Author: Jane Briones

               Global renewable power producer BrightNight has broken ground on the 300MW Box Canyon Solar Project, which it is developing through a JV with Cordelio Power. The project, located in Pinal County, Arizona, near the Town of Florence, represents the largest renewable energy procurement in Southwest Public Power Agency’s (SPPA) history, and a major step in Arizona’s clean energy transformation.

               The project is the first in the 2GW Arizona portfolio owned by BrightNight and Cordelio Power to commence construction. The groundbreaking marks a major milestone since SPPA selected the Box Canyon project in a competitive process beginning in December of 2020. The project features a design optimised to maximixe performance and deliver the highest-value project at the lowest cost with the help of BrightNight’s proprietary artificial intelligence-based platform, the developer said.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Science in HD/Unsplash]

               EnfraGen has completed the acquisition of six renewable power assets in Panama and Costa Rica, with a combined capacity of 188MW.  The assets comprise three hydro, two solar and one wind project. The are also EnfraGen’s first wind and Costa Rican assets. EnfraGen now has a grid stability and renewable energy power portfolio totaling over 2.1GW and nearly 60 plants across Chile, Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Peter Franken/Unsplash]

               Masdar has inaugurated a 2GW single-site solar in Abu Dhabi ahead of the UAE hosting COP28. The project has been developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), EDF Renewables and JinkoPower, together with procurer Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC). Located 35 kilometres from Abu Dhabi city, the solar plant was built in a single phase and generates enough electricity to power almost 200,000 homes, displacing 2.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Al Dhafra Solar PV spans more than 20 square kilometres of desert and created 4,500 jobs during the peak of the construction phase.

               It uses almost 4 million solar panels which deploy innovative bi-facial technology, ensuring sunlight is captured on both sides of the panels to maximize yield. Chairman of Masdar Sultan Al Jaber said: “Al Dhafra is part of a long and proud history of energy innovation, made possible thanks to the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. “This world-leading solar project demonstrates remarkable progress in solar power efficiency, innovation and cost competitiveness – setting a new record-low tariff. “To create Al Dhafra, Masdar brought together three partners from around the world: TAQA, EDF of France and JinkoPower of China. “With just days to go before the start of COP28, I will be asking the world to unite and deliver the energy transition by tripling renewables capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. “Al Dhafra is an example of the scale of the ambition needed around the world.” TAQA owns 40% of the project, Masdar owns 20% while the remaining partners, EDF Renewables and Jinko Power, own a 20% stake each. The plant will supply power to EWEC under a PPA and will raise Abu Dhabi’s solar power production capacity to 3.2GW.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Masdar]

               After investing over $130bn into the solar industry in 2023, China will hold more than 80% of the world’s polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module manufacturing capacity from 2023 to 2026, according to Wood Mackenzie. The analysts firm’s report, “How will China’s expansion affect global solar module supply chains?”, found that manufacturing expansion has been driven by high margins for polysilicon, technology upgrades and policy support. Huaiyan Sun, senior consultant at Wood Mackenzie, and author of the report said: “China’s solar And despite strong government initiatives for developing local manufacturing in overseas markets, China will still dominate the global solar supply chain and continue to widen the technology and cost gap with competitors.”

               More than one terawatt (TW) of wafer, cell and module capacity is forecasted to come online by 2024, meaning China’s capacity is sufficient to meet annual global demand now through to 2032, based on Wood Mackenzie forecasts of annual demand growth. Strong government policies in overseas markets have started to increase local solar manufacturing, but they are still not cost-competitive compared to Chinese supply. A module made in China is 50% cheaper than that produced in Europe and 65% cheaper than the US, according to the report. The US and India have announced more than 200GW of planned module capacity since 2022, driven by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the US and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) in India. “Despite considerable module expansion plans, overseas markets still cannot eliminate their dependence on China for wafers and cells in the next three years,” Sun said.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Trina Solar]

               Briggs Marine has completed subsea cable installation work as principal contractor to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, for projects on Scottish islands including Orkney. With the existing connecting cables nearing the end of their operational lifespan, the vital work improves reliability, resilience and safety of the electricity network for customers in the island communities of Arran, Orkney, Hoy and the Isle of Coll.

               The works included the installation of four separate cable crossings, including an 11kv replacement cable between Langamull beach on Mull and Sorisdale on the Isle of Coll. A second 33kv cable was installed between Carradale and Arran with a further two 33kv cables crossing between Hoy and Orkney. Working closely with the subsea cable team at SSEN Distribution, Briggs Marine mobilised and successfully completed the four separate cable installations and eight shore ends within four months. Contracted to fully project-manage and install 15.6 km of new cable between Mull and Coll as well as 6.6 km from Carradale to Arran, the first phase of works required seabed preparation, including pre-lay boulder clearance, pre-lay grapnel runs (PLGR), potential unexploded ordnance (pUXO) investigations and route engineering. From its own fleet of vessels, Briggs Marine mobilised the Kingdom of Fife with a PLGR spread to undertake route clearance operations. The Forth Jouster was also mobilised as the dive support vessel (DSV).

Credits: renews.biz [Image: SSEN Distribution]

                Developer TES Canada H2 has revealed plans for a $4bn green hydrogen scheme it has dubbed Projet Mauricie in the country. Totalling $4bn in investments for the region, the project consists of the construction of an electrolyzer and renewable energy production assets which, when it is commissioned in 2028, will produce 70,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year for the Quebec market. With the aim of reducing annual CO2 emissions by 800,000 tonnes, it is among the largest decarbonization projects announced in the province to date said the developer. Approximately a third of the fuel produced will be dedicated to decarbonizing long-haul transportation, which accounts for nearly 10% of Quebec’s annual emissions.

               The remaining volumes will be used to produce e-NG (electric renewable natural gas) for hard-to-abate industries. ”Clean energy represents a generational economic opportunity,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson. “This project in the Mauricie region will create hundreds of sustainable jobs while providing affordable, reliable and clean energy to the Québec power grid, as well as to the industry and transportation sectors. Projects like this one help to fight climate change and create a prosperous future.” Projet Mauricie will contribute to achieving 3% of the province’s GHG reduction targets by 2030 said TES. “Being a climate leader pays dividends for our economy,” said Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault. “TES Canada’s Projet Mauricie embodies this innovative vision through its commitment to decarbonization. This major commitment to the local community is the cornerstone of long-term economic well-being for the region. “By combining the reduction of CO2 emissions, the creation of quality jobs along with regional economic dynamism, this project illustrates the immense potential of green energy for our collective future.” The majority of the project’s energy needs will be met by its own 1GW wind and solar farm said TES. Located in the Vallée de la transition énergétique, the scheme will create more than 1000 jobs during the construction period and over 200 posts in the long term.

               “We are proud to be developing this major project in the Mauricie region, the cradle of renewable energy in Québec,” TES Canada general manager Éric Gauthier. “The region, at the heart of the Vallée de la transition énergétique, offers many advantages to deliver hydrogen to Québec users. The economic spin-offs will be significant for Shawinigan and the Mauricie region and will position Québec as a leader in decarbonization.” MP for Saint-Maurice-Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne added: “The Projet Mauricie once again positions our region at the heart of the transition towards a green economy. “By leveraging the innovation and strength of our resources, TES Canada is contributing to the shift towards a new era of more sustainable energy, fostering the emergence of an economy that is greener and more resilient. “This flagship project, which will create hundreds of good jobs for local workers, reflects our government’s commitment to a cleaner future for the Mauricie region, and for Québec and Canada as well.” As part of the development, TES is launching its local stakeholder information and consultation process, starting with open-house community information sessions on 21 November in Shawinigan, 27 November in Saint-Adelphe and 28 November in Saint-Narcisse. For more information on the project, visit www.projetmauricie.ca.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: TES Canada H2]

               Ampyr Solar Europe and Multiplex have signed a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for a project in Norfolk in the east of England, UK. The PPA is for the Northwold Solar PV Generating Station. The solar plant is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024 and will provide renewable energy to Multiplex’s construction sites and offices across the UK.

               Ampyr will build and operate the solar farm which is expected to produce more than 9000 megawatt hours of energy annually. Steve Mason, Chief Commercial Officer at Ampyr Solar Europe, said: “Ampyr Solar Europe continues its journey towards becoming a leading European IPP with world-class assets in the UK, as well as in Germany and the Netherlands. We are proud to be able to offer innovative PPA products, providing offtakers with the price and supply certainty they require to meet their sustainability goals.” Following Multiplex’s commitment to a PPA in 2021, this deal will allow Multiplex to procure renewable electricity from the Northwold, meaning it will be considered additional. This ensures that Multiplex’s procurement of renewable energy directly leads to verifiable emission reduction and more renewable energy production, supporting the UK’s national decarbonisation goals.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Unplash/Chelsea]

               Swiss developer Axpo is planning to build a second 30MW Alpine solar park called Ovra Solara Rueun on Alp da Rueun in the country. The announcement follows its September 2023 presentation of proposals to build the 15MW Ovra Solara Camplauns ground-mounted system on Alp da Schnaus in Ilanz/Glion in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. This second project forms part of the company’s ambition to generate a total of around 66GWh of sustainable electricity in Ilanz/Glion the region, corresponding to the electricity consumption of over 14,000 households. The two sites will produce essential winter electricity said the developer. “Our outstanding partnership with the municipality of Ilanz/Glion marks another key step in our solar offensive and for the energy transition in Switzerland,” said head of Axpo Solar Switzerland Oliver Hugi.

               “I am delighted that we can rely on the experienced solar expert Axpo for the two projects in our community,” said the region’s mayor says Marcus Beer. “With these plants, we are increasing energy security in Switzerland, adding value to the region and bringing the community long-term income for the municipal treasury.” Axpo informed the population of the Ilanz/Glion municipality about the two intended projects at an information event and the public will vote on the two projects within the next few weeks. Assuming a positive voting result and a building permit, Axpo will begin the construction of the plants in spring 2025, with partial commissioning expected in late 2025. The Ovra Solara Camplauns site will cover an area of 200,000 square metres and is expected to produce 22GWh of electricity per year, which equates to the electricity consumption of over 4700 households. The developer said it installation will leave the ski slopes and hiking and cycling trails undisturbed. After completion, the land will remain usable as pasture, enabling the coexistence of habitat and energy production it said. Ovra Solara Rueun is planned for installation over an area of around 500,000 square metres. The plant is expected to produce around 44GWh of renewable power, which equates to the electricity consumption of over 9,400 households. As with the plant on Alp da Schnaus, it is being ensured here the site’s various uses can coexist harmoniously said the developer. The plant will also be constructed up to the existing high-voltage line in order to combine the infrastructure.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Expo]

               Developer Elements Green has unveiled plans for the UK’s first 1GW solar and energy storage park which would be located to the north-west of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England. The project, known as Great North Road Solar Park, is categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), and has the potential to meet the power needs of circa 400,000 homes (equivalent to 100% of homes in Nottinghamshire) while avoiding more than 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. “Our proposals for Great North Road Solar Park build on the Trent Valley’s long history of powering the UK”, said Great North Road Solar Park project director Mark Noone.  “With an installed capacity of over 1GW DC the scheme would help secure the UK’s future energy needs, while making a 1.5% contribution towards the government target to increase the UK’s solar capacity to 70GW by 2035.

               “Stepping up the production of sustainable, home-grown electricity it would also contribute to tackling the cost-of-living crisis head-on through the reduction of household energy bills.” Work is under way to determine suitable areas for accommodating the principal components of the project which include PV panels, an on-site energy storage facility and associated infrastructure to connect the scheme to the grid at Staythorpe substation. The final scheme would include significant biodiversity enhancements including tree planting, wildflower meadows, and wetland areas. The findings from this initial work will be shared through a first stage of community consultation anticipated in early 2024. Feedback to this consultation will be used to inform and refine more detailed proposals on which a further stage of consultation will be carried out. “We believe that local communities have an important role to play in helping to inform and influence how our proposals for Great North Road Solar Park evolve,” said Noone. “We want to deliver this project responsibly and are committed to consulting as widely and effectively as possible, working together with residents, businesses and community organisations to improve and enhance our proposals as our plans for the project progress.

               “We’re extremely keen to hear about any initiatives we could support or deliver to benefit those communities closest to the development through our community benefit scheme, known as NG+, which will be directly linked to this project,” he continues. “NG+ would make available in the region of £1m per annum to provide grants for residential and commercial energy efficiency measures and small-scale renewable energy schemes, through to supporting community projects, apprenticeships, school and college programs, to woodland, biodiversity, and archaeology projects. This is in addition to the making an estimated contribution of circa £1.5m-£3m in business rates to the Newark and Sherwood district. The project would not rely on any form of government subsidy.” It is anticipated that the development process for Great North Road Solar Park through DCO submission and examination will take between two and three years. Subject to achieving consent, construction would begin around 2027. Information about the proposed development is available on the project website www.gnrsolarpark.co.uk. Interested parties are invited to register their details on the website so they can be notified directly as soon as new information becomes available.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Great Road Solar Park]

               Bechtel has been selected by Sabanci Renewables to design and construct a 232MW (dc) solar plant in Victoria County, Texas. Bechtel will design and deliver the site, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project management. Construction is set to begin early next year and be completed in mid-2025.  Oriana Solar will include bifacial solar panel technology that enables both sides of the hardware to absorb sunlight.

               The renewable power produced at Oriana Solar will be delivered to customers on the grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Bechtel completed Cutlass Solar 1 for Advanced Power in January this year and recently passed the halfway construction point at Cutlass Solar 2 for Sabanci Renewables. “We’re delighted to expand our work with Sabanci to deliver a third renewable energy project for the people of Texas,” said general manager of Bechtel’s Renewables & Clean Power business Scott Austin. “We will be utilising Bechtel’s 125 years of delivery expertise on this project, and as always, look to employ local people and suppliers to build a facility that will power communities with clean renewable energy for decades to come.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Sabanci Renewables]