Month: March 2023

               A 600MW renewable energy park, comprising solar and storage, is being planned for North Kesteven in the east Midlands. Low Carbon’s proposed Beacon Fen Energy Park will be sited on land east of Sleaford, between the villages of Heckington and Helpringham. James Hartley-Bond, Director at Low Carbon, said: “We are looking forward to speaking directly with local communities about our plans to hear their views first-hand. “We are currently planning an early engagement consultation so we can ensure residents’ feedback links into the proposals, before holding a statutory consultation which is planned for later this year. “The UK Government has made clear its plans for the country to reach Net Zero by 2050. Its aim is to increase the nation’s solar capacity fivefold by 2035. If given permission, Beacon Fen Energy Park will be a significant step forward towards reaching this vital goal and securing sustainable energy for the country.” The project includes building the infrastructure needed to export the electricity the energy park would generate onto the national grid. It is planned this would be via an existing connection point at nearby Bicker Fen.

               The amount of electricity Beacon Fen Energy Park could generate exceeds 50MW and is therefore classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This requires Low Carbon to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate. “We anticipate the development process for the project through to DCO submission and then examination will take between two and three years. Subject to achieving consent, construction would start no earlier than 2026,” said Hartley-Bond. He added: “We look forward to speaking to residents within the coming weeks and introducing them to our proposals.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Unplash/Zbynek Burival]

               Atrato Onsite Energy plc (LSE: ROOF), the investment company focusing on clean energy generation, has acquired two solar sites for a combined £29m. Both projects are expected to deliver long dated, highly visible, contracted cashflows with inflation linked uplifts. The first is a ready-to-build 28MW ground-mounted solar project in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, from Heliofidem UK, with energisation expected in Q4 2023. Atrato has signed heads of terms and an exclusivity agreement with a large multinational food and beverage company for the sale and purchase of electricity generation from this project via a sleeved power purchase agreement. The second site is a 1MW new rooftop solar project in Preston, Lancashire. The project has a 16-year PPA with Huntapac Produce, one of the largest vegetable producers in the UK. Energisation is expected in Q4 2023. 

                “I am very pleased to announce these transactions,” said managing director of Atrato Partners, the company’s investment adviser, Gurpreet Gujral. “The London Road project is our largest single asset transaction to date and will be Atrato Onsite Energy’s first sleeved PPA deal. Long dated sleeved PPAs with corporates are an exciting development in the UK solar sector and one from which ROOF is naturally very well positioned to benefit”.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Pixabay]

               The University of York is to host a solar farm as part of a £1.5m research project that will use AI and robotics to inspect and maintain solar arrays. Siemens has been chosen to design and deliver a 193kW array, located at the university’s Institute for Safe Autonomy as part of the research project. Funded through the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UKRPIF), the project will enhance the institute’s research capabilities to develop and use AI and robotic systems to inspect and maintain solar arrays. The solar farm will create a “living lab” to give insight to landowners and operators of solar farms on how best to integrate robotic technology in the field. The project will also enable the institute to become energy self-sufficient by 2025. The solar farm, which spans more than 1400 square metres, will consist of a range of different panel configurations, including static ground installations and sun-tracking arrays. Solar panels will also be deployed on the side of the institute’s building and the rooftop to maximise light exposure.

               Following successful completion of the design phase, installation work will be carried out on site by specialist installer Lynx later this month, with the project expected to be fully operational by July. Patrick Reilly-O’Donnell, Head of Project Execution at Siemens, said: “The university’s Institute for Safe Autonomy provides a first-class ecosystem for research and innovation in the world of robotics and connected autonomous systems. “As we continue to integrate autonomous technology into our everyday lives, understanding how we can safely deploy them to maximise efficiencies within those sectors connected to the green transition is becoming increasingly important.” The Institute for Safe Autonomy is a new initiative at the University of York which takes a safety critical approach to the design, development and testing of robotics and connected autonomous systems.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: University of York]

               Foresight Solar Fund Limited has secured a pipeline of development-stage solar farms with a total potential capacity of 467MW. The entire project rights have been secured from Grupo Cuerva, a renewable energy company and distribution network operator, and another Spanish developer. This strategic investment – codenamed “Project Lynx” – is located across the south and east of Spain and consists of the rights to six subsidy-free solar development projects. Two of the sites have sought grid connections under the existing application routes and one of those, totalling 57MW, has already secured grid access with the potential to reach ready-to-build status in 2024. The remaining projects will apply for connections via the upcoming capacity market auctions, which are estimated to take place over the next few years. Foresight’s team in Madrid will oversee the projects’ evolution alongside the developers responsible for establishing them, who will continue the development under a services agreement.

               Development-stage projects are those that have secured land rights and have a delivery plan but still require additional work to guarantee the necessary permits to start construction. Under the structuring of this transaction, a modest down payment has been made to the vendors at closing, with Foresight Solar retaining preferential rights to increase the portfolio over time. Full consideration for the assets is contingent on milestone achievements tied to the projects securing grid connections and reaching ready-to-build status over the next few years. Payments for the development rights are also cross-collateralised, such that the initial outlay for any asset that fails to progress may be offset from future milestone payments for successful ones. There is no guarantee that all projects will proceed, and, from an investment planning perspective, the Company has taken a prudent view on the success rate for the portfolio. If it outperforms the base case, Foresight Solar retains the option to recycle capital via asset sales at the ready-to-build stage. Alexander Ohlsson, Chairman of Foresight Solar Fund Limited, said: “The Investment Manager has the expertise to take on these types of projects, carefully pricing risk and capturing the increased financial upside for the Company. “This was demonstrated when our existing 125MW Spanish solar portfolio was brought through to operations last year, resulting in approximately two pence per share of NAV uplift in 2022. “This acquisition now gives Foresight Solar the opportunity to further deliver value for shareholders.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Foresight]

               Aer Soléir and Tartessos Power Development have announced the signing of a development services agreement covering the co-development of a hybrid project of over 130MW in the Andalucía region of Spain. Tartessos, a Spanish based developer with an extensive track record in renewable energy development, has a strong presence across Spain and a robust greenfield renewable energy development portfolio. The partnership allows Dublin-based Aer Soléir to enter the Spanish market with a trusted collaborator and work together to successfully develop its first hybrid project. The Irish company is focused on multi-technology renewable energy development, construction and operation with a particular emphasis on utility-scale onshore wind, solar, and energy storage projects. The agreement will see the companies work closely together, enabling Tartessos to enhance its position as an accomplished green field developer and Aer Soléir to expand its portfolio in a new market.

               “The agreement signed with Tartessos Power Development represents a significant milestone for Aer Soléir, our first investment in the Spanish market, and also the introduction of our first hybrid project with an experienced and committed developer in the Spanish renewables market,” said Aer Soléir chief executive Andy Kinsella. “Tartessos brings strong local expertise and knowledge to this collaboration enabling us to expand into the Spanish market. This investment shows our commitment to grow our portfolio in new markets.”  Tartessos managing director Rainer Kistner added: “The partnership between Aer Soleir and Tartessos is a perfect match: a well-established renewable energy developer with a 25-year track record in Spain joining forces with an international investor backed by a leading global provider of private capital for the energy transition and decarbonization sector. “The envisaged location in southern Spain is the ideal spot for an innovative hybrid project with the objective to produce during day and night renewable energy at lowest costs.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Aer Soléir]

               Belectric has been awarded a contract for the operations and maintenance (O&M) for more than 150MW of solar in the UK. The framework agreement is with NextEnergy Solar Fund, which Belectric won through a competitive tender process run by the fund’s asset manager, WiseEnergy. The framework agreement is for three years and will see Belectric add an expected portfolio of at least 10 solar farms with a total capacity of more than 150MW to its O&M footprint in the UK. The solar power plants range from 5MW to 34MW in capacity and are located in various counties across England, including Dorset, East Sussex and Lincolnshire. Belectric has been providing O&M services for the first three systems since late 2022. Dan Kingscote, Commercial and Strategic Projects Manager at WiseEnergy, said: “We are delighted to start our strategic relationship with Belectric following what was an extremely competitive tender process.

               “We have looked to extract more value from our contractors by applying an innovative approach to O&M; throughout the process we have been impressed with Belectric’s diligence, industry knowledge and alignment with the values which we have applied to try and approach traditional O&M challenges in a novel way. “We look forward to working with them.” Since its founding, WiseEnergy has provided solar asset management, monitoring and technical due diligence services to over 1350 utility-scale power plants with an installed capacity in excess of 1.8GW. WiseEnergy clients comprise banks and equity financiers in the energy and infrastructure sector. “With an O&M footprint of a few hundred MW in the United Kingdom alone and 1.7GW on a global scale, we are one of the leading operations and maintenance service providers in the solar industry. “WiseEnergy will benefit from our in-depth expertise,” added Barry Bennett, Managing Director at Belectric Solar Ltd UK.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: WiseEnergy] 

               GRS has successfully started construction of the 122MW Carmonita Norte solar project in Badajoz, for Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV). This is the fourth major project signed in Spain by the Gransolar company. The Carmonita Norte development, a cluster consisting of three photovoltaic plants, will take advantage of the favourable conditions of Extremadura thanks to its climatic and orographic characteristics. A third of the total installed solar power capacity in all of Spain was commissioned in 2022 in this region, GRS said.  The three plants that make up Carmonita Norte will have a common interconnection infrastructure and an elevator substation, as well as a 220KV high voltage line distributed over 6.7km. They will total more than 185,000 large bifacial solar panels spread over an area of more than 260 hectares. GRS will also be responsible for the EPC of the collector infrastructure, consisting of a 220KV to 400KV elevator substation plus its line, which will serve as the last connection point for the Carmonita Norte, Carmonita Oeste and Carmonita Sur clusters, with a total transformer capacity of close to 1GW.  

               The pile-driving works of the structures that will support the modules and solar trackers supplied by PV Hardware have begun almost a month ahead of schedule. The plant is expected to be fully operational in the second half of 2023.  Fernando Salinas, managing director of FRV Iberia, said: “The construction of Carmonita Norte is great news for FRV, which continues to expand its clean energy portfolio in Spain and, thus, consolidating its role as a leading renewable energy company, as well as for Extremadura, which has a series of excellent conditions to host projects that allow clean energy to continue to grow, with the positive impact that this has both environmentally and on the local community, generating wealth and employment in the region.”  GRS chief operating officer Jordi Vega added: “A few months of hard work and interesting challenges await us, but also of reaping the rewards of the capabilities we have demonstrated to complete large projects and that have allowed us to meet the needs of our customers. “In this sense, we are grateful for the opportunity of FRV to collaborate again in the creation of a large photovoltaic project that will contribute to making the step to clean energies.” 

Credits: renews.biz [Image: GRS]

               Belgian partners Jan De Nul, Tractebel, and DEME have launched Seavolt (pictured), a new offshore floating photovoltaic (PV) technology. This technology is a result of joint research and development, combining the expertise of solar, environmental and offshore experts, the trio said.  They added that Seavolt technology (patent pending) can withstand harsh offshore conditions while creating large surfaces that are protected from the waves. The modular design allows for easy adaptation to different sites and demands, while benefits include local renewable energy production and the possibility to install the panels in offshore windfarms (where local authorities permit multi-use concessions), according to the developers.  Another advantage is the addition of large volumes of renewable energy capacity in a relatively short time, they added. The partners, together with Ghent University, started the VLAIO-funded research project MPVAQUA (Marine PV Aquaculture) within the frame of Blue Cluster four years ago. A marine floater concept was developed together with initial research on effects on the marine ecosystem, integration of aquaculture, and a financial assessment. Following laboratory testing, the partners are currently developing an offshore test installation which will be launched off the Belgian coast in summer 2023. Furthermore, in collaboration with RBINS, parallel tracks focusing on the ecosystem, the environment and cost effectiveness are being launched with the support of the Energy Transition Fund and the Federal Relaunch Fund. Philippe Hutse, offshore director at Jan De Nul Group said: “We are thrilled to launch the Seavolt technology, which represents the culmination of years of hard work and innovation in offshore PV technology together with our partners. “Seavolt is a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that can be deployed in even the harshest offshore conditions.

               “As the offshore wind industry continues to grow, we believe that it has the potential to play a crucial role in optimizing the use of space on the sea by complementing offshore wind farms. “We are excited to see how Seavolt will shape the future of renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.” Tractebel chief executive Philippe Van Troeye said: “In the same way that we have seen wind technology moving from land to the sea, we are seeing the extension of the whole energy system towards offshore locations. “Along with offshore green fuel production, offshore energy islands, interconnectors and potential solutions for energy storage, we believe offshore floating PV has an important role to play in the acceleration of the energy transition. “While this technology is still in its infancy, we are convinced that with such strong partners on board we are giving Seavolt all possible chances to succeed.” Luc Vandenbulcke, chief executive of DEME Group added: “With our focus on working towards a sustainable planet, DEME is again showing its pioneering spirit. “By working closely with like-minded partners, we have developed Seavolt – a new renewable energy solution which has great potential to accelerate the clean energy transition. “DEME has decades of knowledge about what it means to operate in an offshore environment, and we are already the leading contractor in the offshore wind sector. “We believe combining solar and wind energy offshore provides fantastic opportunities for the future.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Jan de Nul]

               Iberdrola has begun construction work at two solar projects in Portugal, totalling around 37MW. Installation work is now progressing at the Montechoro 1 (11.57MW) and Montechoro 2 (25MW) photovoltaic plants near the town of Albufeira, in southern Portugal. More than 64,500 bifacial panels will be installed across both sites. The solar farms are to be operational later this year. Construction will entail up to 200 mostly local jobs during peak construction.

               Over the next few years, Iberdrola plans to invest €3bn in wind and solar energy in Portugal. One of the key projects is the Fernando Pessoa photovoltaic plant, with a capacity of 1200MW capacity, in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. It is expected to come on stream in 2025. Over the coming months, the company plans to begin construction at Carregado (62MW) solar plant in Alenquer (Lisbon) and Estoi (83MW) PV project in the Algarve, which will include battery storage and will be connected to the grid in 2024.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Iberdola]

               Infracapital, the infrastructure equity investment arm of M&G Plc, has agreed the sale of its 90% stake in Infram, an owner of ground- and roof-mounted PV solar panels, to independent power producer, Amarenco. Infracapital and Amarenco first agreed on a joint venture in January 2017, with one operational project (19MW) and two seed projects (25MW combined) in late stages of construction. Infram focuses on building roof-mounted PV solar panels placed on top of newly-built barns and greenhouses. Under Infracapital’s majority ownership, Infram has constructed a stable yielding portfolio of 220 sites with a capacity of over 125MW from initial operational portfolio of 19MW. It has also implemented an effective governance structure to manage and grow the business and secured long-term financing at attractive terms to support long-term sustainable growth.

               Over 2021, infram produced 131.5GWh of clean energy, powering one million  French households for over 131 hours and avoiding 6,328 tons of CO2 emissions. Infracapital invested in Infram through Infracapital Greenfield Partners I (IGP I). The strategy of IGP I is to build, deliver and operate essential greenfield infrastructure to meet the changing needs of society and support long-term economic growth across Europe.  “We’re extremely pleased to have been a part of Infram’s significant growth into a fully-operational, thriving business,” said Greenfield managing director at Infracapital Michele Armanini. “Infram has an important role to play in providing affordable and clean renewable energy to address growing energy demands and reduce CO2 emissions. We look forward to seeing the business’s continued success and further expansion under Amarenco and Infram’s management team over the coming years.” Hailing the sale, Amarenco executive chairman John Mullins, said: “Amarenco has enjoyed an excellent partnership over six years with Infracapital and we are very pleased to complete this transaction and continue the growth of Infram Energy within Amarenco as an independent power producer. “We look forward to executing the remaining development pipeline in France and contribute to the decarbonisation and security of the electricity market.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Dulas]