Monday, May 30, 2016

Fwd: Renewable Resources Set New Records in US Electricity Generation in 1Q16 - Renewable Energy World

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Rebecca Nichols" <rvan@tnag.net>
Date: May 31, 2016 2:26 AM
Subject: Renewable Resources Set New Records in US Electricity Generation in 1Q16 - Renewable Energy World
To: "Monty Bannerman" <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:



Renewable Resources Set New Records in US Electricity Generation in 1Q16

May 27, 2016
         
Sponsored By:

Defying all projections, windsolar, and other renewable energy sources set a series of records for domestic electrical generation during the first quarter of 2016.
 
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) latest, just-released "Electric Power Monthly" report (with data for the first three months of 2016), net U.S. electrical generation from non-hydro renewables (i.e., biomassgeothermal, solar, wind) increased by 22.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2015. Output from conventional hydropower also rose by 6.5 percent. Combined, generation from all renewable sources increased by 14.60 percent in January-March 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.
 
Further, utility-scale electrical generation from renewable sources hit an all-time high of nearly 17 percent (16.89 percent) of total generation. During the first quarter of 2015, renewable energy's share of net generation was only 14 percent.
 
Electrical generation by wind rose 32.8 percent and set a new record of 6.23 percent of total generation. In the first quarter of 2015, wind power's share was only 4.46 percent.

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Huawei FusionSolar Day successfully held in Thailand

On April 29th, HUAWEI and BSP Solemnly held the FusionSolar Day in the Peninsula Hotel, the Peninsula Hotel of Bangkok. More...
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Similarly, electrical generation from utility-scale solar thermal and photovoltaics grew by 31.4 percent to 6,690 thousand megawatt-hours and comprised 0.69 percent of total electrical output. However, EIA also estimated that distributed solar photovoltaics (e.g., rooftop solar systems) expanded by 35.2 percent and accounted for an additional 3,146 thousand megawatt-hours. Combined, utility-scale and distributed solar accounted for over one percent (1.01 percent) of generation. A year ago, solar's share was only 0.72 percent.
 
Among renewable energy sources, only biomass and geothermal experienced declines at 1.4 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.
 
In stark contrast to the stunning growth rate of renewable sources, nuclear power remained essentially stagnant — registering growth of only 1 percent; electrical generation fueled by natural gas was up by 6.7 percent, while that from coal plummeted by 24.2 percent.
 
Inasmuch as electrical output from wind and hydropower sources tend to be highest in the first quarter of each year, renewable energy's share of net electrical generation for the balance of 2016 may dip a little. Nonetheless, data for the first quarter appears to be swamping EIA's earlier forecast of just 9.5 percent growth by renewables in 2016.

Lead image credit: Andrew Ima

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Fwd: China Expected to Outperform Germany in Solar PV Capacity - Renewable Energy World

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Rebecca Nichols" <rvan@tnag.net>
Date: May 31, 2016 2:25 AM
Subject: China Expected to Outperform Germany in Solar PV Capacity - Renewable Energy World
To: "Monty Bannerman" <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:



China Expected to Outperform Germany in Solar PV Capacity

May 26, 2016
 
Director of Operations
         
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China is expected to add new solar PV installation capacity of more than 19 GW this year, bringing the total PV installation capacity to above 60 GW, outperforming Germany to become the world's largest country in terms of the aggregate PV installation capacity.

The country is forecast to maintain the position as the world's largest PV cell product producer this year, with exports for PV cells and components rising about 5 percent year on year to more than US$15.0 billion.

China recorded combined exports and imports of solar PV cells amounting to US$17.9 billion for 2015, a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.3 percent. Of the total, US$14.7 billion accounted for exports, up 1.9 percent from a year earlier while US$3.18 billion were imports, down 17.7 percent year on year.

Specifically, the country recorded solar PV cell exportsin the form of general trade amounting to US$8.18 billion for the same period, representing a year on year increase of 28.8 percent and accounting for 55.7 percent of the country's total exports. Processing trade of the cells amounted to US$5.92 billion for the same period, down significantly by 21.9 percent year on year and accounting for 40.4 percent of the country's total.

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Huawei FusionSolar Day successfully held in Thailand

On April 29th, HUAWEI and BSP Solemnly held the FusionSolar Day in the Peninsula Hotel, the Peninsula Hotel of Bangkok. More...
Brought To You By 

Regionally, China exported US$2.24 billion worth of solar PV cells to Europe during the year, decreasing 20.4 percent compared to the previous year and accounting for 15.3 percent of the country's total. Exports of the cells to Asia rose to US$8.86 billion during the same period, increasing 12.8 percent from a year ago and accounting for more than 60 percent of the total. Exports to emerging markets in Latin America surged to US$900 million during the same period, up 84.2 percent compared to the previous year, representing the largest growth among the country's major export destinations.

Of note is the export of US$3.86 billion worth of PV cells to Japan during the year, accounting for 26.3 percent of the total and representing a year-over-year decrease of 20.8 percent. India accounted for US$1.38 billion in PV cell exports, up significantly by 163 percent year on year and accounting for 9.4 percent of the country's total. Exports to the U.K. dropped to US$570 million during the same year, down 36.4 percent from a year earlier and ranking sixth among the country's export destinations.

China produced 43 GW of PV components in 2015, accounting for 71.7 percent of the world's total production volume and ranking first worldwide for the seventh consecutive year.

China now exports over 60 percent of its PV cell products to overseas markets, showing a relatively higher degree of dependence on foreign trade. Although the government has put in place a series of policies and measures to invigorate the PV industry, the country still faces many hurdles, including difficulties in obtaining sufficient financing, high construction costs, disputes over property rights and long payback periods.

Lead image credit: Photovolts | Flickr

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Fwd: Enel starts production at its largest PV solar power plant in Chile

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Rebecca Nichols" <rvan@tnag.net>
Date: May 30, 2016 9:25 PM
Subject: Enel starts production at its largest PV solar power plant in Chile
To: "Monty Bannerman" <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:


Enel starts production at its largest PV solar power plant in Chile

May 27, 2016
Source: Enel

Finis Terrae has an installed capacity of 160 MW and is able to produce more than 400 GWh per year. Enel invested approximately 270 million US dollars in the construction of the new solar power facility.

Enel, through its subsidiary Enel Green Power Chile Ltda. ("EGPC"), has completed and connected to the grid Finis Terrae, the company's largest PV solar park in Chile.

The facility is located in the municipality of María Elena in the Antofagasta Region, around 1,300 km north of Santiago, has an installed capacity of 160 MW and can generate more than 400 GWh yearly, equivalent to the annual consumption needs of around 198,000 Chilean households, while avoiding the emission of more than 198,000 tonnes of CO2 per year into the atmosphere.

Enel invested approximately 270 million US dollars in the construction of the project in line with the Group's strategic plan. The investment was financed through Enel's own resources. Finis Terrae is supported by a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), and the power generated by the plant will be delivered to Chile's Northern Region Transmission Network, SING (Sistema Interconectado del Norte Grande).

Enel, through its subsidiary EGPC, currently operates a portfolio of plants in Chile that have a combined installed capacity of over 880 MW, of which 364 MW comes from wind power, 430 MW from PV solar and 92 MW from hydropower. In addition, EGPC currently has 300 MW of projects in execution, which when completed will bring the company's total installed capacity in Chile to about 1,200 MW. Among these projects is Cerro Pabellón, which will have a gross installed capacity of 48 MW and will be South America's first geothermal plant.

     

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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Argentina sets aside 300MW for Solar

http://m.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/argentina-sets-aside-300-mw-for-solar-in-its-first-auction_100024667/

PV Magazine Mobil: Solar, efficiency play a role in crashing capacity prices in PJM Interconnection

Disruption, disruption, disruption.

http://m.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/solar--efficiency-play-a-role-in-crashing-capacity-prices-in-pjm-interconnection_100024757/

FW: Portugal runs for four days straight on renewable energy alone | Environment | The Guardian

Renewables are now proven to be past the inflection point where demand expands geometrically.  Rising tides lift all boats. Some more than others.

 

 

 

Portugal runs for four days straight on renewable energy alone

Zero emission milestone reached as country is powered by just wind, solar and hydro-generated electricity for 107 hours

 As recently as 2013, renewables provided only about 23% of Portugal's electricity. By 2015 that figure had risen to 48%. Photograph: Pete Titmuss/Alamy Stock Photo

Portugal kept its lights on with renewable energy alone for four consecutive days last week in a clean energy milestone revealed by data analysis of national energy network figures.

Electricity consumption in the country was fully covered by solar, wind and hydro power in an extraordinary 107-hour run that lasted from 6.45am on Saturday 7 May until 5.45pm the following Wednesday, the analysis says.

News of the zero emissions landmark comes just days after Germany announced that clean energyhad powered almost all its electricity needs on Sunday 15 May, with power prices turning negative at several times in the day – effectively paying consumers to use it.

Wind power generates 140% of Denmark's electricity demand

 

Read more

Oliver Joy, a spokesman for the Wind Europe trade association said: "We are seeing trends like this spread across Europe - last year with Denmark and now inPortugal. The Iberian peninsula is a great resource for renewables and wind energy, not just for the region but for the whole of Europe."

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James Watson, the CEO of SolarPower Europe said: "This is a significant achievement for a European country, but what seems extraordinary today will be commonplace in Europe in just a few years. The energy transition process is gathering momentum and records such as this will continue to be set and broken across Europe."

Last year, wind provided 22% of electricity and all renewable sources together provided 48%,according to the Portuguese renewable energy association.

While Portugal's clean energy surge has been spurred by the EU's renewable targets for 2020, support schemes for new wind capacity were reduced in 2012.

Despite this, Portugal added 550MW of wind capacity between 2013 and 2016, and industry groups now have their sights firmly set on the green energy's export potential, within Europe and without.

Solar power sets new British record by beating coal for a day

 

Read more

"An increased build-out of interconnectors, a reformed electricity market and political will are all essential," Joy said. "But with the right policies in place, wind could meet a quarter of Europe's power needs in the next 15 years."

In 2015, wind power alone met 42% of electricity demand in Denmark, 20% in Spain, 13% in Germany and 11% in the UK.

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In a move hailed as a "historic turning point" by clean energy supporters, UK citizens last week enjoyed their first ever week of coal-free electricity generation.

Watson said: "The age of inflexible and polluting technologies is drawing to an end and power will increasingly be provided from clean, renewable sources."

 This article was amended on 19 May 2016. An earlier version said that in 2013 Portugal generated 27% of its electricity from nuclear, 13% from hydro, 7.5% from wind and 3% from solar, according to Eurostat figures. In fact those figures are for the whole of the EU; Portugal does not have any nuclear power plants.

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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Schmid Group to set up 200 MW module factory in Iran

Schmid Group to set up 200 MW module factory in Iran

 24.5.2016: The Industrial Development and Renovation Organization of Iran (IDRO) and German PV equipment maker Schmid Group are planning to set up a solar module factory in Iran. The factory will produce everything from polysilicon to modules and will have an initial annual capacity of 200 MW. IDRO plans to expand the factory's capacity at a later stage. More details about the facility were not provided.
Schmid CEO Christian Schmid said: »We are proud to start collaboration with a respected organization like IDRO and consider this agreement as an excellent opportunity to establish a long term partnership in an important PV future market. The fully integrated manufacturing facility together with the excellent academic infrastructure in Iran will enable an ideal PV research and development hub in Iran and the joint R&D collaboration will be an integral part for our partnership with IDRO.« 
© PHOTON

 

Monty Bannerman

ArcStar Energy

+1-646-402-5076

www.arcstarenergy.com

 

Monday, May 23, 2016

Renesola and UCK Group to develop 116 MW of PV projects in Turkey

Renesola and UCK Group to develop 116 MW of PV projects in Turkey


23.5.2016: Chinese solar manufacturer and developer Renesola Ltd. announced it will partner with Turkish solar company Uck Group on the development of several PV projects totaling 116 MW in Turkey. All the plants will be built under the country's FIT scheme and will be entitled to sell power at a rate of $134 per MWh. Under the terms of the agreement, UGK's unit Berak Enerji will build the plants, while Renesola will supply modules and inverters for the projects. The facilities will be owned by a 50/50 joint venture. The companies expect to complete the first 70 MW of projects by early 2017. 

 

 

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Is First Solar Stock a Buy? -- The Motley Fool

Very informative article, confirming what FS has already stated to us as their competitive advantage. Among other useful things in this article, you will see that they have developed a modular solution. A kind of "power plant in a box",  This is a logical and well-established evolution to cut costs and improve margins in systems that already require integration every time they are deployed. In a conversation I had with GCL execs from China in San Francisico two weeks ago, they stated they were looking for Beta installation opportunities for a 2.5MW AC modular plant.  I expect we will see this announced pretty soon.

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2016/05/20/is-first-solar-stock-a-buy.aspx


Monty

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Bloomberg: Not Much Worries Bond Traders as Term Premium Falls to 1962 Lows

Long term debt looking like it will remain low.

It takes a lot to rattle Treasuries traders these days.

To read the entire article, go to http://bloom.bg/1TsOkCu

Sent from the Bloomberg iPad application. Download the free application at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bloomberg-for-ipad/id364304764?mt=8



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NIGERIA Power generation crashes to 1,400MW | EnergyBiz

http://www.energybiz.com/article/16/05/power-generation-crashes-1400mw?utm_source=2016_05_19&utm_medium=eNL&utm_campaign=EB_DAILY&utm_content=349719

Fwd: Ontario Posts Final Cap and Trade Regulation

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Ontario News" <newsroom@ontario.ca>
Date: May 19, 2016 3:35 PM
Subject: Ontario Posts Final Cap and Trade Regulation
To: <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:

Ontario Newsroom Ontario Newsroom
 

News Release

Ontario Posts Final Cap and Trade Regulation

May 19, 2016

Province Reducing Greenhouse Gas Pollution, Creating Jobs

Ontario has finalized the rules for its new cap and trade program to limit greenhouse gas pollution, reward innovative companies, generate opportunities for investment in Ontario and create jobs while moving to a low-carbon economy.

The cap and trade regulation takes effect July 1, 2016 and includes detailed requirements for businesses participating in the program, including:

  • Greenhouse gas emission caps
  • Entities covered by the program
  • Compliance
  • Auction and sale of allowances
  • Distribution of allowances

A cap and trade program is a proven way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change by giving polluters an incentive to cut emissions. It creates a price on carbon emissions by limiting the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that can come from the economy (the cap) and then allowing those covered by the cap to trade among themselves (the trade) in a flexible and cost-effective way.

The final regulation reflects feedback from extensive consultations with industry, the public, environmental organizations and others. The province also engaged Indigenous communities about the regulation, and has committed to continuing these discussions.

Climate change is not a distant threat - it is already costing the people of Ontario. It has damaged our environment, caused extreme weather like floods and droughts, and hurt our ability to grow food in some regions. Over the near term, climate change will increase the cost of food and insurance rates, harm wildlife and nature, and eventually make the world inhospitable for our children and grandchildren.

Fighting climate change is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

 

QUICK FACTS

  • On May 18, 2016, Ontario passed landmark climate change legislation that ensures the province is accountable for responsibly and transparently investing proceeds from the cap and trade program into actions that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, create jobs and help people and businesses shift to a low-carbon economy.
  • Based on estimates, Ontario expects to generate approximately $1.8-1.9 billion per year in proceeds from its cap and trade program to invest in programs that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, help save families money and reward innovative companies by creating more opportunities for investment in Ontario.
  • Additional rules for offsets, early reduction credits and administrative monetary penalties will be posted later this year.
  • The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account will receive proceeds from auctioning allowances under Ontario's cap and trade program. The first auction is targeted for March 2017.
  • The province engaged an external expert, EnviroEconomics, to conduct economic modelling and analysis on potential impacts of the province's proposed cap and trade program.
  • Ontario intends to link its cap and trade program with Québec and California.
  • Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan is the next step in Ontario's ongoing fight against climate change and is expected to be released in spring 2016. The plan will describe actions that will help more Ontario households and businesses to adopt low- and no-carbon energy in homes, vehicles and workplaces.
  • Ontario's $325-million Green Investment Fund, a down payment on the province's cap and trade program, is already strengthening the economy, creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change — a strong signal of what Ontarians can expect from proceeds of the province's cap and trade program. These investments will help secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future and transform the way we live, move and work while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.
 
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

QUOTES

"Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing humanity today. Ontario is doing its part to reduce harmful greenhouse gas pollution by putting in place a cap and trade program to limit emissions and invest in the kind of innovative solutions that will give our kids and grandkids the sustainable and prosperous legacy they deserve."
 — Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change


 

CONTACTS

David Mullock
416-212-7307
Minister's Office

Gary Wheeler
416-314-6666
Communications Branch

Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
http://www.ontario.ca/environment

 
 

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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Fwd: Ontario Passes Landmark Climate Change Legislation

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Ontario News" <newsroom@ontario.ca>
Date: May 18, 2016 12:10 PM
Subject: Ontario Passes Landmark Climate Change Legislation
To: <mbannerman@arcstarenergy.com>
Cc:

Ontario Newsroom Ontario Newsroom
 

News Release

Ontario Passes Landmark Climate Change Legislation

May 18, 2016

Province Building Innovative And Low-Carbon Economy

Today, Ontario passed landmark climate change legislation that lays a foundation for the province to join the biggest carbon market in North America and ensures that the province is accountable for responsibly and transparently investing proceeds from the cap and trade program into actions that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, create jobs and help people and businesses shift to a low-carbon economy.

Under the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act, money raised from Ontario's cap and trade program will be deposited into a new Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account. The account will invest every dollar in green projects and initiatives that reduce emissions.

Following extensive consultation with industry and other groups, the legislation was strengthened by now requiring enhanced accountability and public reporting on the province's upcoming Climate Change Action Plan and investment of cap and trade proceeds.

Ontario will post its final cap and trade regulation upon royal assent of the legislation. The regulation covers detailed rules and obligations for businesses participating in the program. The final design was also informed by extensive consultation with businesses, industry, the public, environmental organizations and Indigenous communities.

Climate change is not a distant threat - it is already costing the people of Ontario. It has damaged our environment, caused extreme weather like floods and droughts, and hurt our ability to grow food in some regions. Over the near term, climate change will increase the cost of food and insurance rates, harm wildlife and nature, and eventually make the world inhospitable for our children and grandchildren.

Fighting climate change while supporting growth, efficiency and productivity is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

 

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan is the next step in Ontario's ongoing fight against climate change and is expected to be released in spring 2016. The plan will describe actions that will help more Ontario households and businesses to adopt low- and no-carbon energy in homes, vehicles and workplaces.
  • Ontario's $325-million Green Investment Fund, a down payment on the province's cap and trade program, is already strengthening the economy, creating good jobs and driving innovation while fighting climate change — a strong signal of what Ontarians can expect from proceeds of the province's cap and trade program. These investments will help secure a healthy, clean and prosperous low-carbon future and transform the way we live, move and work while ensuring strong, sustainable communities.
  • The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account will receive proceeds from auctioning allowances under Ontario's cap and trade program. The first auction will be held in March 2017.
  • Ontario intends to link its cap and trade program with Quebec and California.
 
 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

QUOTES

"Passing the Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act marks the start of the next chapter in Ontario's transformation to an innovative and prosperous low-carbon economy — one that will benefit households, businesses, industry and communities across the province. This legislation is about enshrining in law our resolve and action to protect and strengthen our environment for generations to come."
 — Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change


 

CONTACTS

David Mullock
416-212-7307
Minister's Office

Gary Wheeler
416-314-6666
Communications Branch

Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
http://www.ontario.ca/environment

 
 

Questions about your subscription? Contact us.
Edit your subscription preferences.
Unsubscribe from News on Demand.
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Visit the Newsroom.
Disponible en français.

© Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2008 - 2016
99 Wellesley Street West 4th floor, Room 4620 Toronto ON M7A 1A1