Tag: renewable energy

Harvesting Sunshine in Sicily! 🌞🌾 Renantis’ Scicli agrivoltaic project is now in full swing, marking a major leap towards sustainable energy. This 9.7MW solar farm seamlessly blends photovoltaics and crops across 22 hectares, poised to generate a bountiful 20GWh of renewable energy annually.

🌱 Over 75% of the site harmoniously hosts both solar panels and native crops, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the local environment. To ensure authenticity, Renantis collaborates with the University of Catania’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, cultivating native crops in tandem with clean energy.

Situated in the picturesque Landolina district of Scicli village, Sicily, this project not only powers homes but also breathes new life into uncultivated land. Renantis remains committed to value sharing, fostering connections with the community and enriching the regions where our renewable projects take root.

Join us in celebrating this journey towards a greener and more sustainable future! 🌍💚 #RenewableEnergy #AgrivoltaicProject #SustainableLiving #CleanEnergyFuture #Renantis

Credits: [Image: Renantis]

Empowering Tomorrow’s Energy Landscape: Neoen Secures 104MW in French Solar Triumph

               In a resounding win, Neoen clinches over 104MW in solar projects through the latest French government Energy Regulation Commission tender. The four ventures, fully owned by Neoen, span from 14.4MW to 30MW, heralding a new era in sustainable energy. These developments, slated for commissioning between 2025 and 2028, promise to redefine the French energy horizon. Once operational, the quartet of photovoltaic power plants will generate electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of over 50,000 individuals in France, factoring in heating needs. One of these visionary projects takes root in Geloux (Landes), where Neoen, a pioneer in the solar sector since 2014, is entrusted by local authorities to develop a 14.4MW solar farm on municipal forestry plots.

               The other three winning projects are groundbreaking agrivoltaic parks, seamlessly integrating sheep farming and solar power generation. The 30MW Brisanne solar farm in Mayenne stands as a flagship agrisolar initiative, preserving sheep farming and fostering job creation. Collaborating with the Institut de l’Elevage (IDELE) for annual site monitoring, Neoen’s commitment extends beyond energy to sustainable agriculture. In Villegongis, Neoen partners with a sheep farmer on a 60-hectare site, promoting agrivoltaism and offering opportunities for aspiring farmers in collaboration with Naturapolis agricultural college. In Rechicourt-le-Château in Moselle, the 30MW agrisolar site, developed since 2019, reflects Neoen’s collaborative approach with farmers, local authorities, and the Fédération Nationale Ovine. Guillaume Decaen, Neoen’s French development director, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the success of Neoen’s agrivoltaic model. He acknowledged the dedicated team’s exceptional work, leading to Neoen securing half a gigawatt in French government tenders this year—a record-setting accomplishment. Neoen remains poised to build on this success, ushering in a sustainable energy future in the years to come! 🌞🌍 #NeoenSolarTriumph #SustainableEnergy #AgrivoltaicInnovation #SolarPowerRevolution

Credits: [Image: Neoen]

RWE’s Renewable Revolution: Securing Dual Energy Contracts in France

In a remarkable stride towards sustainable energy, RWE has clinched not one, but two pivotal contracts in the heart of France, showcasing the company’s commitment to renewable energy. With an impressive 11MW onshore wind project coupled with a 4MW solar project, RWE is setting new standards in the renewable energy sector. This exciting announcement came as part of the latest technology-neutral call to tender by the French Commission for the Regulation of Energy (CRE), emphasizing a unified approach towards hydro, wind, and photovoltaic projects. RWE’s win not only underscores their technical prowess but also highlights their innovative approach in a competitive landscape.

Solar Meets Wind: A Synergy of Renewable Power

Nestled in the picturesque French department of Charente-Maritime, RWE’s solar farm spans across a lush four hectares, harnessing the sun’s boundless energy. Meanwhile, the three-turbine onshore wind project, set to grace the Loire-Atlantique department, epitomizes the strength and potential of wind energy.

A Leading Force in France’s Wind Energy

RWE’s achievements in France are no small feat. As the third most awarded company in the 13 French onshore wind power tenders held by the CRE, their track record is exceptional. Notably, RWE has triumphed in all recent onshore calls for tenders in which it has participated, solidifying its position as a leader in renewable energy.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Katja Wunschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, expressed immense pride in these achievements. “I’m proud of this result, which demonstrates our ability to consistently come up with new, competitive projects to accelerate the development of renewable energies in France,” she stated. Her words reflect a deep commitment to innovation and excellence, driven by a team dedicated to making a significant impact in the renewable energy sphere.

Aligning Ambition with Action

RWE’s ambition is crystal clear and perfectly in sync with their results. The high quality of their projects and the passion of their teams are testament to a future where renewable energy is not just a possibility, but a reality. As we witness RWE’s continued ascent in the renewable energy domain, their journey is not just about winning contracts, but about shaping a sustainable future for all. Join us in celebrating RWE’s groundbreaking achievements in France!

#RWERenewables #SustainableEnergy #GreenPower #WindEnergy #SolarEnergy #RenewableRevolution #EcoFriendly #EnergyTransition #FranceRenewables #WindPowerFrance #SolarPowerFrance

Credits: [Image: RWE]

 Harnessing the Sun’s Power: X-Elio’s €35M Solar Endeavor in Spain

               In a bold move towards a brighter, greener future, X-Elio has recently inked a groundbreaking financing deal with Bankinter, securing a whopping €35 million. This significant influx of funds is earmarked for a noble cause—boosting Spain’s solar energy capabilities.

 The Solar Trio: A 67MW Beacon of Renewable Energy
The earmarked funds are set to catalyze the development, operation, and maintenance of three ambitious solar projects across Spain, cumulatively harnessing a remarkable 67MW of solar power.

 Valencian Vibrance: 50MW of Solar Splendor
A major chunk of this investment is flowing into two solar projects nestled in the picturesque municipality of Xixona, part of the vibrant Valencian Community. These projects, together, are a solar powerhouse totaling 50MW. One of these is a beacon of progress, currently under construction and slated for completion by the year’s end. Its counterpart, a testament to sustainable energy, has been operational since 2021.

 Murcia’s Marvel: The 17MW Solar Gem
Adding to this solar mosaic is the third project, a 17MW asset, already operational and shining bright in the municipality of Fuente Álamo in the sun-kissed Region of Murcia.

 A Visionary’s Words: Nicholas Pentreath Speaks
Nicholas Pentreath, the Chief Financial Officer of X-Elio, encapsulates the company’s ethos and vision: “At X-Elio, our mission is crystal clear. We are committed to delivering high-quality projects in a market like Spain, known for being an advanced and strategic hub for clean energy development. Our aim is to leverage the market opportunities to address climate needs, doing so in collaboration with top-tier partners like Bankinter.”

This ambitious project isn’t just about harnessing solar energy; it’s about igniting a brighter future for Spain and setting a global example in the renewable energy sector.

 Embracing the Future: #SolarPower #GreenEnergy #SustainableSpain #X-ElioInnovation #RenewableRevolution

Join us in celebrating this leap towards sustainability. Let’s embrace the power of the sun and pave the way for a cleaner, greener tomorrow. 🌞💡🌱 #CleanEnergyFuture #EcoFriendlyLiving #SolarSpain2023

Credits: [Image: X-Elio]

TotalEnergies Spearheads Revolutionary Hybrid Renewable Energy Project in South Africa

               In an ambitious move towards a greener future, TotalEnergies, along with its partners, has embarked on the construction of a groundbreaking renewable energy project in South Africa. This cutting-edge initiative encompasses a massive 216MW solar power plant, paired with a robust 500MWh battery storage system. This innovative combination is designed to effectively manage the inherent intermittency of solar energy production. Nestled in the scenic Northern Cape province, this state-of-the-art facility is set to revolutionize the way South Africa harnesses solar power. The site is poised to inject dispatchable renewable electricity directly into the country’s national grid for a solid two decades, promising an impressive output of over 400GWh annually.

               A landmark Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), signed in November, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. Thanks to the advanced storage system, the project commits to providing a steady supply of 75MW of dispatchable power to the national utility Eskom. This supply is remarkably consistent, spanning from the early hours of 5am to 9.30pm, significantly outlasting the daily sunshine. The development of this project is a collaborative effort, led by a consortium comprising TotalEnergies with a 35% stake, Hydra Storage Holding also holding 35%, and a B-BBEE partner, Reatile Renewables, with a 30% share. Celebrating a significant milestone, the project achieved financial closure on December 14. It is on track to be fully operational by 2025, as a key component of the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme. This initiative, launched by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, aims to augment electricity generation capacity and mitigate South Africa’s pressing electricity supply challenges. Vincent Stoquart, the Senior Vice President of Renewables at TotalEnergies, expressed his enthusiasm: “Together with our partners, we are thrilled to launch this major solar power generation and storage project in South Africa. Its innovative hybrid design is a game-changer, ensuring the supply of continuous green electricity far beyond the sunlight hours. This project is not just a step towards the country’s energy transition, but a giant leap in strengthening the resilience of its power system.” This project stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, marking a significant stride in South Africa’s journey towards a renewable energy future.

Credit: [Image: TotalEnergies]

Arise’s Game-Changing Move: Revolutionizing Renewable Energy in Ukraine

In a bold and visionary move, Arise has recently acquired a 70% stake in Fenix, a trailblazer in the realm of solar, onshore wind, and storage projects across Norway and Ukraine. This strategic acquisition, valued at approximately NOK330,000 (€28,800), is more than just a financial transaction; it’s a significant step towards a sustainable energy future.

Fenix: A Beacon of Innovation and Expertise

Fenix, with its compact yet dynamic team of nine, including seasoned local management in both Ukraine and Norway, boasts an impressive track record in developing and constructing infrastructure projects. Their expertise is particularly notable in Ukrainian wind farm developments, a testament to their resilience and innovation even in pre-war times.

This team’s deep-rooted experience in the region has enabled Fenix to secure exclusive rights over an initial portfolio of about 300MW of early-stage solar, onshore wind, and storage projects. These projects are on a fast track to reach ready-to-build status within the next 12 to 24 months, heralding a new era of energy solutions.

Arise and Fenix: A Strategic Alliance

The partnership between Arise and Fenix goes beyond mere financial investment. It’s a synergy of visions and ambitions. Arise’s investment will catalyze Fenix’s greenfield development in Ukraine, aiming to secure a robust pipeline of projects in the foreseeable future. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with Arise’s strategic goal of diversifying its business across geographies and technologies.

Per-Erik Eriksson, Arise’s Chief Executive, encapsulates this sentiment: “We are thrilled to partner with Fenix Repower. Our investment signifies our belief in renewable energy as a cornerstone of Ukraine’s recovery and as a magnet for foreign investment. We see Ukraine as Europe’s last untapped energy market, ripe for wind and solar power development.”

Redefining Ukraine’s Energy Landscape

Ukraine’s energy mix, largely dominated by Soviet-era nuclear and thermal plants, is on the brink of transformation. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, Eriksson is optimistic about identifying areas within Ukraine where development is feasible and risk-manageable.

Arise, backed by its owners’ extensive experience in Ukraine, is well-equipped to navigate this new market. The aim is not just to establish a strong market position but to contribute significantly to Ukraine’s energy transformation.

Expanding Horizons in Norway

Beyond Ukraine, Fenix’s team in Norway is set to intensify Arise’s greenfield development in the region. With several leads and early-stage projects underway, this expansion marks an exciting phase in Arise’s growth trajectory.

The strategic collaboration was facilitated by a team of expert advisors, including CMS Kluge and KPMG on Arise’s side, and GreenCap Partners, Thomessen, and Asters for Fenix.

In Conclusion: A Forward-Thinking Partnership

Arise’s acquisition of Fenix is not just a business move; it’s a commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions in challenging environments. It’s about envisioning a future where renewable energy drives economic recovery and growth, particularly in regions like Ukraine, poised on the cusp of energy revolution. This partnership is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of visionary collaboration in the face of adversity.

Credit: [Image: Arise]

Transforming Energy: UK Power Networks’ Game-Changing Strategy to Unleash Over 4GW of New Energy Projects

In a groundbreaking move, UK Power Networks is setting a new paradigm in the energy sector by unlocking immense potential for new generation and battery storage capacity. This year, they are propelling more than 40 innovative energy projects into the fast lane, dramatically reducing the wait times for connections.

A Leap Forward in Energy Connection
The revised strategy is a game-changer, slashing connection times by over a decade in many cases. This remarkable acceleration is part of UK Power Networks’ commitment to foster rapid growth in the energy sector. The initial phase, a bold step in 2023, will unleash 2.3GW across eight Grid Supply Points (GSPs). Hot on its heels, early 2024 will see an additional 1.7GW liberated across four more GSPs. This move not only showcases UK Power Networks’ capacity for innovation but also their dedication to sustainable energy solutions.

Empowering Customers and Pioneering Technology
Customers in UK Power Networks’ areas are at the forefront of this revolution. With the revised offers, they can connect to the network as soon as their projects are ready to roll out. The company’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS), a trailblazer in the UK, stands as the largest operational deployment of its kind. This platform is not just a technological marvel; it’s a testament to UK Power Networks’ forward-thinking approach to managing energy resources.

Collaboration for a Greener Future
The Energy Networks Association’s Strategic Connections Group, with UK Power Networks at the helm, is focusing on turbocharging connections for renewable energy. This collaborative effort among all networks is a significant step towards reducing waiting times for distributed energy resources, which are eagerly anticipating new capacity on the national transmission system. UK Power Networks has leveraged its expertise from the DERMS platform, launched in 2019, to facilitate the integration of new and emerging assets like large-scale battery storage into the existing system capacity. This innovative platform offers insights into managing constraints on the national transmission network.

A Visionary Approach to Net Zero
Matt White, Head of Network Strategy at UK Power Networks DSO, emphasizes the collective effort and whole-systems approach as key to delivering the necessary capacity for reaching net zero goals. He highlights the pivotal role of technology, personnel, and data in making a tangible difference for customers, enabling the fast-tracking of gigawatts of capacity within and beyond their licence areas. UK Power Networks is not just about connecting technology to the grid; it’s about making it cheaper, easier, and faster for net-zero technology to become an integral part of the network. Working in close tandem with fellow networks and the national transmission system, they are steadfast in their mission to revolutionize the energy landscape.

UK Power Networks: Powering the Future, Today
As UK Power Networks embarks on this ambitious journey, they are not only redefining the standards for energy connections but also paving the way towards a sustainable and efficient energy future. This initiative is more than just a strategy; it’s a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener world.

Credits: [Image: Low Carbon]

Revolutionizing Healthcare and Sustainability: BayWa r.e.’s Trailblazing Solar PPA with Boston Scientific

               In a landmark move, BayWa r.e., a leader in renewable energy solutions, has penned a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Boston Scientific, a global frontrunner in medical technology. This groundbreaking agreement marks BayWa r.e.’s first venture into partnering with a healthcare company and represents a significant stride towards sustainable energy in the healthcare sector. Boston Scientific, renowned for its innovation in medical solutions, takes a bold step into a greener future with its first-ever VPPA in Europe. This strategic move propels the company closer to its ambitious decarbonization goals, showcasing a commitment to environmental stewardship that goes hand in hand with its healthcare mission. Under this 10-year VPPA, BayWa r.e. commits to supplementing the European power grid with additional electricity generated from the newly operational Alcalá solar farm, a 15.1MW project situated near Seville, Spain. This initiative not only enhances the region’s renewable energy capacity but also symbolizes a symbiotic relationship between technological advancement and environmental responsibility.

               In a reciprocal arrangement, Boston Scientific secures a significant portion of its energy needs from renewable sources, with the VPPA enabling the company to match approximately 80% of its electricity consumption in Europe with clean, solar power. This move is a testament to the company’s forward-thinking approach to corporate responsibility, aligning its operational needs with ecological considerations. Paudie O’Connor, Boston Scientific’s Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain, emphasizes the integral connection between patient health and planetary health. “Protecting the world we share is not just an option, it’s our responsibility,” O’Connor states, underscoring the company’s dedication to nurturing both human and environmental well-being. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy sourcing, O’Connor remarks on the growing demand for environmental sustainability among customers, especially in rapidly developing regions. Daniel Parsons, Head of PPA at BayWa r.e., reflects on the company’s pioneering role in the renewable PPA market, expressing satisfaction at the increasing adoption of green energy solutions across Europe. BayWa r.e. has been a key player in the renewable energy sector, having signed 77 PPAs amounting to almost 2GW for various solar and wind projects, with a substantial 40% of these projects located in the Spanish market. This partnership between BayWa r.e. and Boston Scientific is more than just a business deal; it’s a bold statement in the face of climate change, demonstrating that environmental sustainability and technological advancement can, and should, go hand in hand.

Credits: [Image: BayWa r.e.]