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European solar thermal market affected by strong decline in Germany’s heating equipment sales
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German market slump retarding
solar thermal in Europe
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After four years of very dynamic growth, the European solar thermal (ST) market registers a 10 % decrease in sales in 2007, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF)
reports in a press release. Many factors contributed to a 33% decline of Germany’s market. ESTIF urges policy makers to implement solar obligations to speed-up the market
penetration of solar thermal. "We have seen very positive trends in some countries, but a dramatic decline in the German solar thermal market”, says Gerhard Rabensteiner,
President of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF). "For us, this means: We need to make the benefits of solar thermal clearer to the consumers. And we urge policy
makers to put an end to stop-&-go support. The industry needs a stable support framework for solar thermal." Due to the unusual market development, ESTIF publishes
provisional market estimations for 2007 already before the end of the year. The final market statistics for 2007 will be published, as usual, in June.
Dramatic decline of the German ST market; brilliant medium term perspectives
Good two digit growth rates are being registered in France, Italy and Spain, while Greece grew moderately and Austria is expected to stagnate in 2007, though at the highest per capita
level in continental Europe. However, these positive developments have been more than outweighed by the dramatic decline of the German ST market, that dropped by at least 33% in 2007
compared to the exceptionally successful 2006 , when a 58% growth had been registered in Germany.
For 2008, the solar industry expects a return to growth, with accelerated growth especially in the Mediterranean countries. Also in Germany growth is expected, though it will likely
take more than one year to achieve the market size of 2006. In the medium term, the perspectives for growth of ST remain brilliant, as the economic fundamentals are positive.
Upcoming EU Directive to promote renewable heating and cooling
The sector expects a strong push also from the upcoming EU Directive on Renewables that for the first time will include measures to promote renewable heating and cooling. Establishing
more stable and effective political framework conditions is crucial to avoid stop-&-go market development, thus creating the conditions for achieving economies of scales, from the
production lines to the local distribution and installation. Such temporary crisis like in 2002 and 2007 must be avoided in the future, as they can hit hardly several companies in a
sector still largely dominated by SMEs, including small local installers.
Solar Thermal Action Plan
ESTIF has recently published a detailed position paper indicating the requirements of the solar thermal sector on the upcoming EU Renewables Directive and on national policies.
Solarserver reported on the Solar Thermal Action Plan at newsa2007_02_e.html#estifplan. Extensive guidelines on best practice
policies can be found in that paper: www.estif.org/stap.
Full-Size chart on solar thermal market development:
http://www.solarserver.de/images/ESTIF_2007_gross.gif
2007-12-27 Courtesy: ESTIF Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ESTIF
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Monica Oliphant elected President of the International Solar Energy Society
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ISES President
Prof. Monica
Oliphant.
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The Board of Directors of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) has elected Monica Oliphant from Australia as the new President of the International Solar Energy Society for
the term from 01 January 2008 through 31 December 2009. Mrs. Oliphant is the 25th President of the Society and is the successor of Torben Esbensen of Denmark. Two new Vice-Presidents
were also elected within the new Executive Committee. Dr. David Renné of the USA will be the new VP for Scientific and Technical Affairs and Prof. Jan-Olof Dalenbäck from Sweden, and
current Treasurer of ISES, will be the VP for Membership Affairs. The new ISES Secretary and Treasurer are yet to be determined, as are the Vice Presidents for Industries and
Public Affairs. Oliphant has identified three main priorities as President: Enhancing ISES' recognition as a scientific society; establishing a stronger profile in the areas of policy,
promotion and international relations; and undertaking a membership structure review.
Under the first priority, Oliphant has identified the role of ISES conferences as one of the Society's high profile assets. To help attract more participants to the ISES conferences,
she aims to strengthen cooperation with the International Renewable Energy Alliance (IREA) whose members could benefit from participating at ISES events. Also as a means to further
cooperation with IREA, Oliphant would like to develop a joint IREA congress (to take place in non Solar World Congress years) focusing mainly on RE policy issues and directed towards
corporate and governmental sectors. Oliphant also aims to strengthen publications as well as cooperation with institution and company members for the mutual benefit of both ISES and
members. In the area of policy, promotion and international relations, Oliphant looks to increase ISES’ role as a provider of scientifically credible information about renewable
energies through its publications, conferences, strategic projects and linkages with the UN.
A unified voice for renewable energies
Oliphant recognizes the role ISES plays as part of a unified voice for renewable energies together with the IREA partners. She emphasizes that cooperation among renewable energy
industries is needed to make significant inroads into fossil fuel and nuclear territory and to deal with the misinformation from these industries regarding the potential of RE options.
Moreover, she recognizes the importance of one of the most pressing issue on today's global agenda: Climate Change. Commenting on her new position she says "I have come to the position
at a time when both mitigation and adaptation to climate change is very much in the fore front of people’s minds. Recent IPCC predictions not only put the reality of human-induced
global warming beyond any doubt but indicate its impact is greater than initially thought."
Oliphant has degrees in physics from Adelaide University and London University and began her career in renewable energies during the 1970’s oil crisis. From 1977 – 1980 she
worked in the field of solar thermal research at the Flinders University South Australia on solar water heaters, heat pipes, tracking solar concentrators and solar ponds. From 1981
– 2000 she was the Principal Energy Research Scientist for the Electricity Trust of South Australia, where she undertook work in the areas of wind surveying, remote area RE power
supply, building integrated PV, demand side management, monitoring, measurement & analysis, energy efficiency and policy.
Since 2000 she has been working as private consultant for renewable energy and residential energy efficiency, while working as a Adjunct A/Prof at the Sustainable Energy Centre of the
Research University of South Australia. Recently she has worked on many projects at the state and national government levels in Australia as well as for industry in the areas of
residential RE and energy monitoring, measurement and analysis. She has been a member of several state and federal government advisory panels and groups for sustainability and energy
including the 4 person Federal Government High Level Panel Reviewing Australia’s Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET). She was also part of the organising committee of the
ISES 2001 Solar World Congress in Adelaide and is on the steering committee of the 3rd International Solar Cities Congress 2008.
Since 1997 Oliphant has been on the ISES Board of Directors as representative from the Australian & New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES). Since 2006 she has served as the ISES
Vice President for Public Affairs. She is also part of the Board of the International Solar Cities Initiative, an independent initiative founded by ISES.
Further information: http://www.ises.org
2007-12-21 Courtesy: ISES Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: ISES
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PV producer Nanosolar shipping for solar Megawatt municipal power plant
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Nanosolar CEO Roscheisen presents
thin film solar modules
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Nanosolar Inc., a global leader in solar photovoltaic power innovation, and Beck Energy, a leading integrator of large-scale solar electric power systems, on December 19th 2007
announced that they have won a highly competitive public selection process for a solar power plant located on a former landfill owned by one of the largest waste management companies in
Eastern Germany. The project will employ the Nanosolar "Utility Panel" in combination with systems technology and services by Beck Energy. The initial size of the solar power plant is
one MW, an amount sufficient to power approximately 400 homes. The Nanosolar "Utility Panel" is Nanosolar's first product as part of its award-winning "PowerSheet" product line -
recently named the Top Innovation of the Year 2007 by Popular Science Magazine - and it is the company's solution for building solar power plants on free fields at the outskirts of
towns and cities. "This is the first time that a solar electricity cell and panel has been designed entirely and specifically for utility-scale power generation. It will set
the standard for green power generation at utility scale", said Martin Roscheisen, CEO of Nanosolar.
Unique design and system economics to drive the cost efficiency of solar electricity systems
"The unique design and system economics of the Nanosolar "Utility Panel" are instrumental in enabling us to drive the cost efficiency of solar electricity systems", said Bernhard Beck,
CEO of Beck Energy GmbH. "Every town and city should have its own solar power plant in the future", he adds. Solar electric power plants have advantages over coalfired and other
conventional plants since they can be deployed in a much broader range of possible field locations, much bigger possible sizes, and with much shorter project planning and implementation
cycles. They now can be very economical as well, giving municipal power producers and utilities a new option for generating and delivering cost-efficient green power.
2007-12-19 Courtesy: Beck Energy GmbH Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: Nanosolar Inc.
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EPV SOLAR Inc. signs 306 MW contract for sale of solar modules
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PV Integration with modules by at
Times Square, New York.
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EPV SOLAR, Inc. (formerly Energy Photovoltaics, Inc.), a thin-film solar module manufacturer and technology developer headquartered in New Jersey (USA) announced on December 18th
2007 that it has entered into a long term solar module supply agreement with unlimited energy GmbH (Berlin, Germany). Under the terms of the contract EPV SOLAR will supply 306 megawatts
(MW) of amorphous silicon modules to unlimited energy for use in the development and build-out of several solar electric power parks in Europe. EPV will begin shipments based on this
contract during the first quarter of 2008. Products shall be initially shipped from EPV's New Jersey locations and shift to EPV's Senftenberg plant (Germany) scheduled to come
on line during the fourth quarter of 2008. Dietmar Käsch, Managing Director of unlimited energy, commented: "We selected EPV SOLAR as our partner for these large installations due to
the benefits of amorphous silicon technology, particularly its very competitive cost and excellent performance. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with EPV as we grow
our energy business in Europe."
Nearly 400,000 metric tons of CO2 to be saved by solar modules
"We are proud to announce EPV SOLAR's first multi-hundred megawatt contract", stated Mr. Scott T. Massie, CEO of EPV SOLAR. "This contract, along with the substantial funding we closed
in June and other imminent multi hundred megawatt deals, will enable EPV to command a leadership position in the high growth solar module market. We are extremely pleased to be working
closely with unlimited energy GmbH to accelerate our growth in Europe", Massie added. "The environmental benefits of solar energy are critical to addressing the global warming challenge
facing all of us. The electricity generated as a result of the deployment and use of the PV modules we will sell to unlimited energy will avoid the annual emission of nearly 400,000
metric tons of CO2 that would result if the electricity were generated by coal-fired power plants", Massie emphasizes.
EPV SOLAR announced .5 million of new financing in June, 2007, for the purpose of expanding its thin-film photovoltaic module manufacturing capacity. EPV plans to expand its annual
module manufacturing capacity by approximately 85 MW in each of the next several years. Several countries and states in the USA are in negotiation with EPV to be the site for
manufacturing capacity expansion. Founded in 1991, EPV develops its own manufacturing equipment for the production of high-performance, low-cost, amorphous-silicon thin-film
photovoltaic modules and products. In November, EPV received the New Jersey Clean Energy Manufacturer of the Year Award for its leadership role in growing the market for clean energy
technologies.
2007-12-19 Courtesy: Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EPV Solar Germany GmbH.
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German PV producer aleo solar AG secures solar market share in excess of EUR 45 million in Spain
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aleo-PV production at Prenzlau.
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aleo solar AG (Oldenburg/Prenzlau; Germany) announced that several Spanish project developers have ordered aleo photovoltaic modules worth a total of over EUR 45 million. Their
large-scale projects will mainly involve solar power plants, which attract high feed-in tariffs in Spain. The orders will enable aleo solar AG to expand its customer base, which already
includes several large Spanish energy companies, aloe reports in a press release. These orders are the result of the high demand for solar modules which will be triggered by the
one-year grace period specified by the "Real Decreto 661/2007", which means that the old feed-in tariff regulations will only apply until September 29, 2008. "With these new
orders, we’ve already secured a large portion of this market volume", said Christopher Dunne, international sales manager of aleo solar AG. Since demand in both the international
and domestic photovoltaic markets remains high, aleo solar decided in mid-2007 to significantly expand the production capacity at its site in Prenzlau (Germany) from 90 megawatts to 170
megawatts. This facility will be running at full capacity by autumn 2008. Together with the plant in Spain, the total production capacity of aleo solar AG will then amount to 180
megawatts.
Since early 2007, aleo solar AG has manufactured solar modules for the Spanish market at a production site near Barcelona which was designed for a total capacity of 10 megawatts and
which will run at full capacity in 2008. "We produce modules exclusively for the Spanish market here", said Jakobus Smit, CEO of aleo solar AG. "Our strategy of positioning ourselves as
a national market player through local production is paying off", Smit continued.
2007-12-19 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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EPIA: Global Solar Photovoltaic market estimated at 2.3 GWp in 2007
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Solar PV Plant Beneixama
(Spain; 20 MW).
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The global photovoltaic market grew by over 40% this year, with approximately 2.3 GW of newly installed capacity, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) reports in a
press release. By 2010, the market die to EPIA could reach up to 7 GW under an EPIA policy driven scenario. Solar photovoltaic electricity generation is expected to be competitive with
the electricity prices of utilities in Southern Europe by 2015. EPIA presented its first 2007 market estimates and short term projections for market and production on December 14th
2007, on the occasion of its annual Christmas workshop with its members. Today, the global cumulative installed capacity has reached 9 GWp, this is enough capacity to supply the annual
electricity demand of 3 million European households. EPIA estimates that under a policy driven scenario, in 2010 the annual PV market could reach up to 7 GWp, enabling an
average market growth in excess of 40 % (Compound Annual Growth Rate) in the next 3 years. If support programmes in countries where the majority of PV installation is due to take place
in the next 3 years are not further enforced, EPIA estimates that the market in 2010 would reach 4.7 GWp (pessimistic scenario).
More countries are becoming interesting market players
Four countries mainly contributed to the global photovoltaic market in 2007: established countries such as Germany, Japan and the US; but also Spain, which made a large contribution by
tripling its annual installations this year. Germany remains clearly in first position with a 50% global market share. Japan’s market is estimated to stagnate this year, while
Spain’s market should reach over 300 MW. The US should register a 260 MW market by the end of the year. Other new European markets have confirmed the effectiveness of their
feed-in tariff schemes: Italy should register 50 MW of installed capacity this year, while France is following with an estimated 40 MW. South Korea is also becoming a significant market
player with 50 MW of newly installed systems in 2007.
Future development of markets will depend on political support
The future of the German market will depend on the revision of the Renewable Energy Law which should come into effect in 2009. EPIA believes that in the best case scenario installations
could reach up to 2 GWp in 2010. The Spanish market for the coming years remains uncertain: if the current decree and objectives are not properly revised soon, market actors fear a
break in 2009 which could lead to a strong slow down of installations in 2010. The US, thanks to the dynamism of several states in particular California, is expected to become the
second market behind Germany from next year, and could reach up to 1.4 GWp in 2010. Since the suppression of its support programmes, Japan is dropping down, in an optimistic scenario it
could install a maximum of 500 MWp in 2010. South Korea, given its current favourable political programme, is expected to multiply by ten its current market size over the same period.
Italy, if administrative barriers are reduced and support maintained, could register a market of up to 400 MW in 2010, followed by France with 300 MW.
Supply side: sector up-scales capacities to prepare for future demand
Acting in a totally globalised sector, in 2006 Europe was in 2nd position with 28% of the global cell production capacity behind Japan which held 36%. China has become recently a
significant market player; in 2006 it doubled its production capacity compared to 2005, with a 15% share of global production. EPIA believes that up to 10 GWp of crystalline silicon,
the main raw material used in PV production, could be produced in 2010 based on an 80,000 tonne annual supply. More capacity will be built for companies active lower down the value
chain, enabling a production capacity of 14 to 16 GWp for crystalline-silicon based modules. Thin-Film producers are expected to up-scale production capacities up to 4 GWp, enabling a
production of 2 GWp in 2010, representing over 20% of the total. The real production capacity of the sector should reach 10 to 12 GWp within the next 3 years.
Solar photovoltaic electricity reaching competitiveness
The main challenge of the sector today is to reduce its costs in order to reach grid parity (competitiveness) with conventional retail electricity prices as soon as possible. Since
mid-2006 the sector is experiencing a progressive decrease in prices after overcoming the silicon shortage it endured from 2005. Economies of scale are a major driver for cost reduction
in the PV sector. Constantly increasing demand is leading to an up-scaling of production capacities and thus reducing manufacturing costs. With increasing electricity prices and
progress in cost reduction, solar photovoltaic electricity is already competitive in some US states; it is expected to be so in Southern European countries by 2015 and by 2020 for most
of Europe.
2007-12-18 Courtesy: EPIA Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: City Solar AG
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USA: New EIA Outlook Reflects Ongoing Transition in Energy Markets and Renweables
The "Annual Energy Outlook 2008" (AEO2008) reference case, released on December 12th 2007 by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), of the U.S. Department of Energy includes
several important changes from earlier AEOs to better reflect trends in the economy and energy markets that are expected to persist. Energy markets are changing in response to the
higher energy prices experienced since2000, the greater influence of developing countries on world-wide energy requirements, recently enacted legislation and regulations in the United
States, and changing public views related to the use of alternative fuels, emissions, and the acceptability of various energy technologies, among other factors.
Renewable energy consumption to grow by approximate 80 %.
The AEO2008 reference case projects greater renewable energy use than AEO2007. Marketed renewable energy consumption between 2006 and 2030 grows from 6.8 to 12.2 quadrillion Btu,
compared with 9.9 quads in the AEO2007 reference case. The higher level of renewable energy consumption is partially a result of higher energy prices in the AEO2008 reference case, but
it also reflects a revised representation of State renewable portfolio standards. The updated representation of these programs results in significant additional growth of renewable
generation from wind, biomass, and geothermal resources.
US-carbon emissions will grow by 25 percent
Without changes in current carbon emissions policies that are not assumed in the AEO2008 reference case, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions grow sharply, but to lower levels than in AEO2007
because of lower primary energy consumption. Energy-related CO2 emissions are projected to grow by 25 percent in the AEO2008 between 2006 and 2030, compared to 35 percent in the AEO2007
reference case.
The reference case projections from the AEO2008 and an overview of the results are available at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/aeo/index.html. The reference case represents a baseline projection under existing policies and a given set of assumptions regarding economic,
energy market, and technology conditions. The full AEO2008 report, including projections with differing assumptions on the price of oil, the rate of economic growth, and the
characteristics of new technologies, will be released in early 2008, along with regional projections and a report on the major assumptions underlying the projections.
2007-12-17 Courtesy: EIA; National Energy Information Center Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EIA
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PV producer aleo solar signs contracts in Germany worth more than EUR 25 million
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aleo solar module production at Prenzlau.
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aleo solar AG (Oldenburg, Prenzlau, Germany) reports firm solar photovoltaic orders for 2008 in Germany of more than EUR 25 million. The relevant contracts for aleo modules were
signed with a number of PV dealers, fitters and solar technology specialists in December and will take effect in 2008, aloe emphasizes in a press release. Business is booming according
to Norbert Schlesiger, Sales Manager for Germany. "There is strong demand for our premium modules, especially on the German market for roof-mounted installations. This is a very good
start to 2008 for us. New orders for system components such as inverters and mounting systems are also up sharply", he said. "Quality is the top priority for us. We are able
to guarantee this because we are responsible for production and sales, which means we control two links in the value chain", Heiner Willers, a member of aleo solar AG’s Management
Board, adds.
Due to Willers Demand is conceding aleo: "We have over 300 fitters, specialist dealers and professional solar technology specialists as customers. In 2008, we will continue to expand
our coverage in our national sales regions while growing our customer base".
2007-12-13 Courtesy: aleo solar AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: aleo solar AG
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Q-Cells concludes new supply agreement with LDK: Chinese company delivers silicon wafers with a total output of more than 6 GWp
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LDK-Production site in Jiangxi (China).
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Q-Cells AG (Bitterfeld, Germany), manufacturer of photovoltaic solar cells, has concluded a supply agreement for silicon wafers with the Chinese solar company LDK Solar Co., Ltd. The
agreement is a ten year "take or pay" contract covering the period from 2009 to 2018, Q-Cells reports in a press release. The total volume will enable Q-Cells to manufacture solar cells
with an overall output of more than 6 gigawatt peak (GWp) additional to current expansion plans. The agreement is based upon the conversion of silicon (43,000 tonnes) into wafers.
Deliveries will start with 1,000 tonnes in 2009 and will rise to 5,000 tonnes p.a. by 2013. LDK shall supply the silicon from their current polysilicon plant being constructed or from
volumes which will be covered by LDK’s other supply sources.
The pricing of the wafers has some fixed and market related elements for 2009 and 2010, and thereafter the fixed pricing element can be adjusted to market conditions. Furthermore,
Q-Cells has the option to purchase 30 % of LDK's additional silicon production if LDK expands its production capacity. In addition, a processing option for the conversion of silicon
supplied by Q-Cells has been incorporated into the agreement. Q-Cells shall make prepayments in the order of 10 % of the silicon value to assist LDK with financing the expansion
required to supply these volumes. This agreement which is based on US$ will allow Q-Cells to grow more rapidly from 2009 than previously planned.
Q-Cells confirms its ambitious growth plans
With this substantial supply agreement the two companies deepen their long-time business relationship. "We appreciate LDK as a highly reliable partner", said Anton Milner, CEO of
Q-Cells AG, on the occasion of the signing of the contract. "The wafers delivered by LDK always meet our high quality standards. Thus we are particularly pleased to further strengthen
our cooperation with this contract", Milner added. By signing this contract Q-Cells AG confirms its ambitious growth plans. As soon as 2010 the company plans to produce more than one
GWp of solar cells in its core business. The supply volumes secured with this new contract with LDK enable the company to once more accelerate the growth course from 2009 on.
2007-12-11 Courtesy: Q-Cells AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: LDK Solar Co., Ltd.
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BP Solar to build one of the largest PV module assembly factories in Europe
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"A benchmark in technological
development"
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BP Solar, a European market leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of photovoltaic solar energy, in the second quarter of 2008 will begin construction of a solar
photovoltaic panel assembly factory in the industrial park of La Nava II, in Puertollano (Castilla La Mancha; Spain). This represents an investment of around 100m Euros, the company
reports in a press release. The new plant will use state-of-the-art technology to manufacture photovoltaic solar modules. The production capacity, in phase one, would be up to 300 MW
per year, which means enough energy to meet the needs of between 150,000 and 200,000 homes and a saving of approximately 420,000 tons in CO2 emissions per year. A further possibility,
once the phase one is in production and dependent on the conditions of the market, is the implementation of a second phase expansion of the plant to reach production capacity of up to
500 MW.
The plant will produce up to 300 MW each year, creating more than 500 direct new jobs
The BP Solar factory in Puertollano will not only bring about social benefits but will deliver major advances in the economic development of the area as it is expected to generate
500-600 direct new jobs, BP Solar emphasizes. The opening of the factory may set a benchmark in technological development in the field of the large-scale production of photovoltaic
modules worldwide.
An example of cooperation
The agreement was signed on December 10th 2007 by the President of Castilla La Mancha, José MŖ Barreda, Mayor of Puertollano, Joaquķn C. Hermoso, the chairman of BP Group in Spain,
Alfredo Barrios, and Emilio Camblor Strategy Delivery Manager from BP Solar. The event was attended by representatives of the different institutions involved in the project and of
representatives from BP Solar and BP Group in Spain.
Alfredo Barrios, chairman of BP Group in Spain said "This project has been made possible thanks to the support from the central, regional and local governments These institutions have
worked, alongside BP Solar, to help deliver a project that will provide numerous social benefits through job creation and also the development of a sustainable environment."
Emilio Camblor, Strategy Delivery Manager from BP Solar in Spain said "This project is part of BP Solar's ambitious growth plans. The new facility gives us additional capacity located
in our key market - Europe - and it confirms our commitment to both the region and Spain as a competitive environment in which to do business."
Over 30 years experience in PV technology
BP Solar is one of the leading companies in the European market in the design, manufacture and marketing of photovoltaic solar energy currently producing solar cells and PV modules
using monocrystalline and polycrystalline technology. BP Solar has over 30 years experience in the sector, with production plants in the United States, Spain, India, Australia and
China. It has a workforce of approximately 2,200 all over the world, of which 550 are currently employed in Spain.
BP Solar's European headquarters is located in Madrid, where it has two plants: a production plant for PV modules and another for the assembly of PV modules. BP Solar is part
Alternative Energy which is owned by BP p.l.c, , one of the largest business groups in oil, natural gas and renewable energies in the world.
2007-12-11 Courtesy: BP Solar Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: BP Solar
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U.S. Air Force Base Nellis to save million annually with use of 15 megawatt solar panels
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70,000 solar panels on 140 acres of unused
land.
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Officials from Nellis Air Force Base (Nevada) and SunPower Corp. are scheduled to finalize the commission of 15 megawatts in solar power to the base this month, making up North
America's largest solar photovoltaic power system. When complete, the solar power will save the base million annually, the U.S. Air Force reports in a press release. The switch to
solar power should be transparent to the Nellis AFB community, SunPower officials said. "The people here should not see any difference, but they will have the satisfaction of knowing
they are using renewable energy", said Rich Hanson, a senior project manager from SunPower Corp. The reduced energy costs due to the Air Force Base will be the biggest change on base
resulting from the array's commissioning.
"The true effect will be felt in (the) electric bill when (Nellis AFB) receives part of the power at our new, less expensive rate", said Michelle Price, the base energy manager with the
99th Civil Engineer Squadron. Power produced by the solar array will cut the base's energy costs, saving Nellis AFB roughly ,000 on its monthly electric bill once the entire system
is commissioned. The solar power system has been under construction since June 2007. The solar farm will cover 140 acres of Nellis AFB land and will consist of approximately 70,000
solar panels when completed.
The units of solar panels are called "trackers" because they track the sun throughout the day. By tracking the movement of the sun, the panels can gather roughly 30 percent more power
than fixed systems.
2007-12-11 Courtesy: U.S. Air Force Base Nellis Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Nadine Y. Barclay
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SOLON AG increases its shareholding in Austrian solar-cell manufacturer Blue Chip Energy
Having integrated its 47 percent shareholding in Austrian solar-cell manufacturer Blue Chip Energy GmbH (Güssing, eastern Austria), into SOL Holding AG in November, Berlin-based
SOLON AG für Solartechnik (ISIN DE0007471195) has now acquired a further 28 percent of that company. 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 12,530,196.00, which is divided
into the same number of shares, SOLON reports in a press release. SOLON AG also plans to integrate this shareholding in Blue Chip Energy GmbH into SOL Holding AG at a later
date. SOL Holding AG is a joint venture set up to acquire strategic investments in companies operating in the solar value chain and is owned by SOLON AG and Ecoventures B.V. (Utrecht,
Netherlands), a subsidiary of the Dutch company Econcern B.V.
2007-12-11 Courtesy: SOLON AG Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
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European Commission offers easy-to-read scientific information relevant to environment policy
Addressed to policy-makers and the wider public, the European Commission DG Environment "Science for Environment Policy" News Alert is designed to reinforce the links between science
and policy. The News Alert is disseminated weekly by email and completely free of charge. The results of research projects in the fields of ecological and environmental sciences are
vital for the development of effective environment policies. However, there is evidence that scientific results are not always fully exploited. In this context, DG Environment has
established the News Alert service "Science for Environment Policy" that aims at reinforcing the links between science and policy.
Communicating environmental issues to the general public and decision-makers
Addressed to policy-makers and the wider public, this service is designed to promote - in a user-friendly form and in a comprehensive non technical language - the integration of the
environmental science into management and decision-making practices and to help to communicate understanding of environmental issues to the general public. The results of an independent
evaluation of DG Environment's "Science for Environment Policy" monthly news alert service are overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of respondents agreeing that the service makes available
new scientific evidence that they were not previously aware of.
20 research topics disseminated free of charge
Weekly disseminated by e-mail and free of charge “Science for Environment Policy” covers 20 research topics, from biodiversity, air pollution and forests to climate change
and marine ecosystems to the effects of noise on human health. These also cover the main themes of the EU’s Environment Action Programme and DG Environment’s policy
priorities. Published articles classified by theme and by date are also available on the web.
For full details and the access the service please consult the following web address: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/themes_en.html
2007-12-07 Courtesy: European Commission DG Environment Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: European Commission DG Environment
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µ-Sen provides first M5000 offshore wind energy plant from Multibrid with new Condition Monitoring System
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Offshore-Windenergieanlagen "M5000"
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After a two-year development period, µ-Sen GmbH has now provided the first M5000 offshore wind turbine from Multibrid with a new offshore Condition Monitoring System (CMS). The wind
energy plant (WEP) is located in Bremerhaven. In a joint project with IMO-WIND, µ-Sen has worked on the advancement of its own CM systems for use at sea. In this joint research network
with seven partners, µ-Sen concentrates on the development of an integral monitoring and evaluation system for offshore wind energy plants (IMO). The CM system for the offshore WEP was
based on adapted hardware and sensor concepts. Monitoring the plant with its highly integrated mechanical system proved as much a diagnostic challenge as did the control of extremely
slow-running components.
German offshore test field "alpha ventus"
Other key functions which were - and are - to be integrated include early fault detection and monitoring systems, while the software needed to be integrated into the turbine control
concept. The result was to meet approved power plant standards. "We have satisfied these complex requirements", Ulrich Oertel, Development Manager of µ-Sen, said in assessment of the
result. The CM system will also be installed in other turbines, after Multibrid received an order in June 2007 for the supply of the first six turbines for the German offshore test
field, "alpha ventus". Located 45km off the coast of the island of Borkum at a water depth of over 30m, "alpha ventus" is a joint project of E.ON Energy Projects GmbH, EWE AG and
Vattenfall Europe New Energy GmbH.
2007-12-07 Courtesy: µ-Sen GmbH; pressebox Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: µ-Sen GmbH
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European Environment Agency: EU within reach of Kyoto targets
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EEA report on Greenhouse Gas
emission.
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The latest projections from pre-2004 EU Member States (EU-15) show that the EU-15 can meet, and may even overachieve, its 2008 -2012 Kyoto target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
to 8 % below 1990 levels if Member States implement now all additional policies being planned, the European Environment Agency reports in a press release. Based on Member States
projections, existing domestic policies and measures will reduce EU-15 greenhouse gas emissions by a net effect of 4.0 % below base-year levels, so one of the results of the EEA
publication "Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe 2007". When additional domestic policies and measures (i.e. those planned but not yet implemented) are taken into
account, the EU-15 could reduce emissions by an additional 3.9 %. The projected use of Kyoto mechanisms by ten of the EU-15 Member States will reduce emissions by a further 2.5 %. These
governments have set aside EUR 2.9 billion to pay for this.
Emissions Trading contributes to a reduction of at least 3.4 %
The use of carbon sinks, such as planting forests to remove CO2, will reduce emissions by an additional 0.9 %. As a result, the EU-15 could achieve an 11.4 % reduction. All new Member
States with a target expect to meet their target. Due to EEA the EU Emissions Trading Scheme will bring significant emission reductions between 2008 and 2012. It is expected to
contribute a reduction of at least 3.4 %, part of which is already reflected in some Member States projections. This would represent a further reduction of at least 1.3 % to the total
of 11.4 % from base-year emissions in the EU-15.
The report "Greenhouse gas emission trends and projections in Europe 2007" is available to download at http://reports.eea.europa.eu/eea_report_2007_5/en
2007-12-06 Courtesy: EEA (European Environment Agency) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: EEA
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World-wide highest wind turbine produced 6 million kilowatt hours
The wind turbine "W90", developed by the German W2E Wind to Energy GmbH, until November 2007 produced six million kilowatt hours, W2E reports in a press release. "W90" has an
installed rated power of 2.5 megawatt; the nacelle of the prototype was erected at a lattice tower. The hub height is 160 Meters and the total height is 205 Meters. The world's highest
turbine was commissioned in November and December 2006. In spite of extensive measurements and many tests, the prototype operates with high actual availability, W2E emphasizes. Sole in
January 2007 a yield of more than one million kilowatt hours was generated.
The wind turbine is characterised by a number of innovative solutions. Several new ideas are applied for European patents. As a result an absolutely reliable and safe turbine with a
very high lifetime was developed. The turbine due to W2E is assurable and bankable. The "A-Design-Assessment" of the German Lloyd was completed in December 2006.
New wind park Gifhorn with eight wind turbines on 100 m tubular towers
The project in Laasow nearby Cottbus (Brandenburg, Germany) was carried out in cooperation by Fuhrländer AG (licensee, manufacture of the nacelle), SeeBA Energiesysteme GmbH
(manufacture of the tower) und W2E Wind to Energy GmbH (licenser, engineering). At present eight new wind turbines are erected on 100 m tubular towers in Niedersachsen (Germany). The
wind park is named Gifhorn. The Fuhrländer AG is the manufacture of the nacelles. Fuhrländer uses their own brand name for the turbine: "FL2500". In Spring of 2008 nine turbines W100
with 2.5 MW and a rotor diameter of 100 m will be erected on lattice towers. The hub height will be 141 m.
2007-12-04 Courtesy: W2E Wind to Energy GmbH; (pressebox) Solarserver.de © Heindl Server GmbH
Picture Courtesy: W2E Wind to Energy GmbH.
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