by Manas Sahu | Aug 9, 2024 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar
The UK and Poland have provided a €249 million loan guarantee, facilitated by Standard Chartered Bank, to support Kalyon Enerji, a Turkish renewable energy firm. This funding will be directed towards the development of Turkey’s second-largest solar power project.
The project involves constructing and operating solar power plants across seven different locations, with a total generating capacity of 390 MWp. These sites are distributed across the provinces of Bor-Nigde, Gaziantep, and Sanliurfa-Viransehir.
The solar power project is expected to produce enough renewable electricity to power more than 65,000 Turkish households annually.
This project marks a significant boost to Turkey’s renewable energy sector. The new solar power plants will further enhance the country’s renewable energy availability.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 9, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Austrian energy utility Verbund has acquired a 110MW solar portfolio located in Lazio, central Italy, from Ke-Reninvestment, a subsidiary of Turkish investor Kinesis Enerji. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
The portfolio comprises two solar projects that are described by Verbund as being at an “advanced stage of development” and sharing a common substation. This acquisition is part of Verbund’s strategy to diversify its renewable energy mix, which has traditionally been dominated by hydropower.
Verbund is a major player in renewable energy, with approximately 95% of its power generation coming from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. The company, which has an installed hydropower capacity of around 8.2GW, has been actively investing in solar and wind energy projects in recent years to broaden its renewable energy portfolio.
Italy’s solar sector has seen significant growth and investment throughout the year. In June, Spanish firm Elawan Energy announced a joint venture aimed at adding 2GW of new solar capacity. Furthermore, for the first time in Italian history, renewable energy generation exceeded fossil fuel generation in the first half of the year, driven largely by a 14.6% year-on-year increase in solar and wind energy output.
Despite this progress, the Italian government has banned the development of new agrivoltaics (agriPV) projects earlier this year, a move criticised by experts who see significant potential in combining agriculture and solar power to boost Europe’s renewable energy capacity.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 8, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power Co is set to make four major domestic solar projects operational in the second half of 2024, totalling a capacity of 2,620 MW. These projects represent a total investment of SAR 11.5 billion (USD 3.06 billion/EUR 2.81 billion).
The details of the four projects are as follows:
• Sudair PV IPP: With an investment of SAR 3.465 billion and ACWA’s 35% share, this project will have a capacity of 1,500 MW, set to become operational in Q4.
• The Red Sea Project Saudi Arabia: This project involves an investment of SAR 5.966 billion with ACWA holding a 50% share. It will have a capacity of 340 MW and is scheduled to become operational in Q3. The offtaker for this project is The Red Sea Development Company.
• Ar Rass PV IPP: Featuring an investment of SAR 1.688 billion and ACWA’s 40.10% share, this project will contribute 700 MW and is planned to become operational in Q4.
• Laylaa PV IPP: With an investment of SAR 0.4 billion and ACWA’s 40.10% share, this project will add 80 MW and will also become operational in Q4.
The output from the Sudair, Ar Rass, and Laylaa solar parks will be sold to the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC).
These new solar parks will significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy capacity, which stood at 2.98 GW in 2023, as per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
In its second-quarter report, ACWA Power also confirmed that the Neom green hydrogen project in northwest Saudi Arabia is on track for commissioning in Q3 2026. This ambitious project underscores ACWA Power’s commitment to expanding the Kingdom’s renewable energy portfolio and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 8, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
RATCH Group Public Company Limited has announced that the Calabanga Solar Power Project in the Philippines, with a capacity of 74 MWp, officially commenced commercial operations on 5 August 2024.
This solar facility will primarily supply electricity to subsidiaries of Aboitiz Power Corporation under a 10-year power purchase agreement. Any surplus energy generated will be sold on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market of the Philippines. RATCH holds a 49% stake in the project through its joint venture, Nexif Ratch Energy, a company focused on renewable energy investments across Southeast Asia. This equates to a 36.3 MWp share in the Calabanga solar farm for RATCH.
Nitus Voraphonpiput, CEO of RATCH Group, highlighted that the Calabanga solar power plant represents a significant milestone for the company and aligns with its commitment to supporting renewable energy initiatives in the Philippines. He also noted that RATCH, in partnership with Nexif Energy Invest, is actively pursuing several other renewable energy projects. These include the NPSI solar power plant with a 71.1 MWp equity capacity, as well as two wind power projects—the near-shore San Miguel Bay project and the Lucena offshore project, each with an estimated installed capacity of 220 MW.
“We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Calabanga project, which has met all essential testing and commissioning standards. This facility will not only meet customer energy needs but also contribute to CO2 reduction efforts. The revenue from this project, expected to be recognised in the third quarter of this year, will further strengthen the company’s financial position,” Mr Voraphonpiput stated.
The Calabanga Solar Power Project is located in Camarines Sur, a province in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 8, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage
France has announced two new photovoltaic (PV) tenders aimed at adding 1.2 GW of solar capacity to the country.
In anticipation of the country’s new multi-year energy plan (PPE) and the formation of a new government, the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC) and the Directorate General for Enterprises (DGE) will issue two new calls for PV tenders by the end of summer 2024. These auctions will offer a total of 1.225 GW of solar energy.
The tenders will take place in two phases: from August 19 to 30 for ground-mounted PV projects with a capacity of 925 MW, and from August 26 to September 6 for building-mounted PV projects with a capacity of 300 MW.
Solar installations on sheep and cattle farms can apply for the ground-mounted tenders, and other agrivoltaics projects may apply for either ground or building tenders.
The DGE emphasised that candidates must guarantee the preservation of significant agricultural activity beneath the panels, in line with the objectives set by the law for accelerating renewable energy production. This approach signifies a transition from life cycle assessment carbon footprint requirements to a “country mix” approach.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 7, 2024 | Storage
India’s electricity demand is projected to increase by 80 GW by 2027, driven by rapid economic growth and extreme heat waves. Experts suggest a significant shift towards solar energy and storage systems to prevent power shortages. According to the India Energy and Climate Center (IECC), demand could rise by 50-80 GW by 2027.
To address this, experts recommend that India increase its solar capacity by 50 GW. Peak electricity demand reached 250 GW in May 2024, a rise of 46 GW over the past two years.
The IECC emphasizes the importance of focusing on solar-plus-storage systems, which can be deployed much faster than new thermal or hydro plants. This approach could provide a timely solution to the impending power crisis and position India as a leader in the clean energy transition.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 7, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Spain’s renewable energy sources generated 13,460 GWh of electricity in July, marking a 23.2% increase from the same period last year, according to preliminary data from Spanish power grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE).
Renewables contributed 55.3% to Spain’s total power production in July, slightly down from 58.7% in June. Among the renewable sources, photovoltaic (PV) solar power continued to excel, setting new production records. In July, solar PV generated 5,840 GWh, a 27.7% rise year-on-year, achieving a new monthly high.
On 12 July, solar PV hit a new daily production record by generating 211 GWh, as reported by REE. Solar PV has now led the national power mix for three consecutive months, comprising 24% of total production. Nuclear power followed with a 20.8% share, while wind power accounted for 17.4%.
The provisional figures for July also showed substantial contributions from other renewable sources. Wind power generated 4,236 GWh, hydro power produced 2,213 GWh, and solar thermal contributed 718 GWh. Other renewable sources, including renewable waste and biomass, added smaller amounts to the total.
Spain’s national electricity demand rose by 0.2% in July to 22,730 GWh gross. After adjusting for temperature and working hours, there was a 0.8% year-on-year decline in electricity demand.
Spain’s continued reliance on renewable energy, particularly solar PV, underscores the country’s progress towards a greener energy future.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 6, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
JinkoSolar, the top solar panel producer globally, will launch its largest N-type solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia by early 2026. This facility, JinkoSolar’s fourth overseas unit, follows its plants in Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States, aiming to boost local production and global export of advanced solar technology.
Qian Jing, Vice-President of JinkoSolar, praised Saudi Arabia’s favourable market conditions, including strong credit, ample financing, and supportive policies. The new plant, in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, will produce N-type solar cells known for their high efficiency and stability. With a $1 billion investment, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 10 gigawatts, making it the largest overseas base for Chinese photovoltaic products.
JinkoSolar already holds a 70 per cent market share in Saudi Arabia. Chairman Li Xiande highlighted that this collaboration is a significant step in the company’s global expansion. Analyst Nicholas Lua from Rystad Energy noted that this project could boost domestic solar manufacturing in Saudi Arabia and utilise the region’s vast solar energy potential.
Qian mentioned that as China phases out low-end capacity, JinkoSolar expects its market share to rise to 20 per cent in 2024. JinkoSolar aims to become the world’s leading energy storage company within the next three to five years.
This new venture highlights JinkoSolar’s commitment to global growth and the strategic importance of the Middle East in renewable energy.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 6, 2024 | Innovation, Large Scale Utility Solar
The European Investment Bank (EIB), Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB), and the Sunprime Group have signed a €204 million ($223.9 million) financing deal to support a major solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Italy. This funding will facilitate the construction and operation of over 100 PV systems, both rooftop and ground-mounted, with a total capacity of up to 220 megawatts (MW).
The project is projected to generate approximately 275 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually, sufficient to power over 105,000 households, significantly contributing to Italy’s renewable energy goals and broader objectives. Additionally, the project is anticipated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 2.3 million tons over its lifespan.
“Italy is a market with huge potential for solar energy production, and this funding will make the country more energy independent. The EIB is the climate bank of the European Union, and our financing helps make the world more sustainable for future generations,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti.
Solar & Storage Live Italia will take place at Veronafiere on October 8-9, 2025. Attend to learn more about Italy’s rapidly expanding solar market.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 6, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
The UK Government is planning to amend the regulations to facilitate the development of solar farms and wind turbines. They intend to raise the thresholds that determine when these projects require a more comprehensive planning review.
At present, if a project generates more than 50 megawatts (MW), it is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and necessitates approval from the Secretary of State. However, ministers observe that advancements in technology have made solar panels and wind turbines more efficient, rendering the 50MW threshold outdated.
The government proposes increasing the NSIP threshold to 100MW for wind projects and 150MW for solar projects.This adjustment will permit smaller projects to proceed through the local planning system, thereby expediting and reducing the cost of the approval process.
Evidence indicates that the current 50MW threshold presents challenges, particularly for solar projects. Many projects are designed to remain just below this limit to avoid protracted and costly reviews. The new thresholds aim to better align with the size and complexity of contemporary projects.
Recently, the Secretary of State for Energy approved three substantial solar farms via the NSIP route: Gate Burton in Lincolnshire, Mallard Pass in Lincolnshire and Rutland, and Sunnica in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Collectively, these projects are expected to generate approximately 1.35GW, sufficient to power nearly 400,000 homes.
For more insights and updates on solar energy developments, be sure to attend the Solar & Storage Live UK event happening from 24-26 September at the NEC, Birmingham.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 5, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
UAE-based renewable power developer AMEA Power has commenced construction on the 24MW Ituka solar PV project in Uganda, set to become the largest in the region upon its completion.
A subsidiary of AMEA Power, Ituka West Nile Uganda Limited, will construct and manage the project. The power generated will be sold to the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company, which is developing a new transmission line to connect the project to the national grid.
Funding for the project was provided by the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), which has been facilitating finance connections for project developers in Africa since 2001, raising over US$2.1 billion for 96 projects. The arrangement was finalised during the COP28 conference in Dubai last year and is supported by the African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) project through its Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF).
“We are excited to begin construction on this landmark solar project in Uganda, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding our footprint across East Africa,” said AMEA Power chairman Hussain Al Nowais. “This project aligns perfectly with Uganda’s vision for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, and we are confident that it will deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for the country.”
AMEA Power expects to commission the Ituka solar project in the third quarter of 2025. It will be the first utility-scale solar project to reach commercial operation in the West Nile region of north-west Uganda.
The project is also the latest to receive support from organisations such as EAIF and ATIDI. Last year, the EAIF supported the development of a 40MW solar project in Kenya, and in 2019, provided a US$27 million loan to the Kikagati Power Company to build a new hydropower dam on the Kagera River, benefitting both Uganda and Tanzania. In June this year, ATIDI and Globeleq Africa announced plans to develop a 35MW geothermal project in Kenya.
Uganda has already made several investments in its renewable energy sector, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting that renewable power generation currently accounts for 99% of its energy grid. The China Energy Engineering Corporation announced plans to build 500MW of new solar capacity in Uganda in 2020, but these projects have not yet come to fruition.
Additionally, much of Uganda’s energy demand is not met by the electricity sector. The IEA notes that biomass and charcoal burning account for around 90% of the country’s final energy consumption. Expanding the scope of Uganda’s electricity sector will be crucial in the long term.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 5, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Trinasolar has launched a 70MW solar power station on the Arabian Peninsula, marking a significant milestone in the region’s shift towards sustainable energy. This project utilises Trinasolar’s cutting-edge Vertex N 720W modules.
Zhao Lei, Head of Strategic Key Accounts at Trinasolar, emphasised, “This project highlights our commitment to renewable energy in demanding environments. The Vertex N 720W modules reflect our dedication to high performance and reliability, supporting sustainable energy practices worldwide.”
As the Arabian Peninsula transitions from fossil fuels to solar power, this new station boosts energy capacity and lowers costs. The Vertex N 720W modules, featuring advanced N-type i-TOPCon cell technology, provide up to 720W of power with 23.2% efficiency, optimised for desert conditions and cost-effective energy production.
The broader energy sector is increasingly adopting solar power, with major companies investing in solar projects to diversify energy sources and reduce carbon footprints. Trinasolar’s collaboration with governments and partners helps address climate challenges and drives the global move towards cleaner energy.
by Manas Sahu | Aug 5, 2024 | Innovation
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources yet accounts for only 1% of global solar power generation capacity. This is expected to change soon, signalling a significant energy revolution on the continent.
Many African countries are vulnerable to droughts, floods, and diseases, which threaten rural communities and lead to hunger. Consequently, preserving perishable harvests is critical for survival. However, this task is challenging without full access to electricity.
A promising solution is emerging in the form of simple white shipping containers equipped with solar panels. These solar-powered mobile cold stores are being deployed across Africa, from Kenya to Ghana and Nigeria. They enable farmers to protect their crops from adverse conditions, thereby helping to mitigate hunger.
Experts assert that with increasing access to electricity and the rapidly falling costs of solar panels, Africa is on the brink of a major energy revolution. Over the past year, there has been a substantial increase in solar panel installations across the continent. In April 2024, the World Bank and the African Development Bank launched a programme to expand electricity access to 300 million more people by 2030, marking a significant shift towards solar power.
Despite the vast benefits, several barriers remain. According to the World Bank, the most cost-effective approach to supplying electricity to at least half of the 300 million target is to improve and expand the existing grid infrastructure. However, many regions across Africa have unreliable and underdeveloped grids, complicating the integration of solar power into the current system.
Significant technological breakthroughs have made solar power a more viable option for Africa. The declining price of solar panels, coupled with advancements in photovoltaic cells that increase conversion efficiency, indicates that Africa could be on the brink of a renewable energy revolution.
by Manas Sahu | Apr 18, 2024 | Innovation
In the evolving landscape of sustainable energy storage, PowerPanel has emerged as a game-changer with its holistic approach to harvesting solar power. This innovative company is currently captivating the solar industry with its integrated photovoltaic and thermal storage solution, which elevates the efficiency and ease of managing hot water systems by leveraging progressive thermoplastic technology and ingenious design principles.
The recent uptick in interest toward alternatives to conventional batteries – due in part to considerations surrounding efficiency, longevity, and recyclability – has spotlighted thermal technology. This method of energy storage, drawn from both photovoltaic systems and other energy sources, is fast becoming a heated topic of discussion within the solar community.
Historically, solar array designers and installers have utilized hot water tanks as repositories for surplus electricity generated via photovoltaic means, albeit not without the added complexity and expense of supplementary plumbing systems and dedicated tanks.
Amidst cutting-edge storage solutions in the pipeline, such as thermal batteries utilizing molten metals or hot silicon and thermo-chemical processes, many still linger in developmental phases or face practical implementation hurdles given the current state of technology.
Navigating through these challenges, PowerPanel opts for a different tact by incorporating straightforward, secure hot water management with avant-garde thermoplastic designs. This approach effectively addresses both the limitations of traditional steel tanks and the complexities associated with emerging thermal storage methods.
Established in 2007 by Garth Schultz and Rob Kornahrens in Oxford, Michigan, PowerPanel’s raison d’être is to perfect and peddle their hybrid PVT technology. Schultz, who boasts a history of working on clean vehicle innovations with automotive giants and agricultural sustainability in Canada, oversees manufacturing and engineering at their Michigan plant. CEO Kornahrens, with prior experience at thin-film solar enterprise Advanced Green Technologies, shares in this vision of eco-friendly progress.
The company’s Gen 20 thermal storage tank reimagines the archetypal steel water tank, favouring a robust, reliable, and recyclable thermal plastic alternative. The result? A lightweight, effortlessly transportable thermal storage solution that boasts a long, maintenance-free life span.
PowerPanel’s breakthrough pertains to the integration of solar photovoltaic panels with a thermal unit. Though Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) systems have been trialed in various forms before, PowerPanel’s novel methodology involves a seamless blend of the thermal system with the photovoltaic elements. Specialized materials developed exclusively for PowerPanel encase the photovoltaic insert within a thermal collector cum circulatory framework.
This innovation doesn’t just harness heat; it also augments the cooling and overall efficiency of the PV module when it comes to generating electricity. A PVT panel uniquely outputs an energy production ratio skewed towards thermal generation, achieved at an efficacy significantly surpassing singular photovoltaic or thermal panels.
The company touts a large PVT array capable of concurrently generating 2.7kW of photovoltaic electricity and 12.7kW of thermal energy. To further solidify its innovative edge, PowerPanel has secured multiple patents guarding its unique foam storage tanks and amalgamated PVT solar collectors.
At the heart of PowerPanel’s advancement lies the strategic replacement of conventional materials with expanded polypropylene foam (EPP). EPP’s standout features include its lightweight nature juxtaposed with remarkable insulation properties, coupled with significant resilience to impacts and chemicals.
The proprietary Gen 20 tank exhibits modular design facilitating not just transportability but brisk on-site assembly as well. Its robust construction, thanks to non-degrading engineered foam and plastics, allows for versatile placement options, be it indoors, outdoors, or even subterranean setups.
For the solar industry professionals looking towards the future, PowerPanel presents an enticing proposition – a solar energy storage innovation that marries sophistication with simplicity and promises to reshape our understanding of sustainable energy solutions.
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by Manas Sahu | Apr 18, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
In a landmark event, Hansainvest Real Assets, together with project partner Move On Energy, have recently inaugurated what is currently Europe’s largest solar power plant. Occupying former coal territory near Leipzig, Germany, the Witznitz solar park boasts an impressive 605 MW in peak capacity, with plans to expand further by 45 MW.
The construction of this monumental facility began just 22 months ago under the auspices of Signal Iduna’s investment arm, Hansainvest Real Assets. Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, the Witznitz solar farm is set to enhance the region’s renewable energy portfolio significantly.
The expanding horizon of renewable energy
This new addition to the renewable landscape surpasses Iberdrola’s Francisco Pizarro – completed in 2022 – to claim the title of the biggest solar facility in Europe. Iberdrola’s plant, situated in Spain, currently has a 590 MW peak capacity and 553 MW network connection. While Turkey’s large-scale 1.35 GW project in Karapınar, commissioned just a year ago, might eclipse this, it falls outside of Europe’s geographical span. Elsewhere in Spain, there also exists an 850 MW cluster composed of 17 solar units. Adding to this competition, Iberdrola is now developing a 1.2 GW solar project in Portugal.
Tracking the booming solar investments across Europe is becoming increasingly challenging. A large portion of these projects are emerging in Southeastern Europe, especially within countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro. On a global scale, photovoltaics has overtaken hydropower in the last year as the primary segment for nominal electricity generation capacity, signifying a major shift in the energy sector.
A future-proof energy hub
The extensive solar park at Lake Hainer comprises ten segments and 1.1 million solar modules and began its operations in part as early as December. The solar park discontinuously spreads over more than 650 hectares of land, including 500 hectares within the expanse of the former Witznitz 2 open pit coal mine.
Acknowledging the environmental and social aspects of solar development, the Hansainvest and Move On collaboration extends beyond renewable energy production. A total of 13 kilometers of roads featuring cycling and hiking paths have been constructed alongside the plant, providing community benefits and enhancing local biodiversity through strategically placed hedges and forested areas.
In the realm of power purchase agreements, Shell Energy Europe secured a 15-year PPA for 600 MW at Witznitz, and subsequently, Microsoft has also contracted a portion of the plant’s output amounting to 323 MW via a separate agreement.
The investors are exploring the synergy between agriculture and solar production, conducting trials on over five hectares dedicated to agrisolar, also known as agrivoltaics—a process that accommodates both agricultural production and solar power harvesting on the same land.
Conclusion
The continued expansion of renewable energy projects like the Witznitz solar farm represents a pivotal shift towards sustainable power production. For solar industry professionals, the development of such large-scale plants not only marks progress within the renewable sector but also indicates a strong future for energy innovation and environmental stewardship.
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by Manas Sahu | Apr 18, 2024 | Storage
In a remarkable breakthrough, TENER has introduced the world’s first energy storage system that promises zero capacity degradation over an impressive five-year period. This innovation stands to considerably extend the lifespan of batteries, which is a boon for energy storage facilities servicing new generation electric power systems.
The ingenuity behind TENER’s enduring battery system stems from the utilisation of biomimetic SEI (solid electrolyte interphase) alongside self-assembled electrolyte technologies. These advancements have been instrumental in eliminating the common obstacles to the smooth passage of lithium ions. The result is an energy storage system that not only retains its power and capacity intact over time but also completely avoids the growth of auxiliary power consumption throughout its lifecycle. CATL terms this the creation of an “ageless” energy storage solution.
Tackling one of the major hazards in battery technology, CATL’s advanced approach has triumphed over the potential dangers posed by the reactive nature of lithium metals. By effectively nullifying the risk of thermal runaway from oxidation reactions, the company has set a new standard for safe, zero-degradation power sources.
Supercharged storage in a compact design
The TENER system embodies impressive energy provision within confined spaces, boasting a capacity of 6.25 MWh housed within a standard 20-foot container. This represents a 30% increase in the energy-per-unit-area available, and a consequential 20% reduction in space requirements. Such advances distinguish TENER as a leader in efficiently packaged, high-density energy storage.
At the heart of TENER’s robust performance lie CATL’s bespoke energy storage cells, which deliver an energy density of 430 Wh/L – an unprecedented figure for LFP batteries within the realm of energy storage use.
Unwavering commitment to safety standards
End-to-end safety has been a foremost priority for CATL, manifesting in the establishment of a comprehensive quality management system. This protocol stretches from technological development to operation oversight, including rigorous proof testing and detailed safety failure analysis. Safety objectives are tailored to respective applications, with innovative security measures engineered accordingly.
To validate and ensure the integrity of these safety technologies, CATL has developed simulation platforms capable of emulating various power grid scenarios. Upon deployment, AI-fuelled monitoring and intelligent predictive systems constantly survey operational status. This allows for the precise calculation of lifecycle failure rates of the TENER products, reaffirming the design’s safety objectives while enabling continual optimisation processes.
By reducing the cell failure rate to the PPB (parts per billion) level, the TENER system not only guarantees operational excellence but also delivers on the promise of reduced operational expenses and an elevated internal rate of return (IRR).
Energising the green transition
Energy storage solutions like TENER are critical to the accelerating shift towards green energy. CATL maintains a resolute dedication to supplying world-leading energy storage solutions to an international customer base. The launch of TENER marks yet another testament to CATL’s unwavering commitment to the energy transition. With eyes fixed on the future, CATL continues to push the boundaries of open innovation and industry collaboration— cementing its position as a champion of progress and a pioneer of cutting-edge technology in the renewable energy sector.
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by Manas Sahu | Apr 18, 2024 | Market Reports
Sinovoltaics, a technical compliance and quality assurance service firm from Hong Kong, recently published an insightful report on PV module manufacturers across the globe. The ranking encompasses a comprehensive list of 52 suppliers and is based on data ranging from June 2020 to December 2023, offering a unique perspective on the temporal stability of the manufacturers’ scores.
Developed using the Altmann Z-score methodology, the report introduces a quantitative measure of a company’s financial health, combining various factors such as profitability, leverage, liquidity, solvency, and activity ratios—all derived from public financial records.
“A surprising find from the report is that some of the leading names in the industry did not fare as well in the rankings, while lesser-known brands have showcased stronger financial health,” commented Niclas Weimar, CTO of Sinovoltaics, speaking to pv magazine.
A key highlight is the Altman Z-Score, a seasoned financial tool that predicts the likelihood of a company facing bankruptcy within two years, with scores below 1.1. Conversely, a score above 2.6 reflects a robust financial standing, positioning a company in good stead for sustainable operations.
At the top of the ranking sits Tainergy from China, followed by First Solar from the US, Eterbright Solar Corporation from Taiwan, and other celebrated names such as Mission Solar and ERA Solar Technology Co., Ltd. from China. Securing the next five spots are TSEC from Taiwan and four Chinese contenders—Longi, Tongwei, DMEGC, and Phono Solar.
The industry’s reception to Sinovoltaics’ rankings over time has been predominantly positive, acknowledged by manufacturers and industry stakeholders, including financial institutions which integrate these reports into their due diligence workflow.
“While our rankings don’t necessarily reflect the end-product quality, they offer invaluable insights into the fiscal robustness of PV manufacturers, which many financiers and buyers weigh heavily when selecting suppliers,” Weimar explained. Given the volatility and complexity of global financial landscapes, such transparency in assessing suppliers’ economic viability becomes crucial for informed decision making in the solar industry.
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by Manas Sahu | Apr 18, 2024 | Large Scale Utility Solar
Grand Cayman’s sole electricity provider, CUC, stands at a crossroads, grappling with a burgeoning demand exceeding its current power generation capacity. In the face of rapid population growth, the reliance on leased generators becomes a stop-gap measure as the company aligns with the national vision toward a greener future.
The Cayman Islands, aiming to achieve 70% reliance on renewables by 2037, currently derive a mere 3% of their power from green sources. The transition away from fossil fuels has become imperative for CUC, halting further investment in traditional diesel generators, and fostering resilience against a potential energy supply crunch.
The pivot from conventional power sources invites scrutiny and challenges. CUC has caught the public eye, battling criticism regarding its alleged obstruction of residential efforts to adopt renewable technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
Despite accusations of bottlenecking the Consumer Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) program (a scheme facilitating home-based renewable energy production sans storage solutions), CUC executives articulate a preference for large-scale solutions. Utility-scale solar, coupled with battery storage, is advocated as a more economically feasible pathway to reduce energy costs and ensure reliability in power supply.
Richard Hew, CUC’s president and CEO, calls attention to the sluggish advancement on a utility-scale project bid, expressing frustration with the regulator—Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg). He stresses the imminent need for a substantial solar farm to actualize the objectives inscribed in the National Energy Policy, mitigate electricity bill surges, and secure uninterrupted power service.
In the interim, CUC shifts gears towards adopting LNG as a lesser evil—cleaner than diesel and more cost-effective in the long run. This transitional move embodies a concession to the current limitation in transitioning directly to 100% green energy sources.
Power continuity within Cayman, accentuated by the recent pandemic, remains a delicate scale that CUC balances precariously. The post-COVID population rebound has pushed generators to their maximum, echoing a clarion call for expedited action towards sustainable generation options.
Meeting the peak demand constitutes a paramount concern for Hew and CUC, pivoting towards self-sufficient prospects on owned land in East End or external bids. However, these plans remain in abeyance, awaiting OfReg’s signal to commence the bidding for the vital solar infrastructure.
Projected to offer energy at prices significantly lower than current rates, the envisioned solar farm could potentially halve customers’ expenses while enriching the island’s renewable energy profile.
Amidst claims of monopolistic tendencies, CUC rebukes such notions, demonstrating its purchase liberty through CORE and DER programs. Nonetheless, these contributions account for only a fraction of CUC’s energy mix.
The Cayman Renewable Energy Association (CREA) points fingers at both CUC and the regulator for stalling the wider deployment of solar solutions, suggesting undue influence over energy stakeholders. Despite recognizing that rooftop solar cannot immediately deliver the economies achieved by larger ventures, CREA underscores its financial and environmental benefits, alongside job creation and industry expansion opportunities.
The call for unshackling home-based renewable initiatives emerges as a concurrent strategy to the solar farm pursuit, advocating diversity in the island’s approach to achieving sustainable energy and stronger commercial horizons.
For those in the solar energy profession, the unfolding scenario in the Cayman Islands exemplifies the intricate dance between present capabilities and aspirational renewable targets—a seesaw between immediate fixes and enduring solutions playing out in a region poised for a cleaner, more sustainable power paradigm.
Don’t miss the opportunity to delve deeper into the future of solar and storage solutions at the Solar & Storage Live USA, where the latest innovations and strategies are showcased to shape the renewable energy landscape.
