Month: September 2024

DESRI and El Paso Electric Break Ground on Major 130MW Carne Solar Project in New Mexico

D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and El Paso Electric (EPE) have officially commenced construction on the 130MWac Carne solar and storage project in Deming, New Mexico. This marks DESRI’s second major solar facility in Luna County, building on the success of the Alta Luna project, which has been providing clean energy since 2017.

Powering New Mexico’s Clean Energy Future

Set to power approximately 37,600 homes annually, the Carne solar and storage project represents a significant step forward for EPE’s ambitious goal to achieve 80% clean energy by 2035 and 100% by 2045. The Carne facility, which includes a large-scale battery storage component, will not only provide reliable, cost-effective renewable power to the southwest but also support the regional transmission grid, ensuring stability and resilience.

“DESRI is thrilled to expand our footprint in New Mexico’s renewable energy sector with our fourth utility-scale project in the state,” said Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI. “This project reinforces our strong partnership with EPE and showcases our commitment to the energy transition.”

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Progress

The project is supported by a 20-year power purchase agreement with EPE and is expected to be operational by 2025. Collaborators Galehead Development and Lacuna Sustainable Investments played pivotal roles in the initial phases of the project’s development. Once completed, the site will significantly contribute to New Mexico’s Renewable Portfolio Standard goals, providing clean energy dedicated entirely to EPE’s New Mexico customers.

“The Carne facility is a key addition to our renewable portfolio,” said James Schichtl, EPE’s Vice President of Regulatory Operations and Resource Strategy. “The battery storage component will be the largest of its kind serving our customers, ensuring both capacity and reliability as we meet the growing demand for clean energy.”

Economic Growth and Local Opportunities

The Carne project will not only drive progress toward clean energy goals but also stimulate economic growth in the local community. SOLV Energy, the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, will generate more than 300 construction jobs and provide valuable skills training and career development for the local workforce. The company will also manage the operations and maintenance of the facility once it becomes operational.

“We are proud to partner once again with DESRI to bring clean energy benefits to New Mexico,” said George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy. “Projects like Carne showcase the transformative power of renewable energy investments, creating jobs, boosting local economies, and driving sustainable growth.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Clean Energy in New Mexico

The Carne solar and storage project symbolizes a growing momentum toward renewable energy in New Mexico and beyond. As DESRI, EPE, and SOLV Energy continue to collaborate, they are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future. With the addition of Carne, EPE is well on its way to meeting its renewable energy milestones, all while fostering strong community ties and economic development. #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #RenewableEnergy #NewMexico #SustainableFuture #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy #CommunityGrowth #SolarProjects #BatteryStorage

Sveaskog and Alight Unite to Power Sweden’s Renewable Future with 2GW Solar Partnership 

Swedish state forest owner Sveaskog has teamed up with solar developer Alight in a groundbreaking partnership to develop 2GW of solar power over the next five years. This ambitious initiative marks a significant step towards addressing Sweden’s electricity deficit, particularly in the central and southern regions (SE3 and SE4), which are in dire need of renewable energy expansion.

The first phase of this collaboration involves two major solar projects: a 150-hectare solar park in central Sweden and a 70-hectare park in the south. These projects aim to boost renewable electricity production where it’s needed most, bridging the gap and reducing reliance on non-renewable sources. Within this long-term partnership, Alight will be at the helm, developing, building, and co-owning these solar arrays on Sveaskog’s land.

Sveaskog, the country’s largest forest owner, is not only providing land but also committing to co-invest between 30% and 49% in these solar parks. They will also bring their expertise in sustainable management to the table, ensuring that the development process is not just effective but also environmentally responsible. Sveaskog’s commitment to renewable energy reflects their broader mission to create value from Sweden’s vast forest resources.

“Investing in solar power on our land is a natural step for us as a large landowner and a way to contribute to the energy transition and the future need for fossil-free energy sources,” says Erik Brandsma, CEO of Sveaskog. “Alight will be a stable partner for us in this work.”

Sveaskog’s vast holdings cover about 14% of Sweden’s forests, totaling roughly 3.4 million hectares, with 3 million hectares classified as productive forest land. A mere 10,000 hectares—just 0.2% of Sveaskog’s land or 0.04% of Sweden’s total forest land—converted into solar parks could produce around 5GW of renewable energy. This output would more than double Sweden’s current installed solar capacity, illustrating the immense potential of this strategic venture.

Harald Överholm, CEO of Alight, emphasizes the speed and cost-effectiveness of solar power as a solution to the climate crisis: “Solar power is a fast and affordable solution to combat the climate crisis, especially given Sweden’s increasing demand for renewable electricity.” He also praised Sveaskog’s commitment to sustainability and their shared vision of balancing ecological, economic, and social values through these projects.

This partnership is more than just a business venture; it is a vital move towards a sustainable energy future for Sweden, leveraging the power of nature and innovative technology to drive change. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Sustainability #GreenEnergy #Sweden #ClimateAction #EnergyTransition #Sveaskog #Alight #SolarProjects #ForestManagement #CleanEnergyFuture #PartnershipForThePlanet

Lightsource BP Secures $267M Financing to Illuminate New Zealand’s Clean Energy Future with Kōwhai Park Solar Project

Lightsource BP has taken a monumental step in advancing New Zealand’s clean energy transition by securing NZ$267 million (€146 million) in financing for its ambitious 168MWdc Kōwhai Park solar project in Christchurch. Set to become one of New Zealand’s largest solar farms, Kōwhai Park will feature around 300,000 solar panels, harnessing the power of the sun to drive a more sustainable future.

A Powerful Partnership to Accelerate Decarbonization

Developed in partnership with Contact Energy, the Kōwhai Park solar project represents the first phase of Christchurch Airport’s innovative renewable energy precinct, Kōwhai Park. The collaboration between Lightsource BP, Contact Energy, and Christchurch Airport aims to deliver a transformative impact on New Zealand’s energy landscape. Adam Pegg, Managing Director of Lightsource BP APAC, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking venture: “This project at Kōwhai Park is our first to reach this stage in New Zealand, and we are proud to have developed such strong synergies with our partners Contact and Christchurch Airport as we help progress New Zealand’s decarbonisation. Reaching this point on a project in a new country for the first time is a significant milestone.”

Financing and Construction: Paving the Way for a Green Future

The financing for the Kōwhai Park solar farm comes from a consortium of leading financial institutions, including Westpac New Zealand, Mizuho, China Construction Bank, and Intesa Sanpaolo – IMICIB. This debt package is structured as a green financing loan, emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy. Mike Fuge, CEO of Contact Energy, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “Contact is thrilled to have confirmed investment of our first solar farm with our JV partner Lightsource BP. The solar farm will also be our first generation asset in the Canterbury region, increasing our geographical spread across the country.” Construction is set to begin in late 2024, with commercial operations expected by 2026. Once operational, the Kōwhai Park solar farm will generate over 275GWh per year—enough to power approximately 36,000 homes annually, marking a significant contribution to New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity.

Building for Tomorrow: A Future of Clean Energy in Aotearoa

Engineering, procurement, and construction for the Kōwhai Park project will be managed by CHINTEC, while Ventia will handle all network connection infrastructure. The joint venture between Lightsource BP and Contact Energy is just getting started, with further plans to expand their solar portfolio across New Zealand. Upcoming projects include a 175MWdc solar farm in Glorit on the Kaipara Coast and a 160MWdc solar farm in Taranaki, adjacent to Contact’s Stratford power station. As these projects come to fruition, they promise to bolster New Zealand’s renewable energy sector, supporting the country’s commitment to a sustainable future. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #NewZealandSolar #LightsourceBP #ContactEnergy #GreenFinancing #Decarbonization #KōwhaiPark #ClimateAction #SolarFarm #EnergyTransition #Aotearoa

Silicon Ranch Powers Up Canada’s Energy Transition with Scotford Solar Farm

Independent power producer Silicon Ranch has reached a major milestone with the launch of its 58MW Scotford Solar Farm near Edmonton, Alberta. Now fully operational, this groundbreaking solar facility will provide Shell’s Energy and Chemicals Park, Scotford, with enough renewable energy to meet approximately 20% of the refinery’s energy needs over the next 25 years, and 100% of its electricity requirements at peak capacity. The Scotford Solar Farm stands out as Silicon Ranch’s first international solar project and the first large-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility to be installed in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. This project not only supports Shell’s sustainability goals but also sets a new benchmark for renewable energy integration within heavy industry.

A Commitment to Long-Term Partnership and Community Investment

Silicon Ranch’s unique business model, where it owns, operates, and maintains each facility, reflects a deep-rooted commitment to its partners and the communities it serves. By taking full ownership and responsibility for the Scotford Solar Farm, Silicon Ranch is investing in both renewable energy and the local economy for the long haul. Reagan Farr, co-founder and CEO of Silicon Ranch, emphasized the company’s partnership-driven approach, stating: “At Silicon Ranch, one of our guiding principles is that we are only successful when our partners are successful. The Scotford Solar Farm represents a successful outcome for our partners at Shell Canada and our partners in Strathcona County. This project not only supports Shell’s economic and operational goals but also catalyzed our own significant capital investment in the community.”

A Replicable Model for Renewable Energy in Industrial Applications

The Scotford Solar Farm’s innovative behind-the-meter solution is the first of its kind in Canada, offering a scalable and replicable model for other energy and chemicals businesses looking to support their operations with clean energy. By designing a solution tailored to the needs of heavy industry, Silicon Ranch has paved the way for similar facilities to integrate sustainable power seamlessly into their energy mix. As the long-term owner and operator of this facility, Silicon Ranch will also contribute vital tax revenues to Strathcona County, helping to fund local government priorities for decades to come. This project not only marks a significant step forward in the collaboration between Silicon Ranch and Shell Canada but also represents a promising future for the integration of large-scale renewable energy in Canada’s industrial sectors. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #SiliconRanch #GreenEnergy #CanadaSolar #IndustrialHeartland #ShellCanada #EnergyTransition #InnovativeSolutions #CommunityInvestment #LongTermCommitment

Eurowind Energy Charges Ahead with Nearly 1GW of New Renewable Permits Across Europe 

Eurowind Energy is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector, securing permits for nearly 1GW of new projects across Europe in the 2023/24 fiscal year. This ambitious expansion includes 29 new energy projects, with a mix of solar and wind installations that are already moving into the construction phase. “I am pleased that Eurowind Energy is able to maintain its ambitions for growth in a market characterized by strong competition,” said Jens Rasmussen, CEO of Eurowind Energy. “Our profound market and industry knowledge enable us to identify projects with the greatest potential, both in terms of output and economy.”

This dynamic portfolio features 19 solar parks and 10 wind parks, including a massive 237MW solar park currently under construction in Bulgaria. The projects are strategically spread across Europe, with 11 located in Poland, five in Germany, three in Romania, and two in Slovakia. In Denmark, Eurowind’s home base, the company has obtained permits for two significant projects: Ulkær Mose, featuring 11 wind turbines, and Handest Hede, where existing wind turbines will be supplemented with solar cells to create a cutting-edge hybrid park. These new permits not only underscore Eurowind’s commitment to leading the green transition but also highlight the company’s ability to navigate a competitive market landscape by leveraging its deep industry expertise. As Eurowind continues to expand its renewable energy footprint, it remains at the forefront of Europe’s drive towards a more sustainable energy future. #EurowindEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #WindEnergy #GreenGrowth #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Europe #EnergyTransition #HybridParks

EBRD and UniCredit Bank Join Forces to Fund Bosnia’s Largest Solar Project on Repurposed Land 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has arranged a €40.1 million financing package for Elektroprivreda Bosne i Hercegovine (EPBiH) to build two groundbreaking solar power plants on a former coal ash landfill site. This innovative project represents a significant step forward in Bosnia’s transition to renewable energy and showcases a creative approach to repurposing industrial land for green development. The financing includes a €25.1 million loan from the EBRD and a parallel €15 million loan from UniCredit Bank. Together, these funds will support the construction of solar plants with a combined capacity of 50MWp in the municipality of Gračanica. This will be the largest solar initiative ever undertaken by EPBiH, marking a major investment in the company’s renewable energy portfolio and underscoring Bosnia’s commitment to a sustainable future.

In addition to the funding, the EBRD is backing a 2050 technical cooperation initiative that will explore various decarbonisation scenarios for EPBiH, assessing their impact on the company’s operations, financial capital needs, planning, and stakeholder engagement. This comprehensive analysis aims to align EPBiH’s strategies with long-term sustainability goals, setting a clear path towards a carbon-neutral future. A second initiative will focus on education and workforce development in the renewable energy sector, supporting EPBiH in collaboration with local authorities to introduce new educational standards. This effort is particularly important in addressing workforce management challenges associated with the decarbonisation process, ensuring a just transition for communities affected by the shift from coal to clean energy. Technical support for these projects will be provided by the Austrian Municipal Infrastructure Fund and the Austrian High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action, reinforcing international collaboration in tackling climate change. This landmark project not only positions EPBiH at the forefront of Bosnia’s green transition but also highlights the potential of innovative solutions in the global effort to combat climate change. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #EBRD #Bosnia #GreenTransition #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #Decarbonisation #JustTransition #ClimateAction

Avangrid Surpasses 9GW in Wind and Solar Power, Paving the Way for a Greener Future 

Iberdrola-owned Avangrid has hit a significant milestone, surpassing 9GW of installed onshore wind and solar capacity across the United States. This achievement not only highlights Avangrid’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy footprint but also underscores its role as a key player in the clean energy transition. Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, expressed pride in this accomplishment: “I am proud of the continued progress Avangrid is making to grow our renewable energy footprint nationwide, but we are not complacent. With a big pipeline of future renewable energy projects across the country, and a large fleet of onshore wind projects that is ripe for repowering, we remain steadfast in our commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition. In reaching this milestone, we are setting our sights on the next.”

Avangrid’s extensive portfolio now includes over 75 renewable energy projects spread across 22 states, boasting more than 8GW of wind capacity and about 1GW of solar capacity, with additional projects under construction. The summer saw significant progress on multiple projects, propelling Avangrid to this impressive 9GW achievement. This milestone marks a major step in Avangrid’s journey to power communities across the nation with clean, sustainable energy. As the company continues to push boundaries, it’s clear that Avangrid is not just meeting the demands of today but is also setting the stage for a greener, more resilient energy future. #CleanEnergy #RenewablePower #Avangrid #WindEnergy #SolarPower #Sustainability #GreenFuture #EnergyTransition #RenewableMilestone

RWE and Meta Join Forces to Power the Future with Two Major Solar Projects in the US 

RWE has taken a significant step forward in the green energy landscape by securing two long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Meta. These agreements will see Meta sourcing clean energy from two solar farms currently under construction in the US, reinforcing its commitment to 100% renewable operations. The onsite construction for RWE’s 274 MWac County Run Solar project in Illinois and the 100 MWac Lafitte Solar project in Louisiana is already in progress, with both sites expected to be commissioned by late 2025. This clean energy collaboration will significantly contribute to Meta’s ambitious goal of powering its global operations entirely with renewable energy.

Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating: “RWE’s continued investment in the US renewables market is driven by new opportunities to team up with leading technology companies like Meta, which are fueling the demand for clean energy to support their operations. Our expanding US renewables platform is positioned to drive decarbonization across industries while boosting economic growth and job creation in the communities where our facilities are located.” Urvi Parekh, Head of Renewable Energy at Meta, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Collaborating with renewable energy providers like RWE to bring new solar projects online is crucial to our energy procurement strategy. We are thrilled to scale our renewable energy contracts, and this collaboration exemplifies our commitment to matching 100% of the electricity use of our data centers and offices with renewable energy.” These PPAs with Meta align perfectly with RWE’s strategy to partner with leading technology companies, addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. Together, RWE and Meta are not only contributing to a cleaner energy future but also demonstrating leadership in corporate sustainability and innovation. #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenTech #Meta #RWE #Decarbonization #ClimateAction #SolarProjects #SustainabilityGoals