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Brazil has a new daily record in wind energy

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The National Interconnected System (SIN) recorded another daily record of wind power generation with the production of 4,877 MW on Thursday (30). The value is 151 MW higher than the previous record, which occurred on June 25, 2016, with the production of 4,726 MW.Data are from the Preliminary Information Daily Operation of the National Electric System Operator (ONS).

On the same day, wind energy in Brazil's Northeast region also recorded the highest value of the year with 4,606 MW, with 353 MW above the previous record, recorded on Wednesday (29/06).
Amid the good winds, Brazil has increased the share of this source of energy matrix. Only in April, the source produced 2,274 GWh, an increase of 132% compared to the same period of 2015. In May, the wind power reached 8,796 MW, a figure 46% higher than the same period of 2015 (6,025 MW) .
Thus, wind power represents 6.1% of installed capacity matrix of electric power generation in Brazil, an increase of 1.7 percentage points in its share within one year.
With the expansion of electricity generation in Brazil favoring clean, renewable sources, the forecast for the next few years, according to the Ten Year Plan for Energy Expansion - PDE 2024 is that wind installed capacity in the country reach 24,000 MW by 2024.
In May 2016 the total installed capacity of electric power generation in Brazil reached 143,922 MW. Compared to the same month in 2015, there was an increase of 7,147 MW, with 3,287 MW of installed capacity of hydropower, 1,081 MW from thermal sources, 2,771 MW of wind power and 8 MW of solar source. The information is the Bulletin of the Brazilian Electric System Monitoring Monthly, prepared by the Ministry of Mines and Energy.



Eólica en Alemania: Nordex instaló 134 aerogeneradores en el primer semestre

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Nordex ha cerrado el primer semestre de 2016 con un nuevo récord de parques eólicos en Alemania.
Los 134 nuevos aerogeneradores instalados representan un aumento del 135 por ciento respecto al mismo periodo del año anterior (57 aerogeneradores).

Nordex, fabricante alemán de aerogeneradores que se ha fusionado con Acciona Windpower, ha instalado el aerogenerador más alto del mundo en la localidad alemana de Hausbay, en el estado federado de Renania-Palatinado, en un parque eólico que ha sido desarrollado por Kreuzberger & Spengler Regenerative Energie de Dunningen-Seedorf.
Los 164 metros de torre híbrida se han construido con una parte de hormigón de 100 metros y dos segmentos tubulares de acero. En los últimos años, este diseño se ha utilizado en más de 500 turbinas de Nordex de los modelos N117 y N131, que tienen una altura total de 200 metros. Como resultado, se ha conseguido esta versión mejorada que incorpora una gran experiencia práctica, dice la compañía en un comunicado.
Nordex ha ido conectando aerogeneradores cada vez mayores a la red, de modo que la capacidad media por aerogenerador ha pasado de 2,3 MW a unos 2,6 MW. Con estas nuevas instalaciones la producción ha aumentado en un 162 por ciento hasta alcanzar los 341 MW eólicos.
Enel Green Power,Sudáfrica, Africa, África, eólica, wind energy, wind power, energías renovables, South Africa,
Enel Green Power,Sudáfrica, Africa, África, eólica, wind energy, wind power, energías renovables, South Africa,
“A la vista del debate político actual en Alemania, la fiabilidad de los suministros es vital para nuestros clientes, ya que influye directamente en la viabilidad económica de los proyectos”, explica Jörg Hempel, managing director, responsable del mercado alemán en Nordex.
Nordex Germany wind energy eólica
“Además, actualmente nuestra gama cuenta con un aerogenerador óptimo para cada emplazamiento. Gracias a ello, han aumentado notablemente los éxitos en emplazamientos con regímenes de viento más fuertes”. En esas zonas, el volumen de ven-tas ha vuelto a aumentar, alcanzando el 23 por ciento (S1/2015: 7%).
El análisis por Estados muestra que el Estado de Baviera, con 33 turbinas eólicas instaladas, vuelve a estar en cabeza, seguido de Baden-Württemberg con 22 turbinas. “Sabiendo que en el conjunto del año 2015 instalamos 25 aerogeneradores, las cifras son impresionantes,” dice Hempel. Nordex es optimista respecto a su cuota de mercado. Los expertos prevén un crecimiento del 30 por ciento de la energía eólica en el primer semestre de 2016. “Este aumento del 162% de nuestra capacidad nos garantiza una cuota de mercado extremada-mente importante en 2016”.





ACWA Power, SolarReserve to break ground on 100 MW Concentrated Solar Power plant in South Africa

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SolarReserve and Saudi ACWA Power will break ground on a joint project for 100 MW  concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in South Africa in September, Terence Govender, SolarReserve’s vice president of development was quoted as saying by news agency Ecofin.

The project was selected within the 3.5 bid window under South Africa’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which aims to add 3,725 MW of clean power to the country’s energy generation mix.
It will receive an average tariff of ZAR 1.46 per kWh (USD 0.100/ EUR EUR 0.090) over 20 years, South Africa’s Department of Energy said, noting that the third REIPPPP bidding round achieved significant price reductions compared with the ZAR 2.68/kWh bids of CSP projects during the first round.
Located in Postmasburg, near Kimberley in the Northern Cape province, the Redstone solar thermal power project will feature 12 hours of full-load energy storage thanks to SolarReserve’s molten salt energy storage technology in a tower configuration. The project will also have dry cooling of the power generation cycle to minimize water use.
Redstone will be built adjacent to the 75 MW Lesedi and 96 MW Jasper photovoltaic (PV) solar power projects developed by SolarReserve and its investment partners. Together, the three projects will combine CSP and PV for a total of 271 MW of generating capacity. Redstone, alone, is expected to produce more than 480,000 MWh of electricity per year.
The project will be financed with ZAR 2.4 billion of equity investment and ZAR 5.6 billion of debt provided by local and international lending institutions, SolarReserve said on its website.
Last year, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) on signed a formal agreement to support Redstone development with USD 400 million (EUR 360m) of debt financing.



 

Dong Energy has won the right to build 700 MW of offshore wind farms in the Netherlands

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Dong Energy has won the right to develop and build 700MW of offshore wind farms in the Borssele 1 and 2 zones in the Netherlands. The winning strike price bid excluding transmission costs is €72.70 per megawatt-hour. The price support will last for 15 years.
Both 350MW projects will be built by mid-2020 with an additional year of flexibility available under the contract.
Dong said it will deploy monopile foundations some 22km from the Dutch province of Zeeland in water depths of between 14 and 38 metres. Average annual wind speeds reach 9.5 metres per second in the area.
Dong head of wind power Samuel Leupold said: “Winning this tender in a highly competitive field of bidders is another proof of our market-leading position and our business model which builds on continued innovation, industrialisation and scale. 
“With Borssele 1 and 2, we’re crossing the levelized cost of electricity mark of €100/MWh for the first time and are reaching a critical industry milestone more than three years ahead of time. This demonstrates the great potential of offshore wind.” 
A total of 38 bidders were vying for the rights to build at Borssele. A further 700MW of projects will be auctioned later this year in the zone, followed by further action in the Holland North and Holland South areas later this decade.




 

Eólica marina en Holanda: Parque eólico de DONG Energy producirá a un coste de 72,70 euros el MWh

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Dong Energy producirá energía eólica a un precio medio 72,7 euros por MWh, lo que permitirá al Gobierno ahorrar 2.700 millones de euros durante los próximos 15 años.

La construcción del parque eólico supone una gran contribución al objetivo del Gobierno de alcanzar un 16% de suministro energético a través de energías renovables en 2023.
Dong Energy se ha adjudicado la construcción de un parque eólico marítimo en Holanda con una potencia de total de 700MW.
El nuevo parque eólico, que se construirá 22 kilómetros al norte de la costa de la provincia de la provincia de Zeeland, superará la potencia eólica del parque eólico London Array, el mayor parque eólico marítimo de Europa actualmente, con 630MW.
El parque eólico de 700 MW generará un 22,5% más de electricidad de lo previsto y permitirá abastecer de energía a un millón de hogares a mediados de 2020, cuando está previsto que finalice la construcción.
"Durante los próximos años los cinco mayores parques eólicos del mundo estarán localizados en Holanda", señaló el ministro de asuntos económicos neerlandés, Henk Kamp, que añadió que la explotación de parque eólicos en el país generará 10.000 empleos en 2020.






 



Netherlands Offshore Wind Farm Borssele cheapest world wide

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The cost of building and operating the Borssele offshore wind farm is expected to be Euro 2.7 billion cheaper than previously estimated. Moreover the 700 MW wind farm will generate 22.5% more electricity than anticipated. The lower than anticipated price follows fierce competition between companies in the public tender to secure the permit and associated subsidy to build and operate the wind farm. Overall, there were 38 bids, with Danish offshore wind developer, Dong Energy, submitted the winning bid. The wind farm is expected to be ready mid-2020 and will be constructed more than 22 km off the coast of the province of Zeeland.


The Minister of Economic Affairs, Henk Kamp, said: "Worldwide it has never happened before that an offshore wind farm can be built at such low cost. The Dutch system in which companies have to compete with each other while the government regulates all conditions for building the wind farm has proved to be very successful. This reduction of cost represents a major breakthrough in the transition to more sustainable energy.”

10,000 jobs and sustainable electricity for five million households

One million households will be provided with electricity generated by the 700 MW wind farm off the coast of Borssele. Four additional offshore wind farms, each 700 MW, will follow in the coming years, also off the coast of the provinces of North and South Holland. Combined, these five wind farms will have a combined capacity of 3,500 MW, generating enough electricity for more than five million households. This a major contribution to the Netherlands goal of 16 % sustainable energy in 2023. The size makes this project unique. In comparison, the largest offshore wind farm in Europe at the moment is the 630 MW London Array project. Meantime, the average size of offshore wind farms built in 2015 in Europe had a capacity of 337.9 MW.

Minister Kamp continued :"Over the next few years the five largest wind farms in the world will be built in the Netherlands. With the development of offshore wind farms we are building a new economic sector. The development of offshore wind farms has already created around 4,000 jobs in the Netherlands, such as in manufacturing, construction and research. This is expected to grow to 10,000 jobs by 2020." A greater part of the construction of the new wind farm in the Borssele Wind Farm Zone is expected to be conducted from the port of Vlissingen.

Unique process

Under the Dutch system, interested market parties could bid in the subsidy and permit tender, with a maximum price cap set at 12.4 Euro cent per kilowatt hour. Dong Energy submitted the lowest bid with an average of 7.27 Euro cent per kilowatt hour. This is 5.1 Euro cent less than the originally estimated compensation. This results in a cost reduction of Euro 2.3 billion over the 15-year period that the SDE+ subsidy compensation is available. Until now the lowest auction price for constructing and operate a wind farm was 10.3 Euro cent per kilowatt hour, for a wind farm off the coast of Denmark.

The government regulates all conditions for the construction of the wind farms: the exact location, consents, the connection to the electricity grid. Further the government makes an operating grant available. Producers receive financial compensation for the renewable energy they generate. In the subsidy and permit tenders the lowest bid will be awarded. That company will receive a permit to build and operate the wind farm and granted the associated subsidy. This makes the construction of the wind farms cheaper. Previously, companies had to receive consents before they could compete for the grant and had to install the export cables to shore themselves. Now TenneT, the Dutch transmission system operator, takes care of the offshore grid connections.

It is expected that the tender for the second wind farm (Borssele Wind Farm Sites III and IV) will be closed in the last week of September 2016. After that, from 2017 the development of wind farms off the coast of the provinces of South Holland and North Holland is foreseen.

For more information, please visit : http://www.rvo.nl


 

Valorem chooses RNRG to support wind energy resource assessment activities in Africa

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Renewable NRG Systems (RNRG), a designer and manufacturer of decision support tools for the global renewable energy industry, announced today that it has supplied complete resource assessment packages to French developer VALOREM to support their renewable energy project development activities in Africa. VALOREM is currently building a pipeline of five wind and solar farms at various development stages, totaling around 100 MW spread across various North African countries. The French company is also positioned as a service provider in Sub-Saharan Africa. 


“RNRG offers genuinely complete measurement systems, which are very valuable to us. The quality of these packages, combined with the outstanding support service provided, are the key factors that contributed to our decision to collaborate with RNRG,” said VALOREM senior engineer, Romain Barbot.

The complete systems selected include towers, data loggers complete with communications and autonomous power modules, Class 1 sensors, booms, and cables, as well as winches and ginpoles.

“RNRG is our one-stop shop, ” explained Barbot. “They greatly simplify our logistics. For instance, centralized shipping reduces customs issues. The packaging is compact, and anchoring RNRG’s tilt-up TallTowers™ is quite easy. We do not use concrete, which facilitates both on-site installation and local acceptance. In addition, it is sometimes possible to change the distance between mast and anchors, and this flexibility has been crucial on a couple of occasions. RNRG’s after-sales services are very effective and provide the help necessary for instrument configuration, custom clearance papers, and any other issues.

VALOREM has been active on the African continent since 2010.  A number of African countries boast significant wind resources, and their governments are enacting new regulations to boost the development of renewables and rebalance their energy mix away from fossil energies. By investing in renewables, these countries can also minimize the dependency of their economies on fluctuating and uncertain fossil fuel revenues. Large metropolitan areas are generally properly grid-connected, allowing for effective wind farm deployment.

“Working with such an experienced project developer is a pleasure for us. It ensures that our equipment will deliver its full potential, and that is a great reward in itself. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration for a long time,” concluded Dave Hurwitt, VP of Global Marketing and Product Management at RNRG.



 
 

Expansion wind farm Tera Kòrá in Curaçao

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NuCapital Incorporated indicated that they and Aspiravi Antilles NV will invest 36 million dollars in the expansion of the wind farm at Tera Kòrá (western side of the island). 

Five new wind turbines must deliver 16.5 megawatts to the current electrical grid by July next year.
The expansion will be named NuCuraçao Wind farms II BV and is in addition to the existing wind farm at Tera Kòrá. Funding for the project is through CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank. For four years there have been talks about the expansion of the park, which now becomes a reality.






 

Argentina is considered as having the best wind energy resources in the world

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Modern Energy management has announced Francisco Iacona appointed as Country Manager for its Argentina business. Francisco joined Modern Energy Management in 2014 and has been supporting Modern Energy Management projects in both Argentina and SE Asia. In his new role, he will lead business development in Latin American markets with specific focus in Argentina. 


In South America, Argentina is gearing up to launch an innovative renewable energy programme next month with a public auction to purchase 1,000MW of renewable energy, Climate Action reported.
Dubbed the 'RenovAR' initiative, it will include a green trust fund to ensure that potential investors have the necessary confidence and security.

Argentina to ramp up RE developments

According to the climate platform, this programme is in line with the country's target of having 20% of renewables in the national energy mix by 2025 compared to the current 1.8%.
The government is aiming to add 600MW of wind power, 300MW of solar power, 65MW of biomass, 20MW of hydroelectric plants and 15MW of biogas.
A report published by IRENA last year highlighted that "in 2009 Argentina launched an auction through its national energy company (ENARSA).
"The auction, known as 'GENREN' aimed to deploy 1,000MW of renewable electricity capacity distributed among technologies as follows: 500MW of wind energy; 150MW of liquid biofuel-fired power generation; 120MW of solid urban waste; 100MW of biomass; 60MW of small hydro; 30MW of geothermal; 20MW of solar; and 20MW of biogas.
"GENREN offered a 15- year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) denominated in USD. In 2011, Resolution 108 allowed for direct contracting of renewable energy capacity, also with 15-year PPAs denominated in USD."

Finance and policy

The 'Trust Fund for Renewable Energy' (FODER), has been established to support the country’s new programme,  providing payment guarantees for all tendered power purchase agreements as well as project financing assistance, and it has been allocated around the equivalent of £600 million ($778 million), Climate Action explained.
Adding that in September 2015, Argentina passed a law which set up the framework for the country’s energy transition, targeting 8% of renewable energy for the end of 2017 and 20% for 2025.
Climate Action said: "In order to implement the energy plan, the law also sets up fiscal and local supply chain incentives for renewable energy projects.
"For RenovAR, five factors are observed to decide which bids are accepted including price, location and interconnection node, the committed date to reach commercial operation, compliance with the requirements in the bid documents and compliance with the requirements to obtain the certificate of inclusion.
"The bid documents are to be published on Friday [1 July], and will be available for purchase from the government on July 2. Winning bids will be announced on September 28."

Francisco earned his Industrial Engineering degree from the Buenos Aires Institute of Technology (ITBA) in 2006 and has 7 years experience in renewable energy. He brings experience from wind turbine supply (Vestas) and wind turbine transport, crane and installation (Coamtra). Francisco has over 400MW of wind farm development and construction experience, entirely from executing projects in emerging markets.
Francisco Iacona's appointment as Country Manager for Argentina demonstrates Modern Energy Management's support of the government's ambitious renewable energy plans, and our own vision of growth in the Argentine market. Argentina is considered as having the best wind energy resources in the world. With 70% of Argentina's territory having measured, mean wind speed at 50m surpassing 6m/s (in the south ranging 9-12m/s) with capacity factors >45%, Modern Energy Management is proud to be a first mover for wind energy Owner's Engineer and Owner's Representative services in the Argentine market. 





A renewable energy pathway and biodiversity protection is crucial to poverty alleviation in Africa

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New Executive Director Greenpeace International (http://www.Greenpeace.org
Bunny McDiarmid visited the Greenpeace Africa office in Johannesburg to show solidarity and gain further insight into the key issues. The visit was McDiarmid’s first to the continent since taking office in April. Greenpeace Africa is concentrating its efforts on promoting sustainable development with particular emphasis on policies that support investment and development in clean renewable energy.


During the visit, McDiarmid said, “I came to meet and support my colleagues here in Africa. Promoting sustainable development is the most viable option for not only driving sustainable social and economic changes but important for protecting our common climate. Keeping dirty fossil fuels in the ground in every corner of the world is no longer a choice it's an imperative."

A quarter of the world’s population has no access to electricity and most of these people live in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Access to electricity is key to supporting people out of poverty. 

"What I heard is achieving 100% renewable energy by 2050 is absolutely possible in Africa. However, it will require a shift in understanding that renewable energy is already a viable solution but it needs to be backed by the policy makers,” added McDiarmid.

Greenpeace Africa is also working, as part of a global effort, for a stronger response to stop illegal and unregulated plundering of its vast natural forests and safeguarding its rich ocean resources.  

"Just as collective action on climate change is key to resolving a global problem, Greenpeace Africa is calling on African nations to work together to manage and protect these precious resources so that they are there for future generations" McDiarmid said. 

Greenpeace International recently appointed two female International Executive Directors. Jennifer Morgan and Bunny McDiarmid took up the reigns in an innovative shared-leadership role on 4 April 2016. They succeed South African born Kumi Naidoo who had been at the helm of the organisation for five and a half years.

Bunny McDiarmid is not a new face to Greenpeace. She is a 30-year veteran of the organisation as an activist, ship’s crew member, and most recently, the Executive Director of Greenpeace New Zealand which, under her leadership, became a powerhouse of innovation in the Greenpeace world.


Wind energy in Denmark: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has received a 406 MW order

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MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has received a firm and unconditional order for 49 V164-8 MW turbines with a total capacity of 406 MW for the offshore Horns Reef 3 project in Denmark, ref. company announcements No. 36/2015 of 29 June 2015  and No. 21/2016 of 2 June 2016. The 406 MW order is placed by Vattenfall, and the contract covers supply, installation and commissioning of the wind turbines, as well as a five year full-scope service contract. 

The project will be delivered by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind and will not enter into the order backlog of Vestas Wind Systems A/S.
As Vestas owns 50 per cent of the joint venture company MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, Vestas will disclose firm and unconditional orders received by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind with a total capacity of 400 MW or above, ref. Vestas’ Communication Strategy. 



 

Wind power in Finland: Extension for Kivivaara wind farm with Nordex wind turbines

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Second helping in Finland: the customer Taaleri has ordered six more turbines from the Nordex Group for its "Kivivaara-Peuravaara" wind farm. The asset management company founded in 2010 is adding a further six N131/3000 machines to its wind farm located in the north-east of the country.


The turbines from the Delta series are to be installed on 144 m tubular steel towers by the late summer of 2017 and are to be equipped with the anti-icing system (AIS). This configuration means that Taaleri can generate electricity extremely efficiently even in the difficult climatic conditions with low temperatures in this mountainous forest region. In addition to this, the customer has concluded a Premium full service agreement for 15 years - as for the first phase of the project, which totals 39 MW.

"The collaboration with Taaleri is a major contributory factor in our continuing success in the Finnish market. This project is the best confirmation of our good customer relationship," says CSO Patxi Landa.

Nordex signed a frame agreement with Taaleri in mid-2012 and has since successfully implemented five projects. The extension of the "Kivivaara-Peuravaara" project is a further call-off from the frame agreement signed in mid-2015.

With more than 100 turbines installed to date and a capacity of more than 280 MW, Nordex has been one of the leading suppliers in Finland for some years now thanks to being able to offer suitable technology, especially the Anti Icing System.


The Group has installed wind power capacity of more than 18 GW in over 25 markets. In 2015, Nordex and Acciona Windpower recorded combined sales of EUR 3.4 billion. The Company currently has over 4,800 employees. The production network comprises plants in Germany, Spain, Brazil, the United States and soon also India. The product range primarily concentrates on onshore turbines in the 1.5 - 3MW class addressing the requirements of developed as well as emerging markets. 




 

Siemens to supply 141 wind turbines for major wind power plant in New Mexico and Texas

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Siemens has contracted with Pattern Energy Group LP to deliver, install and service a total of 141 wind turbines for the Broadview Wind project. Broadview Wind combines two adjacent projects in New Mexico and Texas with a total installed capacity of 324 megawatts (MW). Both onshore wind power plants will provide clean energy to meet the energy needs of approximately 180,000 average U.S. households. Siemens' installation of its 2.3 MW onshore wind turbines is scheduled to begin this month, with the start of operations expected in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2016. A long-term service and maintenance agreement was also signed for the turbines and includes Siemens' remote monitoring and diagnostic services, which offer a proactive approach to service and maintenance to help bolster the performance of the turbines during their lifetime.


Siemens wind turbines for the USA: The Broadview project includes 141 units of type SWT-2.3-108 for New Mexico and Texas.
Siemens will deliver its SWT-2.3-108 wind turbine, with a rotor diameter of 108 meters and a hub height of 80 meters. An installed power boost option provides additional electrical output under high wind conditions. The New Mexico section of the Broadview project – located near Broadview, an unincorporated community in Curry County in the east of New Mexico, about 29 miles north of the city of Clovis – will feature 105 turbines for a total of 241 MW. The Texas section – located in Deaf Smith County, approximately 100 miles southwest of Amarillo – will have 36 turbines for a total of 83 MW. Both sites benefit from constant wind conditions related to the streams of the North American wind belt. The blades for this project will be manufactured at the Siemens blade facility in Fort Madison, Iowa. The nacelles and hubs will be assembled at the Siemens facility in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Siemens Financial Services Division (SFS) is supporting the project with loans totaling nearly $100 million. The funds provided by SFS will be used to support the customer's equity stake in the transaction – both during and after construction.
"Siemens is proud to provide a sustainable solution to Pattern Development to help advance efforts in the US to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," stated Thomas Richterich, CEO Onshore of the Siemens Wind Power and Renewables Division. "With our broad portfolio and comprehensive expertise in wind power generation we will help to increase the share of wind power in the U.S. energy mix. With New Mexico's proximity to important wind energy areas, the state is on the way to become an important driver for the wind industry in this region."



 
 
 

Eólica en Estados Unidos: Gamesa suministrará 298 MW en un parque de Avangrid Renewables

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Gamesa  instalará 142 aerogeneradores G114-2.1 MW en el parque de El Cabo, ubicado en el estado de Nuevo México.


Gamesa, líder tecnológico global en energía eólica, se ha adjudicado un nuevo acuerdo para el suministro de 298 MW en Estados Unidos en el parque de El Cabo, desarrollado por Avangrid Renewables, empresa del grupo Iberdrola.

El pedido –uno de los mayores de la historia de Gamesa- contempla la entrega de 142 turbinas G114-2.1 MW en este proyecto, ubicado en el estado de Nuevo México, al sur de Estados Unidos. La entrega de los aerogeneradores comenzaría en marzo del próximo año y su puesta en marcha a partir de junio de 2017.

Una vez entre en funcionamiento, el parque de El Cabo será capaz de cubrir la demanda de energía eléctrica de más de 200.000 hogares, además de evitar la emisión a la atmósfera de unas 447.000 toneladas anuales de CO2 (el equivalente al que producen 149.000 coches en un año).

Avangrid Renewables es una de las mayores eléctricas de Estados Unidos, resultante de la integración entre Iberdrola USA y UIL Holdings Corporation. Este contrato refuerza el posicionamiento comercial de la compañía en Estados Unidos, donde cuenta ya con 4.338 MW instalados y es uno de los principales fabricantes del país.





 


Gamesa to supply 298 MW at an Avangrid Renewables wind energy complex in the US

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The company will install 142 of its G114-2.1 MW wind turbines at the El Cabo wind farm being built in the state of New Mexic. Gamesa, a global technology leader in wind energy, has landed a new order for the supply of 298 MW in the US, specifically at the El Cabo wind complex, which is being developed by Avangrid Renewables, part of the Iberdrola Group.
The order, one of the largest ever secured by Gamesa, encompasses the delivery of 142 G114-2.1 MW turbines at this development, located in the state of New Mexico, in the southwestern of the United States. Delivery of the turbines is due to begin in March of next year; they are expected to be commissioned starting in June 2017.
Once operational, the El Cabo wind complex will be capable of meeting the energy needs of over 200,000 households, while preventing the emission of around 447,000 tonnes of CO2 (equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of some 149,000 cars in one year).
Avangrid Renewables is one of the largest power utilities in the US and the result of the merger of Iberdrola USA and UIL Holdings Corporation. This contract reinforces Gamesa's positioning in the US, where it has already installed 4,338 MW and is one of the leading OEMs.





 
 

Siemens proveerá 141 aerogeneradores para dos parques eólicos en Nuevo México y Texas

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Proyecto eólico Broadview Wind con una capacidad conjunta de 324 megavatios. La División Financial Services de Siemens facilitará los préstamos para el proyecto de energía eólica. Se espera que el proyecto abastezca unos 180.000 hogares estadounidenses.

Siemens se ha comprometido junto con Pattern Energy Group LP a entregar, instalar y mantener un total de 141 aerogeneradores para el proyecto Broadview Wind. Broadview Wind combina dos proyectos adyacentes en Nuevo México y en Texas, con una capacidad instalada total de 324 megavatios (MW). Ambos parques eólicos terrestres proporcionarán energía limpia para satisfacer las necesidades energéticas de unos 180.000 hogares estadounidenses medios. Está previsto que Siemens comience la instalación de los aerogeneradores terrestres de 2,3 MW este mes; con el inicio de las operaciones en el cuarto trimestre de 2016. También se ha firmado un contrato de servicio y mantenimiento a largo plazo para los aerogeneradores. Este contrato incluye los servicios de diagnóstico y monitorización remota de Siemens, que ofrece un enfoque proactivo de servicio y mantenimiento para contribuir a reforzar el rendimiento de los aerogeneradores durante su vida útil.
Siemens entregará su aerogenerador SWT-2.3-108, con un diámetro del rotor de 108 metros y una altura de buje de 80 metros. La opción de generación mejorada instalada proporciona una salida eléctrica adicional en condiciones de vientos fuertes. La parte de Nuevo México del proyecto Broadview (ubicada cerca de Broadview, una localidad no incorporada en el condado de Curry, al este de Nuevo México, unos 46 kilómetros al norte de la ciudad de Clovis) dispondrá de 105 aerogeneradores para un total de 241 MW. La parte de Texas (ubicada en el condado de Deaf Smith, unos 160 kilómetros al suroeste de Amarillo) contará con 36 aerogeneradores para un total de 83 MW. Ambos emplazamientos gozan de vientos constantes relacionados con las corrientes del "cinturón eólico" norteamericano. Las palas para este proyecto se fabricarán en la planta de fabricación de palas de Siemens en Fort Madison, Iowa. Las góndolas y los bujes se montarán en las instalaciones de Siemens en Hutchinson, Kansas.
La División Financial Services de Siemens (SFS) apoya el proyecto con préstamos por un total de casi 100 millones de dólares. Los fondos proporcionados por SFS se utilizarán para apoyar la participación de capital del cliente en la transacción, tanto durante la construcción como después de ella.
"Siemens se enorgullece de proporcionar una solución sostenible a Pattern Development para contribuir a los esfuerzos de EE. UU. por reducir las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero", explica Thomas Richterich, Director General de la División de Siemens Wind Power and Renewables para proyectos terrestres "Con nuestra amplia cartera y nuestra gran experiencia en generación eólica ayudaremos a aumentar la proporción de energía eólica en el mix energético de EE. UU. Gracias a la proximidad de Nuevo México a las zonas importantes de energía eólica, el estado va camino de convertirse en un actor importante para el sector eólico en esta región".




 
 

Greenpeace denuncia los riesgos de inundar la Amazonia con hidroeléctricas

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Hay una alternativa a este modelo energético: energías renovables, como la solar y eólica, que podrían satisfacer las necesidades de abastecimiento sin destruir la Amazonia. El proyecto de la presa de São Luiz do Tapajós en Brasil supondría repetir un error como el que fue la de Bello Monte. Si las presas se llevan a acabo se inundaría el territorio de la tribu indígena Mundurukú que lleva siglos habitando la zona.


Greenpeace ha publicado hoy el informe ‘Inundando el corazón de la Amazonia. Los riesgos financieros del negocio hidroeléctrico en la Amazonia’ en el que denuncia los graves riesgos de los planes del Gobierno brasileño de construir grandes proyectos hidroeléctricos en la región Amazónica. Estos planes incluyen grandes y pequeñas presas hidroeléctricas, hasta más de 40, en el corazón de la selva amazónica.
De manera especial, denuncia el proyecto hidroeléctrico de São Luiz do Tapajós, que tendría un muro de presa de 7,6 kilómetros y un embalse que ocuparía una superficie similar a la ciudad de Nueva York, inundaría también parte del territorio indígena Munduruku, tribu que ha vivido en esta región durante siglos. Este proyecto faraónico no sólo amenaza a las comunidades y los ecosistemas locales, también perjudica el clima. La construcción de la presa produciría sustanciales cantidades de gases de efecto invernadero, producto de la descomposición de la vegetación de la selva inundada y el suelo.
Los principales afectados, la tribu indígena de los Mundurukú, llevan habitando la cuenca del río Tapajós desde hace miles de años y todavía viven en la región más de 12.000 miembros, la mayoría asentados en las riberas del río. Sus comunidades dependen del río para su alimentación, como medio de transporte y como forma de expresión cultural y espiritual. La pérdida del río supondrá el fin de su forma de vida.
“Greenpeace está colaborando con el pueblo Mundurukú en su lucha para proteger el río Tapajós, sus bosques y su gente”, ha afirmado Miguel Ángel Soto, responsable de la Campaña de Bosques de Greenpeace España. “Si se construye esta presa, sus promotores serán responsables de aumentar la deforestación, incrementar la pérdida de biodiversidad y poner en riesgo la supervivencia cultural de los pueblos indígenas Mundurukú de la región de Tapajós.”
El informe documenta cómo uno de estos proyectos, la presa de São Luiz do Tapajós, está atrayendo el interés de un buen número de empresas brasileñas y extranjeras del sector de la energía, ingeniería, aseguradoras, entidades financieras, etc.  Algunas de ellas con experiencia en otros proyectos hidroeléctricos en la región. Empresas como General Electric, Voith Hydro, Siemens y Andritz podrían participar en este proyecto, pero también empresas españolas como Iberdrola (a través de su socio brasileño Neoenergía) y la aseguradora Mapfre (con su socio Banco do Brasil).
Hasta la fecha, ninguna de estas grandes empresas ha anunciado públicamente sus intenciones sobre este proyecto. Pero otros, como la empresa energética europea Enel, han dado un paso al frente y han anunciado públicamente que no van a participar.
En el caso de las españolas Iberdrola y Mapfre, Greenpeace se ha reunido con representantes de ambas empresas recientemente. De hecho, un miembro de Greenpeace intervino en la Junta de Accionistas de 2016, celebrada el pasado 8 de abril de 2016, y solicitó al Presidente de Iberdrola, Ignacio Galán, una declaración pública de desvinculación del proyecto hidroeléctrico de São Luiz do Tapajós. La respuesta del Presidente fue “esto es una sociedad participada (en relación a su socio Neoenergia); ni gestionamos ni pintamos nada en ese tema, por tanto, son temas de los brasileños que seguro que lo están haciendo de acuerdo con las leyes brasileñas y yo no puedo decir nada más”.
La respuesta de Mapfre ha sido igualmente decepcionante. En una reunión con responsables de Mapfre mantenida en marzo de 2016, la empresa comunicó que necesitan tiempo para analizar los riesgos asociados con el proyecto de São Luiz do Tapajós y que la decisión final se tomará conjuntamente con su socio el Banco do Brasil.
“Detrás de estos megaproyectos hidroeléctricos se encuentran los mismos intereses políticos que trabajan para satisfacer la avaricia de las grandes corporaciones, alimentando el círculo vicioso de la corrupción y el mal uso del dinero público”, ha comentado Soto. “Pero hay una alternativa a este modelo: energías renovables, como la solar y eólica, podrían satisfacer las necesidades de abastecimiento de todos los brasileños, sin destruir la biodiversidad y la forma de vida de las comunidades locales.”
La Amazonia es la mayor región tropical del planeta, pero la alta deforestación está provocando la desaparición de esta selva tropical, que cada día se hace más pequeña. Más de 750.000 km² de selva tropical del Amazonas (una superficie similar a Francia) ya ha sido destruida por la agricultura industrial, la ganadería, la tala ilegal, la minería y los grandes proyectos de infraestructuras.




 

Brexit: what it might mean for the wind energy industry

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The full impact and implications of the UK referendum, and what it means for the wind industry short and long term, are impossible to assess properly at this stage. But there are some points we can make with a degree of clarity today.

First, the UK wind market retains a number of strong fundamentals. The UK has lower reserve margins than most other countries in Europe so it needs new generation capacity. The current government has committed to 1GW a year of new offshore wind up to 2030.
However, the UK market will get harder now. The prospect of Brexit and the political and policy uncertainty it brings, not least during what may be 2-3+ years of negotiating a new UK/EU relationship, will cast a shadow over UK investments. This is likely to raise the cost of capital and impact on project costs. The UK Parliament has said a +2% risk premium would increase the cost of financing offshore wind by £3bn a year.
Brexit will impact on policy.  So will the fact there’ll be a new UK Government in September.  The current Energy Minister has said the UK will continue to invest in renewables and nuclear. The new Government will probably want to continue supporting offshore instead of onshore wind. They will be ambitious on climate change: the Government last week committed to a 57% emission reduction by 2032 (on 1990 levels). And they’ll probably stick with CO2 pricing whether or not they’re in the EU ETS.
How far they’ll apply EU energy policies is unclear at this stage. But we can’t assume they’ll do everything independently of the EU. UK wholesale power prices are twice as high as most places in Europe, and they see the single EU electricity market, and expanded interconnectors, as a way of reducing them. Their reserve margins will remain tight for some time, so they’ll remain a net importer of electricity. Overall, Europe will matter to them on energy.
We expect the Brexit debate will shift the balance of opinion on EU policy-making in a negative direction overall. We will lose an ally on climate change, CO2 pricing and electricity markets – and on the Single Market, trade policy and financial services where the UK’s pragmatic, business-oriented approach usually worked in our favour. More broadly, the relative weight in the EU of Central and Eastern European countries will increase with Brexit.  It’ll be harder for Brussels to do things without having a good number of these countries on board.
These are points we can make with a degree of confidence today. Of course it leaves many questions unanswered – and it’ll be months if not years until the outlook is really clear.
WindEurope will remain fully committed to and active in the UK. RenewableUK will remain a key partner – we are looking forward to our joint Offshore Event in London in June 2017. Above all, the UK will remain a key wind market for our Association and for Europe.


Germany EEG reform a mixed bag for wind energy

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Germany’s parliament approved a plan to reform the country’s renewable energy law by ending feed-in tariffs in favour of competitive auctions and putting clear volumes on wind energy deployment.

Lawmakers have agreed to cap the annual auctions for onshore wind at 2.8GW and offer fluctuating tenders for offshore wind in order to control renewables installations over the next decade. The limit for onshore wind is expected to increase after 2020 to 2.9GW a year. The offshore cap, which will apply from 2021-2030, will vary from year to year to ensure that Germany reaches its 15GW wind energy target in the next 15 years.
The reforms are expected to come into effect in January 2017.
The annual caps also include repowering – the process of replacing old turbines with new, higher capacity models. This will be an important topic for Germany in the near future as one of Europe’s most mature markets and as wind assets come to the end of their life cycles.
Giles Dickson, Chief Executive Officer of WindEurope, said: “For onshore wind, the reforms set out clear volumes for wind energy deployment toward 2020 and beyond. This gives the industry a degree of certainty on investments and the opportunity to plan into the future.
“The same cannot be said for offshore where there is a lack of stability in the volumes. The buildout rate after 2020 will be uneven as the auctions vary in size from year to year. The volumes are also less ambitious than other Member States such as the UK, which has committed to 1GW a year to 2030 and the Netherlands, which will tender 1.4GW this year and then a further 700MW each year to 2020. The shift from feed-in tariffs to tenders is a trend we are seeing across Europe. Germany’s move was to be expected as Member States bring their support schemes into line with the European Commission’s state aid guidelines.”
Dickson added: “Germany is the most important market for wind energy in Europe, and it is essential that a vibrant domestic market is allowed to flourish. One of the biggest challenges facing Germany today is a lack of transmission infrastructure. Lawmakers must find a way to ensure that power generated in northern Germany from renewables such as onshore and offshore wind can be transferred to the power-hungry South.”
Germany accounted for 44% of all wind installations in Europe last year, installing a total of 6GW. Germany deployed 3.7GW in onshore wind and 2.3GW in offshore wind.




 

Dutch tender brings offshore wind power on a par with conventional power generation

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The Netherlands’ Minister of Economic Affairs has today awarded DONG Energy the concession to build the offshore wind farms Borssele I and II. The total price for the two projects is €87/MWh including the cost of the grid connections. This is by some distance a record low for offshore wind. The previous lowest was Horns Rev 3 in Denmark last year which was €103/MWh excluding grid connection.

WindEurope welcomes the positive results of the tender. WindEurope CEO Giles Dickson said: “It has been clear for some time that the costs of offshore wind are falling rapidly. This tender goes beyond even the most optimistic expectations in the market. The €87/MWh is significantly lower than anything we’ve previously seen. It now puts offshore wind in the same cost range as conventional power generation.”
The wind industry recently committed to making offshore wind cost-competitive by 2025. This tender suggests this is fully feasible – and we seem to be getting there well ahead of schedule.”

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