Month: November 2023

               Briggs Marine has completed subsea cable installation work as principal contractor to Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Distribution, for projects on Scottish islands including Orkney. With the existing connecting cables nearing the end of their operational lifespan, the vital work improves reliability, resilience and safety of the electricity network for customers in the island communities of Arran, Orkney, Hoy and the Isle of Coll.

               The works included the installation of four separate cable crossings, including an 11kv replacement cable between Langamull beach on Mull and Sorisdale on the Isle of Coll. A second 33kv cable was installed between Carradale and Arran with a further two 33kv cables crossing between Hoy and Orkney. Working closely with the subsea cable team at SSEN Distribution, Briggs Marine mobilised and successfully completed the four separate cable installations and eight shore ends within four months. Contracted to fully project-manage and install 15.6 km of new cable between Mull and Coll as well as 6.6 km from Carradale to Arran, the first phase of works required seabed preparation, including pre-lay boulder clearance, pre-lay grapnel runs (PLGR), potential unexploded ordnance (pUXO) investigations and route engineering. From its own fleet of vessels, Briggs Marine mobilised the Kingdom of Fife with a PLGR spread to undertake route clearance operations. The Forth Jouster was also mobilised as the dive support vessel (DSV).

Credits: renews.biz [Image: SSEN Distribution]

                Developer TES Canada H2 has revealed plans for a $4bn green hydrogen scheme it has dubbed Projet Mauricie in the country. Totalling $4bn in investments for the region, the project consists of the construction of an electrolyzer and renewable energy production assets which, when it is commissioned in 2028, will produce 70,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year for the Quebec market. With the aim of reducing annual CO2 emissions by 800,000 tonnes, it is among the largest decarbonization projects announced in the province to date said the developer. Approximately a third of the fuel produced will be dedicated to decarbonizing long-haul transportation, which accounts for nearly 10% of Quebec’s annual emissions.

               The remaining volumes will be used to produce e-NG (electric renewable natural gas) for hard-to-abate industries. ”Clean energy represents a generational economic opportunity,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson. “This project in the Mauricie region will create hundreds of sustainable jobs while providing affordable, reliable and clean energy to the Québec power grid, as well as to the industry and transportation sectors. Projects like this one help to fight climate change and create a prosperous future.” Projet Mauricie will contribute to achieving 3% of the province’s GHG reduction targets by 2030 said TES. “Being a climate leader pays dividends for our economy,” said Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault. “TES Canada’s Projet Mauricie embodies this innovative vision through its commitment to decarbonization. This major commitment to the local community is the cornerstone of long-term economic well-being for the region. “By combining the reduction of CO2 emissions, the creation of quality jobs along with regional economic dynamism, this project illustrates the immense potential of green energy for our collective future.” The majority of the project’s energy needs will be met by its own 1GW wind and solar farm said TES. Located in the Vallée de la transition énergétique, the scheme will create more than 1000 jobs during the construction period and over 200 posts in the long term.

               “We are proud to be developing this major project in the Mauricie region, the cradle of renewable energy in Québec,” TES Canada general manager Éric Gauthier. “The region, at the heart of the Vallée de la transition énergétique, offers many advantages to deliver hydrogen to Québec users. The economic spin-offs will be significant for Shawinigan and the Mauricie region and will position Québec as a leader in decarbonization.” MP for Saint-Maurice-Champlain and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne added: “The Projet Mauricie once again positions our region at the heart of the transition towards a green economy. “By leveraging the innovation and strength of our resources, TES Canada is contributing to the shift towards a new era of more sustainable energy, fostering the emergence of an economy that is greener and more resilient. “This flagship project, which will create hundreds of good jobs for local workers, reflects our government’s commitment to a cleaner future for the Mauricie region, and for Québec and Canada as well.” As part of the development, TES is launching its local stakeholder information and consultation process, starting with open-house community information sessions on 21 November in Shawinigan, 27 November in Saint-Adelphe and 28 November in Saint-Narcisse. For more information on the project, visit www.projetmauricie.ca.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: TES Canada H2]

               Ampyr Solar Europe and Multiplex have signed a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for a project in Norfolk in the east of England, UK. The PPA is for the Northwold Solar PV Generating Station. The solar plant is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024 and will provide renewable energy to Multiplex’s construction sites and offices across the UK.

               Ampyr will build and operate the solar farm which is expected to produce more than 9000 megawatt hours of energy annually. Steve Mason, Chief Commercial Officer at Ampyr Solar Europe, said: “Ampyr Solar Europe continues its journey towards becoming a leading European IPP with world-class assets in the UK, as well as in Germany and the Netherlands. We are proud to be able to offer innovative PPA products, providing offtakers with the price and supply certainty they require to meet their sustainability goals.” Following Multiplex’s commitment to a PPA in 2021, this deal will allow Multiplex to procure renewable electricity from the Northwold, meaning it will be considered additional. This ensures that Multiplex’s procurement of renewable energy directly leads to verifiable emission reduction and more renewable energy production, supporting the UK’s national decarbonisation goals.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Unplash/Chelsea]

               Swiss developer Axpo is planning to build a second 30MW Alpine solar park called Ovra Solara Rueun on Alp da Rueun in the country. The announcement follows its September 2023 presentation of proposals to build the 15MW Ovra Solara Camplauns ground-mounted system on Alp da Schnaus in Ilanz/Glion in the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland. This second project forms part of the company’s ambition to generate a total of around 66GWh of sustainable electricity in Ilanz/Glion the region, corresponding to the electricity consumption of over 14,000 households. The two sites will produce essential winter electricity said the developer. “Our outstanding partnership with the municipality of Ilanz/Glion marks another key step in our solar offensive and for the energy transition in Switzerland,” said head of Axpo Solar Switzerland Oliver Hugi.

               “I am delighted that we can rely on the experienced solar expert Axpo for the two projects in our community,” said the region’s mayor says Marcus Beer. “With these plants, we are increasing energy security in Switzerland, adding value to the region and bringing the community long-term income for the municipal treasury.” Axpo informed the population of the Ilanz/Glion municipality about the two intended projects at an information event and the public will vote on the two projects within the next few weeks. Assuming a positive voting result and a building permit, Axpo will begin the construction of the plants in spring 2025, with partial commissioning expected in late 2025. The Ovra Solara Camplauns site will cover an area of 200,000 square metres and is expected to produce 22GWh of electricity per year, which equates to the electricity consumption of over 4700 households. The developer said it installation will leave the ski slopes and hiking and cycling trails undisturbed. After completion, the land will remain usable as pasture, enabling the coexistence of habitat and energy production it said. Ovra Solara Rueun is planned for installation over an area of around 500,000 square metres. The plant is expected to produce around 44GWh of renewable power, which equates to the electricity consumption of over 9,400 households. As with the plant on Alp da Schnaus, it is being ensured here the site’s various uses can coexist harmoniously said the developer. The plant will also be constructed up to the existing high-voltage line in order to combine the infrastructure.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Expo]

               Developer Elements Green has unveiled plans for the UK’s first 1GW solar and energy storage park which would be located to the north-west of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, England. The project, known as Great North Road Solar Park, is categorised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), and has the potential to meet the power needs of circa 400,000 homes (equivalent to 100% of homes in Nottinghamshire) while avoiding more than 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. “Our proposals for Great North Road Solar Park build on the Trent Valley’s long history of powering the UK”, said Great North Road Solar Park project director Mark Noone.  “With an installed capacity of over 1GW DC the scheme would help secure the UK’s future energy needs, while making a 1.5% contribution towards the government target to increase the UK’s solar capacity to 70GW by 2035.

               “Stepping up the production of sustainable, home-grown electricity it would also contribute to tackling the cost-of-living crisis head-on through the reduction of household energy bills.” Work is under way to determine suitable areas for accommodating the principal components of the project which include PV panels, an on-site energy storage facility and associated infrastructure to connect the scheme to the grid at Staythorpe substation. The final scheme would include significant biodiversity enhancements including tree planting, wildflower meadows, and wetland areas. The findings from this initial work will be shared through a first stage of community consultation anticipated in early 2024. Feedback to this consultation will be used to inform and refine more detailed proposals on which a further stage of consultation will be carried out. “We believe that local communities have an important role to play in helping to inform and influence how our proposals for Great North Road Solar Park evolve,” said Noone. “We want to deliver this project responsibly and are committed to consulting as widely and effectively as possible, working together with residents, businesses and community organisations to improve and enhance our proposals as our plans for the project progress.

               “We’re extremely keen to hear about any initiatives we could support or deliver to benefit those communities closest to the development through our community benefit scheme, known as NG+, which will be directly linked to this project,” he continues. “NG+ would make available in the region of £1m per annum to provide grants for residential and commercial energy efficiency measures and small-scale renewable energy schemes, through to supporting community projects, apprenticeships, school and college programs, to woodland, biodiversity, and archaeology projects. This is in addition to the making an estimated contribution of circa £1.5m-£3m in business rates to the Newark and Sherwood district. The project would not rely on any form of government subsidy.” It is anticipated that the development process for Great North Road Solar Park through DCO submission and examination will take between two and three years. Subject to achieving consent, construction would begin around 2027. Information about the proposed development is available on the project website www.gnrsolarpark.co.uk. Interested parties are invited to register their details on the website so they can be notified directly as soon as new information becomes available.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Great Road Solar Park]

               Bechtel has been selected by Sabanci Renewables to design and construct a 232MW (dc) solar plant in Victoria County, Texas. Bechtel will design and deliver the site, including engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project management. Construction is set to begin early next year and be completed in mid-2025.  Oriana Solar will include bifacial solar panel technology that enables both sides of the hardware to absorb sunlight.

               The renewable power produced at Oriana Solar will be delivered to customers on the grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Bechtel completed Cutlass Solar 1 for Advanced Power in January this year and recently passed the halfway construction point at Cutlass Solar 2 for Sabanci Renewables. “We’re delighted to expand our work with Sabanci to deliver a third renewable energy project for the people of Texas,” said general manager of Bechtel’s Renewables & Clean Power business Scott Austin. “We will be utilising Bechtel’s 125 years of delivery expertise on this project, and as always, look to employ local people and suppliers to build a facility that will power communities with clean renewable energy for decades to come.”

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Sabanci Renewables]

Credits: renews.biz [Image: Rawfilm/Unplash]

                 Proposals for a 30MW solar project in Deven have been approved by the planning inspector at East Devon District Council. The planning inspector agreed with the original recommendation of East Devon District Council’s planning officers (that approval should be granted for the proposals, finding that, “the overall benefits of the development would substantially outweigh the harms it would cause”. Simon Crowe, Director at Taiyo, said: “We are delighted to receive planning approval, and we extend our t gratitude to the planning inspector for understanding our case.

“This approval will deliver a key solar and green infrastructure facility that will further the climate goals of East Devon and the wider region.  “Ford Oaks provides a vital opportunity to address East Devon’s sustainability and energy needs by providing a renewable energy source for 18,500 homes. “It will also significantly enhance the local area’s biodiversity and nature by delivering a remarkable 121% biodiversity net gain. “Working together with East Devon District Council and the local community, we are looking forward to bringing Ford Oaks scheme to life, achieving a key milestone in our commitment to supporting the UK’s net zero goals.” The Ford Oaks Solar & Green Infrastructure Facility is situated next to the A30 about four miles east of Exeter City Centre and close to Exeter Airport. The 29 hectares of solar arrays will be installed to permit extensive sheep grazing, allowing for energy production and agricultural use on the same land. In partnership with local landowners including Devon County Council, Ford Oaks is being delivered by Taiyo Power & Storage, a joint venture between Kajima and Low Carbon Alliance Limited.

Credits: renews.biz [Image:Unplash/Andres Siimon]

               European Energy has secured authorisation to build a 90MW solar farm project in Puglia, Italy, through its subsidiary, Cerano Energreen. The project is located in the municipality of Cerano. “This project underscores our dedication to fostering collaborations with the local supply chain and rejuvenation programs in Italy. “To meet the EU’s 2030 targets, we need state-of-the-art plants like Cerano that not only replace fossil-based energy but also pave the way for a sustainable energy transition, said Alessandro Migliorini, Director and Country Manager Italy of European Energy.

               A notable feature of the project is its commitment to reforestation. As a part of the initiative, a substantial area, spanning 35 hectares, will be allocated for reforestation. The scheme also encompasses various works to enhance the region’s infrastructure. The project’s solar modules will be installed on trackers. “We are aiming to develop renewable energy in all regions of Italy, and the country is a key market for us. “For the Cerano project, we are especially thrilled that we are using lands which cannot be used for agriculture and therefore have no alternative use. “Also, the location is ideal, very close to an industrial area,” said Thorvald Spanggaard, Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development in European Energy.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: European Energy]

                D E Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), in partnership with Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and SOLV Energy, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the San Juan 1 project. San Juan 1 is a 200MWac solar and 400MWh storage facility located in Farmington, New Mexico. 

               The event was attended by local stakeholders as well as leadership from the three companies, the United States Department of Energy, the Navajo Nation, San Juan County, the Cities of Kirtland and Farmington, and the state of New Mexico. Thomas de Swardt, chief commercial officer of DESRI, said: “We are thrilled to achieve this milestone on the San Juan 1 project. “In the face of numerous headwinds facing the industry over the last two years, we deeply appreciate the hard work, creativity, and persistence of our partners to successfully bring this project into construction.” The San Juan 1 project has 20-year PPAs with PNM and is currently being constructed by SOLV Energy. The facility is expected to begin commercial operations toward the end of the year 2024.

Credits: renews.biz [Image: DESRI]