of-kind technologies.
"Investment in an institution like the CEFC is all the more worthwhile given the risk to our economy if we put all our faith in fossil fuel-based technologies whose costs are increasing. The CEFC will help rapidly bring down the costs of the next generation of clean energy technologies for all energy users". The Clean Energy Council is now calling for the Australian Parliament to legislate the CEFC as a matter of urgency to allow the industry and investors to get on with the job of transforming Australia's electricity sector.
17 Apr 2012
The clean energy industry today welcomed the report on the Clean Energy Finance Corporation delivered to the Federal Government by the independent Expert Review Panel led by Reserve Bank Board Member Jillian Broadbent. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton congratulated the panel on recognising the importance of developing our clean energy future, to insure Australia against rising energy prices in years to come."Australia has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world. Taking advantage of those through the CEFC can attract a massive amount of investment into clean energy and develop a range of technologies that will enable us to deliver low cost clean energy in a carbon-constrained world", Mr Thornton said. "We are encouraged by the review's understanding of the challenges our industry must overcome to develop new clean energy technologies such as wave energy, geothermal and large scale solar power.
"The report reveals a strong understanding of the complexities involved in providing support for new technologies, while not distorting the existing markets for proven clean energy sources like wind, solar and hydroelectric. The panel's recognition of the need for the CEFC to work in tandem with the Renewable Energy Target and a carbon price reflect a mature understanding of Australia's energy landscape. "The recognition that flexibility is required in assessing funding opportunities on a case-by-case basis is particularly important, as well as the independence from government that will ensure only the best projects receive investment support.
"This includes remaining open minded about investments in transmission, energy storage and the potential to aggregate smaller-including community owned-clean energy projects", he said. Mr Thornton said there had not been any form of electricity generation technology developed in Australia without significant government support. "The current challenge of developing new forms of energy technology is not unique to the clean energy sector, and other technologies such as coal and gas generation have enjoyed decades of public support to get to where they are today", said Mr Thornton. "Some level of government support is warranted when long-term investments requiring large amounts of capital are needed to kick-start promising first-of-kind technologies.
"Investment in an institution like the CEFC is all the more worthwhile given the risk to our economy if we put all our faith in fossil fuel-based technologies whose costs are increasing. The CEFC will help rapidly bring down the costs of the next generation of clean energy technologies for all energy users". The Clean Energy Council is now calling for the Australian Parliament to legislate the CEFC as a matter of urgency to allow the industry and investors to get on with the job of transforming Australia's electricity sector.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Ex-Corangamite mayor takes on Macarthur wind farm role
www.standard.net.au
18 Apr 2012
FORMER Corangamite Shire mayor Brendan Ryan has been appointed AGL Energy's Victorian wind farm operations manager to oversee operations at Macarthur and Glenthompson. Mr Ryan will be based at the Macarthur wind farm, but will also manage AGL Energy's Oaklands wind farm near Glenthompson. He said he was excited to take a lead role in a large scale development, while still working in a rural setting. Mr Ryan has worked in the wind power sector for eight years, working as a technician at the Yambuk wind farm and also working on five projects in South Australia, including AGL Energy's Hallett wind farms and the Snowtown wind farm which have combined project costs of more than $1 billion.
The former Corangamite Shire mayor and Camperdown electrician said he had witnessed the benefits the wind industry could provide regional areas. "From my experience in drought-stricken South Australia, the wind farms stimulated the community's retail income and generated employment", he said. "I know many local workers who would have been forced to leave their home district to find work elsewhere, but have instead become long-term employees in the emerging wind industry". Mr Ryan's new role will include inspecting wind turbines 90 metres above the ground, meeting with local government and community representatives and discussing permit compliance and potential community funding opportunities.
18 Apr 2012
FORMER Corangamite Shire mayor Brendan Ryan has been appointed AGL Energy's Victorian wind farm operations manager to oversee operations at Macarthur and Glenthompson. Mr Ryan will be based at the Macarthur wind farm, but will also manage AGL Energy's Oaklands wind farm near Glenthompson. He said he was excited to take a lead role in a large scale development, while still working in a rural setting. Mr Ryan has worked in the wind power sector for eight years, working as a technician at the Yambuk wind farm and also working on five projects in South Australia, including AGL Energy's Hallett wind farms and the Snowtown wind farm which have combined project costs of more than $1 billion.
The former Corangamite Shire mayor and Camperdown electrician said he had witnessed the benefits the wind industry could provide regional areas. "From my experience in drought-stricken South Australia, the wind farms stimulated the community's retail income and generated employment", he said. "I know many local workers who would have been forced to leave their home district to find work elsewhere, but have instead become long-term employees in the emerging wind industry". Mr Ryan's new role will include inspecting wind turbines 90 metres above the ground, meeting with local government and community representatives and discussing permit compliance and potential community funding opportunities.
Future of Japan's nuclear energy uncertain
www.upi.com
16 Apr 2012
TOKYO, April 16 (UPI), None of Japan's 54 nuclear reactors will be in operation as of May 6, as the country's last reactor operating is to go offline for maintenance, Japanese Trade Minister Yukio Edano said. The bulk of Japan's reactors, excluding the No. 3 Tomari reactor in Hokkaido scheduled to be shut down May 5 for maintenance, were taken offline for scheduled checkups but have stayed offline due to safety concerns sparked by the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.
Although the May 5 Tomari shutdown means that nuclear power in Japan "will be zero from May 6 momentarily", Edano said in a speech Sunday in Tokushima that Japan will eventually reduce its reliance on nuclear power "to zero permanently", Kyodo news reports. The Tomari shutdown will mark the first time that Japan would be without nuclear power production since 1966, when the country's first reactor began operation. Prior to the Fukushima crisis, nuclear power provided 30% of Japan's electricity.
Edano's comments came as Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration has been seeking local approval to restart the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture. While Edano on Sunday called for support for the reactivation of the Oi reactors to avoid power shortages in the near future, he maintained, "We will realistically and steadily reduce the number of nuclear reactors through a process that would not cause concerns or confusion in society while thoroughly examining their safety".
At a parliamentary committee meeting Friday, Edano said that even if the two Kansai reactors are restarted, the utility's service territory, including Osaka, could face electricity shortages during summer heat waves, particularly with increased air conditioner use. "I have to say we are facing the risk of a very severe electricity shortage", Edano told reporters. But the momentum to restart Japan's reactors is losing ground as time passes, particularly if Japan and its economy emerge relatively unscathed from a nuclear power-free summer.
As for the decision to restart other nuclear reactors, the government plans to make those on a case-by-case basis. "Each time, we will make a decision based on safety and necessity", Edano said at a news conference Friday, noting that restarting the Oi reactors would not automatically open the door for reactors at other plants to be restarted. Platts news service cited industry sources as saying that Japan could see restarts of several of the country's nuclear reactors this year, yet they say most of the total nuclear capacity of 48.96 GWs is expected to remain shut because of safety concerns.
16 Apr 2012
TOKYO, April 16 (UPI), None of Japan's 54 nuclear reactors will be in operation as of May 6, as the country's last reactor operating is to go offline for maintenance, Japanese Trade Minister Yukio Edano said. The bulk of Japan's reactors, excluding the No. 3 Tomari reactor in Hokkaido scheduled to be shut down May 5 for maintenance, were taken offline for scheduled checkups but have stayed offline due to safety concerns sparked by the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.Although the May 5 Tomari shutdown means that nuclear power in Japan "will be zero from May 6 momentarily", Edano said in a speech Sunday in Tokushima that Japan will eventually reduce its reliance on nuclear power "to zero permanently", Kyodo news reports. The Tomari shutdown will mark the first time that Japan would be without nuclear power production since 1966, when the country's first reactor began operation. Prior to the Fukushima crisis, nuclear power provided 30% of Japan's electricity.
Edano's comments came as Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration has been seeking local approval to restart the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture. While Edano on Sunday called for support for the reactivation of the Oi reactors to avoid power shortages in the near future, he maintained, "We will realistically and steadily reduce the number of nuclear reactors through a process that would not cause concerns or confusion in society while thoroughly examining their safety".
At a parliamentary committee meeting Friday, Edano said that even if the two Kansai reactors are restarted, the utility's service territory, including Osaka, could face electricity shortages during summer heat waves, particularly with increased air conditioner use. "I have to say we are facing the risk of a very severe electricity shortage", Edano told reporters. But the momentum to restart Japan's reactors is losing ground as time passes, particularly if Japan and its economy emerge relatively unscathed from a nuclear power-free summer.
As for the decision to restart other nuclear reactors, the government plans to make those on a case-by-case basis. "Each time, we will make a decision based on safety and necessity", Edano said at a news conference Friday, noting that restarting the Oi reactors would not automatically open the door for reactors at other plants to be restarted. Platts news service cited industry sources as saying that Japan could see restarts of several of the country's nuclear reactors this year, yet they say most of the total nuclear capacity of 48.96 GWs is expected to remain shut because of safety concerns.
WA farms for solar power
www.governmentnews.com.au
17 Apr 2012
Utilities will use renewable energy generated from a solar panel installation at Greenough River solar farm through a public and private joint venture. The Western Australian Water Corporation will purchase 100% of the sustainable energy generated by the 10 MW farm to offset the requirements of the Southern Seawater desalination Plant near Binningup. As a joint venture between Verve Energy and GE Energy Financial Services, the Western Australian Government has committed $20 million to the project, including $10 million from the Royalties for Regions Program and the Public Utilities Office.
According to a release from Verve Energy, the two companies each own 50% of the facility and no debt has been raised to fund the project. Installation of above ground electrical works and structural elements supporting the panels has been the focus of the construction since November 2011. Photovoltaic module (PV) manufacturer, FirstSolar will supply more than 150000 of its thin film PV modules to the facility. Additionally, FirstSolar will supply operations and maintenance support, engineering, procurement and construction services once the solar farm is operational. Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said the Greenough River solar farm will generate enough electricity for 3000 average homes while displacing 20000 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year.
"The demonstration of this proven technology in WA on a commercial scale should encourage the development of larger projects and reduce renewable energy costs in the medium to long term", Mr Collier said. FirstSolar vice president business development and sales, Jack Curtis said FirstSolar's panels will produce electricity with no water use, waste production or CO₂ emissions. According to the WA Government, the City of Geraldton will generate millions of dollars for the local economy from the employment of local contractors as well as sourcing of products. The solar farm 50 km south of Geraldton is expected to open in July/August 2012.
17 Apr 2012
Utilities will use renewable energy generated from a solar panel installation at Greenough River solar farm through a public and private joint venture. The Western Australian Water Corporation will purchase 100% of the sustainable energy generated by the 10 MW farm to offset the requirements of the Southern Seawater desalination Plant near Binningup. As a joint venture between Verve Energy and GE Energy Financial Services, the Western Australian Government has committed $20 million to the project, including $10 million from the Royalties for Regions Program and the Public Utilities Office.
According to a release from Verve Energy, the two companies each own 50% of the facility and no debt has been raised to fund the project. Installation of above ground electrical works and structural elements supporting the panels has been the focus of the construction since November 2011. Photovoltaic module (PV) manufacturer, FirstSolar will supply more than 150000 of its thin film PV modules to the facility. Additionally, FirstSolar will supply operations and maintenance support, engineering, procurement and construction services once the solar farm is operational. Minister for Energy, Peter Collier said the Greenough River solar farm will generate enough electricity for 3000 average homes while displacing 20000 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year.
"The demonstration of this proven technology in WA on a commercial scale should encourage the development of larger projects and reduce renewable energy costs in the medium to long term", Mr Collier said. FirstSolar vice president business development and sales, Jack Curtis said FirstSolar's panels will produce electricity with no water use, waste production or CO₂ emissions. According to the WA Government, the City of Geraldton will generate millions of dollars for the local economy from the employment of local contractors as well as sourcing of products. The solar farm 50 km south of Geraldton is expected to open in July/August 2012.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
EU’s ‘Recession-Busting’ wind industry set to triple in value
www.bloomberg.com
16 Apr 2012
The European Union's "recession-busting" wind power industry is forecast to triple in value as its labor force doubles in the 10 years through 2020, the European Wind Energy Association said.
The contribution of the wind industry to the economy of the 27 nation EU will rise to 94.5 billion euros ($123 billion) in 2020 from 32.4 billion euros in 2010, the lobby group, known as EWEA, said today in a report published in Copenhagen at the start of its annual conference. Jobs supported by the industry will jump to 520,000 from 238,154, it said. "Wind energy is a recession-busting industry", EWEA President Arthouros Zervos said in a statement. It is "providing increasing economic activity, more jobs and exports every year to an EU struggling with an economic crisis intensified by ever-increasing amounts of fuel being imported at rising costs".
The EU is chasing a target of getting 20% of all energy for power, heating and transport from renewables by 2020. The contribution of the wind industry to EU economic output increased by a third in 2010 from 2007, according to today's report. EWEA said Feb. 6 that wind power capacity expanded more than 10% last year with 21% of the bloc's new power capacity coming from wind.
Even so, the industry has struggled in recent months amid increased competition, and as European governments work to rein in budget deficits. Spain, with just under a quarter of the EU's wind farms, in January suspended subsidies to new developments. In its February report, EWEA said investment in the industry was unchanged at about 12.6 billion euros in 2011. EWEA called for "stable national renewable energy frameworks" and a joined up European power grid to spur the industry further as well as a target to cut greenhouse gases in the bloc by 30% for the 30 years through 2020, up from the current goal of a 20% reduction.
The continent's two biggest turbine makers, Aarhus, Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems A/S (VWS) and Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA (GAM) of Zamudio, Spain, have both shed more than 60% of their value in the past year as competition from China helped crimp margins. Navigant Consulting Inc.'s BTM Consult said March 26 that they were the biggest and fourth-largest turbine makers by market share in 2011.
The industry now contributes 0.26% of European economic output, according to today's report. By 2020, wind power will contribute 0.59% of EU economic output, rising to almost 1% a decade later, it said. Net exports for wind totalled 5.7 billion euros in 2010, and the industry saved the bloc an identical amount in fossil fuel bills, according to the report. EWEA included wind farm developers, turbine makers and component manufacturers in its study, as well as jobs and economic output relating to transportation of the turbines, and the electronics and metals used in them.
16 Apr 2012
The European Union's "recession-busting" wind power industry is forecast to triple in value as its labor force doubles in the 10 years through 2020, the European Wind Energy Association said.
The contribution of the wind industry to the economy of the 27 nation EU will rise to 94.5 billion euros ($123 billion) in 2020 from 32.4 billion euros in 2010, the lobby group, known as EWEA, said today in a report published in Copenhagen at the start of its annual conference. Jobs supported by the industry will jump to 520,000 from 238,154, it said. "Wind energy is a recession-busting industry", EWEA President Arthouros Zervos said in a statement. It is "providing increasing economic activity, more jobs and exports every year to an EU struggling with an economic crisis intensified by ever-increasing amounts of fuel being imported at rising costs".
The EU is chasing a target of getting 20% of all energy for power, heating and transport from renewables by 2020. The contribution of the wind industry to EU economic output increased by a third in 2010 from 2007, according to today's report. EWEA said Feb. 6 that wind power capacity expanded more than 10% last year with 21% of the bloc's new power capacity coming from wind.
Even so, the industry has struggled in recent months amid increased competition, and as European governments work to rein in budget deficits. Spain, with just under a quarter of the EU's wind farms, in January suspended subsidies to new developments. In its February report, EWEA said investment in the industry was unchanged at about 12.6 billion euros in 2011. EWEA called for "stable national renewable energy frameworks" and a joined up European power grid to spur the industry further as well as a target to cut greenhouse gases in the bloc by 30% for the 30 years through 2020, up from the current goal of a 20% reduction.
The continent's two biggest turbine makers, Aarhus, Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems A/S (VWS) and Gamesa Corp. Tecnologica SA (GAM) of Zamudio, Spain, have both shed more than 60% of their value in the past year as competition from China helped crimp margins. Navigant Consulting Inc.'s BTM Consult said March 26 that they were the biggest and fourth-largest turbine makers by market share in 2011.
The industry now contributes 0.26% of European economic output, according to today's report. By 2020, wind power will contribute 0.59% of EU economic output, rising to almost 1% a decade later, it said. Net exports for wind totalled 5.7 billion euros in 2010, and the industry saved the bloc an identical amount in fossil fuel bills, according to the report. EWEA included wind farm developers, turbine makers and component manufacturers in its study, as well as jobs and economic output relating to transportation of the turbines, and the electronics and metals used in them.
Historic solar farm transforms WA landscape
www.watoday.com.au
12 Apr 2012
WA's historic solar power farm will soon be glistening in the outback, with the first panel installed today. In what will be the largest solar power generator in the country, the farm will house 150,000 panels across 80 hectares, creating a remarkable sight and producing an environmental feat. The 10 MW Greenough River solar farm is being built 50 km south of Geraldton, with 100 construction jobs created.
It is expected to generate enough electricity for 3,000 average homes while displacing 20,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year-the equivalent of taking 4000 vehicles off the road. The state government has contributed $10 million to the joint venture between WA electricity generator Verve Energy and private companies FirstSolar and GE Energy Financial Services. Minister for Energy Peter Collier said the project would be a major source of renewable energy and a benchmark example of how solar power could be farmed and distributed to the wider community and industry.
"No other jurisdiction in Australia has done what we are doing here in the Mid West region of Western Australia", he said. "There is an appetite for solar power and an expectation that governments and electricity generators like Verve Energy will build solar farms and other renewable energy projects". Australian Solar Energy Society chief executive John Grimes said the farm was groundbreaking.
"[It's] a window into Australia's solar future", he said. "Big solar makes sense in the Mid West. The region's enormous appetite for energy is matched by some of the best sunshine in the world. "Solar increasingly makes economic sense in the Mid West, with a dramatic fall in the price of solar PV countering a significant rise in the cost of electricity". Mr Grimes said there was no reason why solar could not provide a significant amount of Austral's electricity needs by 2020, particularly with the introduction of the carbon tax from July 1 and the national 20% renewable energy target.
12 Apr 2012
WA's historic solar power farm will soon be glistening in the outback, with the first panel installed today. In what will be the largest solar power generator in the country, the farm will house 150,000 panels across 80 hectares, creating a remarkable sight and producing an environmental feat. The 10 MW Greenough River solar farm is being built 50 km south of Geraldton, with 100 construction jobs created.
It is expected to generate enough electricity for 3,000 average homes while displacing 20,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year-the equivalent of taking 4000 vehicles off the road. The state government has contributed $10 million to the joint venture between WA electricity generator Verve Energy and private companies FirstSolar and GE Energy Financial Services. Minister for Energy Peter Collier said the project would be a major source of renewable energy and a benchmark example of how solar power could be farmed and distributed to the wider community and industry.
"No other jurisdiction in Australia has done what we are doing here in the Mid West region of Western Australia", he said. "There is an appetite for solar power and an expectation that governments and electricity generators like Verve Energy will build solar farms and other renewable energy projects". Australian Solar Energy Society chief executive John Grimes said the farm was groundbreaking.
"[It's] a window into Australia's solar future", he said. "Big solar makes sense in the Mid West. The region's enormous appetite for energy is matched by some of the best sunshine in the world. "Solar increasingly makes economic sense in the Mid West, with a dramatic fall in the price of solar PV countering a significant rise in the cost of electricity". Mr Grimes said there was no reason why solar could not provide a significant amount of Austral's electricity needs by 2020, particularly with the introduction of the carbon tax from July 1 and the national 20% renewable energy target.
Verve sheds light on 'clean, green' solar farm
www.abc.net.au
13 Apr 2012
The first of 150,000 panels needed to run Australia's largest solar farm, which will power a south-west Western Australian desalination plant, have been installed at its site in the mid-west. The Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, attended the ceremony at the $50 million Greenough River solar farm to lay down the first two panels. The project, about 50 km south-east of Geraldton, was financed by Verve Energy and GE Energy, as well as a contribution from the State Government's Royalties for Regions fund.
One-hundred% of the energy it produces will be used to power the Binningup desalination plant in Bunbury. However, Verve Energy's Tony Narvaez says local businesses and community members will benefit from the economic and environmental opportunities the project provides. "What it will provide for Geraldton is a number of jobs but more importantly a lead into new technology and building up your skill set to ensure you can work off that technology and experience for future expansions", he said.
He says although no energy will be generated for the mid-west at this stage, there is a potential for future expansion. "That will create, clearly, some jobs and other levels of expertise in moving the scale from 10 MWs to 40 MWs and that energy could go anywhere", he said. "The first 10 MWs is being contracted to the Water Corporation, the next 40 could be contracted to anyone". Mr Collier says the Greenough River solar farm is just the start of a multi-faceted approach to meeting the energy needs of the mid-west.
He says the Government will continue to invest in renewable energy projects in the region. "In terms of energy projects, the mid-west is a magnificent opportunity place", he said. "You've got an abundance of wind, you've got an abundance of sun, you've got an abundance of potential with geothermal, you have an abundance of potential with wave.
"So as far as I'm concerned and as far as the Government is concerned,.. we'll continue to invest in the mid-west region to ensure those opportunities are fulfilled. "This is just the start of much more,.. I can say the best is yet to come in terms of the energy needs of the mid-west. "It is a very symbolic gesture, it is 10 MWs of clean, green energy for the future and as I said it really is the start of a multi-faceted approach to renewable energy for the mid-west and for Western Australia as a whole".
13 Apr 2012
The first of 150,000 panels needed to run Australia's largest solar farm, which will power a south-west Western Australian desalination plant, have been installed at its site in the mid-west. The Minister for Energy, Peter Collier, attended the ceremony at the $50 million Greenough River solar farm to lay down the first two panels. The project, about 50 km south-east of Geraldton, was financed by Verve Energy and GE Energy, as well as a contribution from the State Government's Royalties for Regions fund.
One-hundred% of the energy it produces will be used to power the Binningup desalination plant in Bunbury. However, Verve Energy's Tony Narvaez says local businesses and community members will benefit from the economic and environmental opportunities the project provides. "What it will provide for Geraldton is a number of jobs but more importantly a lead into new technology and building up your skill set to ensure you can work off that technology and experience for future expansions", he said.
He says although no energy will be generated for the mid-west at this stage, there is a potential for future expansion. "That will create, clearly, some jobs and other levels of expertise in moving the scale from 10 MWs to 40 MWs and that energy could go anywhere", he said. "The first 10 MWs is being contracted to the Water Corporation, the next 40 could be contracted to anyone". Mr Collier says the Greenough River solar farm is just the start of a multi-faceted approach to meeting the energy needs of the mid-west.
He says the Government will continue to invest in renewable energy projects in the region. "In terms of energy projects, the mid-west is a magnificent opportunity place", he said. "You've got an abundance of wind, you've got an abundance of sun, you've got an abundance of potential with geothermal, you have an abundance of potential with wave.
"So as far as I'm concerned and as far as the Government is concerned,.. we'll continue to invest in the mid-west region to ensure those opportunities are fulfilled. "This is just the start of much more,.. I can say the best is yet to come in terms of the energy needs of the mid-west. "It is a very symbolic gesture, it is 10 MWs of clean, green energy for the future and as I said it really is the start of a multi-faceted approach to renewable energy for the mid-west and for Western Australia as a whole".
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Cape Wind picks contractors for wind farm
www.upi.com
April 12, 2012
BOSTON, April 12 (UPI) Cape Wind has selected a joint venture team of Flatiron Construction Corp., Cal Dive International, Inc, and Cashman Equipment Corp, as its construction contractor to build a wind power facility off Massachusetts' Nantucket Island. The offshore renewable energy project stirred fierce community debate, partly because of expected impact on the scenic beauty of an area visible from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket and because of fears of prices of the electricity generated at the wind farm. Construction of the wind turbines is due to begin next year.
Cape Wind President Jim Gordon said the project would "create hundreds of jobs in the region". Boston company Cashman Equipment Corp, was picked as it is one of the leading providers of floating marine equipment in the United States and provides floating marine equipment worldwide, Cape Wind said. Flatiron Construction Corp, operates from Colorado and Cal Dive International, Inc., an offshore energy marine construction and manned diving firm, has headquarters in Houston.
Cape Wind will reduce wholesale electric prices for the New England region by $7.2 billion over 25 years, a report by Charles River Associates economic consulting firm said. The report explained that ISO New England, the electric grid operator, first dispatches electric generating units with the lowest cost fuel. Since Cape Wind's fuel, wind, is zero cost, the report states that Cape Wind will displace higher priced and polluting fossil fueled units resulting in average savings of $286 million per year in New England. "This report makes it clear that Cape Wind will save electric consumers billions of dollars through price suppression while also creating jobs and helping promote cleaner air and greater energy independence", Cape Wind's communications director Mark Rodgers said.
The Charles River Associates' updated report was commissioned by Cape Wind and released last month. The original report was published in 2010. The increase in price suppression in the report update was attributed primarily to an increase in power plant retirements and a larger price difference between natural gas and fuel oil. Price suppression in wholesale electric markets occurring as a result of wind power projects has been documented in Europe and in several U.S, power markets, the report said.
Despite supporting research, controversy over the Cape Wind project continues, especially over price projections for the wind farm's electricity generation. Cape Wind is already contracting to sell part of the electricity that it won't supply to National Grid. Last month, utility company NStar agreed to purchase 27.5% of Cape Wind's energy. Supporters for the renewable energy project say higher costs may be balanced by gains made by the project's environmental credentials. "These numbers don't even take into account the added economic and societal value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions", Sue Reid, director of the Conservation Law Foundation told The Boston Globe, citing recent controversy over electricity prices.
April 12, 2012
BOSTON, April 12 (UPI) Cape Wind has selected a joint venture team of Flatiron Construction Corp., Cal Dive International, Inc, and Cashman Equipment Corp, as its construction contractor to build a wind power facility off Massachusetts' Nantucket Island. The offshore renewable energy project stirred fierce community debate, partly because of expected impact on the scenic beauty of an area visible from Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket and because of fears of prices of the electricity generated at the wind farm. Construction of the wind turbines is due to begin next year.
Cape Wind President Jim Gordon said the project would "create hundreds of jobs in the region". Boston company Cashman Equipment Corp, was picked as it is one of the leading providers of floating marine equipment in the United States and provides floating marine equipment worldwide, Cape Wind said. Flatiron Construction Corp, operates from Colorado and Cal Dive International, Inc., an offshore energy marine construction and manned diving firm, has headquarters in Houston.
Cape Wind will reduce wholesale electric prices for the New England region by $7.2 billion over 25 years, a report by Charles River Associates economic consulting firm said. The report explained that ISO New England, the electric grid operator, first dispatches electric generating units with the lowest cost fuel. Since Cape Wind's fuel, wind, is zero cost, the report states that Cape Wind will displace higher priced and polluting fossil fueled units resulting in average savings of $286 million per year in New England. "This report makes it clear that Cape Wind will save electric consumers billions of dollars through price suppression while also creating jobs and helping promote cleaner air and greater energy independence", Cape Wind's communications director Mark Rodgers said.
The Charles River Associates' updated report was commissioned by Cape Wind and released last month. The original report was published in 2010. The increase in price suppression in the report update was attributed primarily to an increase in power plant retirements and a larger price difference between natural gas and fuel oil. Price suppression in wholesale electric markets occurring as a result of wind power projects has been documented in Europe and in several U.S, power markets, the report said.
Despite supporting research, controversy over the Cape Wind project continues, especially over price projections for the wind farm's electricity generation. Cape Wind is already contracting to sell part of the electricity that it won't supply to National Grid. Last month, utility company NStar agreed to purchase 27.5% of Cape Wind's energy. Supporters for the renewable energy project say higher costs may be balanced by gains made by the project's environmental credentials. "These numbers don't even take into account the added economic and societal value of avoided greenhouse gas emissions", Sue Reid, director of the Conservation Law Foundation told The Boston Globe, citing recent controversy over electricity prices.
Sinovel agrees to supply $1 billion Agaoglu wind farm in Turkey
www.bloomberg.com
Apr 11, 2012
Sinovel Co. agreed to supply equipment to a $1 billion Turkish wind farm developed by Agaoglu Group as China's biggest wind turbine maker boosts orders overseas. Sinovel will supply parts including wind turbine towers and generators for the 600 MW project, according to a statement from Agaoglu, an Istanbul-based company with interests in construction, tourism and energy. Terms were not disclosed.
Chinese companies including Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co, plan to expand abroad to combat a slowing home market after a tighter government approval process for new projects raised competition. Goldwind Science & Technology Co, China's second-largest turbine-maker, bought two wind farms in Montana this year and will supply projects in Chile. Sinovel signed a pact to work with Greece's Public Power Corp, on wind last year.
Sinovel, based in Beijing, "looked positively" on an invitation to base part of the production in Turkey, according to the statement published on the company's website yesterday. The project's investment value is $1 billion, the company said. Turkey, which seeks to generate 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2023, needs to develop clean energy at a faster pace, Agaoglu Chairman Ali Agaoglu said in the statement.
The nation, which is seeking to curb emissions while reducing dependence on energy imports, installed 470 MWs of wind power last year, according to European Wind Energy Association data. It had 1,799 MWs of wind in total at the end of 2011, according to the Brussels-based industry group. Agaoglu Group targets power capacity of at least 1,000 MWs by 2015 and holds licenses for as much as 700 MWs of wind, Agaoglu said early March. The company was in the "final stages" of talks with eight energy and private-equity investors to sell 147 MWs of wind plants, he said at the time.
Apr 11, 2012
Sinovel Co. agreed to supply equipment to a $1 billion Turkish wind farm developed by Agaoglu Group as China's biggest wind turbine maker boosts orders overseas. Sinovel will supply parts including wind turbine towers and generators for the 600 MW project, according to a statement from Agaoglu, an Istanbul-based company with interests in construction, tourism and energy. Terms were not disclosed.
Chinese companies including Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co, plan to expand abroad to combat a slowing home market after a tighter government approval process for new projects raised competition. Goldwind Science & Technology Co, China's second-largest turbine-maker, bought two wind farms in Montana this year and will supply projects in Chile. Sinovel signed a pact to work with Greece's Public Power Corp, on wind last year.
Sinovel, based in Beijing, "looked positively" on an invitation to base part of the production in Turkey, according to the statement published on the company's website yesterday. The project's investment value is $1 billion, the company said. Turkey, which seeks to generate 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2023, needs to develop clean energy at a faster pace, Agaoglu Chairman Ali Agaoglu said in the statement.
The nation, which is seeking to curb emissions while reducing dependence on energy imports, installed 470 MWs of wind power last year, according to European Wind Energy Association data. It had 1,799 MWs of wind in total at the end of 2011, according to the Brussels-based industry group. Agaoglu Group targets power capacity of at least 1,000 MWs by 2015 and holds licenses for as much as 700 MWs of wind, Agaoglu said early March. The company was in the "final stages" of talks with eight energy and private-equity investors to sell 147 MWs of wind plants, he said at the time.
NSW Government undermines election promise on renewable energy
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
12 Apr 2012
Calls by the NSW Government to abondon Australia's 20% Renewable Energy Target (RET) undermine a key state election commitment as well as putting billions of dollars of renewable energy investment at risk, the Clean Energy Council said today. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the timing of NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher's comments this morning was strange, given IPART's price determination today showed renewable energy such as wind and solar would contribute nothing to the projected NSW power hikes for the coming year.
"Page 3 of today's IPART report clearly states that 'green schemes' such as wind and solar are not responsible for any increase in electricity prices for the next financial year, Mr Thornton said. "This is a case of short term politics trumping important long-term change that will benefit everyone, and it's a knee jerk reaction that is bad for investment and bad for jobs. You can't just turn major policies on and off like a light switch", he said.
Mr Thornton said removing the RET would seriously impact the viability of billions of dollars of projects that have already been built, and undermine the massive future opportunity for jobs and investment from clean energy in NSW into the future. "It's a worrying sign that the NSW Government would seek the removal of one of Australia's most significant energy policies without considering the impact this would have on investors who have put billions of dollars into clean energy projects in NSW. The RET is scheduled to run until 2030 and these projects would face collapse if it was removed", he said.
"Mr Hartcher says he remains committed to growing renewable energy at least cost to consumers. The policy that does this is the Renewable Energy Target, which was introduced by the Howard Government in 2001 and expanded with the support of both major parties in 2009. "It is hard to see how the NSW Government could meet its election commitment on delivering 20% of the state's electricity from renewable energy without this policy. "This is a policy that will deliver more than 30,000 jobs and $20 billion in investment. Companies have already invested more than $700 million in NSW wind farms alone under the Renewable Energy Target".
12 Apr 2012
Calls by the NSW Government to abondon Australia's 20% Renewable Energy Target (RET) undermine a key state election commitment as well as putting billions of dollars of renewable energy investment at risk, the Clean Energy Council said today. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said the timing of NSW Energy Minister Chris Hartcher's comments this morning was strange, given IPART's price determination today showed renewable energy such as wind and solar would contribute nothing to the projected NSW power hikes for the coming year.
"Page 3 of today's IPART report clearly states that 'green schemes' such as wind and solar are not responsible for any increase in electricity prices for the next financial year, Mr Thornton said. "This is a case of short term politics trumping important long-term change that will benefit everyone, and it's a knee jerk reaction that is bad for investment and bad for jobs. You can't just turn major policies on and off like a light switch", he said.
Mr Thornton said removing the RET would seriously impact the viability of billions of dollars of projects that have already been built, and undermine the massive future opportunity for jobs and investment from clean energy in NSW into the future. "It's a worrying sign that the NSW Government would seek the removal of one of Australia's most significant energy policies without considering the impact this would have on investors who have put billions of dollars into clean energy projects in NSW. The RET is scheduled to run until 2030 and these projects would face collapse if it was removed", he said.
"Mr Hartcher says he remains committed to growing renewable energy at least cost to consumers. The policy that does this is the Renewable Energy Target, which was introduced by the Howard Government in 2001 and expanded with the support of both major parties in 2009. "It is hard to see how the NSW Government could meet its election commitment on delivering 20% of the state's electricity from renewable energy without this policy. "This is a policy that will deliver more than 30,000 jobs and $20 billion in investment. Companies have already invested more than $700 million in NSW wind farms alone under the Renewable Energy Target".
Monday, 16 April 2012
US grabs lead over China in clean energy race
au.news.yahoo.com
12 Apr 2012,
WASHINGTON (AFP)-The United States has regained the lead in the clean energy race, investing $48 billion last year to surpass China, which held the world's top spending spot since 2009, said a study Wednesday. The US surge in private investment was a 42% increase over 2010 and saw Washington maintain its lead worldwide in both venture capital and research and development cash, said the Pew Research Center Charitable Trusts annual report on clean energy.
However, the US boom was largely driven by expiring tax incentives, highlighting "a persistent phenomenon in which the country fails to deploy into the marketplace the clean energy innovations it creates in the laboratory", it said. China, which fell to second, invested $45.5 billion last year, a one% increase over 2010, but maintained its global lead in wind power investment and in solar manufacturing, said the report.
Experts say a key difference between the United States and China is in how they attract investment--China by having solid green energy policies that reassure investors and the United States by offering tax breaks for investment. "China has been able to fuel its growth by having very consistent and long-term policies in place that really tell investors there is an opportunity for them to make a profit", said Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew Research Center's Clean Energy Program.
"The United States has no renewable energy target but they have decided to try and incentivize clean energy investment through a variety of tax incentives, tax credits, tax subsidies, loan guarantees", she told AFP.
Read More…
12 Apr 2012,
WASHINGTON (AFP)-The United States has regained the lead in the clean energy race, investing $48 billion last year to surpass China, which held the world's top spending spot since 2009, said a study Wednesday. The US surge in private investment was a 42% increase over 2010 and saw Washington maintain its lead worldwide in both venture capital and research and development cash, said the Pew Research Center Charitable Trusts annual report on clean energy.
However, the US boom was largely driven by expiring tax incentives, highlighting "a persistent phenomenon in which the country fails to deploy into the marketplace the clean energy innovations it creates in the laboratory", it said. China, which fell to second, invested $45.5 billion last year, a one% increase over 2010, but maintained its global lead in wind power investment and in solar manufacturing, said the report.
Experts say a key difference between the United States and China is in how they attract investment--China by having solid green energy policies that reassure investors and the United States by offering tax breaks for investment. "China has been able to fuel its growth by having very consistent and long-term policies in place that really tell investors there is an opportunity for them to make a profit", said Phyllis Cuttino, director of Pew Research Center's Clean Energy Program.
"The United States has no renewable energy target but they have decided to try and incentivize clean energy investment through a variety of tax incentives, tax credits, tax subsidies, loan guarantees", she told AFP.
Read More…
Australians embrace solar to tackle rising power bills
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
11 Apr 2012
Regional and lower-income Australians are leading the charge towards solar power as a way to address rising power bills, according to new data. Australia's top solar postcode at the end of 2011 was Dubbo in NSW, where more than a quarter of houses (28%) have now installed solar power. Close on its heels was Caloundra in Queensland, where more than 27% of homes have now gone solar. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said although the top solar postcode was in NSW, it was Queensland and South Australia that dominated the top 20 postcodes across the country.
"As well as being the sunshine state, the Queensland Government's solar scheme is the most generous in the country, while homeowners in South Australia rushed to install solar power systems in 2011 before the government reduced its support program", Mr Thornton said. The official data comes from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator*, a statutory authority established by the Federal Government. It shows that while inner-city suburbs often have some of the lowest rates of solar installation, those in regional areas and lower-income suburbs, retirement belts and some coastal regions have embraced solar in the highest numbers.
Mr Thornton said this suggested those most exposed to rising power bills were more likely to invest in a solar system. "With the price of panels now about a third what it was just three years ago, many people see solar power as a way to save on their energy bills as well as do something for the environment", he said. "We now have more than half a million solar power systems in Australia, but really we are just in the early stages of tapping in to the power of this technology. solar panels are fast becoming the Hills Hoist of the 21st Century". For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Clean Energy Council Media Manager Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981.
The top 20 solar postcodes nationally** are as follows:
11 Apr 2012
Regional and lower-income Australians are leading the charge towards solar power as a way to address rising power bills, according to new data. Australia's top solar postcode at the end of 2011 was Dubbo in NSW, where more than a quarter of houses (28%) have now installed solar power. Close on its heels was Caloundra in Queensland, where more than 27% of homes have now gone solar. Clean Energy Council acting Chief Executive Kane Thornton said although the top solar postcode was in NSW, it was Queensland and South Australia that dominated the top 20 postcodes across the country."As well as being the sunshine state, the Queensland Government's solar scheme is the most generous in the country, while homeowners in South Australia rushed to install solar power systems in 2011 before the government reduced its support program", Mr Thornton said. The official data comes from the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator*, a statutory authority established by the Federal Government. It shows that while inner-city suburbs often have some of the lowest rates of solar installation, those in regional areas and lower-income suburbs, retirement belts and some coastal regions have embraced solar in the highest numbers.
Mr Thornton said this suggested those most exposed to rising power bills were more likely to invest in a solar system. "With the price of panels now about a third what it was just three years ago, many people see solar power as a way to save on their energy bills as well as do something for the environment", he said. "We now have more than half a million solar power systems in Australia, but really we are just in the early stages of tapping in to the power of this technology. solar panels are fast becoming the Hills Hoist of the 21st Century". For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Clean Energy Council Media Manager Mark Bretherton on 0413 556 981.
The top 20 solar postcodes nationally** are as follows:
| 1 | 2830 Dubbo, NSW | 28.0% |
| 2 | 4511 Caloundra QLD | 27.3% |
| 3 | 5211 Victor Harbor, McCracken, Hindmarsh Valley, SA | 25.9% |
| 4 | 6208 Pinjarra, Oakley, Ravenswood, WA | 24.7% |
| 5 | 5214 Currency Creek, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, SA | 24.7% |
| 6 | 5173 Aldinga, Port Willunga, Silver Sands, SA | 24.1% |
| 7 | 4280 Jimboomba, North & South Maclean, QLD | 23.9% |
| 8 | 6069 Ellenbrook, Brigadoon, The Vines, WA | 23.8% |
| 9 | 5158 Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, SA | 23.6% |
| 10 | 4208 Ormeau, Jacobs Well, QLD | 23.2% |
| 11 | 4505 Burpengary, Burpengary East, QLD | 22.2% |
| 12 | 4507 Bribie Island, QLD | 21.7% |
| 13 | 2477 Alstonville, Rous, Meerschaum Vale, NSW | 21.2% |
| 14 | 4165 Victoria Point, Redland Bay, Mt Cotton, QLD | 21.0% |
| 15 | 4116 Calamvale, Drewvale, QLD | 21.0% |
| 16 | 5169 Seaford, Moana SA | 20.7% |
| 17 | 5095 Mawson Lakes, Pooraka, SA | 20.5% |
| 18 | 5251 Mount Barker, Bugle Ranges, SA | 20.5% |
| 19 | 4133 Chambers Flat, Waterford, QLD | 20.2% |
| 20 | 2486 Banora Point, Tweed Heads South, Bilambil, NSW | 20.0% |
* The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator was amalgamated into the Clean Energy Regulator on 2 April, 2012.
** Includes all suburbs or towns within the postcode.
** Includes all suburbs or towns within the postcode.
UK clean energy pioneer to lead Clean Energy Council
www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au
11 Apr 2012
UK clean energy pioneer David Green is to lead the Clean Energy Council as its new Chief Executive Officer. Clean Energy Council Board Chairman Michael Fraser said Mr Green had been at the forefront of clean energy policy in the UK for more than two decades. "As Australia moves towards a clean energy future, the Clean Energy Council-under David's leadership-will play a significant role in working with governments and industry to develop the policy and practice that enables Australia to emerge as a key player in this field", Mr Fraser said.
Mr Green said it was an honour to be invited to lead the Clean Energy Council and to work with its experienced and talented team to deliver a vision for a sustainable energy future for Australia. "I have long admired the innovative ideas that Australian policy-makers and industry-in particular the membership of the CEC-have developed on energy efficiency and renewable energy, a number of which have positioned Australia as a leader, an innovator and an inspiration to the rest of the world", Mr Green said.
"As Australia and its international partners seek solutions to the challenges of securing clean, affordable energy, I look forward to the CEC growing as an effective advocate of the policies and action needed to secure a cleaner energy future". David Green worked as the founding Chief Executive of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy (UKBCSE) from 2001 to the start of this year, and is an Executive Director of the International Business Council for Sustainable Energy, whose members include the Clean Energy Council.
He has worked with the UK government on clean energy policy, energy efficiency and strategies for low-income households. As a regular visitor to Australia, he has advised various parts of the Victorian Government, as well as the US Department of Energy, the New Zealand Government and key institutions of the European Union. "I plan to develop a fresh vision for the organisation that builds on its work with the CEC's growing membership of more than 600 energy efficiency and clean energy businesses, ensuring clean energy is at the heart of policies for a secure, sustainable energy future for Australia", Mr Green said.
11 Apr 2012
UK clean energy pioneer David Green is to lead the Clean Energy Council as its new Chief Executive Officer. Clean Energy Council Board Chairman Michael Fraser said Mr Green had been at the forefront of clean energy policy in the UK for more than two decades. "As Australia moves towards a clean energy future, the Clean Energy Council-under David's leadership-will play a significant role in working with governments and industry to develop the policy and practice that enables Australia to emerge as a key player in this field", Mr Fraser said.Mr Green said it was an honour to be invited to lead the Clean Energy Council and to work with its experienced and talented team to deliver a vision for a sustainable energy future for Australia. "I have long admired the innovative ideas that Australian policy-makers and industry-in particular the membership of the CEC-have developed on energy efficiency and renewable energy, a number of which have positioned Australia as a leader, an innovator and an inspiration to the rest of the world", Mr Green said.
"As Australia and its international partners seek solutions to the challenges of securing clean, affordable energy, I look forward to the CEC growing as an effective advocate of the policies and action needed to secure a cleaner energy future". David Green worked as the founding Chief Executive of the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy (UKBCSE) from 2001 to the start of this year, and is an Executive Director of the International Business Council for Sustainable Energy, whose members include the Clean Energy Council.
He has worked with the UK government on clean energy policy, energy efficiency and strategies for low-income households. As a regular visitor to Australia, he has advised various parts of the Victorian Government, as well as the US Department of Energy, the New Zealand Government and key institutions of the European Union. "I plan to develop a fresh vision for the organisation that builds on its work with the CEC's growing membership of more than 600 energy efficiency and clean energy businesses, ensuring clean energy is at the heart of policies for a secure, sustainable energy future for Australia", Mr Green said.
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