Opinion:
¶ “Why utilities across the nation are embracing community solar” – The shared renewables movement is catching on, and 2015 could be community solar’s year. Utilities and private sector players are immersed in plans. Regulators from California to the District of Columbia are working on program designs. [Utility Dive]
World:
¶ Powerful fossil fuel companies and energy utilities have taken control of key renewable energy lobby groups in Europe in an effort to slow the transition to clean energy, according to industry insiders. They have majorities on the boards of the European Wind Energy Association and European Photovoltaic Industry Association. [The Guardian]
¶ French electric utility company Electricite de France (EDF) is seeking to either sell stake or opt for partial spinoff of its French distribution network Reseau de Transport d’Electricite this year. Whatever transaction the majority state-owned utility decides on may be worth about €15 billion ($17.1 billion). [Energy Business Review]
¶ South Africa’s fledgling renewable energy sector contributed $490 million worth of benefits to the country last year. It saved $320 worth of diesel and coal. It also saved $140 million of avoided costs to some consumers because the increased capacity made it possible to avoid a certain amount of load shedding. [Independent Online]
¶ Siemens has broken ground for its new 6-MW wind turbine assembly and blade facilities in northeast England. The £310 million investment will create 1,000 new jobs directly, with more in the construction phase and supply chain. The Dudgeon offshore wind farm will be the first supplied by the plant. [Recharge]
¶ In Taiwan, Democratic Progressive Party Chairwoman Tsai Ing-wen said Friday her party is aiming to phase out nuclear power by 2025. Tsai said the DPP will try to achieve the goal by increasing the percentage of renewable energy from 4% at present to 20% at the end of 10 years. [Focus Taiwan News Channel]
¶ A Saudi Arabia company is to build the world’s first large-scale solar-powered water desalination plant, using solar PV for its power needs during daylight hours. Abengoa will build the 15-MW solar PV facility, with tracking, and expects it to provide all desalination plant’s energy needs during peak output. [RenewEconomy]
US:
¶ A groundbreaking for a trash-driven power project at an Orange County, California landfill could be one of the last on the books. With evaporating tax credits and grants, and low natural gas prices, the waste pit near Irvine is one of the last in the nation large enough to generate enough power to be profitable. [The Register-Guard]
¶ US company EDF Renewable Energy has kicked off commercial operations at its 200-MW Hereford wind farm in Texas. The Hereford wind park, in Deaf Smith County, is powered by 54 GE 1.85-MW turbines and 50 units of Vestas’ V100 2.0-MW machines. Construction started in November 2013. [SeeNews Renewables]
¶ Vermont is considering legislation changing its energy policy. It would end a practice critics say double-counts benefits of its renewable power sources. It would also allow utilities to count for credit weatherization or efficiency projects they sponsor, such as new windows, insulation, biomass heat, or heat pumps. [San Francisco Chronicle]
¶ Vestas has received a firm and unconditional order from First Reserve for 149 V100-2.0 MW turbines to be installed at the 298 MW Kingfisher Wind project in Oklahoma. When complete, Kingfisher is expected to be one of the two largest single-phase wind projects in Oklahoma. Completion is scheduled for 2015. [Renewable Energy Focus]
¶ California is in a state of drought emergency. Residents are being urged to save water in any way they possibly can. In the midst of this time where conserving water is crucial, however, it has been discovered that at least nine underground water aquifers have been purposely contaminated by fracking waste water. [One Green Planet]
¶ Officials of Gulf Power, a Florida Panhandle subsidiary of utility giant Southern Co, the Navy, and the Air Force officials announced a partnership to install three solar plants at as many Panhandle bases, with a combined output of 120 MW. That’s enough power for 18,000 homes, and is the state’s largest solar project. [Orlando Sentinel]
¶ A partnership between Duke Energy, the Department of the Navy and the US Marine Corps will lead to a 13 MW solar facility being built at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Onslow County, NC. The facility will be owned and operated by Duke Energy Progress and is expected online in 2015. [PennEnergy]
geoharvey 
Leave a comment