KPA Unicon have signed new contract

09.05.2016

Stora Enso Wood Products Ltd and KPA Unicon have signed a contract of a biomass-fired hot water boiler plant delivery to Stora Enso sawmill in Honkalahti, Finland. The output of the new Unicon Biograte boiler plant will be 17.7 MWth. The new boiler plant will utilize bark and other wood residues from the Honkalahti sawmill as fuel, and it will produce hot water to the sawmill´s drying kilns. The new biomass boiler plant is scheduled to be in operation in August 2017. This is a turnkey delivery excluding civil and foundation works.

The contract includes all process equipment, installations, commissioning and training of the operational personnel. The heart of the new biomass-fired boiler plant is Biograte combustion technology, which is especially designed for utilization of wet biomass fuels for effective energy production. The contract includes KPA Unicon`s PlantSys system for local and remote control of the plant. PlantSys collects data from the process equipment and makes operation of the plant easy and reliable. PlantSys also enables a trusted remote access to the plant to optimize the parameters and predict the future service and maintenance needs. The parties have also signed a three year service agreement. The service agreement facilitates forecasting of service and maintenance work at the plant. This also guarantees the best availability of the plant. “At the moment we have also a 15 MWth boiler plant project ongoing with Stora Enso. The boiler plant delivery to Ala sawmill is in the project phase. In the past we have delivered several boiler plants to Stora Enso sawmills in Russia and the Baltic states. This new plant to Honkalahti is a good continuum to our long-term cooperation”, says Teemu Koskela, Sales Director of KPA Unicon.

http://www.kpaunicon.com

IEA Executive Director delivers keynote address to G7 Energy Ministerial

05.05.2016

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol urged investment in high-quality and innovative energy infrastructure when he delivered a keynote address on the first day of the G7 Energy Ministerial 2016 meeting in Kitakyushu, Japan. In his remarks on 1 May, Dr. Birol focused on the importance of energy investment for global growth and to meet climate objectives while ensuring secure and affordable energy supply. “Energy choices made today will have profound implications for many years to come,” he said. “We cannot afford to look only one or two years down the road. Your policy decisions will impact long-term economic performance, energy security and of course, our chances of successfully tackling climate change.”

The Ministerial meeting brings together energy ministers and high-ranking officials from the G7 nations – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – plus the European Union, for two days of discussions centered around the theme of “Global Energy Security for Growth”. At the close of the meeting, the G7 and EU Energy Ministers released a Joint Statement, the “Kitakyushu Initiative on Energy Security for Global Growth”. This Joint Statement supports the IEA’s enhanced engagement with emerging economies. It also expresses appreciation for IEA efforts to enhance energy security, including the broadening of the Agency’s oil security system through further engagement with non-member countries. In welcoming IEA work on gas security, low-carbon technology roadmaps, energy efficiency (with the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation, or IPEEC) and electricity security including (with the International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA) grid integration of renewable energy, the ministers asked the Agency to provide further analysis to the G7 and report back.

http://www.iea.org

Air pollution: Benefits of cycling and walking outweigh harms – study

05.05.2016

The health benefits of cycling and walking outweigh the harmful effects of air pollution, a study has suggested. Air pollution contributes to 40,000 early deaths each year in the UK and we gulp in more of it when we exercise. On the other hand, regular exercise reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and several cancers. The University of Cambridge study showed that even in cities with high pollution levels, the benefits outweigh the risks. The researchers used computer simulations to compare data on different kinds of physical activity and different levels of air pollution in locations around the world. It found that for an average air pollution concentration in an urban area, the tipping point – when the risks begin to outweigh the benefits – comes after a huge seven hours of cycling or 16 hours of walking a day. It is far beyond what most people would ever do. “Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world – with pollution levels 10 times those in London – people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits,” said Dr Marko Tainio, the lead author of the study. He added: “We should remember, though, that a small minority of workers in the most polluted cities, such as bike messengers, may be exposed to levels of air pollution high enough to cancel out the health benefits of physical activity.” The study, published in Preventive Medicine, said exercise was always beneficial in London.

‘Action still needed’

The average air pollution level for cities around the globe is 22 micrograms per cubic metre, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In London the air pollution level was recorded at 16 micrograms per cubic metre in 2011. Senior author Dr James Woodcock added: “Whilst this research demonstrates the benefits of physical activity in spite of air quality, it is not an argument for inaction in combating pollution. “It provides further support for investment in infrastructure to get people out of their cars and onto their feet or their bikes – which can itself reduce pollution levels at the same time as supporting physical activity.” The research was carried out by experts from the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Diet and Activity Research and Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, along with researchers from the University of East Anglia.

www.bbc.com

UK’s proposed nuclear plant is one of the costliest things on Earth

04.05.2016

nuclear-power-plant — Photo-illustration: Pixabay

Nuclear power has been around for decades, but it still isn’t cheap… in fact, it may result in one of the most expensive objects on the planet. Cost estimates for the UK’s proposed Hinkley Point C reactor have crept up to £24 billion (about $35 billion), making even some of humanity’s more ambitious construction projects seem like small potatoes. The Large Hadron Collider cost “just” $5.8 billion to build, the BBC notes. About the only thing that rivals Hinkley on Earth is Chevron’s recently completed $54 billion natural gas plant in Australia. If you’re not picky, the International Space Station’s collective modules top everything at a total of $110 billion.

As for why it would be so absurdly pricey? Greenwich University professor Steve Thomas says it’s due to not just the inherent complexity of nuclear power, but the safety concerns. Tragedies like Chernobyl and Fukushima have made it clear that disasters are far more costly than getting it right the first time.

Not that this is going to assuage critics of the plant, which has spent several years on ice. Greenpeace contends that it’s not just audacious in an era of budget cuts, but that the money could be better-spent on renewable energy sources like solar and wind farms. And it’s not just because they’re safer, either. They’d likely be finished much sooner, Greenpeace claims, and falling renewable energy prices could make these options more affordable. There’s no certainty that the government will listen to calls for change, but it’s clear that Hinkley Point C is the product of an era when nuclear tech still seemed like the most cost-effective way of powering the population.

http://www.engadget.com

Obama and Merkel inspired by ABB’s ground-breaking digital technology at Hanover Fair

27.04.2016

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Barack Obama were among the first to experience a ground-breaking new smart sensor from ABB during their visit to the Hanover Fair on Monday.

The two leaders were shown how ABB’s smart sensor can improve the productivity of hundreds of millions of electric motors by connecting them for the first time to cloud-based services.

At the ABB stand, Merkel and Obama heard how the smart sensor can be applied to the vast majority of low-voltage motors, whether new or already in use, making it possible to improve efficiency, reduce downtime and save money. The digital solution will for the first time enable LV motors to be integrated into the expanding Internet of Things, Services and People.

Accompanied by ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer, Greg Scheu, President of ABB’s Americas region and Hans-Georg Krabbe, Country Managing Director of ABB in Germany, the two leaders watched a YuMi robot demonstrate how easy it is to attach the smart sensor to an LV motor. Through a wireless connection to the Internet, the motor’s performance data was displayed on a large screen, demonstrating how unexpected breakdowns can be avoided and energy consumption reduced.

“The smart sensor enables transcontinental industrial digitalization,” said Spiesshofer. “The sensor reduces the downtime of motors by up to 70 percent, extends their life span by up to 30 percent, and cuts energy consumption by as much as 10 percent. If all industrial electric motors worldwide were equipped with our smart sensors, the energy savings would be equivalent to the output of 100 large power plants.”

The smart sensor has attracted considerable attention in Hanover, not just from President Obama and Chancellor Merkel, but from a wide range of potential customers who stand to benefit from its adoption. It will be made available on the market later this year.

ABB http://www.abb.com is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.

Paris Agreement signing ceremony in New York – the EU calls for swift ratification

21.04.2016

The signing ceremony, convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, follows the adoption of the world’s first universal climate change agreement by 195 countries in Paris on 12 December 2015. The European Union was the first major economy to table its commitment in the run up to the Paris climate conference COP21 and now looks forward to having the Agreement ratified and entering into force swiftly.

On behalf of President Jean-Claude Juncker, the Vice-President of the Commission responsible for the Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, and the Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Cañete will attend the high-level ceremony. Vice-President Šefčovič and Dutch Environment Minister Sharon Dijksma will sign the agreement on behalf of the European Union and Commissioner Arias Cañete will deliver the official statement on behalf of the European Union.

Vice-President Šefčovič said in Brussels: “Our signature means first and foremost that we are signing up to the commitments we made in Paris. It sends also a clear signal that we are signing up to a fundamental and disruptive transition to a low-carbon economy and society. This transition is now irreversible and unstoppable. At the global level, we are seeing the winds of change. Europe is part of this and will continue to be a driving force. That’s why we need to deliver the Energy Union and create the conditions for future opportunities, innovation and job-creation that this transition will bring. Let’s use the momentum.”

Commissioner Arias Cañete said: “We have agreed. We will sign, and we will act. In Europe, we have already started our homework of implementing the Paris Agreement and we will continue to lead the global low-carbon economy transition. We will ratify the Paris Agreement by securing the support of our 29 parliaments, and by demonstrating that we will have the policies in place to meet our commitments. This will ensure that when we act, we will act on a solid legal basis. Already before the start of this summer, the European Commission will present a proposal to the Council to ratify the Paris Agreement on behalf of the European Union.”

During the visit to New York, Vice-President Šefčovič will have a bilateral meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and with Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Director Achim Steiner to follow up on the COP21 Business Summit. He will also meet Michael Bloomberg, UNSG Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change to discuss further synergies between the Covenant of Mayors and the UN-led Compact of Mayors, underlining the importance that local actors play in the global fight against climate change. Commissioner Arias Cañete will participate in the special meeting of the High Ambition Coalition, the alliance of developing and developed nations that was instrumental in securing a successful outcome at the Paris climate conference in December 2015. He will also meet with the climate and energy ministers of China, USA, India, Turkey, Canada and Thailand to advance negotiations towards Marrakesh’s COP 22. Finally, the Commissioner will participate in the Climate Finance Ministerial and the Major Economies Forum meetings focused on the international collaborative efforts to implement the Paris Agreement.

Next steps

The first negotiating session since the adoption of the Paris Agreement will take place at the Climate Change Conference from 16 to 26 May 2016 in Bonn, Germany. This will consider the technical implementation details of the agreement and how to take forward action before 2020.

The EU will also be working to keep climate at the top of the political agenda and Commissioner Arias Cañete will participate in the upcoming the G7 Energy Ministerial meeting in Kitakyushu, Japan, from 1-2 May 2016.

http://europa.eu

ABB and Solar Impulse show that a clean energy future is achievable

19.04.2016

As Hawaii embarks on the complex transition from a fossil-fueled past to a clean energy future, Solar Impulse and ABB are proving that renewables are a reliable power source.

By flying halfway around the world on solar power alone, Solar Impulse has already proven that it is possible to produce a stable, 24/7 electricity supply using only renewable energy. On the ground, ABB, a world leader in power and microgrid technologies, is helping remote communities and islands like Hawaii to meet and sustain their own energy needs by incorporating renewable and clean energy technologies into the power grid.

Powered only by energy from the sun, Solar Impulse will soon begin the second part of its epic 40,000-kilometer flight around the world, taking off from Kalealoa Airport in Hawaii for the mainland United States. The Aloha State is a leader among all 50 states by pledging to power its islands with 100% renewable energy sources by 2045. ABB technology is already helping Hawaii with that goal as a part of Kauai island’s Battery Energy Storage System, which helps to maintain a stable power supply and provides instant backup power in the event of unplanned outages.

“One of our goals for this historic round-the-world journey and for our technology partnership with Solar Impulse is to demonstrate that you can separate economic growth from environmental impacts with help from smarter and more sustainable technologies,” said Greg Scheu, president, Americas region, ABB. “Renewable energy, microgrids, battery storage, higher efficiency standards – these all show that we can power the world without consuming the earth.”

“We had to build an aircraft with an extremely efficient grid: from the electric motors to the batteries and the management system,” said Solar Impulse pilot and CEO, André Borschberg. “What we have is a system that captures its own energy, converts it into electricity, and stores it and manages its consumption in a sustainable way. This is exactly what ABB is doing on the ground with its distributed energy resources or microgrids.”

“If Solar Impulse can fly day and night around the world with no fossil fuel, it demonstrates that these technologies are now mature and ready for the market so everyone can use them,” said Solar Impulse pilot and chairman, Bertrand Piccard. “ABB gives credibility to what we are doing, because it is doing it on the ground.”

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leading global technology company in power and automation that enables utility, industry, and transport & infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.

Source: www.abb.com

Finnish Fortum wins bid for 100 MW solar park in India

15.04.2016

Finnish Fortum won the bid for 100 megawatt (MW) solar power park in a reverse auction in Karnataka, India, with a fixed tariff for 25 years, the company announced late Wednesday. Fortum said the solar power plant will be built in the Pavagada Solar Park in the Tumkur District of Karnataka in Southern India. “We are excited to become a successful bidder in the reverse auction process. Solar has always been a focus area for Fortum in India. The country provides a good platform for Fortum to further develop its business in solar elsewhere,” said Sanjay Aggarwal, managing director of Fortum India.

Fortum currently has 15 MW of solar capacity in India. Tuesday’s bid is Fortum’s second reverse auction success in 2016 having already won the bid for a 70 MW project with a fixed tariff for 25 years in January 2016. As part of Fortum’s vision to become a forerunner in clean energy, the company has targeted India as it offers one of the best solar resources and has sound government support for the development of the sector. The company said it seeks to allocate planned growth capital in the range of €200 to €400 million for solar projects in India.

http://aaenergyterminal.com

Iran to build three power plants in Kazakhstan

14.04.2016

Iran, Kazakhstan sign deal to construct 3 power plants – 2 wind plants and 1 thermal plant in Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea Coast. Tehran and Astana have signed a contract worth $600 million to build three power plants in Kazakhstan, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported Monday. “The project will be carried out in Kazakhstan by Iranian constructors and contractors using foreign finance, marking the first venture of its kind in the Central Asian country,” said Bahman Salehi, CEO of Iran Power and Water Equipment and Services Export Company (SUNIR).

The contract includes building three power plants in Kazakhstan; two wind power plants with the capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) and 60 MW, and also one 250 MW thermal power plant. The power plants will be constructed on Kazakhstan’s Caspian Sea coast where local equipment will be utilized. A variety of infrastructure deals were also signed by the two countries. “In addition to the construction of the three power plants, agreements have also been reached with Kazakh authorities to implement projects like road construction, water and sewage projects, gas pipelines, mining development and exploration for which Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed,” added Salehi. Currently, Iran has power and water projects in 13 foreign countries of which Azerbaijan, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iraq and Pakistan rank as the top five countries on the list.

http://aaenergyterminal.com

UK hydropower sector branded 100 percent Scottish

13.04.2016

In UK, 14 hydropower schemes with 26.8 megawatt capacity are currently under construction, all located in Scotland. The U.K.’s hydropower industry comes under the rule of Scotland with all projects that hold planning permission being located north of the border, according to Scottish Renewables. Research by the industry representative on Tuesday showed that, of the 14 schemes with 26.8 megawatts of capacity currently under construction in the U.K., all are located in Scotland.

Additionally, 27 projects totaling 58.5 megawatts, enough to power 42,000 homes, have planning consent in Scotland alone. “No project in England, Wales or Northern Ireland currently has the green light to proceed,” the research showed. “Scotland’s terrain and rainfall mean the country is ideal for the development of hydroelectricity,” Hannah Smith, policy officer at Scottish Renewables, said. In 2015, cuts of 37 percent were imposed on the sector’s feed-in-tariff support scheme. The cuts are given as a reason to why hydropower projects are not as appealing to investors in the rest of the U.K.

“The cut has already caused a contraction in the number of schemes being developed and, it seems, a geographical withdrawal to hydro’s traditional heartland,” Smith said. Under such circumstances, she said that, “developers are now looking to innovation to make projects financially viable.” Scottish Renewables released its findings ahead of the Hydro Conference and Exhibition taking place in Perth on May 18.

http://aaenergyterminal.com

Paris Agreement Signing on 22 April in New York – Over 130 Countries Confirm Attendance

13.04.2016

The Paris Climate Change Agreement opens for signature on 22 April 2016 during a high-level ceremony convened by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York, marking an important international push on the way to the agreement’s timely entry into force. Over 130 countries have confirmed to United Nations headquarters that they will attend the signing ceremony, including some 60 world leaders, amongst them President Francois Hollande of France. The event will also be attended by the President of COP21, France’s Segolene Royal, and the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Christiana Figueres.

All Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are invited to sign the agreement, taking note of established international practice that full powers are required to sign. A country’s signature on the agreement initiates the critical domestic process, on which depends its final entry into force. This process takes many separate forms and can be rapid or lengthier, depending on each country’s domestic practices. The outcome may be countries’ instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Following each national completion of this process, instruments are submitted to the Depositary under the UN Secretary-General in New York.

It is only once such an instrument is deposited that a country can be said to have ratified the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement will enter into force on the 30th day after the date on which at least 55 Parties to the Convention accounting in total for at least an estimated 55 % of total global greenhouse gas emissions have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the Depositary. An information note on the entry into force of the Paris Agreement is available here: http://unfccc.int/files/paris_agreement/application/pdf/entry_into_force_of_pa.pdf

Renewable energy increased in 2015

11.04.2016

Obnovljivi izvori energije — Foto: Pixabay

Renewable generation capacity increased by 152 gigawatts (GW) or 8.3% during 2015, the highest annual growth rate on record, according to new data released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Renewable Capacity Statistics 2016 finds that as of the end of 2015, 1,985 GW of renewable generation capacity existed globally.

“Renewable energy deployment continues to surge in markets around the globe, even in an era of low oil and gas prices. Falling costs for renewable energy technologies, and a host of economic, social and environmental drivers are favoring renewables over conventional power sources,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “This impressive growth, coupled with a record $286 billion invested in renewables in 2015, sends a strong signal to investors and policymakers that renewable energy is now the preferred option for new power generation capacity around the world.”

2015 was a record year for both wind and solar due in large part to a continued decline in technology costs. Wind power grew 63 GW (17%) driven by declines in onshore turbine prices of up to 45% since 2010. Solar capacity increased 47 GW (26%) thanks to price drops of up to 80% for solar photovoltaic modules in the same time period. Hydropower capacity increased by 35 GW (3%), while both bioenergy and geothermal energy capacity increased 5% each (5 GW and 1 GW respectively). Overall, capacity has increased by roughly one-third over the last five years, with most of this growth coming from new installations of wind and solar energy. In terms of regional distribution, the fastest growth in renewable generation capacity came in developing countries.

Central America and the Caribbean expanded at a rate of 14.5%. In Asia, where additions accounted for 58% of new global renewable power generation capacity in 2015, capacity expanded at a rate of 12.4%. Capacity increased by 24 GW (5.2%) in Europe and 20 GW (6.3%) in North America. “The significant growth rates for renewable generation capacity in developing economies are a testament to the strong business case for renewable energy,” said Mr. Amin. “Renewables are not just a solution for industrialized countries, they are also powering economic growth in the fastest growing economies in the developing world.” At year end, hydropower accounted for the largest share of the global total renewable power generation capacity with an installed capacity of 1,209 GW, the majority of which are large-scale plants. Wind and solar energy accounted for most of the remainder, with an installed capacity of 432 GW and 227 GW respectively. Other renewables included 104 GW of bioenergy, 13 GW of geothermal energy and about 500 MW of marine energy (tide, wave and ocean).

Highlights by technology:

Hydropower: In 2015, three-quarters of new hydro capacity was installed in Brazil, China, India and Turkey (26.3 GW in total). More than one GW of new capacity was also installed in Europe, North America and the Middle East (Iran), plus 550 MW in Africa.

Wind energy: About 95% of wind capacity is now located in Asia (China and India), Europe and North America; and 90% of new capacity was installed in those regions in 2015 (57.1 GW). Wind energy is also starting to expand rapidly in other regions such as South America, where capacity increased by 3.1 GW (40%) in 2015.

Bioenergy: Almost 40% of bioenergy capacity is in Europe, with another 30% in Asia and the remainder divided equally between North and South America. Growth in 2015 was similarly distributed, with an increase of 1.8 GW in Europe, 1.7 GW in Asia and the remainder elsewhere.

Solar energy: The major solar development in 2015 was the 48 % increase in solar capacity in Asia, with 15 GW of new capacity installed in China and another 10 GW in Japan. An increase of 8 GW in North America also surpassed the level of new installations in Europe (7.6 GW) for the first time. Capacity also expanded significantly in Oceania and Africa, with additions of 1 GW and 0.9 GW respectively. At the end of 2015, Europe accounted for 43% of global solar capacity, with another 40% in Asia (mostly China and Japan) and 13% in North America.

Geothermal energy: Geothermal power capacity increased by about 600 MW in 2015. Four countries (Italy, Mexico, Turkey and the United States of America) accounted for almost all of this increase.

Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2016 offers the most comprehensive, up-to-date and accessible figures on renewable energy capacity statistics. It includes figures from 2000 to 2015, and contains 13,546 data points from more than 200 countries and territories.

http://www.irena.org/menu/index.aspx?mnu=Subcat&PriMenuID=36&CatID=141&SubcatID=1719

Turkish-run Monalp developing two CHP plants in Sisak

08.04.2016

The industrial zone of Novo Pračno will be the site of two cogeneration facilities of 5 MW each. Sisak’s municipal website said a contract granting the right for construction was signed with Monalp Biomass Sisak d.o.o., registered in Croatian capital Zagreb. The local council approved the proposition for the projects taking up a total of 43,000 square metres. The investor company was founded by Turkish-based Senay Turizm Ve Ticaret AŞ, based in Turkey, according to portal Sisak.info, which cited data from the official register. The firm plans biomass-fuelled power plants in Gospić and Donji Lapac and a geothermal facility in Slatina.

The local authority said the company will hire up to 25 people in production and that it is interested to distribute heat to state-owned utility HEP-Toplinarstvo for the district system, but also to sell it to neighbouring companies in the zone, located south of the town. The municipal government said Monalp is owned by Istanbul-based companies Alp Elektrik Uretim AŞ and Mono Mühendislik Havalandırma Sistemleri Ticaret Limited Şirketi. In the name of Sisak, the contract was signed by mayor Kristina Ikić Baniček, while the investor was represented by Arsen Kantarci.

Last May, the municipal head signed a contract with Zagreb-based EPI Consulting for the first in a series of small biogas power plants in Croatia, starting with her town, which has a population of just under 50,000 people. The announcement had said the facility should be complete in nine months. In February of this year, local opposition groups said another company represented by the same people, Regenerate d. o. o., was registered at the address of the town hall, in a rented space, while there is no progress in the construction of the power plant. National electricity utility HEP Group signed a deal in April of 2015 for the construction of two wood-fuelled combined heat and power (CHP) plants in Sisak and Osijek with companies HoSt and Đuro Đaković. The contract for the Sisak facility is worth EUR 18.95 million.

Home

Official COP21 passenger car

07.04.2016

With great pleasure, it was announced that Renault-Nissan Alliance was the official partner of COP 21 in Paris. Thanks to Alliance’s fleet, consisted of 100% electric vehicles, we could contribute to our goal of providing CO2 neutral event. The technology of electric cars effectively helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. The Renault-Nissan Alliance signed in May 2015 a partnership agreement with the General Secretary in charge of the preparation and organization of the 21st annual Conference of parties to provide a fleet of 200 all-electric vehicles to shuttle delegates during the event from November 30 to December 11. More than 20,000 UN participants from 195 countries were expected to attend the annual climate summit. This was the first time that the UN member states will use the entire fleet of transportation vehicles with zero emission during all COP events. The goals of the Parisian summit were the creation and implementation of new global climate-change agreement on climate change by the end of 2015 as well as the implementation of the Climate Green Fund, established to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change and emissions reduction, through fund allocation. With great pleasure, we announce that Renault-Nissan Alliance was the official partner of COP 21 in Paris. Thanks to Alliance’s fleet, consisted of 100% electric vehicles, we could contribute to our goal of providing CO2 neutral event.

Solutions COP21

The Renault Nissan Alliance was also participant in Solutions COP21, an international exhibition on climate change solutions, at the Grand Palais in Paris. The exhibition, which was organizes from 4 to 10 December 2015 was featured CO2 solutions from cities, businesses and other organizations around the world. In addition to an EV display, the Alliance will have more than 10 EVs available for the public.

www.renault.rs

EBRD financing Albania’s power system overhaul

07.04.2016

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will conduct a final review of the project for the restructuring of Albanian Power Corporation (KESH sh. a.) and the energy sector of Albania in general with focus on sector management and operational efficiency. The international financing institution’s project summary document said loan proceeds will be used to refinance and lengthen the tenors of short-term sovereign guaranteed overdrafts which KESH has entered into with commercial banks on an emergency basis and require annual reapproval, perpetuating a liquidity crisis as well as uncertainty and instability. The sovereign guaranteed loan of EUR 218 million will be divided into two tranches. Involvement of commercial banks for co-financing will be explored, mainly for the second tranche. The full amount of the proceeds will be applied to refinancing short-term debt. The loans were necessary to alleviate critical cash shortages created by hydrology conditions and sector organization, the document adds. The reforms aim to include KESH’s corporate governance, market practices and regional trade. The refinancing of the balance sheet should lengthen tenors and relieve the utility of urgent liquidity concerns, EBRD stated.

The project supports both the bank’s policy dialogue efforts for reform in the sector as well as opportunities for the country to develop regional and internal market principles. The project will promote regional integration and trade. It will promote the adoption of secondary legislation consistent with and required for the implementation of the new Power Sector Law. This is expected to include improvements in tariff formation. The bank said it will also require a thorough corporate governance review and recommendations for how to bring KESH to best international standards in compliance with international norms and codes. The state-owned electricity utility meets almost 70% of Albania’s electricity demand. Due to the general corporate nature of the project, the bank will review all operations of the company and review whether current investment plans allow KESH to attain European Union’s environmental standards, the document said. The potential impacts of the restructuring on workers (for example the risk of retrenchment) or on tariff affordability will need to be addressed, according to EBRD.

Source: http://balkangreenenergynews.com

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