Categories
News

Enviromena Gears Up For A Solar Revolution: Prepping A Massive 400MW Pipeline In The UK!

 

Enviromena Ignites the Solar Spark in the UK: A 400MW Green Energy Odyssey

In an electrifying move, Enviromena is set to revolutionize the UK’s solar landscape. The Reading-based pioneer in clean energy is gearing up to propel its colossal 400MW solar pipeline through the planning stages within the next six months. This bold step is part of Enviromena’s grand vision to amplify its UK portfolio to a staggering 500MW by 2025.

The energy landscape is about to get a lot brighter! These 400MW projects, stretching from the scenic Dorset to the historic Durham, are merely the tip of the iceberg in Enviromena’s expanding portfolio, which boasts over 1.5GW of solar projects. Spearheaded by their in-house development team, this initiative marks a significant stride in sustainable energy development.

But there’s more! Beyond these 400MW marvels awaiting planning, Enviromena is already nurturing 110MW of solar projects, anticipated to emerge from the planning phase by March 2024. This is clean energy in action, folks!

Mark Harding, the European Development Director at Enviromena, shares his excitement: “This is not just a milestone, it’s a leap into the future of clean energy. Our projects are crafted with care, ensuring they harmonize with the landscape and respect local wildlife.”

Enviromena isn’t just about building solar farms; it’s about building relationships. The coming months are slated for deep community engagement, taking valuable local insights into account before each planning submission. This inclusive approach has already seen several sites receive unanimous planning nods from local councils, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, especially in times of fluctuating fuel prices.

What does this mean for the UK? A surge in clean energy availability! With over 400MW of ground-mounted solar projects on the horizon, Enviromena is set to lower carbon emissions significantly and brighten up tens of thousands of homes with clean, renewable energy.

But wait, there’s recent progress too! Enviromena’s construction of Horsey Levels in Somerset and Kiln Fields in Hampshire, totaling 42MW, is nearing the finish line, with energization expected in early 2024. Following the success of Three Maids Hill in Winchester and Bryngolwg in Wales, Enviromena is not just talking about a green future; they are building it, one solar panel at a time.

Stay tuned as Enviromena lights up the UK with its solar energy crusade!

#GreenEnergy #SolarPower #SustainableFuture #Enviromena #UKSolarRevolution #CleanEnergyGoals #EcoFriendlyLiving #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #SolarEnergyUK

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: [Image: Enviromena]

Categories
News

Swiss Solar Pioneer Contemplates A Strategic Shift: Considering Closure Of German Factory

 

Meyer Burger’s Strategic Pivot: Navigating Challenges in Europe, Eyeing Expansion in the US

In a bold and strategic move, Swiss solar photovoltaic module producer Meyer Burger Technology is facing a pivotal moment. The company has disclosed potential plans to close its factory in Freiberg, Germany, a decision that could mark a significant shift in the solar industry landscape. With the potential shutdown looming as early as April 2024, about 500 employees are poised at a crossroads.

This critical decision hinges on the second half of February 2024. Meyer Burger is awaiting concrete measures to level the playing field in Europe, like a resilience-reward scheme. Absent these measures, the company faces a stark reality. The European market distortion has already left its mark: Meyer Burger anticipates a total sales figure of approximately CHF135m (€143m) for the fiscal year 2023, with an EBITDA loss of at least CHF126m and a year-end cash position of around CHF150m.

As Meyer Burger prepares to enter discussions with all stakeholders regarding this decisive closure, it’s not just about shutting doors. “In the event of a closure, necessary positions in engineering, technology, supply chain management, and certain other critical functions at the manufacturing site in Freiberg would be offered the option of transferring their contracts to other Meyer Burger entities,” the company assures.

Meanwhile, the Thalheim solar cell production facility in Germany will continue its vital role, supporting the ramp-up of US solar module manufacturing in Goodyear. This strategic shift underscores Meyer Burger’s resilience and adaptability in the face of market challenges.

The potential closure of the Freiberg factory is a part of Meyer Burger’s broader strategy to minimize losses in Europe and pivot towards profitable growth in the US. The company’s statement reflects a clear-eyed assessment of the current market: “With a deteriorating market environment in Europe, continuing with full-scale European solar manufacturing is not sustainable for the time being.”

In parallel to these changes, Meyer Burger is exploring strategic partnerships to accelerate the commercialization of its technology. These collaborations aim to foster faster growth with reduced capital requirements while strengthening the local US supply chain.

Gunter Erfurt, Meyer Burger’s CEO, shares a forward-looking vision: “In the US, we can take full advantage of our leading technology position, resulting in substantial interest by partners and supported by favorable industry policies. Given 5.4GW of order book under offtake agreements and a potential to generate EBITDA at roughly CHF250m in 2026, we are able to grow a profitable business, providing a positive outlook for our shareholders. The expansion of the US business is currently proceeding as planned with the ramp-up of our solar module production site in Goodyear, expected to start in the second quarter of 2024.”

Key Insights:

  • Meyer Burger is at a crossroads with potential closure plans in Germany due to market challenges in Europe.
  • The company is shifting focus to the US, where favorable policies and technology leadership offer a promising future.
  • Strategic partnerships and US expansion are key to Meyer Burger’s plan for profitable growth.

Join the Dialogue:

  • What are your thoughts on Meyer Burger’s strategic shift?
  • How do you see the future of solar manufacturing balancing between Europe and the US?

#SolarEnergy #MeyerBurger #RenewableEnergy #GreenTech #SustainableBusiness #USExpansion

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: [Image: Meyer Burger]

Categories
News

Orsted And Bloomberg Ignite The Future: Sealing An 80MW Solar Power Deal In The US

 

Illuminating a Greener Future: Bloomberg and Orsted’s Groundbreaking 80MW Solar PPA in Texas

In a landmark move, Bloomberg has joined forces with Orsted to sign a momentous US solar power purchase agreement for 80MW. This visionary partnership is set to be fueled by the Mockingbird Solar Center, a colossal 471MW project currently taking shape near Paris, Texas. This initiative isn’t just about power generation; it’s about setting a precedent in the renewable energy landscape.

The Mockingbird Solar Center is Orsted’s largest solar undertaking in the US to date. But what sets it apart is its dual mission: generating renewable energy while championing environmental conservation. This project is Orsted’s first to intertwine energy production with the protection of native tallgrass prairie, a significant ecological step.

Bloomberg, alongside other corporate powerhouses like Covestro and Royal DSM, is one of four corporate customers committed to purchasing power from the Mockingbird Solar Center. This collaboration has catapulted the project to a fully contracted status for its entire 471MW capacity.

Rewinding to 2016, Bloomberg took a decisive step by joining the RE100 initiative. This global commitment by businesses to source 100% of their electricity from renewable energy has been a driving force behind Bloomberg’s sustainable vision. By 2022, Bloomberg had already made impressive strides, securing 192,533 MWh of renewable energy from 11 projects, covering over half of its global electricity needs.

With the Mockingbird Solar Center, Bloomberg is on track to cover 100% of its US electricity consumption and 80% of its global electricity needs through renewable sources. “We look forward to partnering with Orsted on the purchase of renewable energy to progress our RE100 target while also meaningfully contributing to conservation efforts,” said Dave Wildman, Global Head of Facilities, Sustainability Ops, and MEP Infrastructure at Bloomberg.

One remarkable aspect of the Mockingbird Solar Center is its collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC). This partnership aims to preserve nearly 1000 acres of rare, native tallgrass prairie adjacent to the project. Orsted’s commitment extends beyond energy, as they plan to donate a significant portion of the Smiley-Woodfin National Prairie Grassland to TNC upon the project’s completion.

The Mockingbird Solar Center is not just a symbol of progress but also a beacon of economic growth, creating 500 jobs during peak construction and projected to inject $215m into the local economy over its lifespan.

This pioneering project is a testament to Orsted’s growing presence in Texas, adding to its portfolio of 12 wind, solar, and storage projects, symbolizing a staggering $3bn investment in the Lone Star State.

Key Highlights:

  • Bloomberg and Orsted’s 80MW solar PPA is powering up the future of renewable energy.
  • The Mockingbird Solar Center merges energy production with environmental conservation.
  • This project contributes significantly to Bloomberg’s commitment to 100% renewable energy usage in the US.

Join the Discussion:

  • Share your thoughts on this groundbreaking renewable energy initiative.
  • How do you think such projects can shape the future of sustainable energy and conservation?

#RenewableEnergy #SustainableFuture #SolarPower #Conservation #GreenTech #Bloomberg #Orsted

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: [Image: Orsted]

Categories
News

EDF Invites Your Voice: Share Your Insights On Our Trailblazing English Solar Scheme!

 

EDF Renewables UK Calls on Cornwall Community to Shape the Future of Solar Energy with the Trelion Project

In a move that underscores community involvement in renewable energy, EDF Renewables UK is reaching out to the people of Cornwall, south-west England, for their insights on the proposed Trelion solar farm. This project, poised to generate 47.5MW of green energy, is not just about harnessing the power of the sun; it’s about integrating the voices of the local community into the fabric of sustainable development.

Strategically located to the north of Grampound Road and west of St Stephen, the Trelion project is a beacon of future energy potential. EDF Renewables UK is opening its doors for public consultation from Wednesday, 31 January to Friday, 23 February. This period is a golden opportunity for local residents to express their views, share feedback, and contribute to the planning process ahead of the submission to Cornwall Council later this year.

Mark your calendars! Two in-person consultation events are scheduled at St Stephen Community Centre on Monday, 5 February, and Tuesday, 6 February. These events are a unique chance to meet the project team, delve into detailed information, raise questions, and be part of a collaborative journey towards a greener future. Everyone is welcome to attend and be a part of this exciting initiative.

EDF Renewables UK isn’t just focusing on solar energy generation. The company is dedicated to ensuring the Trelion Solar Farm fosters local benefits. Picture this: a fund of £19,000 annually to support community projects for the 40-year lifespan of the solar array. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to not just environmental sustainability but also to local prosperity.

The plan involves more than just solar panels. EDF Renewables UK is committed to maintaining the natural beauty of the area, with efforts to preserve existing trees and hedges. Additionally, the project will enhance biodiversity through the creation of new wildflower meadows, hedgerows, and trees.

A grid connection for the project is already secured, backed by extensive ecological and feasibility studies, ensuring that the Trelion Solar Farm is not just a concept but a well-prepared blueprint ready to contribute to the UK’s climate change targets and the transition to a green energy future.

Grant Folley, Head of Origination and Planning at EDF Renewables UK, shares his enthusiasm: “This is a great site for a solar farm, with plenty of sun and an agreed grid connection, meaning that the project is well prepared to contribute to UK climate change targets and the transition to a green energy future. We are looking forward to sharing more detailed information about Trelion Solar Farm with the local community and listening to feedback about what else we can do to create a net-zero future where clean energy powers our lives.”

Key Takeaways:

  • EDF Renewables UK invites community feedback on the Trelion Solar Farm project.
  • The public consultation period offers a platform for community engagement and shaping the project.
  • The Trelion project is a holistic approach to renewable energy, combining solar power generation with biodiversity enhancement and community benefits.

Join the Discussion:

  • Share your thoughts and suggestions on the Trelion Solar Farm project.
  • How can community engagement shape the future of renewable energy projects?

#SolarEnergy #CommunityPower #TrelionProject #RenewableCornwall #GreenFuture#EDFRenewablesUK

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: [Image: EDF]

Categories
News

Breaking New Ground: AES Locks in Major Investor for Pioneering US Solar and Storage Endeavor

 

Revolutionizing the Energy Landscape: AES and HASI’s Bold Leap into a Sustainable Future

               In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, AES Corporation, a trailblazer in independent power production, has struck an innovative deal with HASI, heralding a new chapter in America’s renewable energy saga. HASI’s commitment is not just an investment; it’s a testament to the power of collaborative innovation. They are injecting structured equity into a colossal 605MW portfolio, a tapestry of energy projects that stretches across seven power markets in 11 states, including key locations like Arizona, California, and New York. This portfolio is a mosaic of over 200 operational renewable energy installations, predominantly comprising community solar and commercial and industrial solar schemes. Significantly, over a third of this capacity is bolstered by cutting-edge battery energy storage, showcasing a leap into the future of energy resilience and efficiency.

               With a robust average contract life of 16 years, these installations aren’t just short-term projects; they’re long-term commitments to our planet. The portfolio secures stable cash flows, backed by a diverse array of primarily investment-grade off-takers, including corporations, utilities, and municipal entities. AES’s role continues to be pivotal, retaining ownership and operational duties, reinforcing their reputation as a leader in the sustainable energy domain. This transaction is more than a deal; it’s a reinforcement of the enduring partnership between HASI and AES. Remember their previous venture in January 2023? That was a substantial equity investment in a 1.3GW portfolio of operating utility-scale solar and wind projects. HASI’s Chief Client Officer, Susan Nickey, encapsulates the spirit of this venture: “Our partnership with AES is a cornerstone in our journey towards accelerating the energy transition. AES’s leadership in aligning renewable energy supply with demand is exactly what our industry needs. This investment is not just an expansion of our partnership but a diversification and scaling of our balance sheet. In conclusion, this partnership between AES and HASI isn’t just a business transaction; it’s a beacon of hope and a blueprint for the sustainable transformation of our energy landscape.

#EcoFriendlyFuture #PoweringTomorrow #GreenEnergyRevolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credits: [Image: AES and HASI]