by Manas Sahu | Nov 14, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Italy has made another big push toward a greener future, with its latest renewables auction allocating 322.2 MW to solar power projects. This 15th national auction awarded a total of 410.6 MW for renewable energy, focusing heavily on solar installations, which will be spread across 57 sites throughout the country.
The Italian energy agency, Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), is driving these initiatives to increase the country’s renewable energy capacity. Alongside solar, this auction includes an additional 88.4 MW of wind energy. Solar, however, remains the star of Italy’s renewable energy plan.
Back in June, Italy’s 14th auction round saw a smaller allocation of 243.3 MW for renewable projects, so this latest effort marks a clear ramp-up in Italy’s commitment to clean energy.
With these renewable energy efforts, Italy is steadily building a more sustainable future. For those interested in the future of solar in Italy discover , the upcoming “Solar & Storage Live Italia” show.
by Manas Sahu | Nov 14, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
The solar energy market is witnessing an unprecedented price drop this year, and Search4Solar is at the forefront, showcasing its latest offerings at the Solar Storage event in Barcelona. Recently, Search4Solar received an exceptional offer: solar panels priced at just €0.055 per watt peak per container. This is a record-low price, marking a new milestone in the market’s ongoing price reduction and presenting a significant opportunity for businesses and installers to invest in sustainable energy.
Bart Wansink, founder of Search4Solar, expects that the prices from other manufacturers will follow this trend. “As the market becomes more competitive and stock levels remain high, we anticipate that many manufacturers will reduce their prices,” says Wansink. “This opens up unique opportunities for our customers to access affordable, high-quality solar panels.”
Leen van Bellen, Business Development Manager at Search4Solar, explains that this price drop results from a combination of factors, including increased production rates, greater efficiency in the supply chain, and heightened competition across the sector. “We’re seeing suppliers eager to reduce their stock levels, which has led to extremely competitive pricing,” van Bellen adds. “This means our customers can achieve their sustainability goals at a lower cost, which is a game-changer for the industry.”
With prices at a historic low, Search4Solar views this as a unique chance for European businesses to accelerate their solar projects. “These rates are a rare opportunity for installers and project developers to reduce their costs and make renewable energy more accessible to a wider audience,” emphasizes van Bellen.
Customers interested in seizing this opportunity are encouraged to act quickly, as shifts in supply and demand may impact the longevity of these low prices. By registering on the Search4Solar platform, which now includes a community of over 8,000 members across Europe, businesses can gain access to the latest prices and product offerings, enabling them to move forward with their sustainability projects at unprecedented value.
Want to know more about these historic prices? Register on our platform today to stay up-to-date and make the most of this remarkable time in the solar market.
by Manas Sahu | Nov 13, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage
Low Carbon, a UK renewable energy company, is working on a 500-MW solar and energy storage project in Kent, southern England. The South Kent Energy Park will cover a 600-hectare site near Old Romney, in the Folkestone and Hythe District, stretching along the A259 from Brenzett to New Romney. The solar park will generate enough energy to power around 140,000 homes, contributing significantly to clean energy in the region.
The company has also started engaging with the local community, hosting both in-person and online events for residents and businesses to learn about the project and share their thoughts. James Hartley-Bond, the Project Development Director, emphasised that community input is key to shaping the project and ensuring it aligns with local needs.
Due to its size and potential impact, the South Kent Energy Park is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). It will need approval from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. If granted, the project will include the necessary infrastructure to connect the solar farm to the national grid.
Low Carbon is committed to supporting the UK’s clean energy transition, having recently received approval for a similar 500-MW solar and storage project in Lincolnshire. The South Kent Energy Park is another step in the company’s plan to help meet the UK’s renewable energy goals.
by Manas Sahu | Nov 13, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar
The New South Wales government has introduced a set of updated planning guidelines aimed at speeding up approvals for renewable energy projects, particularly large-scale solar power initiatives. This revamped framework is designed to simplify and streamline the process, offering greater clarity and consistency for developers. These changes are expected to help keep projects on schedule, supporting New South Wales in meeting its ambitious renewable energy goals.
The new framework includes five primary guidelines:
Wind Energy Guidelines – This section provides developers with essential planning considerations for wind projects, focusing on factors such as optimal site selection, managing visual impacts, and planning for eventual decommissioning.
Transmission Guidelines – These guidelines cover the selection of transmission routes, outline expectations for community consultation, and address visual impact assessments to ensure new infrastructure integrates smoothly with surrounding areas.
Solar Energy Guidelines – Updates to the existing solar guidelines provide enhanced advice on decommissioning practices and expand on other aspects to align more closely with the overarching planning framework.
Benefit Sharing Guidelines – This section encourages a fair and sustainable distribution of benefits to local communities, ensuring that those living near renewable projects experience tangible advantages from hosting renewable energy infrastructure.
Private Agreement Guidelines – Designed to support landholders and renewable developers, these guidelines highlight key considerations for establishing equitable commercial agreements for hosting energy projects on private land.
Planning Minister Paul Scully emphasised that these updates focus strongly on delivering community benefits and enhancing investment certainty for renewable energy initiatives. This initiative aligns with NSW’s goal to add 12 GW of new renewable energy generation and 2 GW of long-duration energy storage by 2030. The government anticipates that these projects will contribute over $414 million in benefits to communities and councils across the state over the next 25 years, reinforcing NSW’s commitment to a cleaner energy future.
by Manas Sahu | Oct 31, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
Spanish renewable energy company Bruc announced plans this week to invest €1.03 billion over the next three years to expand its solar energy portfolio in Andalusia, Spain.
This commitment is part of Bruc’s broader investment strategy for the region, amounting to €2.26 billion and set to be fully allocated by 2028. To date, the company has already invested €1.23 billion in the development and construction of solar photovoltaic plants in Andalusia.
Over the next three years, Bruc aims to increase its operational solar capacity in Andalusia to 3,112 MW, with projects spread across Seville, Huelva, Cádiz, and Málaga. Currently, Bruc operates 13 solar farms with a total capacity of 795 MW in Seville, Huelva, and Cádiz. An additional 17 plants, with a combined capacity of 850 MW, are under construction in these provinces and Málaga.
Bruc projects that by 2028, all plants will be operational, generating approximately 3.02 TWh annually, this will be enough to supply 25% of Andalusian households with clean energy.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 26, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has launched the sixth phase of the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), initiated by the Saudi Arabian government. As part of this initiative, an RFQ has been released for the development of 3 GW of solar energy capacity across four distinct projects.
Among the planned facilities is a substantial 1.4 GW (AC) solar plant located near Hima in Najran province. Additionally, a second facility with a capacity of 600 MW (AC) is proposed near Ad Darb in Jizan province. SPPC is also looking to assign a 600 MW (AC) project set for Jazan and a 400 MW (AC) project near Al Sufun in Hail province.
Developers chosen for these projects will be required to implement a build-own-operate (BOO) model for the construction and management of the facilities. The deadline for pre-qualification submissions for the tender is 15th October.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 26, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
Carrefour Italy has entered into a strategic partnership with Qair, a renewable energy firm, to accelerate its shift towards solar energy. This collaboration includes an innovative power purchase agreement (PPA), allowing Carrefour to procure solar-generated electricity. The initiative supports Carrefour’s broader sustainability objectives, particularly its goal of minimising environmental impact by increasing the use of renewable energy in its operations. The solar energy generated from this partnership will supply power to Carrefour stores across Italy, contributing to energy independence and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the country’s renewable energy goals.
This move is part of Italy’s broader efforts to expand solar energy capacity, as the nation works to achieve its sustainability milestones. Between January and August, Italy added 4.2 GW of new solar capacity, further advancing its renewable energy development. By the end of August, the country’s cumulative solar PV capacity had reached 34.48 GW.
Discover more about Solar & Storage Live Italia.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 25, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
The Spanish government has set a goal to generate 81% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Solar power is becoming a cornerstone of Spain’s renewable energy strategy. In 2023, the country achieved a significant milestone by producing over half of its electricity from renewable sources, with solar energy contributing 14% of the total electricity generation, according to Red Eléctrica de España (REE). This demonstrates the growing importance of solar in Spain’s energy mix.
Spain’s favourable geography, with abundant sunshine throughout the year, makes it ideally suited for solar energy development. The government is accelerating the rollout of large-scale solar projects, particularly in less populated areas, to harness this natural resource effectively. Initiatives include building solar farms that can generate substantial amounts of clean energy, further bolstering the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The focus on solar energy not only supports Spain’s 2030 targets but also aligns with its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32% compared to 1990 levels. By prioritising solar power, Spain aims to decrease its dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports, which currently account for about 61% of its energy supply. The goal is to lower this dependence to 50% by 2030.
As the solar sector expands, it enhances Spain’s energy resilience and stability, providing a sustainable solution to fluctuating fossil fuel prices on the global market. Overall, solar energy is poised to play a pivotal role in Spain’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Discover Solar & Storage Live Barcelona.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 25, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar
Geospatial Insight, the UK’s leading provider of clean energy geospatial solutions and Bluesky International, the UK’s leading aerial survey company, announce the launch of the LOCATE PV platform. This strategic partnership has enabled the development of the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of existing rooftop solar installations across the UK, designed to equip a wide range of stakeholders with precise and actionable information.
Over 1.4 million UK homes have installed solar panels and currently solar is the preferred alternative energy source for commercial sites aiming to improve their sustainability rating. However, understanding the impact of these installations on the national power grid and the broader energy market remains a significant challenge.
LOCATE PV addresses this challenge by providing a detailed, machine learning-derived database that accurately identifies and maps existing solar arrays using Bluesky’s high-resolution aerial imagery. Offering a comprehensive, up-to-date and unified information source, with flexible delivery mechanisms and a regular update cycle it is the ideal solution for a broad range of stakeholders across the solar industry including District Operators, Local Authorities, Insurance Companies, Commercial Organisations and Marketing Agencies.
For the first time stakeholders have a detailed all in one tool that is designed to support a multitude of solar centric applications, including understanding the impact of micro-generation on the power grid, assessing the scale and distribution of solar installations across regions, and enabling targeted marketing efforts for solar-centric businesses.
Dave Fox, CEO of Geospatial Insight, said, “LOCATE PV is a critical advancement in how we understand and manage the UK’s solar landscape. By providing the most accurate and up-to-date data on existing installations, we are enabling more informed decisions that will support the growth of solar energy and the broader transition to a low-carbon economy.”
Ralph Coleman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bluesky, added: “We are seeing an increased need across public and private sectors for our aerial imagery as organisations realise the benefits accurate, high resolution data can have in supporting the planning and analysis of renewable energy schemes. The LOCATE PV platform will bring clarity and efficiency to the solar industry as it looks to continue its expansion.”
LOCATE PV significantly enhances the availability and accuracy of solar data in the UK, offering valuable insights for local authorities, businesses, and the broader energy sector. This platform is a critical tool in supporting the transition to a low-carbon future through improved data and informed decision-making.
For more information, please visit https://www.geospatial-insight.com/
by Manas Sahu | Sep 25, 2024 | Innovation
Trina Solar, a leading Chinese photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer, has introduced what it describes as the world’s first fully recyclable crystalline silicon solar module. This new panel boasts an impressive 645 W power output and an efficiency rate of 20.7%.
In a recent announcement, the company highlighted that the module is built using n-type TOPCon technology and features a “golden-size” design. Trina Solar achieved this innovation through proprietary recycling methods that recover materials such as silicon, silver, aluminum frames, and glass from discarded solar modules.
Key to the breakthrough are Trina Solar’s advanced techniques, which include interlayer separation reagents, chemical etching processes, and wet chemical methods for silver extraction. While specific details of these processes were not disclosed, the company revealed that it has already applied for 37 patents related to PV module recycling.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 24, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar
EcoFlow Home Energy Ecosystem Launch: EcoFlow has introduced a comprehensive Home Energy Ecosystem, featuring the new PowerOcean Plus and other energy solutions. This system allows homeowners to customise and manage their energy needs efficiently through a unified platform and the EcoFlow App.
Advanced PowerOcean Plus: The PowerOcean Plus three-phase solar battery system is designed for complex rooftop setups, enhancing solar energy use and simplifying installation with its built-in CT and advanced safety features.
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, 24th September 2024 – EcoFlow, a leading provider of portable power and renewable energy solutions, has launched the EcoFlow Home Energy Ecosystem at Solar & Storage Live. This new solution enables homeowners to customise their energy solutions, maximising savings and efficiency within a single, unified platform. A key addition to this ecosystem is the PowerOcean Plus, designed to power entire homes and maximise solar energy usage.
EcoFlow Home Energy Ecosystem: Streamlined Energy Management
The EcoFlow Home Energy Ecosystem simplifies home energy management by integrating various devices and applications into one platform. This comprehensive system includes the PowerOcean solar battery storage systems, PowerHeat and PowerGlow heating solutions, PowerPulse EV Charger, and smart home devices such as EcoFlow’s Smart Plugs. All components can be managed through the EcoFlow App, which now features tools like the Solar Energy Predictor, Energy Command, and Dynamic Tariff Dashboard to help users optimise energy consumption and reduce costs.
PowerOcean Plus: Meeting Advanced Energy Needs
EcoFlow’s PowerOcean Plus three-phase solar battery system is designed to meet the growing demand for advanced home energy solutions, with a focus on its hybrid inverter technology. The hybrid inverter provides a powerful 29.9kW AC output, capable of powering large homes and maximising solar energy use. It supports up to four PV strings with a maximum 40kW DC input, ideal for complex rooftop configurations. A key feature is the built-in Current Transformer (CT), which simplifies installation by removing the need for an external smart meter, cutting installation time by up to 50 minutes.
The system is scalable up to 60kWh in battery capacity, allowing homeowners to expand their energy storage as needed. Each battery pack is fortified with a fire prevention module, housed in an IP65-certified aluminium casing for enhanced durability, and managed by an advanced Battery Management System (BMS) that ensures continuous safety and reliability.
Installer Support and Availability
EcoFlow provides extensive support for installers, including a 15-year warranty on PowerOcean LFP batteries, the EcoFlow Pro App for easier setup, and a dedicated after-sales support team. The EcoFlow Home Energy Ecosystem is already available, with PowerOcean Plus, PowerHeat and PowerGlow heating solutions, and PowerPulse EV Charger ready for preorders from October 2024.
Craig Bilboe, EcoFlow’s Head of Business Development UK, said:
“With the launch of our Home Energy Ecosystem and PowerOcean Plus, EcoFlow is setting a new standard in home energy management. Our goal is to provide homeowners with smart, integrated solutions that not only enhance energy efficiency but also offer greater control over their energy usage and costs. We’re excited to bring these innovations to the UK market, helping households achieve energy independence and make the most of renewable energy sources.”
You can visit EcoFlow at Solar & Storage Live at Hall 19, Booth C10 from 24th-26th September.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 24, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar
Viscofan, a leading food product casing manufacturer, has selected Acciona Energía to install a 48MWp solar system at its Cáseda facilities in Spain. The project aims to supply renewable energy over the next 30 years as part of a long-term partnership agreement.
Under this energy-as-a-service model, Acciona will provide Viscofan with clean electricity through an on-site power purchase agreement (PPA). This system, one of the largest of its kind for industrial self-consumption in Spain, will feature real-time energy monitoring via Acciona’s digital platform. This platform will enable Viscofan to track energy consumption 24/7, allowing for increased efficiency and control over energy usage.
With a 40MWn connection point and 48MWp installed power, the system will also include the necessary infrastructure to connect to Viscofan’s internal grid. Once operational, it is expected to meet around 30% of the facility’s electricity needs with 100% renewable energy, aligning with the company’s decarbonisation goals.
The plant, declared a project of regional interest by the Government of Navarre, will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 50,000 tonnes annually. Viscofan’s managing director, Iñigo Martínez, highlighted the project’s role in the company’s broader sustainability efforts, cutting emissions at the Cáseda plant by more than 20%.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 18, 2024 | Innovation
Geospatial Insight, the UK’s leading provider of clean energy geospatial solutions, announces the launch of PropertyView UK, a comprehensive and up-to-date geospatial database designed to revolutionise the management and decarbonisation of the UK’s building stock.
With over 29 million individual building entries, each featuring more than 70 detailed attributes, PropertyView UK is a flagship database that allows stakeholders the flexibility to access the entire resource or select the attribution specific to their application needs.
PropertyView UK introduces advanced parameters and criteria, using the latest technological intelligence to update information on building height, energy efficiency, solar potential, conservation status, and structural materials. By fusing data from sources such as digital mapping, airborne LiDAR, satellite imagery and Open-Sourcedatabases with advanced analytics to derive detailed property characteristicsPropertyView UK provides users with more accurate and actionable insights.
The database is already proving essential to swiftly assess large areas, understand asset potential, and accelerate project deployment as part of broader strategies, including decarbonisation and urban regeneration. Many local authorities and commercial organisations are already leveraging PropertyView UK to advance their sustainability objectives and operational goals.
Geospatial Insight remains committed to supporting stakeholders across various sectors, including local councils, insurance companies, and property managers, in efficiently managing the built environment. Collaborations with these stakeholders enable the deployment of strategic initiatives aimed at improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and achieving sustainability targets.
“PropertyView UK is an invaluable resource for managing and maintaining the UK’s building stock,” said Dave Fox, CEO of Geospatial Insight “The enhanced data accuracy and integration capabilities facilitate more informed decision-making, helping users to optimise their projects and meet their decarbonisation goals.”
As a leader in geospatial intelligence, Geospatial Insight continues to provide the essential tools and data necessary to drive sustainable building management solutions, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future.
For more information, please visit https://www.geospatial-insight.com/
by Manas Sahu | Sep 18, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Lincolnshire Co-op is set to invest £2 million to install solar panels at an additional 62 sites, furthering its commitment to sustainability.
Having already equipped 11 locations with solar panels, which generate 225,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, the society’s latest expansion is expected to produce an additional 1.8 million kWh per year. This would reduce the society’s indirect CO2 emissions by 10%, it confirmed.
Currently, Lincolnshire Co-op operates 94 food stores, and the solar panel installation has already been completed at eight new locations, in collaboration with energy efficiency experts Sol PV Group. These include stores in Scawby, Morton Bourne, Barrowby, Clipstone, and Keelby, located across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The remaining 54 sites are set to be completed by summer 2025.
“We were selected to install solar panels at several Lincolnshire Co-op sites, including Barrowby Food Store,” said Brett Reynolds, sales director at Sol PV Group. “At Barrowby, 54 solar panels were fitted, allowing the store to generate 31% of its electricity from green energy, showcasing Lincolnshire Co-op’s dedication to a more sustainable future.”
Following the success of the initial eight installations, Sol PV Group has been awarded a contract to continue installing solar panels across 54 more stores, contributing a total of 2MW to Lincolnshire Co-op’s renewable energy capacity.
Will Tucker, Lincolnshire Co-op’s sustainability advisor, said: “This £2 million investment in fitting solar panels at an additional 62 sites is a testament to our commitment to creating a greener future. Enhancing life within our communities is at the core of what we do, and protecting our local environment is a key part of that mission.”
This solar initiative complements other sustainability efforts throughout the society’s estate. For example, it has fitted fridge doors in most of its stores, which has resulted in a 27% reduction in electricity usage.
Additional measures include the installation of LED lighting and systems that optimise heating and lighting efficiency. Furthermore, the society has introduced eco-friendly features such as soft plastic recycling bins and water bottle refill stations in stores.
All these initiatives align with Lincolnshire Co-op’s long-term sustainability goals, which are being measured and validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 17, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Renewable Connections, a leading solar and battery developer in the UK, is celebrating the approval of the Old Hall Solar Farm near Ragdale, Leicestershire.
The 22.5 MW solar farm received approval from both Melton Borough Council and Charnwood Borough Council under delegated powers on 13 September 2024. Developed in partnership with European Energy (EE), the project is set to have a lifespan of up to forty years once operational.
Old Hall Solar Farm will significantly contribute to Leicestershire’s energy needs by supplying green energy to around 5,500 homes each year. The project is also expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 2,873 tonnes per year.
Philip Hale, Chief Operating Officer at Renewable Connections, commented: “We are thrilled that consent has been granted for Old Hall Solar Farm. Solar energy is one of the cleanest and most cost-effective forms of power available, and it can be deployed quickly. This project will provide power to up to 5,500 homes. Throughout its development, we engaged with the local community, and the feedback we received was instrumental in shaping the final design of the solar farm. The project includes plans to significantly enhance local biodiversity by creating new habitats and providing food and shelter for wildlife.”
The scheme will cover 44.8 hectares of land and involve the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which will convert sunlight directly into renewable electricity.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 17, 2024 | Innovation
Clúster de l’Energia Eficient de Catalunya (CEEC) has been confirmed as a supporting partner for Solar & Storage Live Barcelona 2024. CEEC joins a lineup of prestigious partners for the solar show, which will take place 13-14 November at Fira Barcelona Montjuic.
Key members of the Spanish renewables sector will come together at Solar & Storage Live in Barcelona to network, collaborate, and learn from the experts taking the stage. Members of CEEC who attend the show can expect to meet fellow solar installers, manufacturers, stakeholders, researchers, and more.
In turn, visitors to Solar & Storage Live Barcelona will get the chance to meet members of the CEEC – a leading Spanish non-profit organisation which promotes products, services, and collaborations that make the energy sector more efficient.
Francesc Ribera Grau, Clúster Manager for the CEEC, says about the announcement: “Partnering with Solar & Storage Live Barcelona was a no-brainer for us, because the event strives to support energy efficiency and the investment in renewable sources. We hope that, by attending, our members will have an unparalleled opportunity to join in the energy dialogue, meet and mingle with renewable energy changemakers, and represent the Spanish energy community.”
Sean Willis, Managing Director at Terrapinn, adds: “We’ve worked hard to ensure that Solar & Storage Live Barcelona will feature high-quality insightful content and networking opportunities, making it a unique opportunity for the CEEC’s members to contribute to the future of sustainable energy. We’re excited to bring our successful Solar & Storage Live Europe series to Barcelona and delighted to host our friends at the CEEC.”
Solar & Storage Live Barcelona will provide a place for CEEC’s members to:
- Showcase their expertise to the Spanish market
- Connect and network with Spanish industry leaders
- Explore new business opportunities with Spanish and international companies
- Experience new technologies from around the world first-hand
- Hear about leading-edge research in-person
For more information on how to get involved visit the website to register for free or contact the team.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 16, 2024 | Innovation
Communities across Scotland, including those in the Hebrides, Shetland, and Arran, are set to benefit from a share of £1.5 million in funding from the Scottish Government, aimed at supporting local renewable energy projects.
A total of 19 community groups from various locations, such as Eigg, Bressay, Tiree, Fair Isle, Barra, and Arran, will receive funding from the Community Energy Generation Growth Fund. This support will aid them in developing their own renewable energy initiatives, such as installing wind turbines and solar panels to cater to local needs.
The funded organisations will also have the opportunity to earn revenue from their projects by, for instance, selling surplus energy back to the grid.
This fund is part of the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), which has already awarded over £65 million in funding to more than 900 renewable projects across Scotland.
The pilot scheme will provide valuable insights for future support of community-owned energy generation projects through CARES.
Acting Minister for Climate Action, Alasdair Allan, commented: “I am pleased that the fund has supported so many locally-owned energy generation projects, especially in our island communities.
“We are committed to ensuring that all areas of Scotland can flourish and contribute to a growing sustainable economy. Renewable projects like these will help reduce energy costs, generate revenue, and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.
“It is essential that communities are central to Scotland’s ambition to become a renewable energy powerhouse, and this fund helps to ensure that they can lead and benefit from this significant transition.”
Director of Eigg Electric, Labhaoise McKenna, said: “Eigg Electric is thrilled to be a recipient of the Community Energy Generation fund. As pioneers of community energy generation, we value this support, which will help us plan for and further develop our renewable system.
“This fund will contribute to building a more resilient island community and assist us on our journey to achieving carbon net zero by 2030.
UK Energy Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live, taking place 24-26 September. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
by Manas Sahu | Sep 16, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
An energy developer is proposing a solar farm and battery project, capable of supplying up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which would power 115,000 homes each year.
Island Green Power has announced plans for the project, known as East Pye Solar, to be located on land near Long Stratton, Norfolk. The site is expected to generate energy for the next 60 years.
The electricity generated would be connected to the existing 400kV overhead power line running between the Norwich main substation and Bramford, near Ipswich.
The company has said it will hold an initial, non-statutory consultation with local communities for six weeks, beginning in October and concluding in December.
Island Green Power already operates solar farms in Salhouse and Trowse, Norfolk, as well as in other counties across the East of England.
A spokesperson for the East Pye Solar Project highlighted that the development would “play an important role in strengthening energy security, while also contributing to both regional and national efforts to decarbonise the energy system.”
The company also indicated that the scheme presents an opportunity to explore ecological enhancements in the local area. “Various wildlife enhancement measures will be considered as part of this,” it added.
Due to the size and scale of the proposed energy project, a Development Consent Order (DCO) application will be required to enable its construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning.
For nationally significant infrastructure projects related to energy, such as this, the Planning Inspectorate will act on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. The Inspectorate will carry out a formal examination of the application before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will then make the final decision on whether to grant consent.
Island Green Power anticipates that the planning process, including the preparation, submission, and examination of the DCO application, could take between two and three years. The company aims to submit its application to the Planning Inspectorate by late 2025.
South Norfolk Council has been approached for comment.
UK Energy Week marks the leadup to Solar & Storage Live, taking place 24-26 September. Haven’t registered yet? Don’t miss out on your free ticket by securing your place here.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 16, 2024 | Market Reports
Italy installed approximately 3.34 GW of new PV capacity in the first six months of 2024, according to a new report by the Italian PV association Italia Solare.
During the same period in 2023, the country deployed around 2.3 GW of solar power. Over the full year of 2023, the total new PV capacity reached 5.23 GW, compared to 2.48 GW in 2022 and 0.94 GW in 2021.
The country’s cumulative PV capacity stood at 33.62 GW by the end of June.
The newly installed capacity in the first half of the year includes 29% (985 MW) from residential PV systems under 20 kW and 35% (1,155 MW) from commercial and industrial (C&I) systems between 20 kW and 200 kW. The remaining 36% (1,201 MW) was contributed by utility-scale plants exceeding 1 MW.
This increase was driven by the connection of 17 plants with a power output greater than 10 MW, totalling 540 MW. These facilities were installed in Lombardy (18 MW), Lazio (215 MW), Friuli-Venezia Giulia (24 MW), Sicily (65 MW), Sardinia (177 MW), and Puglia (38 MW).
“The data demonstrate how the utility-scale sector is finally growing, and the authorisations granted are beginning to translate into plants built and connected to the grid,” said Paolo Rocco Viscontini, president of Italia Solare, while also emphasising that the process remains exceedingly lengthy.
There was significant growth in connections of plants between 1 MW and 10 MW, with capacity increasing by 122%, from 297 MW in the first half of 2023 to 661 MW in the first six months of 2024. Six regions – Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, and Sardinia – accounted for 63% of the newly installed capacity this year.
These six regions have installed 63% of this year’s newly installed capacity: Lombardy (554 MW), Lazio (426 MW), Veneto (329 MW), Emilia-Romagna (304 MW), Piedmont (257 MW), and Sardinia (242 MW).
“In these regions, during the first six months of 2024, 2.11 GW was connected, of which 24% (515 MW) is attributable to the residential sector, 34% (717 MW) is attributable to the C&I sector, and 42% (880 MW) is related to the utility-scale sector,” said the association.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 16, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has reported that 1,404.5 MW of new photovoltaic (PV) systems were installed in July. The country added 1.3 GW in June 2024 and around 1.2 GW in July 2023.
Newly installed PV capacity in Germany reached 9.34 GW in the first seven months of this year, compared to approximately 7.69 GW during the same period the previous year.
Germany’s cumulative installed PV capacity totalled 92.23 GW by the end of July, distributed across roughly 4.25 million PV systems.
Most of the new systems installed this year are located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Lower Saxony. The remaining new installations predominantly consist of unsubsidised projects selected through tenders.
