Month: July 2023

               Low carbon power generator Infinis and recycling firm FCC Environment have completed work on their new UK solar park in Winterton, Lincolnshire. Developed on a former landfill site, Winterton Solar Park generates circa 4,300MWh of renewable energy each year – enough to power more than 1300 homes. The Winterton solar energy park occupies approximately 18 acres. It has been constructed in accordance with a methodology approved by the Environment Agency, which protects the existing landfill structure.

               Chris Ellis, director of operations at FCC Environment, said: “We are thrilled to see the completion of the converted Winterton landfill site into a solar park. “It is important to support these projects that make a significant contribution in supporting the UK to achieve its Net Zero targets.” Shane Pickering, chief executive of Infinis added: “Infinis is committed to developing and constructing its pipeline of projects on FCC sites. “These developments repurpose landfill, enhance biodiversity and support the UK’s transition to net zero. “We also welcome North Lincolnshire Council’s pro-active approach to reviewing and concluding planning applications in the shortest time possible. “This focus has helped enable us to build Winterton and commence generating renewable power into the local grid network within a five-month period, and reinforces the local commitment to supporting clean energy.” The EPC contractor for the project was Ethical Power.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Infinis]

               Cambridge Power has secured planning permission for a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Bedfordshire, England. The project, in Staploe, will adjoin the Eaton Socon Grid Sub Station. This is the first site with planning permission to benefit from a technical grid connection solution developed by UKPN as part of its Regional Development Programme (RDP). The RDPs are designed to unlock additional network capacity and reduce constraints by offering BESS a grid connection with restrictions in use based around peak demand and peak generation times on the network. They aim to introduce new ways of working that significantly enhance transmission and distribution systems coordination and control.

               Cambridge Power will now progress its construction timetable and meet the revised near-term connection date of 2024 and deliver the first project under the RDP. The hope is that National Grid will adopt this successful RDP solution as part of the grid remodeling exercise currently going through consultation, enabling significant capacity to connect to the UK grid network ahead of current suggested delays. The site near Eaton Socon will see biodiversity net gains provided as part of the scheme. Extensive planting is proposed, alongside the technical infrastructure, to provide ecological benefit and landscape mitigation and achieve a very significant biodiversity net gain of 71%. This includes a new tree-lined, native and species-rich hedgerow along the existing site access track off Bushmead Road, new species-rich grassland habitat and extensive areas of scrubland and woodland blocks around the Site to provide visual screening and assimilate the BESS into the landscape. Cambridge Power head of planning Neil Waterson said: “We are delighted to secure permission, under delegated powers, for this 100MW BESS from Bedford Borough Council and are grateful for the support of all our consultants, including Engena, WSP, Turley, Orion Heritage and Hopkins Ecology in helping to achieve another positive outcome for Cambridge Power.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Cambridge Power]

               SeaVolt, a collaboration between Tractebel, DEME, and Jan De Nul, is preparing to install its first floating solar energy test platform offshore. The platform flotation system is currently located in the Port of Ostend, on the Belgian North Sea coast, where main contractor Equans is finalising assembly. The test platform will be the first installation in the Belgian North Sea aimed at the large-scale development of offshore solar energy and is scheduled to be towed offshore, anchored, and put into operation to gather data for at least a year starting in August. Unlike existing floating solar installations on lakes, SeaVolt has developed a concept specifically tailored to the conditions of rough seas, the consortium said. 

               With its modular design, this technology is highly suitable for installation as a complement to offshore wind farms. Under the framework of the Blue Cluster funded research project MPVAQUA and additional support from the federal government via BELSPO, the partners within SeaVolt together with Ghent University (UGENT) are ready to conduct a year-round open-sea testing inside the POM-West Vlaanderen owned ‘Blue Accelerator offshore test zone’. This proof of concept installation will gather crucial data on the impact of waves, rain and salt sprays on various solar panels with different PV panel configurations. In addition, the impact of varying inclinations, caused by waves and wind, on the energy output will be closely monitored. The test aims to determine the level of protection required to shield the solar panels from seawater and bird droppings, the consortium said. Amongst other materials suitable for this floating technology, SeaVolt has chosen to use novel light-weight carbon fiber material in this test installation. This material presents potential benefits for offshore use however is not often used in such harsh marine conditions yet, according to the developers. Optical embedded fibers and sensors attached to the structure will assess if the structural integrity (vibrations/fatigue) of the material is in line with the numerical models and results obtained from the ocean wave tank and wind tunnel tests. Since the floating structure and solar panels are driving the cost, these measurements are indispensable for further financial assessment. In addition to technical tests, the SeaVolt test installation will also address ecological aspects. Various materials will be evaluated based on prevention of adverse effects on the marine environment. The test results will determine the selection of materials for further development. It is important not only to minimize the attachment of excessive marine growth to the floater to maintain its buoyancy, the developers said. Lastly, specific tests will be conducted to assess combining the floater systems with mussel cultivation and oyster farming, which present specific challenges

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

               Chinese-manufactured solar panels are piling up in European warehouses, with approximately 40GWdc of capacity currently in storage, according to Rystad Energy. The number of panels, worth about £7bn, is same amount installed across the continent in 2022, and could generate enough electricity to power 20 million homes per year, the analysts said. The build-up is only set to grow this year, with Rystad Energy forecasting 100GWdc of solar capacity in storage by the end of 2023.

               Europe’s spending on solar imports has almost quadrupled in the last five years, surging from €5.5bn in 2018 to more than €20bn last year, while the supply source has become increasingly concentrated, Rystad said. Around €18.5bn, equal to 91% of all PV import expenditure, was spent on Chinese products, as volatile panel prices impacted buying decisions, it added.  Marius Mordal Bakke, senior supply chain analyst at Rystad Energy, said: “European countries are desperate to get their hands on affordable solar infrastructure to advance their renewable energy targets, decarbonise and avoid paying elevated prices for new capacity. “Although efforts are underway to build a reliable solar supply chain in Europe, the need for panels now means leaders cannot wait until 2025 or later to buy European.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Asia Chang/Unplash]

               Vattenfall has acquired the German solar developer Solizer, which has a pipeline of projects across the country totalling 4GW. A well as the pipeline, the transaction includes an experienced team. This acquisition expands Vattenfall’s German solar development portfolio to 7GW in total. The first projects from the new portfolio will be ready for construction as early as 2024.

               Vattenfall senior vice president and head of business area wind Helene Biström said: “Germany is a core market for Vattenfall’s solar development. “Solar is cost-competitive and can be built subsidy-free, which is important in meeting the rapidly increasing demand for low-cost solar power from customers. “By adding Solizer’s development projects and know-how to our portfolio we continue on our renewables growth path.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Vattenfall]

               A fund set up by Modus Asset Management has acquired a 55MW solar portfolio of ground mounted solar photovoltaic farms in Latvia in cooperation with Baltics developer Evecon. The portfolio has been developed by Evecon SIA and consists of 10 projects located around Latvia. It includes sites with bi-facial modules as well as single-axis trackers and fixed tilt technology.The portfolio is close to ready-to-build (RTB) stage. Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services will be provided by WiSo Engineering OÜ, an Evecon group company.

               Under the terms of the agreement, the value of the RTB acquisition transaction or EPC services will not be disclosed. The acquisition was implemented through Clean Energy Infrastructure Fund, the fourth fund launched by Modus Asset Management. The fund reached its first closing in May 2023 and has a target size of €200m and invests in solar PV, onshore wind, and battery storage projects from late development up to turnkey stages. Investment geography covers the Baltic States, Poland, and other Central European countries. Evecon SIA chief executive Gatis Lazda said: “Evecon is a fast-growing renewable energy company with an ambitious development plan in the Baltics and one of the largest portfolios of solar parks in Latvia. “To develop our projects, we use the experience gained by the Evecon group developing and installing renewable projects to achieve the maximum performance result. “We are pleased to cooperate with such a strong professional partner to implement new renewable energy projects in Latvia.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Modus/Evecon]

               Aquila Group’s clean energy development platform in Europe has signed a framework agreement with Trina Solar for the supply of 800MW of photovoltaic modules for part of its portfolio in southern Europe. The deal covers several sites which are part of the portfolio that Aquila Clean Energy is developing in the region.  These projects are due for delivery in 2023 and 2024.  The partnership between Aquila and the module maker will open the way for future opportunities for more extensive collaborations, including potential for an expansion of volume, new technologies such as batteries by Trina Storage or the TrinaPro solution including solar trackers by Trina Tracker. 

               It could also extend their collaboration to other markets and eventually the formation of a long-term partnership in the form of a strategic framework.  Aquila Clean Energy EMEA chief executive Susanne Wermter said: “For us, the signing of this agreement represents a big step in developing our projects in EMEA in the most efficient way possible. “We are delighted to collaborate with Trina Solar, a leading player in the industry with a proven track record. “This agreement allows us to weather market fluctuations with confidence and to develop our portfolio under competitive conditions, using efficient technologies in our projects.”   Trina Solar EMEA president Gonzalo de la Viña added: “This cooperation is very special and exciting for Aquila Clean Energy and Trina Solar. “We feel honoured that Aquila Clean Energy has chosen Trina Solar as a strategic module partner for developing their evolving project portfolio.” Aquila Clean Energy EMEA manages a portfolio of around 10.3GW in Europe, with a focus on wind, solar and battery storage, with projects under development, construction and operation in different countries. 

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Trina Solar

               SUSI Partners, through the SUSI Energy Transition Fund, has acquired a majority stake in newly formed APAL MW (APAL). APAL is a French clean energy development company born out of the merger of French wind and solar developers 3N Développement and L’Agence de Développement des ENR. With this transaction, the fund establishes a presence in another core European market poised to rapidly expand its renewable energy generation capacities.

               APAL aims to establish itself as an independent power producer while continuing its development activities on behalf of third parties in the medium term. Collectively, the group has to date originated and is developing over 800MW of utility-scale onshore wind and solar photovoltaic projects. It also has the potential to expand into further sectors of the clean energy market such as battery energy storage and rooftop solar PV in the future. Through SETF, SUSI looks to advance the growth of asset investment platforms and management-led businesses across the energy transition sector and has already built a well-diversified portfolio with activities in clean energy generation, energy efficiency, energy storage, and integrated customer energy solutions. APAL represents the fund’s eighth portfolio company overall, adding to platforms established in Italy and Poland that are complemented by non-European investments in the US, Australia, and Chile.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: SUSI Partners]

               L&G NTR Clean Power (Europe) Fund has completed the financing of three Spanish solar projects in partnership with NordLB. As the sole debt provider and hedge counterparty, NordLB has provided debt facilities of around €50m with a debt tenor of 18 years. The portfolio, which consists of two sites in Castilla la Mancha and one in Andalucia, are all in construction with the first already exporting power and scheduled to achieve commercial operations this month.

               Once fully operational, the developments will have a combined capacity of 115MWp, producing enough clean power to serve 51,424 homes. Power Purchase Agreements have been signed with three parties including Nestle Spain and Nestle Portugal, Huhtamaki and Holaluz which will use 70% of the power generated across the three projects over the next 10 years. In a separate transaction, the fund has also completed the acquisition of Ferme Eolienne Cruscades and Canet, a six-turbine onshore wind project near Narbonne, France. With a capacity of 13.4MW, the site will provide clean energy for over 5500 households and is already under construction, with the fund having acquired the asset from Samfi Energy, subsidiary company of Samfi Invest group. NTR chief investment officer Anthony Doherty commented: “This is a substantial financing which we have successfully closed in a more challenging environment, proving that quality clean power projects and a strong sponsor can still attract favourable terms. “We are delighted to continue our strong relationship with NordLB and to have them involved in this project, which is helping to accelerate the energy transition across Europe. Both announcements today are significant milestones for the fund as, together with LGIM, we work hard to deliver new renewable energy installations which play an important role in meeting vital climate goals.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Pixabay]

               The renewable energy arm of BayWa has achieved commercial operations at its Bracks Farm Solar Park in the UK. The project, which is located approximately 2km to the east of Wicken in Cambridgeshire, produces enough clean energy to supply 8000 homes with green, renewable energy per year. The completion of the site brings the total solar capacity installed by BayWa r.e. in the UK to just over 350MWp. Construction on Bracks started in September 2022, and the project was sold to the UK’s Railways Pension Scheme, managed by Railpen, at the end of last year. BayWa r.e. will provide long-term O&M, as well as commercial asset management services for the solar project.

               In partnership with Grune Energien Solar, BayWa r.e. has also recently received planning consent for the development of the Clump Farm and Hill Farm solar projects in Leicestershire. With installed solar capacity of 49.9MWp and 18MWp respectively, these projects will be able to supply up to 22,000 Leicestershire homes with green energy per year in what is a major contribution to both Hinkley and Bosworth Borough Council’s and Blaby District Council’s environmental objectives. Now that consent has been granted, the Clump Farm and Hill Farm solar projects should commence construction in 2025. “Solar farms are essential to achieve the UK’s goal of net zero carbon by 2050 and ensure homes and businesses can be powered by clean, renewable and domestically generated energy, said BayWa r.e. UK managing director John Milligan. “The successful commercial operation of Bracks solar farm, as well as the approvals for Clump Farm Solar and Hill Farm Solar are testament to the hard work put in by our team. With a development pipeline of 1.9GW across solar, wind and storage projects, we are looking forward to delivering more projects over the coming years.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Pixabay]