2013 November 16 « nuclear-news

Solar energy for Ghana

Renewables get big boost as 50MW solar plant to be built Ghana Web 15 Nov 13 Ghana’s energy stock will receive 50 megawatts (MW) of solar power by 2015 as Scatec Solar, a Norwegian energy company, plans to build Africa’s second-largest solar power plant through its local partner Scatec Solar Ghana.

The project will cost about €70million and will be sited in the northern part of the country. “We are in discussion with ECG, the main off-taker, and we hope to progress with those discussions. So far everything is going well. We have had engagement with the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), and we think that with all the efforts from these various institutions Scatec Solar will come onstream as planned,” Fred Nuerte Nuer, Director of Scatec Solar Ghana, said.

When completed, the project will become the first large utilities-scale solar power plant in West Africa and the second-largest in Africa, after the company unveiled a 75MW solar plant in South Africa early this week……

the company has targetted 2014 to begin construction of the solar PV plant, and expects the first power to be generated by 2015…….

The country’s Renewable Energy Act, which was passed in 2011, is a response to the global movement away from traditional sources of power like coal and thermal plants to the use of the sun, wind and biofuels for power generation. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=292098

November 16, 2013 Posted by Christina Macpherson | AFRICA, renewable | Leave a comment

Peace on a Nuclear Free Earth – theme for December 2013

Peace on Earth to people of good will

But what is good will? How is it shown? The answer is in respect for one another. Respect means listening to the other’s point of view, and clearly saying your own point of view. It means discussion, argument – communication.

It can be difficult and time consuming. It often seems easier to just hit someone, show them who’s boss, as we have seen in countless Hollywood films – where might is right.

Communication is the alternative to war – and people use communication to get along, and resolve differences – at home, in the community, the region – and nationally and internationally.

The world is pretty much at the crossroads now. Some Israeli and USA politicians threaten military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Iran threatens retaliation. North Korea continues to be a nuclear weapons worry and China, India, USA, Russia, UK ramp up their nuclear weapons. Threats, decisions for violent action – it all seems simpler quicker, easier – easier than communication, negotiation, diplomacy.

November 16, 2013 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina's themes | 1 Comment

Middle East and North Africa (Mena) solar energy to take off

Mena solar energy market gears for growth Most of demand expected to originate from Turkey and Saudi Arabia Gulf news, By Sarah Diaa, Staff Reporter November 15, 2013 Dubai: With an expected combined output of 10 gigawatts by 2017, the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) solar energy sector is gearing for significant growth, experts said.

“As of April 2013, there were 106 renewable energy projects in the pipeline in the region, totalling more than 7.5 gigawatts of new electric generation capacity. This is in addition to 10 major projects set to go ahead in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco,” Director of Informa Energy Group, Anita Mathews said.

She added that 2012 saw new investments in the region totalling $2.9 billion (Dh10.6 billion), an increase of almost 40 per cent compared to 2011.

“An increasing number of countries in the Middle East are keen to invest in the region’s thriving solar industry and with renewable energy sources in abundance — particularly solar power — the region is gradually tapping these resources to pave the way for a new market,” Mathews said.

She expected the majority of demand for solar energy to originate from Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, with the latter leading the way towards the region’s first gigawatt scale solar market by 2015.

Early stage

“The UAE is close, after Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and actually the whole Middle East has plans for solar energy. In terms of capacity as in how much install capacity there is, these two countries are in the lead,” Mathews said…….

The second edition of Solar Middle East, an exhibition for solar industry professionals, will be held from February 11-13 next year at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. http://gulfnews.com/business/general/mena-solar-energy-market-gears-for-growth-1.1255473

November 16, 2013 Posted by Christina Macpherson | MIDDLE EAST, renewable | Leave a comment