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Solar industry’s bright prospects in Japan

 New Tariff, Nuclear Halt May Fuel Japan Solar Demand By MARI IWATA, March 5, 2012, TOKYO—Japan may become a bright spot for the solar industry due to regulatory changes and its nuclear power crisis, which equipment makers from home and abroad hope will help offset a profit outlook clouded by oversupply, falling prices and shrinking demand elsewhere.

A new feed-in tariff designed to boost industrial use of renewable energy will come into force this summer, with the government likely to recommend Tuesday rates that utilities should pay for renewable energy-sourced electricity and periods during which they should buy it.

Around the same time, the last of the country’s fleet of 54 reactors will be shut pending government decisions on Japan’s nuclear future.

The new feed-in tariff and the vacuum left by idled nuclear capacity are contributing factors to a European Photovoltaic Industry Association forecast of a 50% rise in Japanese solar panel demand in 2012, to 1.5 gigawatts.

Several foreign solar panel and component makers have already set up shop in Japan, putting them head-to-head with big local producers such as Sharp Corp. and Kyocera Corp., who have benefited from local consumers’ faith in locally made products.Kyocera said Monday that it and partner Softbank have been selected by Kyoto City to build and operate two 2.1-megawatt utility-scale solar power plants that together will be able to supply enough power for 1,000 households. They will be the largest such installations in the prefecture, and are due to be operational by July, when the new feed-in tariff takes effect.

SB Energy, a renewable energy unit of Softbank Corp., said separately Monday that it will build two solar farms, one in Gumma and the other in Kyoto…. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204276304577262781511394776.html

March 6, 2012 Posted by | Japan, renewable | Leave a comment

Scotland’s renewable energy will mean cheaper electricity by 2020

Renewable energy cheaper, Scotland says, Outcome, March 5, 2012, EDINBURGH, Scotland, March 5 (UPI) — Energy bills for consumers in Scotland could be as much 7 percent higher if the government didn’t pursue its renewable energy strategy, a minister said.

Scotland has some of the most ambitious renewable energy targets in Europe. The government aims to meet 100 percent of the electricity demand through renewable energy resources by 2020.

A report from the Scottish government concludes that consumers would pay around $2,035 per year for energy bills by 2020 under the low-carbon policies. If the government pursues a “business as usual” model, bills would be around $2,182 per year.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said there are some doubts as to whether the government can meet its renewable energy targets but they are achievable. “We know there is doubt and skepticism about our 100 percent renewables target and the financial and engineering challenges required to meet it,” he said in a statement.

“But we will meet these challenges. I want to debate, engage and cooperate with every knowledgeable, interested and concerned party to ensure we achieve our goals.” Ewing added renewable energy targets would be met without the need for new nuclear power stations. http://outcomemag.com/science/2012/03/05/renewable-energy-cheaper-scotland-says/

March 6, 2012 Posted by | business and costs, renewable, UK | Leave a comment

Rapid growth of renewable energy finally recognised by International Energy Agency

Renewable energy is now the fastest growing sector of the energy mix and accounts for almost one-fifth of all electricity produced worldwide.

International Energy Agency (Finally) Acknowledges Ascent of Renewable Energy Market Forbes, Erica Giles 29 Feb 2012, The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced last week that it will begin publishing an annual market forecast of renewable energy, starting in July. Continue reading →

February 29, 2012 Posted by | renewable | Leave a comment

Phenomenal growth in wind energy in 2011

Global Wind Energy Powered Ahead In 2011,by Energy Matters, 24 Feb 12, This month saw the release of the Global Wind Energy Council’s wrap-up of 2011, and the figures show wind power continued to surge ahead in a global climate of political and economic uncertainty.

Today, around 75 countries worldwide have commercial scale wind power installations, with 22 of them already passing the 1 GW level. In 2011, just over 41,000 MW of new wind power was installed worldwide, bringing the total installed capacity globally to more than 238,000 MW. This represents an increase of 21%, with an increase in the size of the annual global market of just over 6%……  http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=3069

February 28, 2012 Posted by | 2 WORLD, renewable | Leave a comment

Tonga aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2015

Tonga has set its renewable energy target at 50% by 2015, and already has a plan
(the Tonga Energy Roadmap) for how it will achieve this lofty figure.

Tonga is receiving financial support from New Zealand and technical support from the Renewable Energy & Efficiency Program (REEP) in the development of its renewable energy projects

Tonga Starts on its Plan to Achieve 50% Renewable Energy by 2015, Oil Price, By Charles Kennedy , 24 February 2012 As oil prices increase, steady oil supplies become more uncertain, and CO2 emissions continue to increase, many countries around the world are trying to invest in renewable energy sources. Continue reading →

February 25, 2012 Posted by | OCEANIA, renewable | Leave a comment

Europe’s clean energy firms get together to lobby EU

Progressive energy firms launch new climate alliance EurActve 23 Feb 12, Eight of Europe’s largest energy companies have launched a clean energy alliance with a call for the EU to set legally enforceable targets for 2030 in emissions reductions, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The informal alliance describes itself as “a loosely-founded coalition of progressive energy companies [that] share the same views on accelerated transformation of the energy system”.

Its members are Acciona (Spain), DONG Energy (Denmark), EDP (Portugal), Eneco (the Netherlands), EWE (Germany), Public Power Corporation (Greece), Sorgenia (Italy) and SSE (UK).

“The lack of binding targets post-2020, an ETS failing to stimulate investment in renewables, and an outdated energy infrastructure, severely threaten to wreck the needed modernisation and decarbonisation of the European energy sector,” the group says in a strongly worded open letter to the European Commission.

“We call on the Commission and the Presidency of the Council to… decide on legal mandates for binding 2030 renewables, CO2, and energy efficiency targets,” the letter continues….
http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/progressive-energy-firms-launch-new-climate-alliance-news-511048

February 24, 2012 Posted by | EUROPE, renewable | Leave a comment

Asia and Pacific powering ahead with decentralised renewable eneergy

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) released the report “Green Growth, Resources, and Resilience” this week.

On the road to green economies, Malaya Business Insights, 24 Feb12, Net metering is empowering electric consumers in the Philippines. The scheme is embodied in the Philippines’ Renewable Energy Act of 2008 – considered to be the most comprehensive renewable energy law in Southeast Asia.

It allows electric consumers to sell power to the grid at an approved feed-in tariff and buy power as necessary at the normal retail tariff. The feed-in tariff will provide a guaranteed fixed price for at least 12 years for electricity produced from emerging renewable resources: wind, solar power, ocean, run-of-river hydropower, and biomass.

With net metering, the consumer generates electricity at the point of use, and is able to supply excess electricity generated into the grid, either earning revenue or reducing net payable consumption.

Net metering provides a regulatory basis for distributed and decentralized energy systems and at the same time provides a powerful incentive for end-use efficiency improvements. Net metering can be combined with feed-in-tariffs to promote renewable energy generation in decentralized applications. Continue reading →

February 24, 2012 Posted by | ASIA, decentralised, Philippines | 1 Comment

Growing number of small decentralised renewable energy projects

Smaller, renewable energy projects setting roots across west central Minnesota It’s hard to miss the development of renewable energy at the University of Minnesota campus in Morris. What can be more difficult to see, but no less significant, is the growing number and variety of smaller renewable energy projects setting roots all around the region. Morris Sun Tribune, By: Tom Cherveny, West Central Tribune WILLMAR, Minn. 21 Feb 12,  – It’s hard to miss the development of renewable energy at the University of Minnesota campus in Morris.

There are now two, 1.6-megawatt wind generators towering over the prairie and cranking out enough kilowatts to provide 60 percent of the electrical needs on campus. A heating system utilizing locally harvested biomass produces 25 percent of the thermal energy required on campus, with expectations of meeting 50 percent of needs next year.

What can be more difficult to see, but no less significant, is the growing number and variety of smaller renewable energy projects setting roots all around the region. In recent years 17 different “net metering” projects have been added by customers on the Kandiyohi Power Cooperative’s distribution grid, for example. Using small wind generators or solar photovoltaic panels, customers are producing a portion of their own electricity and selling any excess back to the grid.

Renewable energy systems of all types — from small wind generators to methane digesters — are being installed on farms, homes and businesses throughout southwestern Minnesota. Participants from throughout western Minnesota gathered recently at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center to identify the projects and to help chart the way for more….. http://www.morrissuntribune.com/event/article/id/27223/

February 22, 2012 Posted by | decentralised, USA | Leave a comment

Decentralised renewable energy taking off in Britain’s small businesses

London Small and Medium Enterprises  plan to generate their own renewable energy – and one in eight already do London Loves Business 20 February 2012 A number of London’s SMEs have invested in generating their own energy and even more plan to follow within the next five years, according to a survey.

About 13 per cent of the capital’s small and medium-sized firms now generate at least some of their own energy, higher than the national average of six per cent, Opus Energy’s research found.

The amount of SMEs based in London that could be producing their own energy by 2017 is set to rise to 38 per cent, if they carry out investment plans. One in 10 of London’s firms said they hoped to start generating renewable power on their business’ premises within the next
12 months…. http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/news/london-firms-plan-to-generate-renewable-power/1737.article

February 21, 2012 Posted by | decentralised, UK | Leave a comment

Britain’s opportunity to lead in exporting marine energy technologies

UK could become leading exporter of wave and tidal power, say MPs New report from Energy and Climate Change Committee calls on government to establish long term goals for marine energy guardian.co.uk,   20 February 2012 The government will today be called on to increase its support for wave and tidal power in a new report from MPs warning the UK is at risk of repeating mistakes which allowed the country to lose its early lead in the developing wind power industry.

MPs on the Commons’ Energy and Climate Change Committee (ECC) on Monday released a report on the future of marine renewables, which will claim the UK could become a leading exporter of wave and tidal power equipment and expertise if the government adopts a more visionary approach to developing marine energy.

Seven of the the eight full-scale prototype devices installed worldwide are in UK waters, making the country the current world leader in the development of wave and tidal energy technologies. Continue reading →

February 21, 2012 Posted by | renewable, UK | Leave a comment

Great potential for decentralised solar and wind energy in Kenya

Kenya receives an estimated 4 to 6 kWh per square meter per day of solar insolation, equivalent to about 300 million tonnes of oil according to African Energy Policy Research Network 2004. 

Kenya has one of the best wind resources in the world averaging between 3 and 10m/s with northern Kenya recording speeds of up to 11m/s.

Innovation and Diversification Are Key for Kenya’s Renewable Energy Industry, Renewable Energy World, By Peter Kahare,  February 20, 2012  KENYA — Decentralizing and diversifying renewable energy power generation technologies could be the panacea to save Kenyans from unreliable and expensive power supplied by hydro and thermal power generation, a recent study has found.

The new study by Christian Aid, an international agency that seeks solutions to chronic poverty in various nations says that empowering communities in rural areas in Kenya to produce power through renewable, cleaner sources could reduce overreliance on hydropower and fully exploit the renewable energy potential while offering opportunity to unlock economic growth. Participation of local communities in renewable energy technology projects such as
small/micro hydro, wind, solar, bagasse cogeneration and improved stoves could increase energy security and mitigate against climate change effects that badly affect the hydro power generation technology,” says Alison Doig, the report’s lead author and senior climate change advisor at Christian aid. Continue reading →

February 21, 2012 Posted by | decentralised, Kenya | Leave a comment

“Baseload power” soon to be outmoded by smart grids, flexible energy sources

the concept of baseload and peaking power – the current model for electricity grids worldwide – will be replaced by a system of flexible and inflexible energy sources……    a smart grid system.

The end of baseload? It may come sooner than you think, RENeweconomy, By    20 February 2012 One of the principal architects of Germany’s push into renewable energy technologies, Hans-Josef Fell, believes that the country could achieve 100 per cent renewables in its electricity sector by 2030 – and may do it quicker. The rest of the world could follow soon after. Continue reading →

February 21, 2012 Posted by | 2 WORLD, renewable | Leave a comment

Wind and solar alone provided 70% of new European electricity capacity

More than 68% of New European Electricity Capacity Came from Wind and Solar in 2011, by . February 18, 2012 by Stephen Lacey, ThinkProgress As the sovereign debt crisis unfolds in Europe, onlookers have questioned whether the region will stay committed to renewable energy. The answer so far is “yes.”
Even with a few countries pulling back on government support of the industry because of fiscal troubles, 2011 was still a huge year for deployment — with wind and solar alone representing almost 70% of new capacity.That’s almost a 10-fold increase over deployment in 2000, when only 3.5 GW of renewable energy projects were installed. Last year, 32 GW of renewables — mostly wind and solar — were deployed across European countries.

The figures come from the European Wind Energy Association, which just released a report on industry growth.

Growth in Europe has consistently outstripped forecasts. The EU currently has a target of getting 20% of its final energy (heat, electricity and fuels) from renewable energy. Numerous countries have already surpassed their needed targets in the electricity and heating sectors, and it’s likely that the entire region will move past the goal well ahead of schedule.

It’s expected that renewable electricity sources will meet 34% of demand in Europe by 2020, with 25 of 27 countries to surpass their targets beforehand.

In 2011, solar PV accounted for 26.7% of capacity additions, wind power accounted for 21.4% of additions, and natural gas made up 22% of installations. Below that was coal at 4.8%, fuel oil at 1.6%, large hydro at 1.3%, and concentrating solar power at 1.1% of capacity….  http://www.care2.com/causes/more-than-68-of-new-european-electricity-capacity-came-from-wind-and-solar-in-2011.html#ixzz1mxnzejRH

February 21, 2012 Posted by | EUROPE, renewable | Leave a comment

Florida to “start the conversation” on developing renewable eneergy

Energy Independence Is Golden Chance to Develop Renewables:   Renewable advocates support Florida energy bills CBS News, (AP)  TALLAHASSEE, Fla.16 Feb 12,  — Advocates of conservation and renewable sources such as solar and biomass are supporting what sponsors are calling “modest” energy legislation in the belief that even a small start would cause those efforts to snowball. Continue reading →

February 16, 2012 Posted by | renewable, USA | Leave a comment

320.000 UK homes get electricity from offshore wind turbines

World’s biggest offshore wind farm officially connected to the Grid, Environmental News Network, 10 Feb 2012, The world’s biggest offshore wind farm was officially opened today after record-fast construction in the middle of the Irish Sea. The 102 turbines of the two connected Walney wind farms cover an area of 73 square-kilometres and were formally connected to the National Grid in a ceremony today.

With a capacity of 367.2MW, the huge project can provide low-carbon, green electricity to 320,000 homes. The generating capacity of each turbine, supplied by Siemens Wind Power, is 3.6MW, and the rotor diameter of the turbines is 107m for Walney 1 and 120m for Walney 2, with a maximum height of 150m from sea level to blade tip….. http://www.enn.com/energy/article/43984

February 11, 2012 Posted by | renewable, UK | 1 Comment

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