|
REC ASA: Singapore chosen for new photovoltaic manufacturing complex
Renewable Energy Corporation ASA (REC) has completed its site selection project and decided to establish its new worldscale integrated solar manufacturing complex in Singapore. The
manufacturing complex will be developed in stages, the company reports in a press release. It will incorporate wafer, cell and module production facilities and due to REC will have the
potential of becoming the world's largest complex of its kind. Fully developed, the manufacturing complex could hold a production capacity of up to 1.5 Gigawatt (GW). REC due to own
disclosure is uniquely positioned in the solar energy industry as the only company with a presence across the entire value chain. REC Silicon and REC Wafer are the world's largest
producers of polysilicon and wafers for solar applications. REC Solar produces solar cells and solar modules. On October 25th 2007 REC decided to establish the new solar
manufacturing complex in Singapore and simultaneously signed an agreement with the Singaporean government agency Economic Development Board (EDB). The agreement outlines both the terms
and conditions related to the development of a new production site, the process of establishing a manufacturing complex, as well as operational and commercial conditions.
The decision on Singapore was made after a comprehensive nine months' process involving screening of more than 200 possible locations, followed by due diligence of close to 20 of them
and finally negotiations with a handful of sites. REC has finalized with EDB a comprehensive support package, including incentives and grants, in the areas of tax, R&D and process
improvement, as well as human resources recruitment and training. For REC, Singapore represents the ideal balance between financial return, risks and future opportunities. "The
development of this site will enable us to continue expanding in a cost efficient manner and will support REC's ambitious cost target. Our future cost position will determine our
ability to deliver solar products that can compete with traditional energy sources in the sunny areas of the world without government incentives", says Erik Thorsen, the President &
CEO of REC.
Capacity of up to 1.5 GW for solar wafers, cells and modules
The project concept is finalized and pre-engineering activities have commenced. The total development will be organized in several stages through a series of interdependent projects.
The initial investment decision is expected to take place as soon as the pre-engineering activities for the first phase have been completed some time during first half of 2008. In
addition to the wafer, cell and module production, the manufacturing complex will incorporate infrastructure and support facilities, as well as an on-site supplier park. Sufficient
space has also been reserved for future R&D activities and possible manufacturing facilities based on potential new technologies. The green field site for this new manufacturing
complex is located in Tuas View, approximately 30 minutes from the city centre in the western part of Singapore. The site can hold a capacity of up to 1.5 GW within each product area,
although it is not likely that the production capacity for wafer, cells and modules will be fully balanced.
Estimated number of employees around 3,000
Depending on the final capacity and site development, total investments in the Singapore site may exceed EUR 3 billion within the next 5 years and the total number of employees could be
around 3 000 people. "Singapore had articulated an exciting vision and plan to develop the solar industry as a key growth area for its economy. We are very happy to have been given the
opportunity to build this solar industry complex in Singapore. We look forward to the continued co-operation with the local authorities, as well as research and development
institutions, and the suppliers in the region", says Thorsen.
2007-10-30 Courtesy: REC Group Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: REC Group
|
|
|
pvXchange establishes contacts at Solar Power Conference in Long Beach and successfully starts cooperation with the company Solarpraxis
|
|
|
|
|
|
pvXchange and Solarpraxis at Solar Power.
|
|
|
|
pvXchange returned from its first US trade show with many industry contacts and has struck a very positive balance by collaborating with the company Solarpraxis AG, also based in
Berlin. "The division of labor with Solarpraxis works outstandingly - we complement each other in many areas!", states Martin Schachinger, CEO of pvXchange. Following the PVSEC in Milan
Italy, their shared stand at the conference in Long Beach California marks the second international trade show that the two companies have attended together this year. It is said that
in the future, this existing cooperation will be developed to include other levels. The American market is one of the most attractive emerging markets worldwide. Last year
the state of California alone made up 70 % of the North-American PV market. Apart from that, significant module capacities are being installed in the states of New Jersey and New
York.
Feed-in tariffs like in Europe gaining importance in the USA
So far, the feed-in tariff common in Europe is still to gain importance in the USA. Here, net metering is still used for the dissemination process of photovoltaics, whereby only the
difference between fed-in and consumed energy is remunerated to the consumer. Given that the southern part of the USA offers particularly good irradiation, PV systems could nevertheless
be operated quite advantageously. New York, which in relation to the rest of the US lies more to the north has the same latitude as Madrid in Spain. Having said that, the irradiation
conditions in most US states can be described as being almost ideal.
With two new employees, pvXchange will be establishing ties in this fast-growing market in the coming months. With a well frequented marketplace, strategic consulting and further
assistance in entering the market, as well as technical advice through the development of large scale Solar Parks; pvXchange offers companies on both sides of the Atlantic a wide
spectrum of services. "In the USA we in fact expect a market which is largely segregated from that in Europe", reports Florian Meyer-Delpho who is responsible for the company’s
overseas expansion, "nevertheless, we are sure that the exchange between American and European market participants, not least with the help of pvXchange, will grow considerably".
2007-10-30 Courtesy: pvXchange GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: pvXchange
|
|
|
SOLON AG acquires shareholding in Greifswald-based electronics service provider
Berlin-based SOLON AG für Solartechnik is acquiring a 41 percent interest in ml&s GmbH & Co. KG, a full-service provider to the electronics industry. It is purchasing this
stake by acquiring the stock held by two existing shareholders. The purchase price has been mutually decided upon to remain confidential. The aim of this investment is to intensify
cooperation following the planned expansion of the photovoltaic module production capacities of SOLON's Greifswald-based subsidiary SOLON Nord GmbH and to meet the growing demand for
electronic products and systems for photovoltaic applications.
ml&s GmbH & Co. KG, which is based in Greifswald, northeastern Germany, was established in 2002 and employs over 300 people. It performs manufacturing and logistics services and
produces made-to-order electronic appliances and systems for a number of sectors. In addition, SOLON AG and ml&s GmbH & Co. KG have been collaborating for several years on the
manufacture of photovoltaic modules.
2007-10-29 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
|
|
|
aleo solar AG delivers its millionth solar module
|
|
|
|
|
|
Handover of aleo solar's millionth module.
|
|
|
|
Six years after selling its first solar PV module, aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau) celebrates the rooftop installation of its millionth module. The "jubilee" module will provide
carbon-free electricity at a site not far from the company's own headquarters in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony. On 26 October 2007, Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG, and Dr. Werner Brinker,
CEO of EWE AG, formally celebrated the installation of the module on the roof of one of the energy supplier's buildings. "The modules we have sold so far each year prevent nearly
100,000 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere", said Smit. "These solar modules generate a combined total of around 180 megawatts - enough to supply
45,000 three-person households (or approximately the entire population of Oldenburg) with electricity", Smit continues. As well as making a welcome and valuable contribution to climate
protection, aleo has created a total of new 480 jobs since it began six years ago - nearly 60 of these in Oldenburg itself. And the company continues to grow strongly.
The aleo S_16 solar module, awarded the highest recommendation by the German Stiftung Warentest consumer test magazine, is at the heart of a photovoltaic system with a nominal output of
56.2 kilowatts that produces 51,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity every year, thereby contributing to saving over approximately 30 tons of CO2 annually. The solar power plant operates
on the roof of one of EWE's gas storage caverns in Nüttermoor, near Leer, Lower Saxony. EWE AG is using photovoltaics here and at other locations to increase the share of renewable
energies in its electricity mix. "We are proud to be working with aleo solar, a business partner based in our own region who never fails to deliver first-class quality and efficiency",
said EWE boss Brinker.
As the German renewable energies law has proved to be a model for other countries, aleo solar plans to step up its international activities in future. "Our second millionth module will
probably be installed somewhere in southern Europe", said Smit.
2007-10-29 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
|
|
|
World Bank raises funding for renewables and energy efficiency by 67 Percent
|
|
|
|
|
|
World Bank solar electricity project.
|
|
|
|
The World Bank Group's funding for renewable energy - comprising wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower - and energy efficiency projects, rose by two-thirds in the past
year to US.43 billion, according to figures released on October 20th, 2007. The World Bank Group’s commitments to finance such projects were up 67 percent in the 2007 financial
year, which ended June 30, from 0 million the previous year. "The World Bank has strengthened its investment support and technical assistance for low carbon energy projects", said
Jamal Saghir, Director, Energy, Transport and Water Department of World Bank. "This is reflected in the progress we made these last few years in expanding support for
renewable energy and energy efficiency. Recognizing the economic and environmental values of clean energy, the World Bank Group’s Clean Energy Investment Framework established in
2006 sets the stage for even greater support for low carbon economy development in the coming years", he added.
The World Bank Group has outperformed its 2004 pledge under the so called Bonn Commitment to increase funding of new renewable energy projects (wind, solar, biomass and geothermal, as
well as hydropower up to 10 MW per facility) and energy efficiency projects by 20 percent a year. From July 2004 through June 2007, the World Bank Group has committed .8 billion for
new projects, almost doubling its Bonn goal of 3 million for the same period.
According to Rachel Kyte, Director, Environment and Social Development Department, International Finance Corporation, "IFC has learned a great deal in the process of identifying energy
efficiency and renewable energy investment opportunities in recent years. Our investment of over 0 million in 27 projects in the 2007 financial year is already substantial and
reflects strong market demand for clean energy, but we expect this part of our business to grow much more rapidly in coming years with benefits for our clients and the environment
– especially considering the need to respond to climate change."
In financial year 2007, Bank Group financing, from the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), as well as Carbon
Finance operations and co-financed projects by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) included: 1 million for new-renewable energy - wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydropower
up to 10 MW; 2 million for energy efficiency; and 1 million for hydropower projects with capacities larger than 10MW. The World Bank Group supported 63 renewable energy and energy
efficiency projects in 32 countries with funding coming from various parts of the organization.
The World Bank Group’s Bonn Commitment
At the Bonn International Conference on Renewable Energies in 2004, the World Bank Group made a commitment to accelerate its support for new renewable energy and energy efficiency. WBG
committed to increase its financial commitments for new renewable energy and energy efficiency at a growth rate of 20 percent per annum between fiscal years 2005 to 2009, compared to a
baseline commitment of 9 million (equal to the average of the previous three years). The World Bank Group has outperformed its Bonn Commitment. From FY05 to FY07, WBG committed .8
billion for new renewable energy and energy efficiency compared to the Bonn commitment goal of 3 million for the same.
2007-10-29 Courtesy: World Bank Group Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: World Bank Group
|
|
|
Dr. Zhengrong Shi Chairman and CEO of PV producer Suntech named one of TIME's 2007 "Heroes of the Environment"
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, on October 24th announced that Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's Chairman and CEO, has been named one
of TIME magazine's 2007 "Heroes of the Environment." TIME International's selection of 43 heroes celebrates "the most innovative and influential protectors of the planet." Dr. Shi
shares TIME's honor with leaders and visionaries including Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Al Gore, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Charles, Prince of Wales; activists and scientists
including Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies James Hansen, and the design team of the Toyota Prius; and moguls and
entrepreneurs including Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin brand of over 360 companies, General Electric's CEO Jeffrey Immelt, and Tulsi Tanti, founder of Suzlon, the world's fourth
largest wind-turbine maker.
Laudation by PV pioneer Martin Green
Dr. Shi's profile in TIME is authored by Dr. Martin Green, executive research director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Dr. Shi
began his lifelong commitment to solar energy when Dr. Green offered him a scholarship to conduct solar-cell research for UNSW in 1989. After earning his Ph.D., he became deputy
research director of a university spin-off that was developing next-generation solar technology. In 2001, he founded Suntech, which became the first private Chinese company to list on
the New York Stock Exchange. Today, Dr. Shi devotes over 20 percent of his time to meeting with Chinese government officials, business leaders, academics and citizens to build awareness
about climate change and global warming.
Dr. Shi: support for solar energy is building within societies and in countries all over the world
"It is a distinct honor to be named in such esteemed global company," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi. "TIME's piece recognizes the diverse contributions of individuals that are giving a clear
and compelling voice to the issues of climate change and environmental protection. TIME calls readers to 'a sense of urgency' with respect to our planet, and at Suntech, we know that
support for solar energy is building within societies and in countries all over the world. I personally believe in the ability of solar power to transform the way the world powers
itself, and I strongly believe that each individual can make a difference."
TIME's "Heroes of the Environment" (October 29 Europe, Asia and South Pacific issues) may be viewed at: http://www.time.com/heroes2007; TIME's profile of Dr. Shi may be viewed at: http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1663317_1663322_1669932,00.html
2007-10-27 Courtesy: Suntech Power Holdings Co., Lt Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
|
|
|
Solarvalue AG appoints Dr. Christian Bornhauser as COO
|
|
|
|
|
|
Furnace Houses of Solarvalue AG at Ruse.
|
|
|
|
The Berlin-based Solarvalue AG has made an addition to its Board of Directors: Dr. Christian Bornhauser has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) as of 7th September 2007. Dr.
Bornhauser has been working as a consultant for Solarvalue AG since January 2005. Since May 2007 he has been project leader for Solarvalue's subsidiary, Solarvalue Proizvodnja d.d. in
Ruse, Slovenia, where he is responsible for setting up the production of high-purity solar grade silicon. Specialising in materials science, Dr. Bornhauser has extensive
experience in the field. He began his career manufacturing and researching the properties of innovative materials at the Max Planck Institute in Stuttgart and the Technical University
of Berlin (TU Berlin). He went on to work in the research laboratories at Siemens AG, and from there on to other production areas worldwide, developing products to commercial viability
and optimising the running of factories. Dr. Bornhauser first started working with photovoltaics in the mid nineties. He was employed at the former Siemens Solar in Camarillo,
California, where he worked on a process optimising project.
In 1999 he created his own company, advising various well-known corporations on the planning and implementation of production projects. Dr. Bornhauser has always been especially
fascinated by large projects, like the construction of electronic chip factories for Infineon AG: “Seeing a dusty construction site turned into a highly complex clean room
measuring 1000 square metres is something you just don’t forget. The memory will stay with you forever." Since the very beginning, Dr. Bornhauser has supported Solarvalue AG in
countless technical matters, as well as the drawing up of business plans. Claudia Boehringer, CEO Solarvalue AG: "We are pleased that we succeeded in getting Dr. Bornhauser onto our
management team. Setting up production is currently our highest priority, and we can now boast an outstanding expert at management level in this area."
2007-10-24 Courtesy: Solarvalue AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarvalue AG
|
|
|
aleo solar AG signs solar module contract worth over EUR 30 million
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photovoltaic produktion of aleo solar in Spain.
|
|
|
|
German aleo solar AG (Oldenburg/Prenzlau) on October 23rd announced that it has signed a supply and cooperation agreement with a+f GmbH. a+f GmbH is a subsidiary of the GILDEMEISTER
technology group, the world's leading manufacturer of metal-cutting machine tools. a+f GmbH launched its SunCarrier on the market in 2006. The SunCarrier is a sun-tracking carrier
system for solar modules. a+f GmbH needs solar modules to equip its SunCarriers for several large projects in southern Europe, aloe solar reports in a press release. The company had
chosen aleo solar as its supply and cooperation partner for these projects. aleo solar will provide its high-quality solar modules under the terms of a supply contract worth over EUR 30
million. The first joint project will be carried out between autumn 2007 and summer 2008. The agreement will bring in over EUR 20 million in 2008.
32% increase in performance due to solar tracking
Thomas Petsch, managing director of a+f GmbH, believes the quality standards of the solar module manufacturer will be of great benefit to this cooperation. "aleo solar AG was our first
choice for large international projects due to the quality of its products and the high yield of its modules. The PLC-controlled SunCarrier automatically orients itself on the position
of the sun, allowing it to achieve a 32% increase in performance over fixed elevated systems. The international orientation of aleo solar AG fits well with our strategy in southern
Europe. We'll take this journey together."
30 % of aleo revenues generated abroad
Jakobus Smit, chairman of the Management Board of aleo solar AG, is confident as well. "aleo solar AG can now offer turnkey, multi-megawatt projects. The SunCarriers are distinguished
by their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements. Through this cooperation, we'll gain additional experience in large-scale projects with a powerful partner at our side. We want
to continue to grow internationally, and this year we will have generated around 30 % of our revenue abroad. We anticipate strong demand in Greece as well as Spain."
2007-10-23 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
|
|
|
SunPower to Build 18-Megawatt Solar Power Plant in Spain
|
|
|
|
|
|
T20 Tracker to Debut in Europe.
|
|
|
|
SunPower Corp., a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells, solar panels and solar systems, on October 16th announced that its Spanish subsidiary will design
and construct an 18-megawatt solar electric power plant near Olivenza in the Badajoz region of Spain. Olivenza is expected to generate more than 32 million kilowatt-hours of power per
year upon completion, SunPower announces in a press release. SunPower will debut its proprietary SunPower "T20 Tracker" solar tracking system in Europe at the 70-hectare site. The
Tracker follows the sun as it moves across the sky, delivering up to 30 percent more energy than fixed-tilt systems while reducing installation cost per kilowatt. "SunPower
is proud to contribute to the rapid expansion of the Spanish solar market using our innovative, efficient solar energy technology," said Marco Antonio Northland, general manager of
SunPower's European operations. "Our customers are demanding the highest energy delivery and fast construction schedules, requirements we can meet with our T20 Tracker. At Olivenza, we
are using the SunPower Tracker to expedite deployment, maximize energy delivery, optimize land use and reduce related costs", Northland added.
Olivenza is financed by a consortium of institutions, including AIG Financial Products Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. and a principal investor in
the energy and infrastructure sectors, and 360 CORPORATE, a Spanish principal investor in the energy and infrastructure sectors, as equity investors. "This project will expand
SunPower's pioneering footprint in Spain to more than 100 megawatts under contract. Construction is expected to be complete in the spring of 2008", Sun Power empahsizes in it's press
release.
2007-10-22 Courtesy: SunPower Corporation Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: SunPower Corp.
|
|
|
SOLON AG increases shareholding in Austrian solar-cell manufacturer Blue Chip Energy GmbH
Berlin-based SOLON AG für Solartechnik is increasing its shareholding in the solar-cell manufacturer Blue Chip Energy GmbH (Güssing, eastern Austria) from 19 percent to 47 percent.
It will acquire the additional shares by way of a non-cash capital increase by issuing 327,000 shares in SOLON AG. Once this capital increase has been entered in the commercial
register, SOLON AG's share capital will increase to EUR 12,203,196.00 or the equal amount of shares, the company reports in a press release. SOLON AG plans to integrate its
increased shareholding in Blue Chip Energy GmbH into SOL Holding AG at a later date. SOL Holding AG is a joint venture to invest strategically in companies of the solar value chain.
SOLON AG owns 48 percent of this venture, with the remaining shares being held by Ecoventures B.V., Utrecht. Ecoventures B.V., on its part, will integrate its 60 percent shareholding in
the French silicon production company Silicium de Provence in SOL Holding AG.
2007-10-22 Courtesy: SOLON AG für Solartechnik Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
|
|
|
Solarvalue AG to launch mass production in the first term of 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
arc furnace for silicon production.
|
|
|
|
In the first term of 2008, Berlin-based Solarvalue AG intends to start production of industrial quantities of high-grade silicon out of metallurgical silicon. Compared with the
current standard methods, the company plans to manufacture solar silicon at a lower cost. In 2007, Solarvalue Proizvodnja d.d. bought a calcium carbide production facility in Ruse,
Slovenia for production of high grade silicon. The reason for buying the facility was the existing infrastructure which, combined with the option of taking over experts and specialist
staff already in place, allowed production to start faster and more cheaply than if a "greenfield site" had been chosen. Converting the former calcium carbide manufacturing plant for
the manufacture of solar silicon, the company is using all opportunities to optimize production, Solarvalue emphasizes in a press release. "Production in Ruse is based on an
innovative technological process, which to date has never been used for production volumes of these dimensions. As such, plant design is a focus of continuous improvement", explains
Julio Bragagnolo, CTO Solarvalue AG.
First silicon samples in progress
In recent months due to Solarvalue, new opportunities for improving the infrastructure have opened up. The planning for buildings and the production plant had therefore been revised.
"The result are shorter paths, more storage space and overall better production facilities for the plant", says Dr. Christian Bornhauser, Project Lead Ruse. In addition, the silicon
refining process has been further optimized, resulting in cost savings at production and higher anticipated yield. Safety standards have also been enhanced. As announced, Solarvalue
intends to purchase metallurgical silicon in the first instance to accelerate production start of high-grade solar silicon. The organization is examining several options to fine tune
the process on a smaller scale, and then quickly ramp up production capacity. First samples are in progress. The annual planned production capacity for 2008 amounts to several thousand
metric tons. "Our declared goal is to optimize long-term use. The revised infrastructure and the optimized production process are further pluses for the competitive advantage of the
Solarvalue process", explains Claudia Boehringer, CEO of Solarvalue.
2007-10-18 Courtesy: Solarvalue AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solarvalue AG
|
|
|
Solar Power: More than 130 MW new PV capacity installed from July to September
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of big PV plants worldwide (Sept 2007).
|
|
|
|
Caused by the dynamic of the world wide photovoltaic market, especially the solar PV market in Spain, the last months may be described as a summer of superlatives. This is being
reported by the internet portal site pvresources.com. With the solar PV park Beneixama (Spain; 20 MW) the world's biggest PV plant was finished. The solar PV plant at Göttelborn
(Germany) had been expanded up to 8,4 MW an now is the third biggest PV plant worldwide. The cumulated PV capacity of plants (only those with a capacity bigger than 200 kWp) that were
connected to the grid within the past three months is estimated above 130 MW by pvresources. Due to investigations of pvresources.com more than 60 of such big plants were completed all
around the world.
Solar PV capacity in Spain almost doubled
Last quarter Germany lost some market shares and whilst a moderate growth of approximately 10 % reached a world market share of 49 %.
Extreme growth is to be seen in Spain: The cumulated PV capacity of the big PV plants almost doubled in the third quarter of 2007. As in June about 95 MW were installed capacity in
September amounted approximately 180 MWp. How long this rapid growth may sustain is hard to say, emphasizes pvresources. At least short-dated a vibrant market development is to be
foreseen because several PV plants are built with capacities above 20 MW at present. Europe has further extended it's solar electricity share compared to the rest of the world (market
share: approx. 82 %). Significant growth also is denoted in Asia (Korea) and the USA.
EPURON conjoint with SunTechnics is world marked leader
Together with SunTechnics an after finishing several PV plants EPURON occupies rank number one among the PV system integrators. But also SunPower Corporation is very active so the
striggle for the top rank among the PV companies will keep thrilling, pvresources highlights. Further global players are City Solar AG, Phoenix Solar AG, juwi GmbH, Acciona Energia, BP
Solar, Solarparc AG and Tauber Solar (including Ralos).
Further information and the top 500 solar power PV plants are to be found at http://www.pvresources.com.
2007-10-16 Courtesy: pvresources.com Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: pvresources
|
|
|
Photovoltaic industry proposes a voluntary take-back system for waste
The 4th EPIA Round-table in a cycle of 6 debates, running until December 2007, focused on waste and recycling in the photovoltaic sector. The round table event highlighted the PV
sector’s initiative to establish a voluntary take-back system for photovoltaic products and at the same time urged the European Commission not to include photovoltaic in the EC
directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), currently under revision. Photovoltaic (PV) products are at present not included in the WEEE directive, but the directive
is under revision and a possible inclusion of new products will be presented during 2008, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association reports in a press release.
Recycling PV products is still limited
The current WEEE directive stipulates the prevention of waste through the reuse, recycling and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment waste so as to reduce disposal. Each
producer is responsible for financing the collection, treatment, recovery and disposal of its own products. Due to EPIA today the need to recycle PV products is still limited as the
sector only took-off a few years ago. However EPIA foresees a drastic change of the situation in 20 years time, as products will reach their end-of-life and spent modules will have to
be recycled. To anticipate the future needs, the PV sector, through the association "PV Cycle", is now proposing a voluntary take-back system for PV waste that will enable the sector to
recover up to 90% of PV products by 2015. The association currently represents over 70 % of the global photovoltaic market. Its key objectives are:
. Promoting and setting up an industry wide voluntary PV module reclaim and recycling program;
. Promoting industry-led sustainable product life cycle management practices;
. Strengthening the industry’s overall joint product responsibility;
. Ensuring regular monitoring;
. Supporting targeted future research.
An inclusion of the PV-sector in WEEE would result in 27 differently designed recycling systems, with inherent administrative procedures and costs, EPIA forewarns. The take-back system
proposed by PV-Cycle would instead create a coherent EU-wide recycling system that may enable efficient and economically viable management of waste from the PV-sector. EPIA together
with PV Cycle is therefore urging the Commission, the Member States and the European Parliament not to include photovoltaic products within the future scope of the revised WEEE
Directive.
Download the presentations from the speakers online: http://www.epia.org/index.php?id=137
2007-10-12 Courtesy: European Photovoltaic Industry Association Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPIA
|
|
|
Sustainable Energy Awards Europe: Deadline for Applications extended until October 31st
Based on the success of the Sustainable Energy Europe Awards Competition 2007, the Deadline for Applications of the second edition of this competition has now been extended until
October 31st. The awards are an integral part of the Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign. They provide an invaluable opportunity to highlight the successes of the most outstanding,
ambitious and innovative programmes or actions in the field of sustainable energy and to reward those Partners of the Campaign most worthy of recognition and praise. The Sustainable
Energy Europe Awards Competition 2008 is open to all partners who have joined the SEE Campaign. As a partner, the promoter of the project is then eligible to participate in the Awards
Competition and should apply no later than October 31st 2007.
Public Awards ceremony in Brussels on January 29th 2008
The Awards will be presented in five categories, including "Sustainable Energy Communities", "Market Transformation", "Promotional, Communication and Educational Actions",
"Demonstration and Dissemination projects", and "Cooperation Programmes". A technical advisory committee nominates the "best Campaign partners" and an independent selection committee,
comprising of special representatives from key energy stakeholders at regional, national and European levels, will select the winners. The winning projects will be honoured at a
prestigious public Awards ceremony in Brussels on 29 January 2008 during the second EU Sustainable Energy Week.
For further information: Awards Competition 2008
http://www.sustenergy.org/tpl/page.cfm?pageName=award_competition
2007-10-12 Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Sustainable Energy Europe Campaign
|
|
|
Exploding Spanish PV market interesting for international investors
|
|
|
|
|
|
PV Market in Spain growing rapid.
|
|
|
|
The Spanish PV market is growing so fast, by at least 100 % in 2007, that the official goal in the Renewable Energy Plan for 2005-2010 (PER) of 400 MW will be reached by the end of
this year, SolarPlaza.com, the independent global marketplace for photovoltaic solar energy reports in a press release. Last week, Spain’s Department of Industry sent a proposal
to the National Energy Commission to raise the target from 400 MW up to 1200 MW and to reduce the feed-in tariff for solar electricity. In September 2007, the 85 % mark of this 400 MW
objective was reached. PV developers will now have until the end of September 2008 to get their projects connected to the grid in order to make use of the current feed-in tariff of 44
eurocents per kilowatt hour of solar electricity fed into the grid. Interestingly, no cap in the number of MWs is regulated in the Royal Decreto 661/2007 for this one year
period, SolarPlaza emphasizes. There were rumours that the new feed-in tariff will be decreased to around 31 eurocents. Yet nothing is official regarding the feed-in tariff for projects
connected to the grid after September 2008. This due to SolarPlaza will lead to a further explosion of Spanish solar PV park project developments in the coming months. Both developers
and investors would see this one year period as a unique chance to finish as many projects as possible under the current attractive feed-in tariff. The results could be a further steep
growth of several hundreds of megawatts of new solar park projects until September 2008. The fact is that several international module suppliers are sold out until Q1 in 2008, mainly
due to the enormous demand from Spain.
Long term market perspective is good
The long term perspective for the Spanish market is good as well, SolarPlaza highlights. "Although everybody in the Spanish market apparently seems sure about a decrease in the tariff
of 10-25 %, this will not have to effect the market growth. Due to the enormous growth of the solar industry in 2007 and 2008, module prices are expected to go down. And in case
developers are ready to hand in some of their current attractive margins, the Spanish market will remain more attractive than the world’s largest market, Germany", SolarPlaza
reports.
Furthermore, one may expect that experience built up in recent years will pay off in lower turnkey price levels for solar park projects. Finally, international investors and energy
equity funds have discovered Spain as an attractive market for solid investments. As more projects come on-grid, Spain is building a solid track record. For investors, this learning
curve and continuity in regulation are very important issues. "Of course, the offered return on investment of 10% and more in 25 years is convincing as well. All of this will bring
Spain next year into the position of the world’s second largest market", SolarPlaza underscores.
Deal-making event for developers and investors
In order to facilitate business in these hectic market circumstances, SolarPlaza is organizing a second dedicated networking and deal-making event in Madrid, from 6 to 7 November. The
purpose of this event is to explore investment opportunities and to match the Spanish PV project developers with the growing group of national and international investors and renewable
energy equity funds.
The focus will be on the large solar park projects or "huertas solares". On the first day several speakers will elaborate on the new legislation (expected to be officially published in
a few weeks), experiences of developers with large scale project development, financing opportunities by banks and the experiences of international investors. The first day will also
offer an optional visit to the solar park project of one of the offering PV developers.
The focus on the second day is deal making, with presentations by developers offering their best solar park projects and investors offering their equity. The organisation is in the
hands of SolarPlaza, which previously organised international PV trade missions to Spain, China, Italy, Greece and California. Last September it organized a conference on global market
demand, in Milan. SolarPlaza selected PV project developers from its personal network in Spain to promote their projects in Madrid. The all-inclusive fee for the completely organised
PV-Investment two-day event is € 1,595. including a one-night stay in a 4-star hotel, with breakfast, lunches and dinners. The details and a registration form are available on the
website www.solarplaza.com Link: http://www.solarplaza.com/content/pagina/california/45629
2007-10-10 Courtesy: SolarPlaza Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Solar Plaza
|
|
|
World Wind Energy Award 2007 goes to Government of Brazil for Proinfa Programme
|
|
|
|
|
World Wind Energy Conference 2007 in
Argentina.
|
|
|
|
On the occasion of the 6th World Wind Energy Conference 2007 in Mar del Plata, Argentina, the Board of the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) has decided to give the World Wind
Energy Award 2007 to Brazil for the successful creation and implementation of the Renewable Energy Incentive Programme Proinfa which boosted the development of wind energy utilisation
in Brazil. The Award has been given on October 5th 2007 by WWEA President Dr. Anil Kane to the following persons who have all contributed greatly to this achievement:
- The Honourable Ms Dilma Vana Rousseff, Chief of Staff Minister of Brazil and former Minister for Mines and Energy
- Ms Laura Porto, Director of the Department of Renewable Energy of the Ministry of Mines and Energy,
- Mr Valter Luiz Cardeal, Director of Engineering and current President of Eletrobrás,
- Dr. Sebastião Florentino da Silva, Coordinator of the Unity of the Proinfa Programme at Eletrobrás.
Under the leadership and supervision of the named persons, the existing wind potential of Brazil has become exploited in a way which makes Brazil the leading wind energy country so far
in Latin America. Since the introduction of the Proinfa programme, power purchase agreements with a total capacity of 1423 MW have been made which will all be operational by December
2008. Today Brazil has an installed wind energy capacity of 237 MW in total, out of which 208 MW were added in the year 2006, under the Proinfa programme.
Excellent example of introduction of wind energy on a large scale
WWEA sees the creation and implementation of the Proinfa programme as an excellent example how an emerging country can introduce wind energy on a large scale. A fixed feed-in tariff
guaranteed for a fixed period of time has already helped especially several European countries such as Denmark, Germany and Spain to boost their national wind industry. Brazil is the
first country in Latin America which has set up regulations that are following these successful principles, however, taking wisely into account the specific conditions in the country.
An important part of the Proinfa programme therefore is the requirement that wind farms must contain a minimum of 60 % of local content. This requirement has lead to the creation of a
strong domestic wind industry, in cooperation with international wind turbine manufacturers.
WWEA hopes and expects that the World Wind Energy Award 2007 will encourage the Government of Brazil to continue its strong support for wind energy and hopes that other governments in
the region and worldwide feel encouraged by the Brazilian progress and will set up similar frameworks, learning from the vast experiences already made. Ms Silvia Suárez, Secretary for
the Environment of the Province of Buenos Aires, received the World Wind Energy Honorary Award 2007 for the great support the Province gave to making WWEC 2007 a success with 600
participants from 40 countries.
2007-10-08 Courtesy: World Wind Energy Association Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: WWEA.
|
|
|
Nobel Laureates discuss new strategies for sustainability
No fewer than fifteen Nobel Laureates and more than thirty leading scientists will be joined by a host of renowned representatives from the world of politics, business and public
affairs, when they meet up for the First Interdisciplinary Symposium for Global Sustainability in Potsdam (Germany) on October 9th -10th 2007. Focal point of the discussions during
these two days will be the development of strategies to combat climate change and its adverse ecological and socio-economic effects. The Potsdam Memorandum, to be issued at the end of
this Symposium, summarising the content of the discussions, is addressed to the United Nations Climate Summit being held in Bali at the end of this year.
Worthy lifetime can only be secured by affordable access to energy
The Symposium, which bears the title "Global Sustainability - a Nobel Cause" is being held under the patronage of Federal German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is playing an active part.
Keynote speakers at the Symposium include not only Nobel Laureates such as Carlo Rubbia, Mario Molina, Wangari Maathai, Murray Gell-Mann and Sir James Mirrlees, but also other
internationally renowned authorities such as Sir Nicholas Stern, Rajenda Pachauri and Sunita Narain. Our planet will be inhabited by nine billion people during this century and they
have the right to a worthy lifetime - this can only be secured for them, if they have affordable access to energy. Yet this is not currently possible, due to the limited availability
and the uneven global distribution of fossil fuel resources. Furthermore, over-dependence on this kind of energy is threatening to destabilise the balance of our global climate.
Continuing climate change is already threatening significant parts of our world
How can we ensure that we drive change in our established ways of thinking? What must be done to increase the role played by sources of renewable energy? What needs to happen, in order
to accelerate innovation processes and find ways of making better use of existing resources? How do we achieve a fairer and more just distribution of wealth around the globe? Continuing
climate change is already threatening the well-being of significant parts of our world population, particularly in the African sub-continent. This process can only be contained, if the
international community develops and commits to new and more consequent measures. A new global climate protection agreement, going far beyond the reach of the Kyoto Protocol, which will
expire at the end of 2012, would appear to be mandatory.
Potsdam Memorandum to be submitted to the United Nations Climate Conference
During the second day of the Nobel Laureates Symposium, results of the discussions held will be summarised in the Potsdam Memorandum. This document will later be submitted to the United
Nations Climate Conference, being held in Bali at the end of this year. The Symposium is being organised by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, in partnership with the
World Wide Fund for Nature and with principal support from the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research.
Further information: http://www.nobel-cause.de
2007-10-05 Courtesy: Potsdam Institute for Climate ImpactResearch Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
|
|
|
EREC: 20% EU target can be met with strong legislation coming soon
|
|
|
|
|
EREC presented position paper
on renewables directive
|
|
|
|
The European Renewable Energy Council (EREC) on October 1st presented a position paper on the future Renewable Energy Framework Directive to outline the industry’s needs and
concerns. "One of the most important issues now is the rapid proposal and adoption of the framework directive. We only have 13 years left to fulfill the target, so we need to implement
the necessary legislation rapidly. We expect no more time to be wasted by the Commission or Member States due to lengthy negotiations. The EU target will only be met if legislation is
adopted timely", says EREC Policy Director Oliver Schäfer. Three key targets on renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gases have been agreed by the Heads of State earlier
this year for 2020. Each of them makes sense and stands for itself. Efforts to downplay the renewable energy target by stressing the greater significance of the greenhouse
gas reduction target - for instance by including nuclear energy to count towards the renewables target - need to be turned down.
"Harmonisation of support schemes may stop development even before it starts"
In this position paper, EREC details the measures needed in the electricity, heating and cooling, and biofuels sectors to fully tap the renewable energy potential in all sectors and all
Member States. "It is high time to address the heating and cooling sector which has been neglected far too long". Harmonisation of support schemes in the renewable electricity sector is
premature at this stage. "There is a serious risk of stopping development even before it starts in some Member States", says Oliver Schäfer. Nevertheless, a list of criteria applying to
all support mechanisms should be set to ensure successful deployment of renewable energy.
Trading mechanism without buyers?
Some Member States have been calling for an EU-wide trading mechanism. Such a market requires sellers and buyers. "So far Member States calling for an EU-wide trading mechanism only
expressed an interest in buying, not in selling. If trading is allowed, several Member States will reduce their efforts and count on buying "guarantees of origin" abroad at the latest
possible stage. A trading system will lead to under-achievement of the target, if no one can give an answer to the question of who should be the sellers…" states Oliver Schäfer.
"There is no reason to introduce such an artificial mechanism if it is meant to produce disincentives for domestic investment and to endanger prosperous support schemes with additional
bureaucratic mechanisms".
sustainability criteria to be applied to biomass
Furthermore, EREC advocates strong sustainability criteria applying not only to biofuels but also to biomass - whatever its final use (be it biofuels, food, electricity or other uses).
No biomass outside these sustainability criteria should be counted towards the renewable energy target. Last but not least, the European Commission must give itself the means to impose
fines on Member States if it becomes clear that they will not reach their national binding target.
The EREC Full Position Paper is available at www.erec.org
2007-10-04 Courtesy: European Renewable Energy Council Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EREC
|
|
|
SOLON AG invests in U.S. solar installation companies
SOLON AG, headquartered in Berlin and one of Europe's largest manufacturers of solar modules and photovoltaic systems, is expanding its U.S. activities. SOLON AG announced the
acquisition of strategic investments in two U.S. solar power companies at Solar Power 2007, North America's largest solar energy event in Long Beach, California. The first investment
involves The Solar Center, Inc., located in Denville, New Jersey. The Solar Center was founded in 2005 and specializes in photovoltaic and solar thermal installation. SOLON AG is
investing in The Solar Center via its parent, American Clean Power, Inc. Forecasts predict that a total of 1.5 gigawatts of electricity will be generated from photovoltaic solar systems
by 2020. This figure puts New Jersey at the fore of renewable energy production in the U.S.
California Solar Initiative targets 3 gigawatts by 2017
SOLON AG's second investment is in Sungevity, Inc., headquartered in Berkeley, California. This start-up company focuses on direct-to-consumer sales and installation of photovoltaic
systems. In January 2007, the state of California again confirmed its leading role in promoting electricity generation from solar power by enacting the California Solar Initiative. The
Initiative foresees installation of photovoltaic systems with a total output of 3 gigawatts by 2017. One-fifth of all solar energy systems installed in the U.S. to date are already
located in California. Capital expenditure for both of these strategic investments according to SOLON totals approximately EUR 700,000.
The partnerships will give SOLON AG access to the growing photovoltaics markets on the East and West Coasts of the U.S. and is to help the Company establish new distribution channels
for SOLON products.
2007-10-01 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
|
|
|
|
