World energy ministers commit to advance energy efficiency

The commitments build on two years of work by the Clean Energy Ministerial and support the goal of sustainable energy for all by 2030, the primary objective of the Secretary-General’s initiative. Both the CEM and the Sustainable Energy for All initiative seek to improve energy efficiency, increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and ensure access to energy.

Specific commitments by participating CEM governments in each category include...
World energy ministers commit to advance energy efficiency

DTEK selects Vestas V112 turbines for Botievo wind farm in Ukraine

The Botievo project is located in the coastal area of the Zaporozhye region, near the village of Botievo.

The order includes supply, installation and commissioning of 30 V112-3.0MW wind turbines, along with a VestasOnline® Business SCADA system. A service agreement is under negotiation.

The project is scheduled to be competed in the fourth quarter of 2012...
DTEK selects Vestas V112 turbines for Botievo wind farm in Ukraine

Carbon Sciences eyes $150 billion hydrogen market

Steam reforming of natural gas is the primary method for producing over $150 billion per year of hydrogen for use as a critical reactant in fuel and chemical processes and in making the world's fertilizers. There are approximately 2,000 steam methane reforming (SMR) plants around the world using older generation catalysts that require a high steam to natural gas ratio. Carbon Sciences said its new catalyst will allow plant operators to reduce the steam to natural gas ratio. Less steam used means more natural gas is processed in a greener and cleaner solution that saves energy costs, increases profits and reduces CO2 emissions.

Byron Elton, Carbon Sciences CEO, said: "With an abundance of market opportunities ahead of us, we have chosen to focus first on the hydrogen market. Hydrogen is a here and now market and represents the lowest hanging fruit for us. If our catalyst proves to be best of breed, we expect to be adopted very rapidly....
Carbon Sciences eyes $150 billion hydrogen market

World energy ministers commit to advance energy efficiency

The commitments build on two years of work by the Clean Energy Ministerial and support the goal of sustainable energy for all by 2030, the primary objective of the Secretary-General’s initiative. Both the CEM and the Sustainable Energy for All initiative seek to improve energy efficiency, increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, and ensure access to energy.

Specific commitments by participating CEM governments in each category include...
World energy ministers commit to advance energy efficiency

UK announces £60 million CCS development funds for emerging markets

The Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS) Action Group recommended that $200 million to be allocated internationally to accelerate the deployment of CCS in the near term.

The CCUS Action Group brings together governments, businesses, and organizations to make recommendations to energy ministers at Clean Energy Ministerial meetings to create greater political momentum for advancing the deployment of CCS.

Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: “We recognize that it is important to ensure CCS is deployed in developing as well as developed countries. The funding that the UK has committed today will support the development of new partnerships and capacity building activities in emerging markets.”

The allocated £60 million funds have been drawn....
UK announces £60 million CCS development funds for emerging markets

enXco: 103MW Shiloh IV Wind Project moves into construction phase

Shiloh IV Wind Project, located in Solano County, California, is one of the largest repowering project in the country whereby older technology is upgraded allowing for increased generation of clean energy with fewer wind turbines. Approximately 235 Kenetech 100kW turbines originally installed in 1989 have been removed and will be replaced with 50 REpower 2.05MW turbines.

enXco will develop, build, and own the Shiloh IV Wind Project while Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) will purchase the power generated under a 25-year power purchase agreement to supply approximately 40,000 average homes with clean electricity. The project anticipates commercial operations by the end of 2012, and will be operated and maintained by enXco Service Corporation.

"The Shiloh IV project underscores the importance of technical innovation in the wind industry and its continual progress," stated Mark Tholke, vice president for enXco's southwest region.
enXco: 103MW Shiloh IV Wind Project moves into construction phase

Ormat inks new geothermal power plant contract in North America

Under the expected EPC contract, which is currently under negotiation, Ormat will provide two air-cooled Ormat Energy Converters for a geothermal power plant project in North America.

The geothermal power project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

Until the signature of the full EPC contract the parties have entered into an interim agreement in the amount of approximately $9 million for a limited scope of work to ensure timely completion of the project.
Ormat inks new geothermal power plant contract in North America

ABB to connect Nordergründe wind farm offshore North Sea to German grid

The transmission link has a capacity to transmit 111MW of clean wind power - enough to serve the needs of more than 100,000 households and help save up to 500,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, once commissioned in 2013, by replacing fossil fueled generation.

ABB will design, engineer, supply and install the 155 kilovolt (kV) land and submarine cable system, the onshore and offshore shunt reactors, the onshore 155/220kV power transformer and the extension of an existing 220kV substation. The cable system comprises 3x4 kilometers of single-core AC land cable and 28km of three core AC submarine cable with integrated fiber optics.
ABB to connect Nordergründe wind farm offshore North Sea to German grid

ENEA acquires 50MW Bardy wind farm in Poland

The farm, located in Bardy (Dygowo municipality, Kolobrzeg Poviat, the Zachodniopomorskie Province) on a highly windy area, has 50MW at its disposal. It consists of 25 Vestas turbines with capacity of 2MW each. The green electricity produced by the wind farm is sufficient to ensure energy to 50,000 of medium-sized households annually.

From the beginning of the year the farm has generated almost 30,000MWh of electricity. To ensure maximum efficiency and safety the fans were located on the area of 450 ha. The Bardy wind farm may be extended to the total capacity of 60MW. ENEA plans to obtain all the building permits for construction of other turbines till the end of this year. 
ENEA acquires 50MW Bardy wind farm in Poland

Wells Fargo to make $30 billion environmental investments by 2020

“Our commitment to the environment reflects our belief that Wells Fargo’s responsibility as a corporation goes beyond its mission of helping customers succeed financially. We also have a major role to play in promoting the long-term economic prosperity and quality of life of the communities we serve,” said chairman, president and CEO John Stumpf. “By bringing our talents and resources to these efforts, we seek to work jointly with businesses and communities in protecting and preserving this planet and its precious resources for future generations.”

Wells Fargo’s comprehensive commitment to investing in environmental solutions for stronger communities includes three areas of focus through 2020:

• Accelerating the transition to a greener economy
  • $30 billion in loans and investments to promote a “greener economy,” including wind and solar energy, clean technologies, energy efficient buildings, environmental innovation, and environmentally responsible public financing
  • An approach to environmental and social risk management focused on responsible ways of doing business together with our business customers
  • Engage its 70 million customers through marketing and communications aimed at raising awareness about products and services that can help customers succeed financially as well as protect the environment – eg promotions of paperless banking services and financing for energy efficient home improvements
• Encouraging stronger and more sustainable communities

Wells Fargo to make $30 billion environmental investments by 2020

Suzlon bags 276MW in new wind turbine orders across Europe

The orders cover various orders secured between February 11, 2012 and April 15, 2012 across Italy, France, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom.

Andreas Nauen, chief executive officer of REpower Systems, said: “These orders highlight our competitive positioning across highly competitive European wind markets. With our focus on technology and customer centricity, we have the right products and services to lead the growth in the sector.”

Tulsi Tanti, chairman of Suzlon Group, said: “These orders clearly underscore the continuing momentum in the wind sector in developed European markets. With our strong competitive positioning as a Group, we are poised to maintain our strong growth momentum across global markets.”

The projects include several wind farms in Germany featuring REpower’s latest 3.4M104 and 3.2M114 turbine models, with 3.4MW and 3.2MW of rated power, respectively. Other orders will feature turbines of the MM92 and MM82 types.
Suzlon bags 276MW in new wind turbine orders across Europe

IBERDROLA kicks off 178MW Messina-Agrigento wind power hub in Italy

The Messina-Agrigento wind project, developed under a 50:50 partnership with Italy’s API Nova Energía, encompasses four wind farms: Nebrodi (64.6MW), Alcántara (47.6MW), Lago Arancio (44MW) and Rocca Ficuzza (22.1MW).

IBERDROLA said the Messina-Agrigento complex has enough capacity to supply green energy to more than 150,000 Sicilian homes, thereby preventing around 430,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

Following the start-up of the new complex, IBERDROLA has lifted its installed wind power capacity in Italy to over 244MW (50 percent with the API group), cementing its position as one of the leading renewable players in this market.
IBERDROLA kicks off 178MW Messina-Agrigento wind power hub in Italy

SunEdison activates 25MW solar power plant in Gujarat, India

The project, which was completed in four months, is comprised of more than 89,000 solar PV modules. With the completion of this plant, SunEdison has now activated a total of 45MW as part of the Gujarat Solar Program.

The 25MW solar power plant is expected to produce more than 40 million kilowatt hours of clean solar energy in the first year of operation alone.
SunEdison activates 25MW solar power plant in Gujarat, India

First Solar to close manufacturing base in Frankfurt, Germany

As part of the restructure, First Solar will close its manufacturing operations in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, in the fourth quarter of 2012. Additionally, First Solar will indefinitely idle four production lines at its manufacturing center in Kulim, Malaysia, on May 1, 2012. The actions, combined with other personnel reductions in Europe and the US, will reduce First Solar’s global workforce by approximately 2,000 positions, about 30 percent of the total.

The restructuring initiatives are expected to reduce First Solar’s costs by $30-60 million in 2012 and $100-120 million annually going forward. In addition, the company’s average manufacturing cost is expected to improve to $0.70-$0.72 per watt in 2012 as a result of the changes, below prior expectations of $0.74 per watt. In 2013, First Solar estimates average module manufacturing costs will range from $0.60 to $0.64 per watt.

To achieve the cost savings, First Solar will record restructuring and other related charges of $245-370 million, of which $80-120 million are cash expenditures. First Solar expects to incur these charges primarily during the first quarter of 2012 and the rest over the course of the year.

In addition, First Solar has voluntarily paid down approximately $145 million of debt ahead of schedule in 2012, which represents repayment in full for outstanding amounts under the company’s German loan agreement.
First Solar to close manufacturing base in Frankfurt, Germany

Canadian Solar, SkyPower form international joint venture

Under the agreement, Canadian Solar will acquire a majority interest in 16 solar projects representing approximately 190-200MW DC from SkyPower. Each of these projects was awarded a 20-year power purchase contract by the Ontario Power Authority. Fifteen of these contracts were issued under Ontario's Feed-In-Tariff Program, and one was issued as part of Ontario's Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program.

The projects are in the advanced permitting stage and are expected to commence construction in 2013 and be fully operational in 2014. They are expected to generate over C$800 million in revenue for Canadian Solar.
It is expected that the manufacturing and construction of the projects will create hundreds of new jobs in Ontario and continue to position Ontario as a North American leader in green energy.

Canadian Solar and SkyPower have also agreed to form a 50:50 international joint venture focused on developing solar power plants in select emerging markets. Canadian Solar expects to start generating revenue from the global strategic initiative within the next two to three years.

The transaction price is approximately C$185 million to be paid at certain milestones. Canadian Solar will assume certain security deposits, which are typical with FIT contracts. In conjunction with the transaction, a five-year warrant is being issued to SkyPower for 9.9 percent of Canadian Solar's outstanding shares, with a strike price of US$5.
Canadian Solar, SkyPower form international joint venture

Waste Management opens 3.2MW gas-to-energy facility at Lockwood Landfill

When organic materials, like food and yard waste, decompose, they create a gas comprised of about 55 percent methane. Collection wells placed all over the site collect this gas and then pipe it to the power plant, where it is used as a fuel to run two generators. The project will offset the use of about 700 railcars' worth of coal.

In total, Waste Management owns or operates 131 landfill gas-to-energy facilities across North America, producing enough electricity to power nearly 475,000 homes. Combined with the company's other renewable energy projects, Waste Management produces over 9 million megawatt hours of electricity per year, or enough for more than 1.1 million homes.

"The gas-to-energy facility at the Lockwood Landfill ensures that not even garbage will go to waste," said Justin Caporusso, Waste Management spokesperson. "By investing in landfill gas-to-energy, we are powering homes using the same waste that is left at the curb."
Waste Management opens 3.2MW gas-to-energy facility at Lockwood Landfill

Westinghouse, Curtiss-Wright successfully test AP1000 reactor coolant pump

Curtiss-Wright effectively performed qualification of the RCP at its Flow Control business segment's Electro-Mechanical Division (EMD) facility in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.

The conclusion of qualification testing of the AP1000 RCP, including 50 service cycles and more than 500 total operating hours, has cleared the way for installation of the RCPs at Sanmen Unit 1 in China, the first AP1000 reactor to be built in the world.

The shipment of the first two RCPs for Sanmen 1 is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2012.
"The RCPs will now support many years of safe and reliable operation of AP1000 plants to produce the much needed electricity and jobs to sustain and grow economies, not only in China, but here in the US and elsewhere in the world," said Ric Perez, chief operating officer of Westinghouse Electric Company. "Helping to build infrastructure and promote energy development in the countries in which we do business while also creating jobs and infrastructure in the US is our standard approach to international business."

Curtiss-Wright will build 16 RCPs for the first two AP1000 plants in China at its expanded EMD facility in Cheswick. Each plant is supported by two AP1000 reactors, while each reactor holds four reactor coolant pumps. 
Westinghouse, Curtiss-Wright successfully test AP1000 reactor coolant pump

GE 1.6-100 technology to make European debut at Fina’s Tayakadin wind project in Turkey

The 50MW Tayakadin project - which will supply enough wind-generated electricity to meet the needs of more than 14,000 households - supports the Turkish government’s plans to increase the country’s wind energy production to 20,000 megawatts by the year 2023.

Turkey has one of the most favorable locations in Europe for wind energy development, with a potential wind generation capacity of about 48,000MW. Much of that potential remains untapped, as the country’s existing wind farms produce about 1,800MW.

“GE’s 1.6-100 technology builds on the broad experience of our 1.5 and 2.5 megawatt series, with more than 17,500 of those units installed today,” said Stephan Ritter, general manager of GE’s Renewable Energy business in Europe. “Featuring a 100-meter rotor diameter and 80-meter hub height, the 1.6-100 provides the highest capacity factor of any wind turbine for class 3 sites.”

Fina Enerji currently has 35 units of GE 2.5-100 wind turbines in operation at two wind power plant sites in Izmir and Hatay provinces for a total capacity of 87.5 megawatts. Tayakadin, near the booming city of Istanbul, is the third site where Fina Enerji will employ GE wind turbines.
GE 1.6-100 technology to make European debut at Fina’s Tayakadin wind project in Turkey

EDF EN enters Moroccan market with 150MW Taza wind project

Located in northern Morocco, to the East of Fès, the Taza wind project will be equipped with 50 Alstom wind turbines of 3MW each. EDF Energies Nouvelles, Mitsui and Alstom will subcontract at least 30 percent of the construction works to Moroccan companies.

The 150MW Taza wind project, launched by ONE in May 2011 under a public-private partnership scheme, will be followed in 2012 by an additional 850MW tender process whose procedure of pre-qualification is in progress.

Keen to leverage on its extremely good sun and wind conditions, authorities in Morocco are planning to develop at least 2GW wind energy and 2GW solar energy programs by 2020.

EDF Energies Nouvelles has also announced the creation of a local subsidiary, EDF EN Maroc, which will drive the development of both wind and solar energy activities in the country in partnership with the Moroccan authorities and local companies.
EDF EN enters Moroccan market with 150MW Taza wind project

Rejlers to deliver bio-energy plant to Lund, Sweden

Rejlers has started the project engineering work with about 10 consultants. The steam generator is designed to burn 100 percent bio fuel with up to 50 percent demolition wood. The new power plant will be replacing Lunds Energi's existing one, where old equipment operates on fossil fuels.

The power plant will be put into operation in the spring of 2014.

Foster Wheeler will deliver the boiler island to Eslöv Lund Kraftvärmeverk AB, a local municipally owned energy company.
Rejlers to deliver bio-energy plant to Lund, Sweden

Nordex to modernize Kreekraksluis wind farm in Netherlands

As per the plans, the Kreekraksluis wind farm is to achieve an annual yield of around 210GWh, sufficient to provide up to 55,000 Dutch homes with clean electricity.

The project has been planned by four companies - two Dutch utilities DELTA NV and Eneco NV as well as the private operators Winvast BV and Scheldewind BV - all of which have opted the Nordex N100/2500 turbines.

Part of the project involves dismantling and modernizing 26 older 500 kW turbines which DELTA has been operating in the Reimerswaal community since 1996. By enlarging the capacity by around 60MW, the operators want to make a key contribution to greener electricity supplies with as little as possible interference with the landscape.
Nordex to modernize Kreekraksluis wind farm in Netherlands

AC Transit starts fueling hydrogen made from solar electricity and water

AC Transit general manager David Armijo said: "For over a decade, AC Transit has been developing the most comprehensive, zero-emission, fuel cell transit program in North America, and operating zero-emission buses in real-world service. Now, with increased fueling capacity, we have a greater capability to offer clean, quiet, zero-emission transportation to the communities we serve."

AC Transit said its newest on-site energy station, engineered by Linde North America, Jacobs, and EPC, and built by WL Butler Construction, demonstrated the use of renewable hydrogen – hydrogen produced using Proton OnSite's solar-powered electrolyzer.

Engineering and construction firm Cupertino Electric installed a 510 kilowatt DC solar photovoltaic system for AC Transit that will generate energy to help fuel the transit system's hydrogen-powered buses running throughout the Bay Area.
AC Transit starts fueling hydrogen made from solar electricity and water

Iberdrola - Eole-RES wins 500MW Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project in France

The offshore wind farm will be built some 20km off the coast of Saint-Brieuc Bay in the French administrative area of Côtes d’Armor by the consortium led by Iberdrola and Eole-RES and including technology partners Areva, Technip and Neoen Marine.

A Joint Venture company, Ailes Marines, or Sea Wings, has been set up by the consortium to manage the Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project and subsequent operation of the site. Over the next 18 months, the consortium will analyze both the technical and environmental risk conditions of the site in order to conduct the project feasibility study.

In early 2011, France started a tender process with the objective of installing 6,000MW offshore wind capacity by 2020. The first round of the tender, for 5 offshore wind projects with a joint capacity of 3,000MW, was launched in July 2011 and it includes the construction of up to 600 wind turbines off 5 coastal areas previously identified by the French government. The Saint-Brieuc offshore project covers a total area of 80sq km and comprises 100 wind turbines of 5MW capacity each.

Ailes Marines said one of its primary tasks will be to continue the working relationship with other legitimate users of coastal waters, the local communities and other key stakeholders. The Iberdrola – Eole-RES consortium will also deploy local skills such as civil engineering, manufacturing and shipbuilding to create the required economic fabric and supply chain from the wind turbine construction stage to offshore operation.
Iberdrola - Eole-RES wins 500MW Saint-Brieuc offshore wind project in France

New industrial adventure in French renewable energy

The offshore wind energy projects go hand in hand with an ambitious industrial plan which should create about 7,500 direct and indirect jobs, notably with the manufacturing of Alstom’s Haliade 150 wind turbine.

The wind energy offshore projects of the EDF consortium imply the construction of four Alstom facilities in Saint-Nazaire and Cherbourg to manufacture all of the key components of the Haliade 150 next-generation wind turbine, leading to the creation of 5,000 long-term and qualified jobs, including 1,000 direct jobs.

At the same time, local units for the construction of the foundations, assembly of the wind turbines and their installation offshore will be set up by the consortium, as well as operation and maintenance centers for the wind farms. This scheme represents the creation of about 2,500 jobs.

“This success represents the beginning of a new industrial adventure in renewable energy for France, with the creation of about 7,500 jobs for the turbines manufacturing, the foundations, the construction of the farms and their maintenance”, stated Henri Proglio, CEO of EDF.

New industrial adventure in French renewable energy

Alstom confirms French offshore industrial plan, to build four new wind facilities

With its Haliade 150, Alstom is the exclusive supplier to the consortium led by EDF EN, which includes Danish offshore wind farms specialist Dong Energy, along with the developers Nass & Wind and WPD Offshore.

The successful bid includes three projects submitted for the Saint-Nazaire, Courseulles-sur-Mer and Fécamp sites, which include a total of approximately 240 turbines.

Alstom said the orders will run on a site-by-site basis starting in 2014, following completion of feasibility and impact studies for each project. For Alstom, this project represents a total order amount of over €2 billion, which will be booked over a period of several years.

Alstom expects to create 1,000 direct jobs and 4,000 indirect jobs by setting up four factories and investing €100 million in France's offshore wind industry. The industrial plan represents the first stage in a campaign to create a national industry that sets the standard in offshore wind power. This investment will help meet the needs of the French market and the booming European market.
Alstom confirms French offshore industrial plan, to build four new wind facilities

US geothermal energy industry witnesses stable growth, says GEA

The Annual US Geothermal Power Production and Development Report showed that the industry currently has 3,187MW of installed capacity, significantly outpacing every other country in the world. As a renewable, baseload energy supply, geothermal has the potential to replace coal and other non-renewable power sources.

Currently, geothermal electric power generation is occurring in eight US states, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. An additional seven states - Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas and Washington - have geothermal capacity in development.

California continues to lead the way when it comes to geothermal energy. The Golden State ranks first in overall installed capacity, with 2,615MW already online, and it has nearly 2,000MW of capacity in development. Nevada is also ahead of the pack, with 59 projects currently in development, more than any other state.
US geothermal energy industry witnesses stable growth, says GEA

Silverado Power, SDG&E sign 15MW solar power agreements

Both contracts are for 20 years and each requires approval from the California Public Utilities Commission.
The project in Lancaster will generate 10MW of renewable energy and the project in Victorville will generate 5MW. Collectively, the two projects will generate enough electricity to power 3,225 homes.

Silverado's Western Antelope Dry Ranch project in Lancaster and the Victor Mesa Linda B project in Victorville will create a total of 80 construction jobs over the course of construction, which is expected to start in April 2013 and continue through October 2013.

"These contracts with SDG&E mean that we are one step closer to delivering cost-effective renewable energy to California residents and businesses," said Hans Isern, chief operating officer for Silverado Power. "Our collaboration with local communities and investor-owned utilities results in sustainable projects that create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help meet the increasing demand for clean, renewable energy."

Under California's Renewable Portfolio Standard program, investor-owned utilities are required to procure 33 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2020.
Silverado Power, SDG&E sign 15MW solar power agreements

Technip, CIMV collaborate to develop green chemistry applications

Technip and CIMV have been working together for the past five years. Technip has provided CIMV with its technological expertise in the fields of engineering and construction, enabling CIMV to pass from the pilot unit stage to the industrial unit stage. During this period, CIMV’s process has been identified as a disruptive technology in the field of green chemistry.

Reportedly, the technology is the only one in the market capable of converting solid biomass into hydrocarbons that can be used as a feedstock by the petrochemical industry. The CIMV technology can thus be seen as a key enabler for the sustainable green chemistry sector based on non-edible feedstock.

More recently, in parallel with the technical collaboration, Technip established a sales force to promote the CIMV process outside France, along with the wide range of bio-sourced applications it offers industrial companies.
Technip, CIMV collaborate to develop green chemistry applications

UL to acquire German wind energy measurement company DEWI

Founded in 1990 to support Germany's emerging wind energy industry, DEWI GmbH has expanded rapidly from a local research and development resource to an international leader in measurement services, micrositing, research and education, as well as technical and economic advisory services.  DEWI GmbH has been relied upon by more than 1,300 customers spanning 47 countries worldwide.

"Lower Saxony had the vision to plant a seed and nurture an excellent, economically ,viable business in DEWI GmbH, and we're excited to be giving this extraordinary company a bigger pot in which to grow," said Gitte Schjotz, president of UL Europe and Latin America.

DEWI GmbH's performance and efficacy testing will join UL's wind energy safety certification services to better address the evaluation needs of a global wind energy market that is expected to grow 67 percent by 2015. DEWI GmbH will join UL's Product Safety business unit and will continue to operate from its facilities in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Turkey, Canada, Brazil and China.
UL to acquire German wind energy measurement company DEWI

Solazyme, Bunge form renewable oil joint venture in Brazil

The JV, which will operate under the name Solazyme Bunge Produtos Renováveis Ltda., will have an expected annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tons of oil. The facility will utilize Solazyme’s renewable tailored oil production technology, coupled with Bunge’s sugarcane supply and processing capabilities, to produce sustainable tailored triglyceride oils for use in oleochemical and fuel applications in the Brazilian domestic market.

“Bunge is excited to partner with Solazyme to commercialize its innovative sugar-to-oil technology platform, which will enable us to link our sugar and vegetable oil value chains,” said Ben Pearcy, managing director of Sugar & Bioenergy, and chief development officer of Bunge Limited. “The tailored oils we expect to produce will not only expand our portfolio and address the growing demand of the fuels and oleochemicals industries, but also increase our capabilities to leverage new technologies for future opportunities in sugar and bioenergy.”

The facility, which will be equally financed by Solazyme and Bunge, has been designed to integrate with a new cogeneration unit at the Moema mill, and can be expanded for further production in line with market demand. Startup is expected in the second half of 2013.
Solazyme, Bunge form renewable oil joint venture in Brazil

Alstom, Drax, BOC form new carbon capture storage company

The consortium has formed a project company, Capture Power Limited (Capture Power), and named the CCS demonstration project the ‘White Rose CCS Project’ after the county symbol of Yorkshire, where the project is based.

The White Rose CCS Project will burn coal with the potential to co-fire sustainable biomass and be fully equipped with CCS technology from the outset. The 426MW (gross) power plant will be located on land adjacent to Drax’s existing power station, near Selby, North Yorkshire.

The plant will generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent needs of over 630,000 homes with 90 percent of all the CO2 produced by the plant being captured and transported by pipeline for permanent storage deep beneath the North Sea seabed.
Alstom, Drax, BOC form new carbon capture storage company

Enel Green Power, GE to co-develop Chisholm View wind project

The Chisholm View wind project, which requires a total equity investment of approximately US$375 million, will have a total installed capacity of 235.2MW and is supported by a long term power purchase agreement (PPA).

Under the terms, EFS Chisholm will invest approximately US$191 million for a 51 percent stake in the Chisholm View project, whereas Enel Green Power North America will contribute approximately US$184 million for a 49 percent stake.

Enel Green Power North America has an option to further increase its stake up to a further 26 percent of EFS Chisholm equity on specific dates in 2012 and 2013.
Enel Green Power, GE to co-develop Chisholm View wind project

Fuji hands over wind turbine generator system business to Hitachi

Hitachi and Fuji Heavy Industries co-developed a 2,000kW level downwind type power generation system in 2003. The prototype machine was installed in Hasaki, Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan in December 2005, followed by the delivery of a total of 25 units of wind power generation systems at 6 sites throughout the country.

The downwind type turbine, installed with its rotor under the lee of the tower, can effectively catch wind to generate power on hills and at sea. Hitachi designed and manufactured the power generator and the power control component and has also sold and installed the wind power system. Fuji Heavy Industries designed and manufactured the nacelle, blade, and tower.

Hitachi and Fuji Heavy Industries have developed a strong business relationship through their cooperation and expansion of the wind turbine generator system business.
Fuji hands over wind turbine generator system business to Hitachi

Reliance commissions 40MW solar power plant in India

The Dhursar plant is expected to generate more than 70 million kilowatt hours of clean, green energy annually, reportedly making Dhursar the largest plant of its kind in the country. The site is spread over an area of 350 acres and it will supply clean energy equivalent to consumption of 75,000 households.

“Our Dhursar plant demonstrates the huge potential of solar energy to help India meet its growing energy needs in the most environmentally friendly manner. It is also a testimony of the quick timeframe in which solar power plants can be built and commissioned. Reliance Power’s vision is to become India’s largest green power company and the commissioning of this solar plant is the first major step in that direction,” said Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Power.

The Reliance Power plant uses new and efficient technology like thin film and it is estimated that the clean energy generated from the solar plant will displace over 70,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year - the equivalent of taking 25,000 cars off the road.

The 40MW solar PV project, with an investment of INR7 billion, is financed at a debt-equity ratio of 75:25. While Reliance Power infused the entire equity into the project, US Exim Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have provided the entire debt to the project. This is the first direct loan sanction by ADB to a private sector solar project in India.
Reliance commissions 40MW solar power plant in India

Power Integrations to acquire Swiss IGBT drivers company CONCEPT

Founded in 1986 and based in Biel, Switzerland, CONCEPT is a developer of integrated, energy-efficient drivers for high-voltage IGBT modules. The company’s products are used in a range of high-voltage power-conversion applications including industrial motor drives, renewable energy generation, electric trains and trams, high-voltage DC transmission, electric cars and medical equipment.

Balu Balakrishnan, president and CEO of Power Integrations, said: “Our strategic focus is to offer the most innovative high-voltage power-conversion products across an ever-wider range of power levels and applications. CONCEPT fits perfectly within this strategy. Their innovative products bring integration, reliability and energy efficiency to very high-power applications – the same attributes we bring to lower-power applications.

“CONCEPT’s addressable market, already approaching $500 million, continues to expand with the growth in renewable energy, electric vehicles and high-efficiency industrial motors, and the efficacy of these clean technologies depends on cost-effective, efficient, reliable power electronics like CONCEPT’s market-leading IGBT drivers. These dynamics make CONCEPT an extremely attractive business and an exciting addition to our company.”

Power Integrations to acquire Swiss IGBT drivers company CONCEPT