Tag: Sustainable Growth

Bute Energy Calls for Action on Renewables Development in Wales 

Welsh renewables developer Bute Energy is urging the newly elected First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS, to address the pressing challenges holding back the development of renewable energy in Wales. Managing Director Stuart George emphasized the critical need for swift action to ensure Wales can meet its ambitious energy and net zero targets.

Commenting on the election of the new First Minister, Stuart George stated:

“I extend my congratulations to the new First Minister and her cabinet colleagues and wish them well. The First Minister and her government face a huge number of challenges, not least in progressing the government’s own energy and net zero agenda. Whilst we continue to make progress, Wales is not guaranteed to hit those targets. Wales must make a huge leap forward in the consenting of new renewable energy projects to meet those aspirations and maximize the opportunities arising from the significant investment in the coming years.”

George highlighted several barriers that need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of renewables in Wales. These include stretched planning authorities, skills shortages, and the readiness of Welsh businesses to seize significant investment opportunities.

The call to action from Bute Energy underscores the urgency of overcoming these obstacles to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and capitalize on the economic benefits of sustainable development.

As the new First Minister and her cabinet settle into their roles, the spotlight is on their ability to navigate these challenges and drive forward Wales’s green energy agenda. The future of renewable energy in Wales hinges on decisive action and effective collaboration between the government, developers, and local businesses.

Stay tuned for more updates as Wales strives to become a leader in renewable energy!  #RenewableEnergy #Wales #ButeEnergy #GreenFuture #NetZero #SustainableDevelopment #EnergyTransition #WelshGovernment #ElunedMorgan #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction

               Acciona Energía Secures Landmark Contract for Croatia’s Largest Solar Plant. Acciona Energía has achieved a significant milestone by securing a 12-year Contract for Difference (CfD) with the Croatian energy regulator, Hrvatski Operator Trzista Energije (HROTE), for the development of the 189MWp Promina photovoltaic plant. This groundbreaking project will be the largest solar plant in Croatia once it becomes operational in 2027.Located in the scenic province of Sibenik-Knin in southern Croatia, Promina will feature over 300,000 photovoltaic modules, generating a staggering 320GWh of clean electricity annually. This is enough to meet the energy needs of approximately 69,000 homes, while also preventing the emission of around 140,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. 

               The CfD was awarded through a competitive public auction, part of a support program launched by the Croatian government and HROTE, and approved by the European Commission. This initiative underscores Croatia’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing its carbon footprint. Acciona Energía is also set to construct a new 400kV interconnection substation at the Promina site to facilitate the integration of this green energy into the national grid. Furthermore, the Promina solar plant will be part of Acciona Energía’s Social Impact Management program, which aims to reinvest a portion of the facility’s annual income to enhance training, well-being, and environmental management in the local communities. Marking a significant advancement in Acciona Energía’s commitment to the Croatian renewable market, Promina joins the company’s other renewable energy projects, including the wind projects in Opor (27MW) and Boraja 2 (45MW), and the Jelinak wind complex (30MW), which has been operational since 2013. Upon completion of these projects, Acciona Energía is set to become the leading producer of clean energy in Croatia, contributing to around 8% of the total installed renewable power and 20% of the installed solar power in the country. Stay tuned for more updates as Acciona Energía continues to drive the renewable energy revolution in Croatia!  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #AccionaEnergía #Croatia #CleanEnergy #GreenFuture #SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalImpact #EnergyTransition #SolarRevolution

Elements Green Publishes Phase One Consultation Summary for 800MW Solar Project 

Elements Green has released an exciting update on its ambitious 800MW solar project in the UK! The Phase One Consultation Summary Report for the Great North Road Solar Park provides a comprehensive overview of the feedback received during the first phase of community consultation.

Located near Newark in the East Midlands, the project aims to be both innovative and community-focused. Elements Green is committed to ensuring the project respects and incorporates the views of local residents. The feedback collected will shape proposals that align with community recommendations and environmental considerations.

Mark Noone, Head of UK Development at Elements Green, shared his appreciation for the community’s input:

“The feedback we received during the first phase of consultation has helped our team to improve our understanding of the local environment and the aspects of Great North Road Solar Park that local communities considered most important for us to prioritize as we further develop our proposals. We have already made changes to the scheme, including the removal of some panels and relocating a substation, thanks to the valuable input from the community.”

Elements Green emphasizes the importance of continued engagement with local communities, key organizations, and stakeholders. The company is committed to meaningful communication throughout the project’s development.

The next steps involve developing more detailed proposals, followed by a second stage of community consultation towards the end of 2024. This statutory stage will allow local communities to comment on updated proposals and see how they have evolved since the initial consultation.

In preparation for this, Elements Green will conduct further environmental assessments and publish a Preliminary Environmental Information Report, anticipated this Autumn. This report will provide crucial information ahead of the second stage of consultation, where views will be sought on the location of equipment for the solar and energy park and the cable connection to Staythorpe substation.

Stay tuned for more updates as Elements Green continues to advance this landmark project, bringing sustainable energy solutions to the UK! #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CommunityEngagement #ElementsGreen #SustainableFuture #GreatNorthRoadSolarPark #UKSolar #GreenEnergy #EnvironmentalSustainability #EnergyTransition

Major Boost for Romanian Solar Energy: EBRD and Eiffel Investment Group Fund 60MW Solar Plant 

               The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Eiffel Investment Group are joining forces to fund the construction of a 60MW solar power plant in Romania, spearheaded by the INVL Renewable Energy Fund 1. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in Romania’s renewable energy landscape. The EBRD and Paris-based Eiffel Investment Group’s Energy Infrastructure Investment Fund are each providing €12.2m, totaling €24.4m, to support this ambitious project. The managing partner at INVL Renewable Energy Fund 1, Liudas Liutkevičius, expressed gratitude for the support:

               “We greatly appreciate the trust and recognition shown to us by the EBRD and Eiffel Investment Group. The funding not only enables us to accelerate the construction of the solar power plants already in progress in Romania, but also to make a significant contribution to the expansion of Romania’s renewable energy generation capacity.” Located in Dolj County, this 60MW solar project is the second major venture for the Fund in Romania. The construction of additional solar power plants, with a combined capacity of 51MW, is expected to be completed by the end of September this year. Overall, the INVL Renewable Energy Fund 1 is making substantial investments in eight solar projects in Romania, with a total capacity of 451MW. When combined with their ongoing projects, the Fund’s portfolio boasts a formidable 483MW of renewable energy capacity. Beyond Romania, the Fund is also developing solar park projects in Poland, adding over 32MW of capacity. The total investments in Romania and Poland are projected to exceed €330m, with all solar parks slated for completion by the end of the third quarter of 2026. This strategic investment highlights the commitment to renewable energy in Eastern Europe and promises a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.  #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #GreenInvestment #EBRD #EiffelInvestmentGroup #Romania #INVLFund #SustainableFuture #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #EasternEurope

EDP Renewables North America Unveils 200MW Brittlebush Solar Park in Arizona

EDP Renewables North America (EDPR NA), in collaboration with Salt River Project (SRP) and Meta, has proudly announced the inauguration of the 200MW Brittlebush Solar Park near Coolidge, Arizona. This ambitious project underscores SRP’s commitment to responsibly decarbonize its power generation portfolio while delivering affordable and reliable energy to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

The entire capacity of Brittlebush Solar Park will support Meta’s data center in Mesa, Arizona. This project marks the third renewable energy partnership between EDPR NA and Meta, highlighting their shared dedication to sustainability.

Meta will also benefit from two additional SRP resources: the 100MW West Line Solar Facility and the 300MW solar-plus-battery Eleven Mile Facility. Together, these projects will enable Meta to achieve its 100% renewable energy and net-zero goals.

Beyond its environmental impact, Brittlebush will significantly bolster the local economy. The project promises millions of dollars in payments to local governments throughout its operational lifespan, funding schools, healthcare facilities, fire departments, and other county services. During its construction phase, Brittlebush created over 300 jobs, with more than five permanent positions dedicated to the facility’s operations and maintenance.

Sandhya Ganapathy, Chief Executive of EDPR North America, stated, “Arizona’s forward-thinking policies and welcoming business environment for innovative technologies that prioritize sustainability make it a perfect location to generate solar. We’re proud of the partnership with Salt River Project and Meta that has resulted in reducing carbon emissions, local economic benefits, and diversifying Arizona’s energy portfolio. This is something every Arizonan can get behind.”

Brittlebush is EDPR NA’s second operational project in Arizona, reinforcing its strong relationships with local land development partners, including Saint Holdings. This collaboration has culminated in a total portfolio of 358MW of solar assets across the state.

#RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #EDPRNA #Meta #SaltRiverProject #BrittlebushSolarPark #ArizonaRenewables #GreenEnergyGoals

Orlen Wind 3 Strikes Major Deal with EDP Renewables Polska to Boost Green Energy Capacity

Orlen Wind 3 has signed a preliminary agreement with EDP Renewables Polska to acquire PV projects with a combined capacity of 280MWp, along with a 26MW wind farm, in Poland. This significant transaction, valued at approximately PLN 1.15bn (€0.26bn), marks one of the largest deals in recent years within the Polish renewable energy sector.

The wind farm is located in the Province of Łódź, while the solar sites are situated in the Provinces of Zielona Góra and Poznań. This acquisition is set to elevate the Orlen Group’s renewable generation capacity by nearly 30%.

Ireneusz Fąfara, Chief Executive and President of the Management Board of Orlen, expressed his enthusiasm: “We promised to accelerate our efforts, and we’re delivering on that promise. This new agreement will add over 300MW to our renewable energy portfolio, which is nearly a third of what we’ve built in renewables over the recent years. But it’s not just about the scale – this deal also makes strong economic sense for us and offers a real chance of enhancing the Orlen Group’s value. Our goal is to be a key player in Central and Eastern Europe’s energy transition. That’s why we’re not stopping here, actively looking for further attractive projects on the renewable energy market to seize every business opportunity that comes our way.”

The agreement includes the purchase of two solar PV farms:

1. Chotków Solar Farm: Located in the village of Chotków, County of Żagań, Province of Zielona-Góra, this farm spans 45 hectares and features over 61,000 solar panels with a total capacity of 40MWp. Commissioned in January 2024, the farm is designed to minimize environmental impact, allowing free movement of small animals through appropriately raised fencing, without disturbing their natural migration paths.
2. Przykona Solar Farm: Situated on a former lignite strip-mine in the municipality of Przykona, Province of Poznań, this farm currently has a capacity of 200MWp. An expansion project underway will add another 40MWp, scheduled for completion by the end of this year. Once the additional capacity is operational, it will be the largest solar PV farm in Poland, with the Orlen Group as its sole owner.

Additionally, the Orlen Group acquires Warta, an onshore wind farm built in May 2023 west of Sieradz, in the Province of Łódź. This wind farm consists of 13 turbines capable of generating 26MW, benefiting from high wind intensity to ensure optimal utilization of the installed capacity.

This acquisition underscores Orlen’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition in Central and Eastern Europe and solidifying its position as a key player in the renewable energy market. #RenewableEnergy #SolarPower #WindEnergy #GreenEnergy #SustainableFuture #OrlenGroup #EDPRenewables #PolandGreenEnergy #EnergyTransition #EnvironmentalImpact

OX2 Sells 25MW Solar Project in Spain to Greening Group

OX2 has successfully sold a 25MW solar project in Spain to Greening Group, marking another significant milestone in the renewable energy sector. This transaction will be officially recorded in the third quarter of 2024.The sale encompasses project rights for five solar farms situated in Cáceres, within the Extremadura region. These solar arrays, boasting a total estimated capacity of 25MW, will be constructed by the Spanish developer Greening Group.

OX2 mentioned that this transaction will have a limited financial impact on its accounts, underscoring the strategic importance of the sale rather than immediate financial gain. This deal represents OX2’s second sale to Greening Group in the Spanish market. In late 2023, both parties had agreed on the sale of project rights for solar farms totaling 45MW in the Andalucia region.The continued partnership between OX2 and Greening Group highlights the growing momentum in Spain’s renewable energy sector and the collaborative efforts to boost solar power capacity across the region. #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #SpainSolar #GreenEnergy #SustainableFuture #OX2 #GreeningGroup #ExtremaduraSolar #EnergyTransition

Exciting Times for UK Renewables: AR6 Auction Now Open for Bids! 

The much-anticipated UK renewables Allocation Round 6 (AR6) auction is now live, and bids are officially being accepted from qualifying applicants! National Grid ESO has set the stage for renewable energy developers to submit their sealed bids up until 9 August 2024.

With a recent £300m top-up, the total prize purse has soared to an impressive £1.1bn, opening the door for more than 10GW of offshore wind capacity to join the race in Pot 3. This significant boost underscores the UK’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy landscape.

In Pot 1, onshore wind and solar power will go head-to-head with a total budget of £185m. It is anticipated that around 2GW-3GW of capacity will emerge victorious from this competitive auction, driving forward the nation’s green energy ambitions.

Mark your calendars! The winners of AR6 will be announced in early September. Stay tuned to see which projects will lead the charge in transforming the UK’s energy future. #UKRenewables #GreenEnergy #WindPower #SolarEnergy #AR6Auction #NationalGridESO #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy

Voltalia Joins Forces with ESB to Build Middleton House Solar Farm

ESB has announced that Voltalia will be the main engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the development of Middleton House Solar Farm, located northeast of Lanesborough, Ireland. The construction phase of this multi-million euro project is set to kick off in September 2024. Once completed, the solar farm will generate 57MW of clean electricity, enough to power over 15,000 homes. Middleton House Solar Farm will connect to the electricity network via a new 5km cable route along a disused peat rail line, previously used from the late 1950s until a few years ago to transport peat to a carbon-intensive power station. Now, ESB’s solar team is transforming this infrastructure to connect clean energy to the national grid, utilizing the existing connection at the former Lough Ree Power Site.

ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy includes a commitment to increase renewable generation more than fivefold to 5000MW, with solar playing a crucial role alongside offshore and onshore wind, battery, and green hydrogen projects. Middleton House Solar Farm is part of ESB’s extensive pipeline of utility-scale solar farms across the midlands, south, and southeast of Ireland. Eoin Naughton, Solar Development Manager at ESB, stated, “Lanesborough has a long and rich history of indigenous electricity generation. This announcement marks not just the commencement of Middleton House Solar Farm but the revitalization of the midlands as a strategic energy hub as part of Ireland’s clean energy future. Solar provides an excellent source of clean, low-cost energy that will help to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels and achieve energy independence. We now look forward to working with Voltalia to deliver Middleton House Solar Farm.” Sébastien Clerc, Chief Executive of Voltalia, added, “Voltalia is delighted to have been selected as the EPC service provider for the Middleton House project. After our first collaboration for the Timahoe North project, Voltalia is thrilled to see ESB’s trust confirmed with this additional contract. As a key partner, Voltalia will continue to support ESB’s ambition to reach its ESG objectives by 2040.”

Full planning permission has been granted by Longford County Council, and the project was successful in the RESS 2 auction in June 2022. Throughout the development of this project, ESB has committed to working closely with the local communities surrounding the site to ensure successful delivery. Once the Middleton House Solar Farm is operational, a community benefit fund will be available to distribute grants to organizations in the local area. The fund aims to support the wider economic, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the local community. #CleanEnergy #SolarPower #SustainableFuture #RenewableEnergy #EnergyIndependence #NetZero2040 #IrelandGreenEnergy #ESB #Voltalia #CommunityBenefit