Author: Jane Briones

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

Cero Generation Secures Financing for 244.7MWp Solar Portfolio in Spain—Construction to Begin Soon! 

Cero Generation is charging ahead with the green energy revolution, having just reached financial close on an impressive portfolio of five solar projects in the Palencia region of Spain. This milestone secures the future of a 244.7MWp solar portfolio, thanks to the backing of a consortium of major lenders—Banco Sabadell, Rabobank, and ING. 

These five utility-scale solar projects, set to power thousands of homes and reduce carbon emissions, are underpinned by a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a leading international technology company. With financing in place, Cero Generation is poised to break ground on these projects imminently, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in Spain’s renewable energy landscape. 

Cero Generation has enlisted the expertise of Elmya and Metlen as EPC contractors, ensuring the projects are built to the highest standards. LONGi, a global leader in solar technology, will supply the solar modules, further cementing the portfolio’s role in advancing clean energy. With over 200 people set to be involved in the construction phase, this initiative will not only boost local employment but also invigorate the local economy. 

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, Cero Generation is committed to the long-term sustainability of the region. As part of the project development programme, Cero will actively support conservation programmes in the Castilla y León autonomous community. These initiatives will help protect local biodiversity and ensure that the solar projects contribute positively to the environment. 

The impact of these projects is monumental—once operational, the five solar plants are expected to deliver more than 480 GWh of renewable energy annually. That’s enough to power close to 150,000 homes and avoid over 175,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions each year. But the benefits don’t stop there; Cero is also focused on enhancing biodiversity at the project sites, creating a win-win scenario for both clean energy and the environment. 

With a 26GW portfolio, Cero Generation is one of Europe’s renewable energy powerhouses. Over 600MW of their projects are already in operation or under construction, showcasing their commitment to driving the energy transition forward. 

Marta Martinez Queimadelos, Chief Executive of Cero Generation, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are delighted to reach financial close on this portfolio, which was achieved through close collaboration with all of the key stakeholders including our lending partners—Sabadell, Rabobank, and ING—and our supply chain partners, Elmya, Metlen, and LONGi. We look forward to constructing these plants, creating job opportunities for local people, and delivering a range of community benefits, ultimately putting more renewable energy into the Spanish transmission network.” 

This is more than just a financial achievement; it’s a significant step towards a sustainable future for Spain and Europe. Stay tuned as Cero Generation continues to lead the way in renewable energy innovation and community-focused development! 

#RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CeroGeneration #Spain #GreenEnergy #Sustainability #SolarProjects #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #Biodiversity #EconomicGrowth

Qcells Secures $1 Billion Loan Guarantee for Groundbreaking Solar Manufacturing Facility in Georgia! 

In a major boost for the U.S. clean energy landscape, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) has announced a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1 billion to support Qcells’ state-of-the-art solar supply chain manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia. This monumental project is set to revolutionize domestic solar manufacturing, driving the U.S. closer to energy independence and sustainability. 

Once finalized, this loan guarantee will empower Seoul-headquartered Qcells to construct a cutting-edge facility that will produce the entire solar supply chain—from ingots to finished panels—at a multi-gigawatt scale, all under one roof. This is a pivotal moment for the U.S. solar industry, as the facility will be a key player in the country’s clean energy transition. 

Qcells isn’t stopping there. Beyond the $1.45 billion in DoE funding, the company is investing an additional $2.5 billion to supercharge domestic solar manufacturing and innovation. With a total domestic investment of $2.8 billion, Qcells is firmly positioning itself as a leader in the U.S. renewable energy sector. 

“Qcells’ highly anticipated, integrated supply chain facility in Cartersville, Georgia, has made significant progress,” the company stated, adding that by the end of this year, it will produce the entire solar supply chain, from ingot to finished panel, all within Georgia. This ambitious endeavor reflects Qcells’ belief that onshoring solar manufacturing is crucial for building a sustainable, secure, and independent energy future for the U.S. 

The ongoing support for Qcells’ investments is a testament to the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act and the concerted efforts of local, state, and federal officials. This whole-of-government approach underscores the critical importance of domestic solar manufacturing for long-term success and energy security in the U.S. 

With its Cartersville facility and the existing factory in Dalton, Qcells is set to achieve a staggering 8.4GW of annual solar production capacity in Georgia by the end of this year—enough to power nearly 1.3 million homes annually. This capacity not only represents a massive step forward for renewable energy in the U.S. but also solidifies Georgia’s role as a central hub for solar innovation. 

Beyond its environmental impact, Qcells’ investment is also a powerful economic driver. According to a Chmura JobsEQ report from the fourth quarter of 2023, provided by the Cartersville-Bartow County Department of Economic Development, Qcells has already created 3,800 direct jobs and nearly 7,000 total jobs (including indirect and induced jobs) in Bartow and Whitfield counties. This surge in employment highlights the transformative power of the clean energy industry for local communities. 

Qcells is not just building solar panels; it’s building a brighter, more sustainable future for the U.S., one solar cell at a time. Stay tuned as this groundbreaking project continues to shape the energy landscape!  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Qcells #USCleanEnergy #Sustainability #Georgia #EnergyTransition #Manufacturing #GreenEnergy #EconomicGrowth 

Solarvest Powers Up Malaysia’s Green Energy Future with Five Major Corporate Green Power Agreements! 

Solarvest is taking a bold step forward in Malaysia’s energy transition, securing five Corporate Green Power Agreements (CGPAs) with some of the biggest names in the financial services, semiconductor, and data center industries. This is a significant milestone under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP), and it’s a game-changer for corporate sustainability!  Through strategic joint ventures—one with Savelite Engineering Sdn Bhd and TNB Renewables Sdn Bhd, and another solely with TNB Renewables—Solarvest will own and develop two large-scale PV arrays in Lumut, Perak, and Kulim, Kedah. These solar power plants will generate a combined electricity capacity of 59.98MW for the next 21 years, all backed by a contract for difference mechanism at agreed pricing. 

This initiative is more than just about powering businesses; it’s about driving Malaysia’s energy transition. The CGPP allows corporations to procure virtual renewable electricity, eliminating the need for on-site solar installations. By participating, corporate consumers not only gain access to clean energy but also receive bundled Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that validate the green origin of their electricity—helping them achieve their sustainability targets.  Davis Chong Chun Shiong, Executive Director and Group CEO of Solarvest, expressed his pride in these partnerships: “The CGPP marks a significant stride towards a more open and competitive energy market in Malaysia as driven by the principle of demand and supply. We are honoured to have earned the trust of these industry leaders as their decarbonisation partner. With our track record in utility-scale projects, we are confident in providing our corporate consumers with sustainable energy solutions to advance their sustainability goals.”  These agreements not only strengthen Solarvest’s recurring income stream through electricity sales but also cement the company’s position as a leader in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector.  Corporate giants are also voicing their support. Amarjit Sandhu, Corporate Vice President, Assembly & Test NAND Operations at Micron Technology, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our participation in the CGPP reinforces our commitment to building a greener and more sustainable future, while driving innovation in the semiconductor industry. Micron remains a responsible corporate stakeholder, aligned with Malaysia’s National Energy Policy and National Energy Transition Roadmap.” 

Hezri Adnan, Director of Group Sustainability at Bursa Malaysia, echoed this sentiment: “Sustainability plays an integral part of Bursa Malaysia’s agenda. We recognise our responsibility to influence capital market participants towards sustainable practices. We strive to lead by example and will continue to actively mitigate our climate impact through various approaches.”  Beyond the CGPP, Solarvest is actively exploring collaborations, including with Micron, to further reduce carbon footprints and support zero-emission goals through the newly launched Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme. This innovative approach, with open grid access and third-party access, allows Solarvest to supply electricity to corporate clients via the national grid, revolutionizing how green energy is delivered in Malaysia.  Solarvest is lighting the way for a greener future in Malaysia, empowering corporations to embrace sustainability and lead the charge in the global energy transition. Stay tuned as Solarvest continues to expand its green energy footprint!  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Malaysia #Solarvest #Sustainability #CorporateGreenPower #CGPP #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy #Innovation

Nomad Electric Expands Presence in Portugal with New Solar O&M Contract! 

Nomad Electric is making waves in the renewable energy sector, having just signed a significant Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contract with a leading developer of utility-scale solar projects in Portugal. This new agreement will see Nomad Electric providing top-tier support for a solar plant with an impressive capacity of nearly 30MWp.  This contract is more than just a win for Nomad Electric—it’s a testament to the company’s growing influence in the Iberian Peninsula. With this new addition, Nomad Electric’s utility-scale management portfolio in Portugal now stands at an impressive 99MWp. This expansion highlights the company’s commitment to boosting renewable energy infrastructure in the region. 

Nomad Electric’s O&M services are designed to ensure the highest standards of reliability and performance for the solar plant. Their comprehensive services include reactive, preventive, and corrective maintenance, as well as detailed reporting and warranty checks. These efforts guarantee that the plant operates at peak efficiency, delivering consistent and reliable renewable energy.  What’s more, Nomad Electric’s in-house O&M team is strategically based near the plant, not only ensuring swift response times but also supporting local employment and activity. This local presence is a key factor in Nomad Electric’s strategy, emphasizing their commitment to the communities they serve.  Pawel Muszyński, Chief Commercial Officer at Nomad Electric, expressed his excitement: “It is a great satisfaction to have gained trust and signed another O&M contract. We are committed to ensuring that every power plant under our management achieves industry-leading uptime and performance. Our growth in EU markets, paired with years of experience, puts us in a position to serve international investors with PV assets across multiple markets.”  This new contract underscores Nomad Electric’s expertise and dedication to maintaining top-tier solar assets, while also contributing to the broader goal of expanding renewable energy across Europe. As Nomad Electric continues to grow, they are proving to be a formidable player in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Portugal #NomadElectric #Sustainability #OMServices #CleanEnergy #IberianPeninsula #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy

Jera Nex Expands into the US Solar Market with Major Acquisition from Lightsource BP 

Jera Nex, the global renewable energy arm of Jera, has made a powerful entry into the US solar market by acquiring two significant solar projects totaling 395MWac from Lightsource BP. This marks the first major transaction by Jera Nex since its launch in April, and it’s already setting the stage for ambitious growth in the renewable energy sector!  The acquisition includes two major solar farms now under Jera Nex’s portfolio: the 300MW Oxbow Solar Farm in Louisiana—the largest in the state—and the 95MW Happy Solar Farm in Arkansas. Both of these projects are already operational and are providing clean, renewable energy to their customers. 

Lightsource BP, known for its close collaboration with local communities, played a crucial role in the development of these sites. This local engagement ensures that the projects are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially responsible, benefiting the communities they serve.  The Happy Solar Farm in Arkansas has secured a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Conway Corp, the city-owned utility system in Conway, Arkansas. Meanwhile, the Oxbow Solar Farm in Louisiana has inked long-term PPAs with major corporate customers, including eBay. These agreements guarantee a stable revenue stream and highlight the growing demand for clean energy among both public and private sectors.  Richard Scott, Vice President for Development and Construction Onshore at Jera Nex, expressed his excitement about the acquisition: “We are delighted to take our first step into the US solar market with the acquisition of these projects. This first transaction since our recent launch is an indication of our ambitious plans to scale onshore and offshore renewables for a sustainable future. We hope to build a broader onshore renewables portfolio in the US and globally.” 

Scott also praised Lightsource BP for their exceptional reputation in delivering high-quality solar farms: “Lightsource BP has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality solar farms, and that is exactly what we have acquired with Oxbow and Happy. We look forward to working with the local communities and customers to provide clean and sustainable energy in the years to come.”  As part of the agreement, Lightsource BP will continue to provide asset management and operations & maintenance (O&M) services to Jera Nex, ensuring a seamless transition and continued success for the solar farms. This partnership ensures that the local communities and customers will continue to receive top-tier service and sustainable energy.  Emilie Wangerman, Chief Operating Officer of Lightsource BP US, echoed the importance of finding a reliable partner in Jera Nex: “It was very important to Lightsource BP to find a reliable and like-minded partner for projects that are integral to the local community. We are proud of the successful development of these solar farms and confident that they will continue to thrive under the stewardship of Jera Nex.”  With this acquisition, Jera Nex is poised to make a significant impact on the US renewable energy landscape, bringing clean, sustainable energy to more communities and helping to drive the global energy transition forward. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Jera Nex!  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #USMarket #JeraNex #LightsourceBP #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #OxbowSolar #HappySolar #EnergyTransition #GreenEnergy