Report: Protected Buildings Cost English Households £500m a Year in Energy Bills

21.10.2017

Struja, energetska efikasnost, strujomer, — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

A new report has revealed the extent to which strict property regulations are pushing up energy bills and stymieing energy efficiency efforts in older homes.

According to new research released today by the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), residents of Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas have already missed out on energy savings worth an average of £240 a year due to strict preservation policies.

It finds that energy use in protected homes has fallen by less than the national average between 2006 and 2013, because energy-saving strategies like installing double-glazed UPVC windows and cavity wall insulation are barred or difficult to gain approval for.

In total, £3.8bn worth of energy savings could have accrued to protected homes in England over the period if energy use had dropped in line with the average in other neighbourhoods.

“Preservation policies play an important role in protecting our historic buildings but our research shows that there is a trade-off,” report co-author Dr Charles Palmer explained. “The results highlight that preservation policies have inadvertently hindered some households from cutting down their energy use and their bills.”

As well as consigning millions of people to draughty homes and higher energy bills, Palmer warned the problem could threaten the UK’s ability to meet its climate targets.

“The UK’s residential sector, which makes up 13 per cent of UK emissions, must decarbonise if the UK is to meet ambitious emission reduction targets,” he said. “The government’s Clean Growth Strategy plans a number of measures to improve the energy efficiency of our homes but neglects the role of restrictions that make it difficult to achieve this in homes covered by preservation policies. Reducing emissions from homes could become increasingly unrealistic if preservation policies make it costly or even impossible to improve energy efficiency. Ten per cent of the UK’s housing stock is subject to preservation polices so it is a significant issue.”

One solution could be to place limits on the numbers of properties that can be newly designated as Listed or in a Conservation Area, Palmer suggested, or introduce new powers for local authorities to relax preservation policies to allow more energy efficiency retrofits to go ahead.

Source: businessgreen.com

September 2017: Earth’s 4th Warmest September on Record

20.10.2017

climate-change- — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

September 2017 was the planet’s fourth warmest September since record keeping began in 1880, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and NASA this week. The only warmer Septembers came during 2015, 2016 and 2014. Minor differences can occur between the NASA and NOAA rankings because of their different techniques for analyzing data-sparse regions such as the Arctic.

Global ocean temperatures last month were the fourth warmest on record for any September, according to NOAA, and global land temperatures were the third warmest on record. Global satellite-measured temperatures for the lowest 8 km of the atmosphere were the warmest for any September in the 39-year record, according to the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) and Remote Sensing Systems (RSS).

Each of the first eight months of 2017 have ranked among the top four warmest such months on record, giving 2017 the second highest January–September temperature in the 138-year record: 0.78°C (1.57°F) above the 20th-century average. This is behind the record year of 2016 by 0.13°C (0.24°F). This near-record warmth in 2017 is especially remarkable given the lack of an El Niño event this year. Global temperatures tend to be warmer during El Niño years, when the ocean releases more heat to the atmosphere. Given the lack of an El Niño event in 2017, it is unlikely that we will surpass 2016 as the warmest year on record. However, 2017 is almost certain to be the planet’s warmest year on record that lacks any influence from El Niño, and Earth’s four warmest years of the last century-plus are likely to be 2016, 2017, 2015 and 2014.

Two Category 5 Atlantic hurricanes caused billion-dollar weather disasters last month, according to the September 2017 Catastrophe Report from insurance broker Aon Benfield: Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Through the end of September, Earth had 21 billion-dollar weather events for the year, which is a typical number for this point in the year. The year that ended with the most billion-dollar weather disasters in records going back to 1990 was 2013, with 41; that year had 33 billion-dollar disasters by the end of September. Last year, there were 28 billion-dollar weather disasters by the end of September; that year ended up with 31 such disasters.

In its October 12 monthly advisory, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC) stated that neither El Niño nor La Niña conditions were present in the Eastern Pacific (ENSO-neutral conditions existed). Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the benchmark Niño 3.4 region (in the equatorial Pacific) were about 0.5°C below average over the past week; SSTs of 0.5°C or more below average in this region are required to be classified as weak La Niña conditions, with the 3-month average SSTs holding at these levels for five consecutive months (with an accompanying La Niña-like atmospheric response). Enhanced east-to-west blowing trade winds are predicted for the west-central Pacific over the next two weeks and these stronger-than-average trade winds will help the progression towards La Niña. NOAA forecasters gave a 55 – 65 percent chance of a La Niña event by winter, similar to the 55 – 60 percent odds given in their previous month’s forecast.

Arctic sea ice extent during September 2017 was the seventh lowest in the 38-year satellite record, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). The Arctic was dominated by low pressure and clouds in the summer of 2017. The cyclonic (counterclockwise) winds associated with the stormy pattern also tend to spread out the sea ice. Together, this two influences brought slower ice loss than in the record-low extent years of 2012 and 2007. The Arctic reached its lowest extent for the year on Sept. 13, which was the eighth lowest extent on record. The five lowest Arctic sea ice extents were measured in September 2012, 2007, 2016, 2011 and 2015.

Sea ice surrounding Antarctica had the second lowest extent on record in September 2017 and has been at record- to near-record lows since September 2016. A recent study by John Turner and colleagues links the recent Antarctic sea ice decline to a series of strong storms accompanied by long periods of warm winds from the north. These changing weather conditions are associated with large shifts in the Southern Annual Mode (SAM) index.

No all-time national heat records were set or tied in September 2017. As of October 17, thirteen nations have set or tied all-time national heat records in 2017 and two have set or tied all-time cold records. National all-time monthly temperature records so far in 2017 have numbered 44 for maximum temperature and two for minimum temperature. Most nations do not maintain official databases of extreme temperature records, so the national temperature records reported here are in many cases not official. I use as my source for international weather records researcher Maximiliano Herrera, one of the world’s top climatologists, who maintains a comprehensive list of extreme temperature records for every nation in the world on his website. If you reproduce this list of extremes, please cite Maximiliano Herrera as the primary source of the weather records.

Source: ecowatch.com

Target Announces 100% Renewable Energy Target Amidst New Climate Policy

20.10.2017

Obnovljivi grad — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Target, one of America’s leading discount store retailers, has this week announced a new climate policy and goals based on the Science-Based Targets initiative, including a commitment to source 100% renewable energy in its domestic operations.

Target published its new climate policy and goals on Tuesday, created with the Science-Based Target initiative “in mind” in an effort to “keep making progress” on its existing global and local environmental efforts. As Target highlight in their announcement, the company is a two-time ENERGY STAR partner of the year, and the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) 2016 top corporate solar installer in the US.

Target’s new climate policy opens by simply stating that “Target acknowledges the scientific consensus that the climate is changing, that our business is contributing to that change, and that our supply chain, operations, and customers will continue to be impacted by the effects of climate change.” As a result, Target is “committed to reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) footprint, and to engaging constructively with industry peers, value chain partners, external stakeholders, and policymakers to help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

“Target has long been committed to making our business more sustainable, which leads to a stronger, cleaner supply chain and operations, and a healthier environment for our team members and guests,” explained Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO, Target. “That’s why we’re setting goals to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint, and working with our industry partners, policymakers and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

The hallmark of Target’s new climate policy and goals is a commitment to source 100% renewable energy for all their domestic operations. Target is set to focus their efforts to meet their new policy and goals in five specific areas:
Increasing adoption of renewable energy in our own operations, our supply chain, and on the electricity grid;
Driving energy and water efficiency in our own operations and in our supply chain;
Investing in innovations supporting the transition to a lower-carbon transportation system, including vehicle electrification;
Considering climate impacts in raw materials sourcing, particularly the impacts of land use change, and designing plans to mitigate those impacts; and
Supporting communities most heavily impacted by climate change and building their resilience to climate change impacts like extreme weather events

Target will continue their partnership with the WWF and their promotion of water conservation — which, according to Target, has already saved over 22 million gallons of water through the optimisation of outdoor irrigation systems at 176 of their stores.

Source: cleantechnica.com

Quitting Coal: New Global Survey Names the Companies, Countries and Cities

20.10.2017

solarka-iran — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

More than a quarter of the 1,675 companies that owned or developed coal-fired power capacity since 2010 have entirely left the coal power business, according to new research from CoalSwarm and Greenpeace. This represents nearly 370 large coal-fired power plants—enough to power around six United Kingdoms—and equivalent to nearly half a trillion dollars in assets retired or not developed.

While many generating companies go through this rapid makeover, the research also shows that a total of 23 countries, states and cities will have either phased out coal-fired power plants or set a timeline to do so by 2030.

“Before 2014, no major jurisdiction had completely phased out coal,” said Lauri Myllyvirta, energy analyst at Greenpeace East Asia. “What we are witnessing now is the beginning of a major overhaul of our energy system—one that can address climate change and air pollution. Governments now need to speed up the shift to 100 percent renewables and ensure a just transition for workers and communities affected by the coal industry’s downfall.”

To date, six countries, states, provinces or cities have completely phased out coal power since 2014, and an additional 17 have announced a coal power phase-out date of 2030 or sooner. Three of the G7 economies, and a total of eight EU countries, have decided to phase out coal—the Netherlands joining the list only this month. Indonesia, the third largest builder of new coal power plants after India and China in recent years, also said it would not start more coal projects in its main grid.

“Global investment in coal has crashed as a result of a dramatic fall in new projects in China and India, with money flowing increasingly toward lower-cost renewable energies,” said Myllyvirta.

The list of jurisdictions becoming coal-free includes the capitals of China and India. Both countries have dramatically curtailed investment in new coal plants in response to concerns over wasted resources in the wake of coal power overcapacity and falling utilization rates, public outcries over high levels of air pollution, and ambitious clean energy targets.

“Record amounts of coal-fired capacity were retired in the past two years, and the growing number of phase-out policies means the trend will accelerate. Improving competitiveness of clean energy, poor economics of coal, air pollution problems and efforts to tackle climate change have all played a key role in accelerating the demise of coal,” said Christine Shearer, senior researcher for CoalSwarm’s Global Coal Plant Tracker.

“While the progress in moving away from coal has been faster than expected, it needs to be accelerated urgently. Meeting the objectives of the Paris agreement requires all OECD countries to close their coal-fired power plants by 2030, so it’s high time for other countries, especially Germany, Japan and Southeast Asia, to follow this example,” said Shearer.

Despite President Trump’s rhetoric about reviving the coal industry, decisions to retire coal plants in the U.S. have continued in 2017 at the same rapid rate as the year before, with 54 units announcing retirement, a total generating capacity equal to all coal-fired power plants in Spain.

“In quite a few places such as Belgium, states in the U.S., and Scotland, it’s companies deciding to close their coal plants which is resulting in these jurisdictions becoming coal free. In the U.S., progress continues on the state level despite rhetoric from the Trump administration,” said Myllyvirta.

California, the biggest state economy in the U.S., is already coal-free and is actively pushing its neighboring states to reduce coal as well. Massachusetts is due to close its last coal-fired power plant this year and five other states—Connecticut, Hawaii, New York, Oregon and Washington—have phase-out dates.

Source: ecowatch.com

China To Face Clean Energy Subsidy Problems Without Change Of Policy, Government Official Says

20.10.2017

There will be increasing problems in the coming years with regard to China meeting its clean energy subsidy obligations, unless changes are made to the country’s fixed power price policies, a government official revealed recently.

Mississippi solar jobs ChinaIn total, the shortfall expected without a change of policy will climb to 200 billion yuan ($30.2 billion) by 2020 — up from 50 billion yuan in 2016.

The comments come from the director of China’s National Development and Reform Commission’s Energy Research Institute, and were made at an industry conference, so they are presumably worth taking note of.

That director, Dongming Ren, stated: “The shortfall will continue to widen if China keeps its current renewable policy of fixed power prices unchanged.”

As you may recall, China is currently working to raise the share of its energy mix held by renewables to 15% by 2020 — hence the aggressive subsidies.

So why does this news matter? As noted by the deputy director at State Power Investment Corp’s Huanghe Hydropower Development Corp, Pang XiuLan, while also speaking at the conference: “Two years of delays in getting government subsidies will cut a solar project return by 5-6 percentage points.”

Reuters provides more: “To ease the government’s financial burden on renewable projects and keep the rate of waste power under control, China has cut subsidies for new large-scale solar and onshore wind power projects and set capacity limits in regions with high waste rates.

“It also introduced green electricity certificate system in February and aimed to enforce compulsory quota system on coal-fired power plants in 2018. The country also plans to launch a nationwide carbon trade emissions trading market this year, although Ren said earlier on Wednesday that plan is delayed into 2018.”

“’China needs to expand the source of renewable subsidies, otherwise it would be very difficult for clean energy to compete with coal, especially before environmental costs are showed on coal-fired power prices,’ stated Ren.

Interesting news. Not too surprising, but interesting. We’ll keep you posted as the situation develops.

Source: cleantechnica.com

Inaugural Island Renewable Energy Initiative Meeting Held In Maldives

20.10.2017

The inaugural meeting of the Island Renewable Energy Initiative (IRIE) was recently held in Malé, Maldives, in partnership with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) — bringing together senior officials and ministers from 30 different countries and organizations to discuss ways of accelerating renewable energy deployment and addressing climate change.

The Government of the Maldives hosted the event, bringing together small island developing states (SIDS) in its capacity as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), according to an email sent to CleanTechnica.

Considering the practical benefits to island nations accompanying a switch from imported fuels to renewables, and the imminent danger that climate change and sea level rise poses to many, the fact that support is as strong as it is — strong enough to spur the creation of the discussed meeting — amongst small island nations shouldn’t be surprising.

For many small island nations, the writing is essentially already on the wall that before too long the island/country will have to be abandoned, so it makes sense for it pursue the most aggressive actions available, or to at least use their position to draw attention to the ongoing changes.

As it stands, more than 2 gigawatts (GW) of renewables capacity has already been deployed in SIDS, with a further 6 GW (or more) of projects now planned.

“In the wake of a deadly hurricane season in the Caribbean and at a time when the resolve to tackle the climate crisis has been called into question, small islands are sending the world a clear message: we are seizing the promise of renewable energy to grow our economies today and build a better future for tomorrow,” commented Thoriq Ibrahim, Energy and Environment Minister for the Maldives and Chair of Alliance of Small Island States. “As Chair of AOSIS, Maldives has made leaving a lasting legacy of renewable energy infrastructure in small islands a priority and IRIE is how we are fulfilling that vision.”

The email provides more: “Despite progress, SIDS face financial and technical barriers as they transition their power, heating, cooling, and transportation sectors to renewable energy, many of which stem from their size, geography and limited capacity. Greater international cooperation can help overcome these barriers by enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing, leading to improved economies of scale, reduced transaction costs and better enabling environments for donors and investors.

“IRIE works to enhance AOSIS political coordination and outreach to development partners with a view to mobilizing the resources — finance, technology, and capacity building — required for the transformation of energy systems in SIDS. IRIE also works to amplify the success of SIDS focused initiatives, such as IRENA’s SIDS Lighthouses.

“Small islands contribute a miniscule fraction of global emissions and yet we have taken the lead in committing to some of the most ambitious clean energy plans in the world,” continued Minister Ibrahim. “IRIE is a testament to island leadership and the important role the Maldives has played in the international effort to tackle climate change for over three decades.”

To elaborate on that: from the perspective of greenhouse gas contributions to date, small island developing states are often responsible for less than some small towns in long-ago “developed” countries. That, of course, doesn’t matter much in any practical sense as, responsible for the cause or not, such island nations are likely going to be the first regions to have to be abandoned as a result of anthropogenic climate change. With that in mind, the creation of IRIE seems prudent.

Source: cleantechnica.com

DTE Buys Easements for Wind Farms

19.10.2017

Since April, DTE Electric Company has recorded easements on 276 parcels of agricultural property in Branch County for the purpose of evaluation for wind farm developments.

Atwell Engineering, as agents for DTE, has negotiated and recorded documents from 59 property owners mostly in Union, Sherwood and Matteson Townships.

Other parcels are in Batavia, Bronson, and three in Quincy Townships.

The easements, filed with the Register of Deeds, started with one filed by Union Township Supervisor Ralph Strong and his wife in April. The latest one was filed in September.

The easements are labeled “Standard Utility Wind Easements” and assigned to DTE Electric Company to evaluate the property for suitability for associated transmission lines, wind and weather monitoring, access, towers and wind turbines, it states.

No one was willing to discuss financial terms of the easements, which continue to exist until cancelled by DTE.

All do indicate, however, the projects are subject to local ordinances, setbacks, and noise levels.

So far none of the townships have such an ordinance. Matteson and Ovid townships will discuss solar and wind ordinances during workshops this month.

Strong said Union township will not consider one.

Three townships, Quincy, Butler, and Girard, have passed ordinances regulating solar farms but wind has not been considered.

DTE has developed 13 wind projects, mostly in the thumb region of Michigan with three in north central Michigan.

Those generate 905 megawatts.

Last month DTE issued a statement on its wind projects, “As the state’s largest investor in renewable energy, DTE Energy has collaboratively engaged with communities across Michigan to drive investments of $2 billion in wind energy since 2008, creating hundreds of jobs for residents and a local tax revenue for communities while delivering reliable, affordable and clean energy for our 2.2 million Michigan customers.”

If built, the projects would be taxed as personal property. Owners have filed notice that the easements would continue to be used and remain subject to agricultural exemptions.

As the state’s largest investor and producer of wind energy, DTE produces enough energy from renewable sources to power nearly 450,000 homes.

The U.S. Department of Energy said Michigan ranks among the top 15 states nationwide for potential wind energy generation.

The area around the Great Lakes is particularly well-suited for wind energy development because of the availability of higher wind speeds across flat land.

The cost of wind generation has decreased significantly as technology has advanced and the industry has expanded, making wind energy the most costeffective renewable energy resource. Calls to the DTE Wind manager were not returned Tuesday.

Source: thedailyreporter.com

Solar Energy Talks Happening in Fremont and Omaha

19.10.2017

solar-panels — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

Area residents interested in the current status of the Fremont Community Solar Farm project have two upcoming opportunities to receive updates about what all the approximately $2 million project entails.

From 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, those gathering at Keene Memorial Library will listen to City Administrator Brian Newton, along with Michael Shonka, another Nebraska solar power advocate, speak about various topics surrounding the Fremont project and solar energy as a whole.

Those unable to attend the Thursday conversation are invited to attend a Smart Energy Talks Nebraska presentation happening from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at the University of Nebraska at Omaha inside of the Milo Bail Student Center. The panel discussion will focus on the importance of renewable energy in communities and the challenges and benefits of electric vehicles on the grid.

Newton said that he was invited to talk primarily because Fremont’s Community Solar Farm offers a unique opportunity that the dozen-or-so others scattered around the state of Nebraska do not.

What is unique about Fremont’s 1.5 megawatt, 5,000 panel farm, is that those utilizing the farm’s energy have the choice to buy actual panels on the farm, or to avoid a long-term commitment and upfront payment by subscribing to blocks of the panel’s monthly energy output.

The farm, which sold out in 7 weeks, is comprised of 180 residential customers and approximately 20 commercial customers. There is a pretty even mix among people who subscribed to blocks of energy output and those who purchased panels at an upfront cost of $180 per panel for a 20-year term – the approximate life of the solar farm.

The farm is currently under construction on a 10-acre plot of land located south of Jack Sutton Drive. All customers utilizing the plot had the chance to purchase solar shares that would cover up to 80 percent of their used Kilowatt hours.

On average, residential customers in Fremont use about 1200 KW hours monthly, Newton said. Those who purchased panels have an estimate return on their investment in approximately 9 years. While there is a slightly elevated monthly utility cost, there were up-front benefits to purchasing panels.

“The reason a lot of people decided to buy the panels is because they get 30-percent back on the $180 panel price the first year because of the investment tax credit,” Newton said.

Newton said that a majority of people he’s spoken with elected to get involved with the solar farm because it has a positive impact on the environment. But with that being said, it also makes some business sense.

“It’s a lock on their energy for 20 years, and a lot of people said, ‘wow, that’s a good deal, where else can I lock in my energy price for 20 years?,’” he said. “So it made business sense to them, too.”

Currently, approximately 70 customers are on the waiting list to get involved with the next phase of the Community solar Farm, Newton said.

As best as he knows, Fremont has the only solar farm in Nebraska that gives people the choice to purchase panels or to subscribe to blocks of energy output.

“I don’t want to say that we are the early adopters, or that we are on the bleeding edge, but I certainly think we are on the leading edge,” Newton said. “And that’s thanks to the Utility and Infrastructure Board and City Council for wanting to diversify some of our energy. You’ve got to have leaders that believe in this first before you can even offer it.”

Source: fremonttribune.com

Canada Methane Emissions Far Worse Than Feared

19.10.2017

zagađenje vazduha, termoelektrane, — Foto-ilustracija: Pixabay

The Canadian oil and gas industry could be emitting methane at rates 25 to 50 percent higher than official estimates, according to new research.

A study published Tuesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology compared measurements taken from airplane surveys of fossil fuel infrastructure in Alberta to emissions reported by industry—which is only required to report intentional emissions from flaring, and not estimate leaked emissions—and other figures.

“Our first reaction was ‘Oh my goodness, this is a really big deal,'” study author Matthew Johnson told the Guardian. “If we thought it was bad, it’s worse.” Alberta, Canada’s top fossil fuel-producing province, has set a goal of reducing methane emissions 45 percent by 2025—a target researchers say could be severely compromised by the study’s findings.

As reported by the Guardian:
“Canadian advocacy group Environmental Defence described the findings as alarming. ‘The methane gas currently being wasted would supply almost all the natural gas needs of Alberta, and is worth $530m per year,’ Dale Marshall of the organisation said in a statement. ‘This represents an economic cost for governments in the form of lost royalties and taxes, and for industry in terms of revenue.’

Marshall pointed to the readily available solutions for controlling leaks and intentional releases of methane gas, portraying them as some of lowest cost strategies available to reduce carbon emissions.”

Source: ecowatch.com

SunPower To Supply 505 Megawatts In First & Second Round Of French Tenders For Solar Projects

19.10.2017

One of the world’s leading solar manufacturers, SunPower, has revealed this week that it will provide 505 megawatts worth of products in the first and second round of French energy regulator CRE’s tenders for solar projects, more than any other solar panel manufacturer.

SunPower announced on Wednesday that it will supply 291 megawatts (MW) worth of solar panels to projects awarded in the recently-announced second round of French energy regulator CRE fourth tender (CRE-4), which will include ground mount, carport, and rooftop projects in continental France, as well as storage and self-consumption in the country’s ZNI (non-interconnected zones).

“With these awards, the total capacity of SunPower solar panels supplied to ground, carport and rooftop, and ZNI projects awarded in this year’s first and second round tender process is 505 megawatts, more than any other solar panel brand,” said SunPower Executive Vice President Peter Aschenbrenner. “SunPower solar panels deliver cost-competitive power and proven long-term reliability, and we are proud to play a significant role in serving France’s goals for clean, renewable solar power.”

This second round of CRE-4 joins the 214 MW that SunPower will provide to projects awarded in the first round of CRE-4.

Source: cleantechnica.com

Kite Wind Power Could Help Power Saudi Arabia

19.10.2017

“Wind turbines on the Earth’s surface suffer from the very stubborn problem of intermittent wind supply,” said Udaya Gunturu, a researcher with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, who is one of several researchers investigating the potential of using kite wind turbines to provide clean energy in the Middle East.

Tethered wind turbines that harness wind energy from higher altitudes like a kite are not a new idea, but researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have begun investigating the potential such technology has to provide clean electricity in the Middle East. Specifically, the researchers have identified the most favorable areas for high-altitude wind-energy systems in the region, found over parts of Saudi Arabia and Oman.

In the study, High-altitude wind resources in the Middle East, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the authors conclude that “high-altitude wind resources are abundant, persistent, and readily available and may provide alternative energy resources in this fossil-fuel-dependent region.” The researchers used wind field data sourced from the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2), a project from the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to determine high-altitude areas which could provide consistent wind power.

“Optimal altitudes for the turbines vary by region and with time of year and time of day,” said Andrew Yip, first author of the research paper. “In general, the abundance of the airborne wind-energy resources increases with altitude.”

The natural variability found in higher altitudes can also be matched by kites that are able to vary their own altitude to make the most of whichever altitude level is providing the most beneficial wind speeds. Current kite technology could allow wind energy to be harvested from heights between 2 to 3 kilometers — but as technology evolves, tethered wind turbines could begin to reach into higher altitudes with even stronger and more consistent winds.

“Our work may help Saudi Arabian wind-energy technology to leapfrog into the future and fulfill the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan on the development of renewable energy resources,” said Georgiy Stenchikov, who led the research.

Source: cleantechnica.com

Nicola Sturgeon to Open World’s First Floating Wind Farm

18.10.2017

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will open the world’s first floating offshore wind farm later today in a landmark occasion for the offshore wind sector.

The 30MW Hywind project, developed by Norwegian energy giant Statoil and Abu Dhabi green power company Masdar, will generate enough electricity for around 20,000 homes.

Supporters hope it will mark the start of a new era of offshore wind power, allowing developers to deploy turbines in deeper water where the wind is stronger and capable of delivering higher yields. Experts arealso optimistic that floating turbines could curb costs for the industry, by minimising the need for large foundations and complex installation projects.

“Scotland has developed an international reputation for modern, renewable energy technologies and Hywind Scotland – the world’s first floating wind farm – is testament to that,” Sturgeon said ahead of the official opening.

“This pilot project underlines the potential of Scotland’s huge offshore wind resource and positions Scotland at the forefront of the global race to develop the next generation of offshore wind technologies.”

The farm features five floating turbines 25km from Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, each 253m tall with 78 metres submerged below the water’s surface, and anchored to the seabed using cables.

Later this year there are plans for a 1MWh battery to be installed at the site, which will allow energy from the turbines to be stored for use at times of high demand.

The offshore wind industry welcomed the news, claiming it is breaking new ground with wind technology and generating interest around the world.

“The extraordinary Hywind project is being watched around the world, as floating offshore wind has the potential to be exported globally, with the UK at the heart of this ground-breaking technology,” RenewableUK’s chief executive Hugh McNeal said in a statement. “Innovation is key to the government’s Industrial Strategy, and this is a great example of how offshore wind continues to push the parameters, creating thousands of jobs and delivering billions investment to the UK.”

The official opening of the project represents a further boost to an offshore wind sector that is celebrating after the government last week confirmed it will make over £557m of new support available through a clean energy auction in early 2019. The government’s Clean Growth Strategy also signalled last week that if costs continue to fall across the sector it could deliver a further 10GW of capacity through the 2020s.

In related news, marine renewables firm Atlantis Resources today announced it has generated 2.6GWh of green electricity from its groundbreaking MeyGen tidal turbine array in Scotland’s Pentland Firth.

The site now has all four turbines up and running, delivering a total capacity of 6MW. The company said the array will enter its 25-year operational phase in the coming weeks.

Atlantis CEO Tim Cornelius said the success of MeyGen positions the UK as a leader in tidal power, but warned the firm needs more support from government to proceed with the next phase of the project.

“The industrial opportunities of tidal power for the UK are substantial, but without renewed government support for tidal stream power, the UK is likely to lose jobs and investment overseas,” he said in a statement. “Now is the time for the current government to act to ensure that the economic benefits of the tidal stream industry are preserved for the UK economy, and marine power becomes a meaningful part of the UK’s future renewable energy mix.”

Source: businessgreen.com

Australian Government Walks Away From Clean Energy Target

18.10.2017

solarni-park — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Australia’s Federal Government this week announced a new energy policy that walks away from introducing a post-2020 Clean Energy Target of 42% in favor of a National Energy Guarantee that puts the power of choice into the hands of the nation’s utilities.

Despite the fact that it was proposed by Australia’s Chief Scientist Alan Finkel and subsequently endorsed by just about everyone across the spectrum, a Clean Energy Target (CEC) of 42% electricity supplied by wind and solar was dismissed this week by the Australian Federal Government, in favor of the National Energy Guarantee, described by the Department of the Energy and Environment as “a plan that will deliver an affordable and reliable energy system that will also help meet our international commitments.”

Or, in short, Australia’s Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has followed in the path of his Liberal Party’s attacks on renewable energy and support of the country’s fossil fuel industry, using the scare tactic of lower energy prices to justify the decision.

The National Energy Guarantee is made up of two aspects which the Department for Energy and Environment believes “will require energy retailers and some large users across the NEM to deliver reliable and lower emissions energy generation each year.” They are:
A reliability guarantee will be set to deliver the right level of dispatchable energy — from ready-to-use sources such as coal, gas, pumped hydro and batteries — needed in each state. It will be set by the AEMC and AEMO.
An emissions guarantee will be set to contribute to Australia’s international commitments. The level of the guarantee will be determined by the Commonwealth and enforced by the AER.

Further, the Department hopes that the National Energy Guarantee will achieve the following:
Puts downward pressure on household and business power bills and reduces spot price volatility — more investment and therefore more supply of electricity puts downward pressure on prices.
Encourages the right investment in the right place at the right time — to meet the obligation, retailers will need to secure power from a variety of sources ensuring an ongoing place for coal, gas, wind, solar, batteries and hydro in the nation’s energy mix.
Improves reliability — increasing investment in new and existing dispatchable supply.
Reduces emissions at lowest cost — emissions targets can be met using a range of technology, including existing resources.
Is not a subsidy or a tax — allows the lowest cost range of technologies to meet overall targets.

“Under this scheme, the wholesale price would be expected to be lower relative to today and lower compared to a certificate-based scheme,” said Kerry Schott AO, Chair, Energy Security Board. “Since retailers will need to contract with new low emissions and dispatchable generators, the increased supply will place downward pressure on wholesale prices.”

Unsurprisingly, the decision to step away from a Clean Energy Target was met with disappointment by clean energy supporters in the country.

“The Clean Energy Target was the best opportunity in years to lock in the long-term bipartisan energy policy needed to encourage investment in cleaner energy while improving system reliability and pushing down power prices,” Clean Energy Council Chief Executive Kane Thornton. “We are obviously waiting to see more detail on the policy later today, but media reports today suggest the new policy would result in a substantial slowdown in levels of investment in clean energy.”

Source: cleantechnica.com

Constructing Offshore Wind Turbines In Port Is More Cost Effective

18.10.2017

wind-turbin-vetroturbina — Photo illustration: Pixabay

Constructing offshore wind turbines in port rather than onsite in variable conditions has been found to be the most cost-effective method, according to research published this week by researchers from the University of Delaware.

Researchers from the University of Delaware, who worked closely with offshore wind industry partners, have developed a new method for constructing offshore wind farms that they believe is cheaper, faster, and which could increase the scale and pace of offshore wind deployment that would match the region’s scheduled retirements of nuclear and coal-fired power plants.

Specifically, the University of Delaware researchers concluded that their new construction process would save up to $1.6 billion per project over conventional construction methods, and take half the construction time.

The primary aspect of the research was that the entire wind turbine structure — from seafloor mounting through to the top of the wind turbine — could be assembled in one piece in port, before being transported as a single unit and in one step installed into the seafloor at its offshore site.

“In planning for offshore wind power, the big question is how we generate electricity cost-competitively, and at a scale that is both a relevant replacement for aging power plants and also applicable to climate change,” said the project’s principal investigator, Willett Kempton, professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE). “We’re the first people who have shown the engineering details, step-by-step, how to achieve that.”

For anyone who knows anything about offshore wind construction, this might sound outlandish, but the researchers have found that this can be done with current technology.

Further, the University of Delaware researchers based their modeling on a 10 MW (megawatt) wind turbine with support structures, weighing in at 2,500 metric tonnes. The research therefore focused on how to build and move these massive constructions within port.

“Instead of today’s method, carrying out parts separately and individually assembling each in the ocean, we have an assembly line on shore,” Kempton said. “We spend more money in port, but we spend far less money at sea.”

Beyond the economic benefits of this research there are also non-monetary benefits such as shifting more of the assembly from sea to land, which allows for construction regardless of weather and reduces the time at sea from 3 days to 10 hours per wind turbine.

Source: cleantechnica.com

Shell Begins Rapid EV Charging Rollout at 10 UK Forecourts

18.10.2017

Oil giant Shell will today move its push into the electric mobility services market up a gear with confirmation 10 of its petrol stations across London, Derby, and the South East will provide rapid charging for electric vehicle (EV) drivers by the end of the year.

The Anglo-Dutch company will today reveal its new Shell Recharge service is now available to EV customers at three of its forecourts – Holloway in London, Whyteleafe in Surrey and in Derby – with a further seven within Greater London and Reading set to join them before the end of 2017 and more to follow next year.

Shell Recharge 50kW DC rapid chargers enable EV drivers to power up from zero to 80 per cent capacity in around 30 minutes and are compatible with most EVs, the firm said. It added that the first 10 sites had been chosen due to their proximity to main driving routes.

With no subscription or connection fees, the service enables EV drivers to purchase the power they need using the Smoov mobile payment system, and until June next year Shell is offering electricity for an introductory price of 25p/kWh, instead of its usual price of 49p/kWh.

Jane Lindsay-Green, Shell UK future fuels manager, said the UK was the first country in which Shell Recharge was being made available, ahead of plans to also launch in the Netherlands “soon”.

The company also said it was developing “a full raft of charge solutions” to support the fast-expanding EV market, but again reiterated its view that new EV technologies would evolve to “co-exist with traditional transport fuels”.

“We’re pleased to offer rapid electric charging on the forecourt, allowing us to broaden the range of fuel choices we deliver,” said Lindsay-Green in a statement. “Shell Recharge will soon be available at ten sites in the UK and will offer EV drivers in these areas a reliable, convenient and subscription-free charging service where they can charge their vehicle and take a break from their journey.”

The move comes through a partnership announced earlier this year with Dutch EV charging company Allego, which will manage the operation of the chargers. It also follows Shell’s acquisition of another Dutch EV charging provider, NewMotion, last week.

Shell said it had been collaborating with Transport for London (TfL) to introduce the fast charging points, in line with London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s aim for the capital to be zero emission by 2050.

Shirley Rodrigues, the Deputy Mayor of Environment and Energy, welcomed Shell’s announcement as an important step in supporting EVs across London.

“With sales of diesel cars declining, it’s vital to have charging points for electric vehicles in service stations, car parks and on our streets,” she said in a statement. “As the Mayor moves towards making London’s transport system zero-emission by 2050, TfL are working with boroughs to increase charging infrastructure across our city. The expansion we require will continue to demand strong collaboration with industry, private landowners and greater investment from government.”

Source: businessgreen.com

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