Tecogen cogeneration system to power bio-fuel project in New York

The site has been awarded a Green Infrastructure Grant, administered by the Environmental Facilities Corp, which is helping fund efficiency upgrades such as the addition of this Tecogen cogeneration system.

The Medina waste water treatment plant has been the community's largest power consumer.  Now, the electricity produced by the Tecogen system will be fed into the power grid, which is expected to offset the high level of electricity consumption.

The electric generator on the Tecogen system is driven by an engine that will be fueled by the biogas produced by the treatment of waste sludge. The biogas production process utilizes anaerobic digesters which need to be maintained at a constant temperature, nearing one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.  Much of the heating will be provided by the cogeneration process of capturing the heat from burning the biogas.  It is projected that the reduction in natural gas and electricity costs associated with the function of the plant will initially exceed $10,000 annually.
Tecogen cogeneration system to power bio-fuel project in New York

Enel Green Power bags three new geothermal concessions in Chile

The first concession Colorado covers 16,800 hectares in the region of Antofagasta, 1,000km north of Santiago. The second concession San José I is spread over 74,801 hectares located in the metropolitan area about 50km east of Santiago, whereas the third one Yeguas Muertas,  with 74,101 hectares situated between the Metropolitan and the O'Higgins regions, is 70km southeast of Santiago, 20km east of El Teniente mine and 40Km from Rancagua.

With these three new concessions, Enel Green Power confirms its leading position in geothermal development in the Chilean market.

Geotermica del Norte (GDN), a subsidiary of Enel Green Power, is about to begin the construction of the first geothermal plant in South America. It is a 40MW facility named Cerro Pabellón located in the region of Antofagasta. Together with its other subsidiary Empresa Nacional de Geotermia (ENG), Enel Green Power now holds eight geothermal concessions in Chile.

Enel Green Power bags three new geothermal concessions in Chile

Gazprom commissions Russia’s most powerful CCGT unit at Kirishi SDPS

According to Gazprom, CCGT-800 installed at the Kirishi SDPS is a unique project for Russia. Power generating unit No 6 (commissioned in 1975) was upgraded and two state-of-the-art gas turbines, 279MW each (made by Siemens) with two brand new heat recovery boilers were built over the existing 300MW steam turbine.

It was the first time in the history of the Russian power industry when large-scale efforts had been made to retrofit the existing power generating unit, which allowed to significantly increase its capacity as well as efficiency. The power generating unit efficiency has risen from 38 percent to 55 percent, and specific fuel equivalent consumption lowered almost 32 percent – from 324 g/kWh to 221.5 g/kWh.

The Kirishi SDPS is situated in the Leningrad Oblast, 150 kilometers southeast of Saint Petersburg and the largest heat and power station of the Northwestern United Power System (UPS). The station is a production branch of WGC-2 (Gazprom Energoholding), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gazprom.

Gazprom commissions Russia’s most powerful CCGT unit at Kirishi SDPS

Suzlon, CGN Wind Energy form global strategic alliance

The Suzlon-CGNWE strategic partnership calls for the development of 800MW of domestic and international projects over the next three years. A working team has been set up to explore the most viable projects globally, covering countries such as Brazil, South Africa, India and China.

CGNWE is one of the largest wind power developers in China with installed capacity of around 3,000MW.
Mr Chensui, chairman of CGNWE, said: “We are very happy to partner with Suzlon for the development of wind power projects worldwide. With Suzlon’s experience in the global market and CGNWE’s expertise in wind power, we are confident of building very successful projects to meet the renewable energy needs for these markets effectively.”

Suzlon, CGN Wind Energy form global strategic alliance

Suzlon to equip 332MW Gode Wind I project offshore Germany

The Gode Wind I wind farm is based in the German North Sea, around 35km north of the East Frisian Islands in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Germany. This is the largest-ever offshore project with REpower turbines and one of the world’s biggest open-sea projects with turbines in the multi-megawatt class.

The wind turbines are set to be installed and commissioned at the Gode Wind I site in 2015.

Thorsten Fastenau, vice president offshore at PNE WIND: “Both REpower and PNE WIND have since built up extensive experience in the offshore sector. This is why Gode Wind I is developed to an extent that allowed us to submit the documents for the necessary consent for mains connection to grid operator TenneT following the speedy conclusion of the contract – because in addition to the supply contract agreements regarding the transformer station, the foundations and the wind farm’s internal cabling are already complete.”
Suzlon to equip 332MW Gode Wind I project offshore Germany

SunPower starts commercial production of 3G Maxeon solar cell

SunPower said its new Maxeon all-back contact solar cell measures 160mm in size and produces more energy per square meter when compared to conventional crystalline solar cells. The new cell has low reverse-bias breakdown voltage to deliver better performance in shady and dusty conditions, and better temperature coefficient for increased energy harvest in hot environments. The new Maxeon solar cell offers improved aesthetics with a consistent, homogenous, sleek black look.

"We're pleased to move our world-record breaking efficiency solar cell from the lab into commercial production," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "With the new Maxeon solar cells, offering efficiencies of up to 24 percent, SunPower continues to lead the industry in technology innovation, delivering to its customers the highest efficiency, most reliable solar panels for guaranteed performance."

SunPower starts commercial production of 3G Maxeon solar cell

Duke, Sumitomo partner for Cimarron II and Ironwood wind farms

Duke Energy Renewables, a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, and SCOA will complete construction of both wind farms later this year. Duke Energy Renewables will operate and maintain Cimarron II and Ironwood wind farms once they are in service, with SCOA actively involved in management of the projects.

"Forging this new strategic partnership with Sumitomo – a strong global company – helps Duke Energy Renewables manage its capital deployment effectively and fuel continued growth in its wind and solar power businesses," said Duke Energy Renewables president Greg Wolf.

The deal between Duke Energy Renewables and SCOA is expected to close in April. In addition, the companies are exploring opportunities to finance the cost of constructing and operating the Cimarron II and Ironwood wind projects.

Duke, Sumitomo partner for Cimarron II and Ironwood wind farms

Ram Power to engage SNC Lavalin for Geysers construction

SNC was chosen after completion of a competitive bidding process. Under the terms of the LOI, SNC would engineer, design, and procure parts and equipment for the construction and commissioning of the Geysers Project.

At the conclusion of the LOI period, scheduled for May 2012, Ram Power plans to execute a definitive contract with SNC for the engineering, procurement and construction of the Geysers Project.

Ram Power to engage SNC Lavalin for Geysers construction

GE’s first urban energy project in Australia

Built by Cogent Energy, the plant will play a pivotal role in the VicUrban-lead Revitalising Central Dandenong (RCD) initiative that is rejuvenating the south-east region of Melbourne.

The collaboration marks GE’s first urban district energy project in Australia. Clarke Energy Australia, GE’s authorized distributor for Jenbacher gas engines in the country, will supply project owner Cogent Energy with a 2MW, J612 Jenbacher cogeneration unit for Phase 1 of the new power facility, which could be expanded to 6MW.


GE’s first urban energy project in Australia

enXco acquires 150MW Bobcat Bluff wind park in Texas

The construction of the Bobcat Bluff wind project, located in Archer County in Texas, south of Wichita Falls, is expected to begin this spring. With a capacity of up to 150MW, the wind park will be equipped with General Electric 1.5MW turbines and is expected to enter operations in December 2012.

The uncertainty surrounding the renewal of the Production Tax Credit for wind energy projects post 2012 has created opportunities for EDF Energies Nouvelles to move into regions where it was not already operating.

The agreement follows the recent project acquisitions of Spinning Spur (Texas, 161MW) in January 2012 and Chestnut Flats (Pennsylvania, 38MW) in December 2011 and allows the group to boost its production capacity in the United States.
enXco acquires 150MW Bobcat Bluff wind park in Texas

GDF SUEZ, VINCI, CDC, AREVA muster up for 3GW wind power off French coast

AREVA, as industrial partner of the consortium formed by GDF SUEZ, VINCI and CDC Infrastructure for the three zones in Normandy - Dieppe-Le Tréport, Fécamp, and Courseulles-sur-Mer, detailed its industrial plan and, together with Gilles Fournier, chairman of the supervisory board of the Port of Le Havre Authority, presented the 50-hectare site selected in the port area to host new offshore wind turbine manufacturing plants.

Luc Oursel, CEO of AREVA, noted: “Eight years after installing our first land-based prototype, our offshore wind turbine is now mass-produced for the needs of several major European projects. Armed with this success and allied with first-rate partners, AREVA is ready to deploy its ambitious industrial plan, which makes Normandy the beachhead for the development of a French offshore wind industry."

Were the consortium to be the successful bidder on the three Norman areas, it would mobilize up to 6,000 jobs with its industrial partner. More than 400 skilled jobs would also be created over the 20 years of operation in the ports of Fécamp, Dieppe, Le Tréport and Ouistreham.

Gérard Mestrallet, chairman and CEO of GDF SUEZ, said: “As the wind energy leader in France, we wish to develop this far-reaching wind project in the sea of Normandy with our partners and contribute to the emergence of a French manufacturing industry. GDF SUEZ is committed to the industrial development of this region, where it is already a very strong player and partner to more than 1,500 small businesses and industries.”


GDF SUEZ, VINCI, CDC, AREVA muster up for 3GW wind power off French coast

China Hydroelectric divests 16MW Yuanping power project

The transaction resulted in $11.3 million net proceeds to China Hydroelectric after the assumption of debt by You Lang Fei, the eventual buyer.
China Hydroelectric had previously announced the sale of the Yuanping hydroelectric power project on December 6, 2011. The sale of 16MW of operating capacity decreases the company's total installed capacity to 547.8MW.

China Hydroelectric divests 16MW Yuanping power project

GE Energy rolls out SGM1100 smart meter for IEC markets

According to GE, the new SGM1100 smart meter provides utilities with a cost-effective and flexible solution to meet the requirements of an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), laying the foundation for increasing efficiency and better managing energy costs.

The SGM1100 is a single-phase meter designed to support residential and small commercial energy consumers. In alignment with local standards, the SGM1100 meets IEC requirements and provides PLC AMI communications with the PRIME and the DLMS/COSEM protocols.

GE Energy rolls out SGM1100 smart meter for IEC markets

Gamesa plans major offshore wind manufacturing hub in UK

Subject to agreement, the investment would form an important part of Gamesa's long term strategic relationship with the UK and a commitment to establish UK as Gamesa's global offshore wind operations hub.

Depending on market developments, the new Gamesa manufacturing base would represent an initial investment of about €150million and eventually create about 800 new jobs.

Gamesa's decision to pursue MOU discussions with the Port of Leith follows a detailed process to identify a partner port which would meet the company's manufacturing and operational requirements whilst providing the optimum commercial solution for the company.

Gamesa plans major offshore wind manufacturing hub in UK

E.ON accelerates 55MW Wysoka wind farm construction in Poland

Turbine manufacturer Nordex has obtained a follow-up order from a Polish subsidiary of E.ON Climate & Renewables for the delivery and installation of turbines for the Wysoka onshore a wind farm.

Until 2013, Nordex will be delivering a total of 22 large N90/2500 turbines for the projects Wysoka I and II. Installation is to be performed in two phases: the first sub-section with three turbines will be set up in the course of this year, with a further 19 being added in 2013.

The Wysoka project is the third E.ON-wind farm to which Nordex delivers turbines. It is also the largest individual Polish project for Nordex to date.

E.ON accelerates 55MW Wysoka wind farm construction in Poland

Clean Wind Energy to build first Downdraft Tower in San Luis, Arizona

Clean Wind Energy said the Downdraft Tower technology will generate clean, cost effective and efficient electrical power without the damaging effects caused by using fossil or nuclear fuels, and other conventional power sources.
The San Luis location incorporates plans for two Downdraft Towers and a component parts Assembly Plant. As designed, Clean Wind Energy anticipates that each Downdraft Tower could generate enough electricity to power up to 1,600,000 homes using the guidelines set forth in the California Statewide Residential Appliance Saturation Study, 2004.
As an independent power producer of clean renewable energy, Clean Wind Energy will not sell power directly to consumers but rather to the grid.
Ronald Pickett, president and chief executive officer, said: "San Luis is an ideal location for Clean Wind Energy to build our first alternative energy facility because this region of the southwest United States provides the proper weather profiles, proximity to the power grid, and other ingredients beneficial to the operation of a Downdraft Tower, and has been previously targeted as a prime region for alternative energy projects.”
Clean Wind Energy to build first Downdraft Tower in San Luis, Arizona

DuPont, China Sunergy, CEEG form strategic collaboration

The strategic collaboration among China Sunergy, CEEG and DuPont is expected to help improve product quality, enhance the collaboration and development of new products, new applications and new markets.
As part of the collaboration, China Sunergy has agreed to increase its purchase of photovoltaic materials from DuPont, including DuPont™ Solamet® photovoltaic metallizations used in solar cells to achieve higher cell efficiency and DuPont™ Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride film based backsheet for solar module protection.
"Collaborating with our local partners to address the need to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels is DuPont, China Sunergy, CEEG form strategic collaboration

B&W to provide O&M services to Ebensburg power plant in Pennsylvania

Ebensburg Power Company is a joint venture between subsidiaries of B&W and ESI Energy. The co-generation plant burns waste coal from mining refuse piles to produce steam and electricity. Ebensburg Power Company also conducts reclamation operations at these former mining sites, restoring the land to a condition suitable for plant and wildlife habitat.
“Power Systems Operations has successfully operated this plant for the last two decades, a track record that has led to this 10-year extension,” said Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group’s president and chief operating officer Richard Killion. “In addition to the Ebensberg facility, B&W provides safe, efficient and reliable operations and maintenance services for numerous coal, gas, waste-to-energy and biomass power generation and industrial facilities across the United States.”
Power Systems Operations has been providing O&M services at the plant since it began commercial operation in May 1991.
B&W to provide O&M services to Ebensburg power plant in Pennsylvania

ESA Renewables gets TVA approval for 22 solar arrays

During the fall of 2011, ESA submitted the applications to TVA’s Generation Partners pilot program. The pilot was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of purchasing electric energy from residential, commercial, and industrial customers generated by qualified renewable generation resources. Qualifying systems were required to be more than .5 kilowatt (kW), but less than 200kW and consist of a commercially proven technology of either solar electric, wind, low-impact hydropower or biomass. Since that time, the program has been modified for projects up to 50kW.
ESA Renewables gets TVA approval for 22 solar arrays

Iberdrola signs Vestas for 82MW Marszewo wind project in Poland

The order has a total capacity of 82MW and the turbines will be installed in Marszewo, 20km north-west of Slupsk/Zajaczkowo in Poland. The delivery of the turbines is scheduled to start at the end of ...

Iberdrola signs Vestas for 82MW Marszewo wind project in Poland

ABB to supply submarine cable for UK’s Humber Gateway offshore wind farm

ABB to supply submarine cable for UK’s Humber Gateway offshore wind farm

ABB will design and supply 2x14 kilometer (km) circuits of 132 kilovolts (kV) three-core AC submarine cable, with integrated fiber optics, to connect Humber Gateway, one of the UK’s largest offshore wind farms, to the mainland grid. Delivery of the cable is scheduled for 2013.

GDF SUEZ emerges a preferred bidder for Az Zour project in Kuwait

Following financial close, the consortium will construct a gas-fired combined cycle power plant of at least 1,500MW and an associated water desalination plant with a capacity of 102 to 107 MIGD (464 to 486 thousand m³/day). All of the plant’s output will be purchased by the Kuwait Ministry of Electricity and Water under a 40-year long-term Energy Conversion and Water Purchase Agreement (ECWPA). The plant is expected to start commercial operation in 2015.
GDF SUEZ emerges a preferred bidder for Az Zour project in Kuwait

PsomasFMG, NRG Solar to build distributed solar projects in California

All of the projects include signed power purchase agreements with the facility owners to buy the solar-generated electricity, said NRG.

PsomasFMG, NRG Solar to build distributed solar projects in California

Kyocera, SoftBank join hands to build 4.2MW solar project in Kyoto, Japan

“We’ve leveled the playing field by providing a product that communicates a home’s continuous real-time energy consumption to consumers without a smart meter,” said William Paul, product manager, home energy, GE Appliances. “Our new Whole-Home Sensor connects to the consumer’s electrical panel and allows them to understand their energy consumption without waiting for their electricity provider to install a smart meter.”

Kyocera, SoftBank join hands to build 4.2MW solar project in Kyoto, Japan

Exelon Nuclear reassures high level safety and protection

Exelon said its technical experts have verified readiness of more than 1,700 other pieces of equipment; inspected more than 1,900 flood barriers and seals; and invested more than 43,000 worker hours checking and testing equipment and procedures that might be needed in an emergency.

Exelon Nuclear reassures high level safety and protection

IBERDROLA readies 304MW Blue Creek Wind Farm in US

IBERDROLA has signed a power purchase agreement with the US firm FirstEnergy Solutions, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, for 100MW of the total output of the project over the next 20 years.

IBERDROLA readies 304MW Blue Creek Wind Farm in US

Element closes Puriton West and Summerway Drove solar parks sale in UK

Puriton West and Summerway Drove, developed by Element Power Solar in partnership with Dublin-based BNRG Renewables, were constructed and commissioned during 2011 under the UK Government’s Feed-in-Tariff legislation.

Element closes Puriton West and Summerway Drove solar parks sale in UK

Eco Wave Power’s medium-scale wave energy generation system enters final phase

The medium scale power plant will be implemented on a pier in the Black sea during the first quarter of 2012, and will produce a minimum of stable 5KW from each floater.

Eco Wave Power’s medium-scale wave energy generation system enters final phase

Southwest Solar, MaxQ collaborate to advance new CPV technology

Southwest Solar said its CPV product combines advanced multi-junction solar cells with innovative approaches in concentrator optics, power electronics, and efficient manufacturing. The design incorporates a unique solar flux management capability that enables non-uniform light intensity to be used. This makes it possible to use the CPV product with either dish or heliostat collectors designed for concentrated solar power (CSP).

Southwest Solar, MaxQ collaborate to advance new CPV technology

Japan to host world’s first floating wind farm

The experimental project consists of three floating wind turbines and one floating power sub-station off the coast of Fukushima. The first stage of this experimental project will begin in 2012 and consists of one 2MW floating wind turbine, the world’s first 66kV floating power sub-station and undersea cable.

Japan to host world’s first floating wind farm

Building Turbines opens new centralized wind control center in Texas

The new control center houses the electrical equipment for the Austin turbines as well as data monitoring systems for the current Austin and Corpus Christi turbines. The control center was designed to include the capability for adding future locations.

Building Turbines opens new centralized wind control center in Texas

Trina Solar expands operations in China

The opening of the two strategically located sales and project development offices in western China coincides with the China National Development and Reform Commission's decision to develop photovoltaic plants in these regions.

Trina Solar expands operations in China

S&C Electric doubles smart grid and renewable energy products capacity

The facilities support S&C's power quality products, which include energy storage integration solutions, reactive compensation systems applied at renewable energy plants and extremely fast uninterruptible power supplies for mission critical power users.

S&C said the expansion will double manufacturing capacity for these products, allowing it to better support global demand for solutions to a wide range of challenges facing today's power grids. The facility is expected to open on August 1, 2012.

S&C Electric doubles smart grid and renewable energy products capacity

United Solar, Baraclit form strategic partnership for PV rooftops in Italy

The addressable opportunity is estimated to be 10 million square meters of Baraclit's industrial rooftop portfolio. The Baraclit building integrated PV (BIPV) configuration complies with requirements of the Italian Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program for "Building Integrated Photovoltaic Plants with Innovative Features".

United Solar, Baraclit form strategic partnership for PV rooftops in Italy

Wello to deploy Penguin wave energy converter at Billia Croo wave test site

Wello's 0.5MW Penguin device, which produces sustainable power through wave energy conversion, has been granted permission for full-scale deployment by Marine Scotland after the technology was verified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

Wello to deploy Penguin wave energy converter at Billia Croo wave test site

Suzlon bags $75 million wind tower flanges order

Kamlesh Bhadani, CEO of SEFORGE, said: “This agreement, alongside recent agreements with other tower manufacturers and a large European bearing producer, highlight SEFORGE’s growing presence as an independent parts supplier to wind and related industries. We project that by FY2013, 50 percent of our sales will be from companies outside the Suzlon Group.”

Tulsi Tanti, chairman of Suzlon Group, said: “This is a very important order that underscores our collaborative relationship with other major wind turbine companies the world over.

“Wind has today achieved parity with most conventional sources of energy, beating even gas in per-unit cost in some markets; and it is projected that by 2015 wind will be truly competitive against even coal-based power. With wind contributing a mere three per cent to the world’s energy grid today, we as an industry have an enormous opportunity before us to become a central pillar of the energy mix of the future.”

Suzlon bags $75 million wind tower flanges order

Abound Solar to expedite high-efficiency modules production plan

Abound Solar said its new high efficiency AB2 85 watt module represents a 12.5 percent solar efficiency as verified by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL). Several-hundred AB2 modules were produced in early January 2012 on commercial production equipment.

Abound Solar to expedite high-efficiency modules production plan

GCL-Poly rolls out new intelligent residential rooftop PV system

The new residential rooftop PV system is composed of high-efficiency crystalline silicon modules, matching rack-mount components and a reliable inverter. The performance of the system is further enhanced with real time panel-level maximum power point tracking and system monitoring using Tigo Energy’s DC Maximizer solutions. The integration of smart electronics in the system will also minimize the power loss caused by shading from closely packed adjacent buildings.

GCL-Poly plans to provide optimized solutions of integrated PV equipment in order to further enhance the product performance at system level, and drive down system cost through economy of scale and system standardization. The residential rooftop system is one of the product series of solar system integration business of GCL-Poly.

GCL-Poly rolls out new intelligent residential rooftop PV system

Lockheed Martin, NRTC team up to offer cyber security to rural utilities

Through the partnership, Lockheed will contribute to the IT and cyber security solutions of NRTC’s 1,500 rural utilities and affiliates in 48 states.

"Lockheed Martin has a proven history of providing innovative information technology and cyber security solutions to its customers," said Dick Martin, director of sales - utility solutions at NRTC. "We're excited to be able to bring Lockheed Martin's services to our existing utility members."

Under the terms, NRTC will act as a reseller of Lockheed Martin's utility information technology and cyber security solutions.

Lockheed Martin Energy Solutions, which provides services to utility and commercial customers, as well as federal, state and local agencies, is part of the corporation's Information Systems & Global Solutions-Civil business.

Lockheed Martin, NRTC team up to offer cyber security to rural utilities

EMCORE's Chinese concentrating photovoltaic JV starts production

Suncore was founded in July 2010, and broke ground to start construction of the current facility in February 2011. The current production facility in Huainan is the first phase of its three-phase construction and business growth plan. Now with Phase I having been completed, Suncore has an annual production capacity of 200MW CPV modules using an automated production line.

Suncore has begun production against its 50MW purchase order for an installation in Golmud, China.

"Given the current macroeconomic environment for photovoltaics, we believe China is emerging as the most promising market for CPV solar power in the world," said Christopher Larocca, chief operating officer of EMCORE. "Suncore's initial 50MW purchase order is a testament to the demand for CPV in China, and we firmly believe that Suncore's cost model will allow Suncore to aggressively compete in the photovoltaic market there and around the world."

EMCORE's Chinese concentrating photovoltaic JV starts production

SDG&E on track to meet California renewable energy mandate

The 9 percent increase, disclosed in a report to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), was due to the delivery of power from agreements involving wind and geothermal energy. In 2010, the company reported renewable energy deliveries representing a total of about 12 percent of its retail sales.

Of the overall 20.8 percent in retail renewable sales, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and solar projects accounted for almost 40 percent of the power. About 60 percent of this total can be attributed to wind power.

SDG&E on track to meet California renewable energy mandate

FPL to invest more than $200 million in electric grid

In 2012, FPL will continue to invest in efforts to strengthen the infrastructure against severe weather and maintain its strong everyday reliability. In 2011, FPL continued to take significant steps to strengthen its electrical infrastructure and to enhance its emergency response capabilities. Included in this ongoing work were pole inspections, system infrastructure hardening, vegetation management as well as other storm preparedness initiatives. FPL continued its trend of delivering excellent overall reliable service for its customers.

In 2012, the company plans to inspect 137,000 distribution poles and reinforce or replace those that no longer meet the company's stringent standards for strength. FPL also plans to begin a new six-year cycle of inspections of its transmission structures and complete any and all remaining follow-up work identified during the 2011 inspections.

FPL said it will continue strengthening projects for feeders (main lines) that serve critical infrastructure facilities such as hospitals and 911 centers and important community needs such as grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies, as well as for major highway crossings. FPL also will continue its approved cycle plans to clear more than 12,000 miles of vegetation from its distribution lines and clear all of its transmission rights of way.

FPL to invest more than $200 million in electric grid

Vattenfall evaluating biomass possibility at Danish plants

Vattenfall’s combined heat and power (CHP) business in Denmark includes three large CHP plants - the Nordjylland Plant in Aalborg, the Fyn Plant in Odense and the Amager Plant in Copenhagen.

Instead of divesting these plants, Vattenfall is now accelerating the evaluation of the possibility to co-fire biomass in the Danish plants in order to reduce CO2 emissions. This is fully in line with Vattenfall's strategic direction.

Vattenfall evaluating biomass possibility at Danish plants

GE to equip four wind projects in Germany

GE said its 2.75-103 wind turbine, with 50.2-meter blade, provides a larger blade swept area giving wind developers greater energy capture and improved project economics. The new units will generate some 250 million kWh of electricity a year - enough to supply more than 70,000 German households.

GE expects to commission seven turbines in 2013 in North Rhine-Wesphalia and 34 turbines in the Cuxhaven area in the same year. All 41 wind turbines will be manufactured in Salzbergen in Lower Saxony. The turbines will feature a 98.3-meter-high tower and a rotor diameter of 103 meters to capture more energy.

Energiekontor also signed a wind service agreement with GE including an extended spare parts and servicing contract for maintenance, routine inspections and remote monitoring, along with manual resets to be undertaken by on-site service technicians and technical measures for troubleshooting and fault rectification.

GE to equip four wind projects in Germany

Infigen, Pioneer form strategic alliance for solar projects in US

The agreement provides for the further development of approximately 300MW of solar energy projects located in California, Arizona and Texas. The projects range in size from 20MW to 100MW, with initial project construction potential from 2013 onwards, subject to market conditions.

“We are excited about this transaction as it adds advanced development projects to our portfolio allowing Infigen to grow its business in markets that are complementary to our existing operating assets” said Andrew Flanagan, vice president of development and asset management at Infigen Energy. “We will continue to look for development and acquisition opportunities that allow us to prudently grow our presence in the US markets.”

Cyrus Tashakkori, vice president and head of Pioneer’s solar development, said: “This agreement marks a big step in growing Pioneer’s solar development assets into operating projects that will produce clean, affordable energy for decades.”

Infigen, Pioneer form strategic alliance for solar projects in US

First Wind starts construction of Kawailoa Wind Farm

Once complete, Kawailoa Wind Farm will be the largest wind energy facility in Hawaii. The site’s thirty 2.3MW Siemens wind turbines will have the capacity to generate enough clean, renewable wind energy to power approximately 14,500 homes on the island, or as much as five percent of Oahu’s annual electrical demand.

First Wind starts construction of Kawailoa Wind Farm

DeWind completes 20MW Frisco Wind Farm in Texas

The Frisco Wind Farm features the latest deployment of DeWind’s 2MW D8.2 platform. TECO-Westinghouse, the manufacturing subcontractor to DeWind, assembled the 2MW DeWind D8.2 wind turbines in-state at their Round Rock, Texas facility.

DeWind completes 20MW Frisco Wind Farm in Texas

Puget connects Washington’s largest wind farm to electric grid

The 343MW Lower Snake River project is Puget’s third wind farm. The utility’s 157MW Hopkins Ridge Wind Facility, built in 2005, is in Columbia County. The 273MW Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility, built in 2006 and expanded in 2009, is in Kittitas County. Together, the three sites generate enough electricity, on average, to meet the total power requirements of approximately 230,000 households.

Puget connects Washington’s largest wind farm to electric grid