Tag: solar energy

Low Carbon has officially launched commercial operations for its 53MW solar portfolio in the Netherlands, marking another milestone in its mission to drive large-scale renewable energy adoption. This impressive capacity comprises four solar assets strategically located across the provinces of Groningen and Utrecht, including Ter Apel (26.7MW), Overijssel (7.4MW), and two sites at Wijk bij Duurstede (10.3MW and 8.7MW).

All four sites have successfully secured Provisional Acceptance Certificates, signifying their readiness for full operation. These projects are powered by nearly 90,000 state-of-the-art solar modules, demonstrating Low Carbon’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge technology to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.

The development of these solar parks was made possible through a strong partnership with BELECTRIC, a German leader in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for solar projects. Together, Low Carbon and BELECTRIC have now commissioned over 120MW of renewable capacity, reinforcing their collaborative strength in delivering impactful projects.

This achievement follows Low Carbon’s recent announcement of a groundbreaking 6GW battery storage platform in the Netherlands, which is poised to become one of the largest international battery portfolios. These efforts highlight the company’s ambition to be a transformative force in the global fight against climate change.

Steven Hughes, Managing Director of Portfolio Management at Low Carbon, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “We are delighted to see our first solar projects in the Netherlands enter commercial operations, which is a landmark moment in Low Carbon’s journey as an independent power producer and reinforces our capability to deliver renewable energy projects at scale in different markets. Our partnership with BELECTRIC has been core to successfully delivering these projects as we look to create as much large-scale renewable energy as possible. We look forward to bringing more new capacity online in the coming months as we ramp up our efforts in the fight against climate change.”

Low Carbon’s continued expansion underscores its leadership in the Dutch renewable energy market and its steadfast dedication to delivering impactful solutions to combat the climate crisis. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #Netherlands #LowCarbon #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #SolarInnovation #GreenFuture

Unlocking a Brighter Future: Solar Energy UK Calls for Ambitious 60GW Target by 2030

Solar Energy UK is urging the government to triple the country’s solar generation capacity to 60GW by 2030, presenting it as a game-changing opportunity to lower electricity costs, cut emissions, and secure energy independence. Backed by research from Durham University Energy Institute, the call highlights the transformative potential of scaling up solar energy in the UK. The analysis shows that hitting this ambitious target would:

• Lower Energy Costs: Reducing electricity costs by 12% compared to current projections.
• Strengthen Energy Security: Decreasing reliance on expensive natural gas imports.
• Accelerate Clean Energy Goals: Helping deliver clean power by 2030 while reducing dependence on unproven carbon capture technologies.

The Case for 60GW:
Solar Energy UK emphasizes that a 60GW target isn’t just ambitious but essential to de-risk the UK’s Clean Power Plan. Achieving this would diversify energy sources, maximize wind generation efficiency, and build a sustainable energy future. In contrast, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) proposed a modest 47.4GW capacity by 2030, relying on outdated assumptions. Solar Energy UK countered this, estimating the true capacity by the end of 2024 will already approach 20GW, thanks to growing solar farms, rooftop installations, and local initiatives like London’s Warm Homes Fund and Future Homes Standard. Chris Hewitt, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK, stated:
“Solar and batteries can be deployed rapidly, offering the government an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate clean power delivery. Setting a goal to treble solar capacity to 60GW will provide the lowest-cost, home-grown energy while creating thousands of secure jobs. However, we must reform the grid connection process to ensure ready-to-build renewable projects are not delayed for years.”

Current Solar Progress:

• Operational Capacity: 11.5GW of solar farms, 8.5GW on rooftops (residential, commercial, industrial).
• Pipeline Projects: 3GW under construction, 11GW with planning consent.
• 2024 Projection: 20GW total capacity.

With rooftop capacity surging and 3GW of solar farms being built, this bold vision is within reach. Solar Energy UK is rallying support from over 400 members, industry data, and the public to make the case for this transformative target.

The Impact:
By aiming higher, the UK can lead the charge in renewable energy, creating a more resilient energy system, slashing costs, and providing thousands of new jobs—all while safeguarding the environment. #SolarRevolution #RenewableEnergy #NetZero #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #EnergyIndependence #SolarPower #GreenJobs #FutureIsSolar

Rio Tinto and Bechtel Join Forces for a Sustainable Future with Utah Solar Project

Bechtel has been chosen by Rio Tinto to lead the design and construction of the 25MW Copperton Phase 2 Solar project in Utah, a key step towards powering operations at the Kennecott mine—one of the world’s largest open-pit copper mines. This groundbreaking partnership marks Bechtel’s first venture with Rio Tinto in renewable energy, emphasizing both companies’ commitment to sustainable solutions and Rio Tinto’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. 

The Copperton Phase 2 Solar project represents a bold move toward greener mining practices. Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power, shared:
“We are thrilled to expand our long-standing relationship with Rio Tinto into clean energy. This project embodies climate commitments in action, and we’re excited to deliver this innovative renewable power solution.”

When completed in late 2025, this solar farm will cover 210 acres, utilizing 71,000 high-efficiency bifacial solar modules to generate clean energy. Bechtel plans to leverage advanced digital delivery methods and cutting-edge autonomous technologies for optimal construction and commissioning. At its peak, the project will create 100 local construction jobs, boosting the regional economy.

Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director, Nate Foster, added:
“Expanding our solar farm is another critical step in reducing our carbon footprint. Alongside initiatives like closing coal-fired power plants, deploying electric vehicles underground, and transitioning to renewable diesel, we’re proving that sustainable practices can go hand-in-hand with resource production to benefit both our company and community.”

This new 25MW facility will sit adjacent to Kennecott’s existing 5MW solar plant, enhancing the mine’s renewable energy capacity.

Highlights of the Copperton Phase 2 Solar Project:

• Supports Rio Tinto’s decarbonization efforts and Kennecott mine operations.
• 71,000 bifacial solar modules spread across 210 acres.
• Incorporates advanced technologies and digital methods for efficient delivery.
• Creates 100 local construction jobs at peak.

This partnership showcases the mining industry’s ability to integrate clean energy solutions while driving economic growth and community benefits.

#CleanEnergy #Sustainability #SolarPower #MiningInnovation #Decarbonization #Bechtel #RioTinto #RenewableEnergy