Energy infrastructure News for March 2010

Energy infrastructure News Archive

Europe could have 100% renewable energy by 2050: study

Europe and North Africa could obtain all of their electricity from renewable energy by 2050, if the concept is supported by a single European power market united with a similar market in North Africa.

Global wind is sufficient for 250 million consumers

The global wind industry posted another record year in 2009, as cumulative installed wind power capacity grew to 158,000 MW.

Designate renewable energy zones across US, suggests think-tank

A US think tank says creating ‘competitive renewable energy zones’ would be a solution to raise the private investment that is needed to update transmission infrastructure, increase capacity for renewable energy and move toward the ‘smart grid.’

Siemens to build wind turbine factory in Britain

Siemens will invest £80 million to develop an offshore wind turbine production facility in the UK.

Europe expects €1 bn investment in renewable energies this year

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) predict that a new facility will support €1 billion of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects this year.

Chinese policies could make things challenging for foreign renewable energy, says report

China has moved steadily to prevent foreign participation in its renewable energy market, which will have a negative impact on the renewable energy industry in the United States and other countries.

Regulator funds US279m for renewable energy projects

The New York State Public Service Commission has approved US$279 million over five years for renewable energy projects, part of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).

Small business captures largest share of renewable energy grants

Small business in the United States received 23% of the federal funding for renewable energy support, more than any other sector.

Wales can dramatically increase renewable energy capacity by 2025

Wales has the potential to generate twice its electricity demand from renewable energy sources within 15 years, according to environment minister Jane Davidson.

Hydrogenics electrolyzers for hydrogen fueling station in Hamburg

Canadian-based Hydrogenics has been awarded a contract for two HySTAT-60 electrolyzers by The Linde Group, for installation as part of a German hydrogen fueling station in HafenCity, Hamburg. The hydrogen station will be integrated and managed by the Swedish utility Vattenfall, one of Europe’s leading energy producers.

Europe offers €56m to engage on renewable energy Europe offers €56m to engage on renewable energy

The European Union must engage all levels of society to support renewable energy, if it is to meet its commitment of 20% from renewable energy by 2020.

Greenland opens hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage Greenland opens hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage

Greenland has inaugurated its first hydrogen plant for renewable energy storage. H2 Logic in Denmark developed and delivered the hydrogen plant, which is owned and operated by the national energy company, Nukissiorfiit.

Fronius launches new solar PV central inverters

The new Fronius CL central inverter series with power classes 36, 48 and 60 kW is suited for solar PV (photovoltaic) systems up to several hundred kilowatts, Fronius says.

US smart grid grant tax-exemption

Awardees under the US$3.4 billion Smart Grid Investment Grant programme in the USA will not have to pay tax on funding under the grant.

California funds US$90m clean and renewable energy

The California Energy Commission (CEC) says its US$90 million ‘Clean Energy Manufacturing Program’ will strengthen the state’s leadership in clean and renewable energy by providing financing to manufacturers.

European offshore supergrid organisation set up European offshore supergrid organisation set up

An organisation to progress policy towards construction of a pan-European offshore supergrid, Friends of the Supergrid, has been set up.

EU money for electricity interconnection

The European Commission has allocated €910 million for 12 electricity interconnection projects as part of its broader European Economic Recovery Plan.

23,450 jobs if Colorado state supports solar

The state of Colorado, USA, could create thousands of jobs if it approves legislation to require large utilities to increase their use of renewable energy.

Offshore electricity grids slowed by politics and regulations

Offshore electricity grids in the North and Baltic Sea are being slowed by political and regulatory differences between bordering countries, according to the OffshoreGrid consortium.

Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen to develop, market fuel cell power plant solutions in Japan

Finland-based Wärtsilä and Hitachi Zosen in Japan have signed a business development agreement to develop and market solid oxide fuel cell based power solutions for distributed power generation applications in Japan.

Europe adopts report on biomass sustainability

The European Commission has adopted a report on sustainability requirements for the use of solid biomass and biogas in electricity, heating and cooling, concluding that more detailed legislation is not necessary at this stage.

Scotland should support off-grid renewable energy

Targets for climate change are ambitious but are achievable if the Scottish Government considers support for green heat and other non-traded energy.

Sputnik launches central solar inverter series

Sputnik is launching three SolarMax TS solar inverters with rated capacities of 50, 80 and 100 kW and work in the MPP range of 430-800 V.

Seajacks plans doubling of offshore wind farm jack-up vessels Seajacks plans doubling of offshore wind farm jack-up vessels

Seajacks International will provide the basic design package for two or more new offshore wind farm installation jack-up vessels to GustoMSC.