FuelAlternative - last news from the fuel alternative world

Spanish turbine maker Gamesa seals first Chinese order for low-wind turbine

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:16:00 +0200

Spanish turbine maker Gamesa has signed its first order in China for its 2MW machine for low-wind sites, Recharge informs. The deal with China Longyuan Group is for a 50MW wind farm in Ningxia province. The turbines for the China project will be manufactured at Gamesa’s plant in Tianjin and installed by the end of the year. The G97 class IIIA model is designed to capture lower speed winds with a larger rotor diameter (97 metres) and improved pitch, using variable-speed technology to maximise energy output.

Dumping probe into China solar panels was launched by U.S.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:01:00 +0200

The Commerce Department said on Wednesday it would investigate whether Chinese companies sell solar panels in the United States at unfair discounts and receive illegal government subsidies, Reuters inform. The trade dispute, one of several sensitive economic and trade issues between the United States and China, could lead to steep duties on imports of Chinese panels and help struggling domestic manufacturers. The action is opposed by companies in the U.S. solar industry that count on importing cheap panels to boost solar power generation.

US domestic airlines will become biofuel-based

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:29:00 +0200

This week, two U.S. airlines will be flying passengers on flights powered by biofuels for the first time, NPR informs. On Monday a Continental flight from Houston to Chicago used a biofuel blend made in part from algae, and Wednesday Alaska Airlines is set to fly passengers using a fuel made in part from cooking oil. Alaska Air Group has focused on fuel efficiency in recent years to keep costs down and help the environment.

China sets a goal to reach 1TW of wind power in 2050

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:33:00 +0200

By 2050 China could have 1 TW of wind power installations with wind supplying 17% of electricity production, Renewable Energy Focus informs. Achieving the goal of 1 TW of wind energy would require an estimated US$200 billion of investment to 2050, representing tremendous opportunities for wind developers and investors. Figures exclude investment in the transmission network and costs associated with the variability of output from wind farms. China became the world’s largest wind market in 2010, surpassing the United States with nearly 19 GW installed in that year, according to Chinese Wind Energy Association.

Solar power sees little growth in Pakistan

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:23:00 +0200

Despite a 50% decrease in the price of solar panels over the course of the past year, companies selling solar energy solutions claim they have not seen a commensurate increase in sales, with most average Pakistani consumers still wary of the technology, The Tribune informs. Umair Anwar Khan, head of the solar power division at Adaptive Technologies, says that one of the biggest problems the industry struggles with is the lack of quality control- nowadays many companies are selling substandard products, which in turn creates suspicion of the technology and limits the growth prospects of other companies that are more quality-conscious. Another major concern is price, despite the fact that the average price of photovoltaic cells have plummeted over the last year. Solar power currently costs an average of approximately Rs21.75 per kilowatt-hour, which is more expensive than even the oil-fuelled power plants in the country, which produce power for about Rs18 per unit. Yet it is far cheaper than the diesel generators that many industrial units use as backups for their electricity generation during power outages. Those cost most factories an average of about Rs32 per unit. Despite the high price differential, however, solar power companies feel their product still has potential. “Certainly, there is a huge scope for solar power business and people will turn to it",- says Shehzad Naveed, a business development manager at Akhtar Solar Ltd, an Islamabad based solar-power company.

Chinese solar companies plan to run their plants below capacity

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:23:00 +0200

Chinese solar companies plan to run their plants below capacity in order to shed inventory and slow capital spending as the sector battles shrinking profit margins amid tepid demand and depressed panel prices, Reuters informs. The major PV equipment producers such as JA Solar and Suntech Power Holdings Co stated that they would temporarily idle some equipment at factories to halt a build-up in inventory over the last three quarters. Liu Yong, JA Solar's senior vice-president and chief technology officer, told that the company should slow the expansion, since the installed capacities meet demand on the market. Utilization at some solar factories has gone down to 75 percent, but industry experts say mid-sized players in the sector have been running capacity at below half in the last quarter, and many of the much smaller producers have shut down. Moves to slow expansion and curb production could be the only way for the industry to stem a slide in prices, said analysts, though the damage caused by overproduction was likely to still be felt in the coming few quarters, with prices likely to slip further into the new year. For how long market weakness will persist is much harder to predict amid a worsening economic outlook and the uncertainty of a European bailout. Europe accounts for more than 90 percent of sales of Chinese solar companies. The future appears bleaker after Britain announced a plan to roll back generous subsidies to the sector.

Updated: Solar tariffs expected to be cut to 21p per kWh

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:17:00 +0300

The government is planning to halve feed in tariff incentives for solar photovoltaic (PV) 4kW or smaller from December this year, according to a document mistakenly published by the Energy Saving Trust. A fact sheet posted on the Trust's website dated 26 October details proposed changes to FITs that are expected to be announced in a consultation by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) next week. FURTHER READING The document appears to confirm that as expected the government will cut the rate of feed-in tariffs for solar PV installations with under 4kW of capacity to 21p/kWh, a reduction of more than half on the current 43p/kWh level. The document also reveals that the cuts will effectively apply from 8 December this year. However, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) issued a statement on Twitter this morning claiming the document is "neither final nor accurate". A spokesman told BusinessGreen that the full proposals willbe announced in parliament on Monday. The fact sheet states: "A reduced rate of 21p/kWh for solar PV installations < 4kW - tariffs will be introduced from 1 April 2012 and will affect all installations with an eligibility date on or after 8 December 2011... This tariff rate is designed to provide householders with a rate of return of around 4 per cent. " In addition, the fact sheet confirms plans to ensure households meet minimum energy efficiency standards before they can receive feed-in tariffs. "From 1 April 2012, domestic installations must be accompanied by an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) with a level C or above/which has completed all "Green Deal" measures," the document states. "Where a domestic property does not meet these energy efficiency requirements, the Solar PV installation may receive a lower tariff." Howard Johns of the Solar Trade Association described the proposals as a "nightmare", warning that the cuts would have a chilling effect on the industry. "It makes [Climate Change Minister] Greg Barker's speech yesterday look like the flannel that it was," he told BusinessGreen, referring to the minister's assurance that he had no plans to kill off the solar sector. The industry has called for feed-in tariffs to be cut in line with reductions in the cost of solar panels, but experts have repeatedly warned that cuts of around 50 per cent would cripple the industry and result in the closure of financing schemes that provide households and businesses with free solar panels. Speaking yesterday in response to reports the tariffs would be cut to around 20p per kWh, Seb Berry of solar firm Solarcentury said:"This will kill interest in solar PV for social housing and free schemes," he said. "It reduces the rate of returns to under five per cent and no investor will go near that." His comments were echoed by Dave Sowden of the Micropower Council who warned that demand for solar panels would now be restricted to rich households. "It appears they have tried to calibrate it down to five per cent returns," he said. "We agree they needed to recalibrate it back to five to eight per cent returns, but if you go below five per cent then you completely wipe out free solar and social housing schemes. It just becomes a rich man's game." The Energy Saving Trust document said that under the proposed changes it will now take 18 years for a 2.9kW system, eight years longer than at the current levels. It also argued that the new four per cent rate of return was more "appropriate" than the original five to eight per cent rate due to the changes in the investment market that has seen interest rates slashed. The Energy Saving Trust failed to respond to request for comment at the time of going to press.

China will conduct a biofuel demonstration plan

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:31:00 +0300

China will be next to conduct a biofuel demonstration flight, with an Air China Boeing 747-700 expected to fly by the end of November on a blend of conventional and hydrotreated renewable jet fuel, Aviation week reports. The flight will be conducted under the auspices of a U.S.-China energy cooperation program launched in 2009. PetroChina provided the biomass, which has been processed into biofuel by UOP and is now being blended with conventional jet fuel for the demonstration flight, Zheng Xingwu, a professor at the Civil Aviation University of China, told the International Civil Aviation Organization’s sustainable fuel workshop in Montreal last week.

Solar investment summit is opened in Dubai

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:43:00 +0300

The Solar Investment Summit – Middle East 2011 was opened today at Hotel Novotel World Trade Centre, Khaleej times informs. The two-day conference aims to focus on finding ways to tap solar energy as an alternate resource of energy in the years to come. The conference will discuss various topics related to solar energy harnessing such as market conditions, political situation and legal framework, technology, plant building, education in the field etc. Participants at the conference include private investors, project developers, energy suppliers, R&D Institutes and trade associations among others.

Malta sets the targets on renewable energy development

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:58:00 +0300

Malta’s second national Energy Efficiency Action Plan stipulates that by 2013 developers will have to leave 50% of the roof area of any new building unencumbered for the installation of renewable energy sources buildings. Installation of the renewable energy sources will have to provide a minimum of 50% of the energy needs for cooling and heating of spaces and hot water for each dwelling unit As from 2017, the allocation of renewable energy is set to increase to 70% for cooling and heating and 90% for heating water. If such requirements cannot be met because of site conditions, the owners will have to financially contribute to the setting up of communal renewable energy source facilities.

7000 MW can be generated from sea waves in Bangladesh

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0300

In accordance with the research conducted by the group of scientists from specialized institutions throughout the world, Bangladesh can produce approximately 7,000 megawatts of electricity along 710 kilometres of coastline from the waves of the Bay of Bengal. Taking into account this data, researchers from Bangladesh have expressed the opinion, that the problem with the energy supply in the country could be solved in the nearest future. Dr Kamrul Alam Khan, a physics professor of Jagannath University and a co-author of the study, said that the sea wave power can be generated at the onshore, near the shore and in the deep sea, but onshore power generation through land installed marine power energy transformer would be realistic now as Bangladesh has a vast coastline ready. Today more than 82 percent of electricity in Bangladesh is generated from gas-fired power stations, 7 percent fromdiesel, 6 percent from furnace oil, 2.5 percent from coal and close to 3 percent from hydro. Solar power is being used in the off-grid areas, while a small wind power plant is still on a trial run.

Ukrainian projects on renewable energy expect inflow of large-scale investments

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 20:04:00 +0300

Ukrainian market of renewable energy, represented by the solar, wind, small hydropower energy industry and also by the sector of the solid and motor biofuel production, is one of the most attractive markets for investors. Such conclusions were reached by competent sector experts at the 3rd International Forum on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, REF-2011 that was held in Kyiv (Intercontinental Hotel), on 17-18th of October, 2011. «Potential of natural resources and also a presence of powerful productive base enable to state that in the near future Ukraine may become one of the European centers of the wind energy industry developments and renewable energy industry as a whole. Investors are very interested in Ukraine», - underlined during the Forum, Stefan Gsänger, the Secretary-General of the World Wind Energy Association. REF-2011 practically has become the first sector event, where the work of the Ukrainian renewable energy industry was summarized, which started to form from September, 2010, after the implementation into exploitation of the first line of solar power stations of the company Activ Solar in Crimea. From that moment, new projects in the wind energy, small hydropower and also power plants based on biomass, have been built. Besides that, new projects on transition from natural gas to alternative types of fuel at the objects of heat generation are being actively implemented. As of October, 2011, the total capacity of solar power stations in Ukraine amount to 60 Megawatt, capacity of working wind farms - 117.5 Megawatt, small hydropower stations – 104 Megawatt, the heat generation objects which are based on alternative types of fuel (agrarian and wood waste) amount to approximately 64 Megawatt today. Also, there are 2 operating industrial enterprises on motor biofuel production with a total capacity of approximately 30 thousand tons of production per year. In 2012, this showing is expected to undergo a 3 times increase. «Ukraine has a great potential. If objects of the renewable energy industry produced approximately 240 million kilowatt-hour of energy last year, we expect more than 360 million kilowatt-hour of energy this year, plus we plan to reach the level of 1 billion 17 million kilowatt-hour of energy in 2012», - stated Mykola Pashkevych, the Head of the National Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Preservation of Ukraine, during his speech. At the same time, the Head of the Agency pointed out, that the soviet legacy in the energy system of Ukraine is a great obstacle, - construction of the structure for large objects of generation: heat and nuclear power plants. Today, key Ukrainian projects in the renewable energy sphere are mainly being implemented in Crimea. In particular, at the Forum, the Chairman of the Republican Committee of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea on Fuel, Energy and Innovative Politics, Igor Zosimov presented the results of the work of Crimean government with regard to implementation of the Strategy of Economic and Social Development of the ARC by 2020. One of the key trends of the ARC development is renewable energy. «Crimea has tremendous potential with regard to almost all renewable energy sources. In terms of days with sunshine, Crimea holds leading positions in Ukraine. Thus, the project on the solar power plants construction is being implemented here. Plus, the peninsula has a huge wind potential too». - underscored Igor Zosimov, during his speech at the Forum. Also one of the important trends in the alternative energy development and increase in energy efficiency of industrial and agrarian enterprises in Ukraine is the production of heat and electric energy from waste. International Financial Corporation, in particular, is ready to invest in this regard. According to the Head of the IFC in Ukraine, Elena Voloshina, 350 million dollars are considered to be used within the special Clean Technologies Fund. «For many Ukrainian companies, the energy efficiency increase is the top priority. In connection with this, the IFC sees a great potential in the development of this sphere in Ukraine», - noted the Head of the IFC in Ukraine, during her speech at REF-2011. According to the words of the Head of Organizing Committee of REF-2011, the president of the Association of the Participants of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Market of Ukraine, Vitaliy Daviy, many companies of the renewable energy sector due to the intense competition in Europe, see Ukraine as very prospective and growing market. «The perfect example that Ukraine is in the focus of attention of foreign investors in the sphere of clean technologies, is that many big players and more than half of the total number of representatives were from international companies at the Forum», - told Vitaliy Daviy. There were approximately 300 participants from 28 countries at the Forum. Working program of REF-2011 consisted of 60 reports of the best industry experts in the sphere of solar and wind energy industry, small hydropower, energy efficiency and also investments and legislation.

Activ Solar completes 80MW Ohotnikovo Solar Power Station and expands operations into Odessa region

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:55:00 +0300

Vienna-based Activ Solar is proud to announce the completion of the fourth and final phase of the Ohotnikovo Solar Power Station in Ukraine - the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) installation ever built in Central and Eastern Europe. The Ohotnikovo Power Station has a total capacity of 80 megawatts (MW) spanning over 160 hectares and consisting of approximately 360,000 modules. The project is divided into four 20 MW phases. The first three phases were completed and connected to the national grid earlier this year. The Ohotnikovo power station is expected to produce 100,000 megawatt hours of electricity per year and save up to 80,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The solar power station will meet the electricity needs of about 20,000 households. Activ Solar has also announced the opening of an office in Odessa, Ukraine to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region. Kaveh Ertefai, Chief Executive Officer of Activ Solar said: “Opening an office in Odessa clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to the region and allows us to more effectively expand our activities with a local presence.” Odessa has a favourable geographical position and offers attractive solar irradiation levels. The company plans to create a significant number of local jobs in the region to execute the company’s project pipeline for 2012 and beyond. About Activ Solar Activ Solar, headquartered in Vienna (Austria), is a global company focused on the development and manufacture of solar based technology. The company's main business areas include production of silicon products and development of large-scale photovoltaic installations. PJSC Semiconductor Plant, based in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, is a subsidiary of Activ Solar with Polysilicon production history dating back to 1964. Activ Solar develops finances and realizes large-scale solar energy projects combining world-class expertise, strategic partnerships with cutting edge technology. The company's unique vision, industry know-how and technological excellence are combined with a focus on providing the highest level of quality to sustainably grow into a fully-integrated solar energy platform.

It took one year for the fully fledged renewable energy sector to be formed in Ukraine

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:10:00 +0300

For the last year (from September 2010 to September 2011), the fully fledged renewable energy sector has been formed in Ukraine, represented by the solar, wind, small hydropower engineering and biofuel sectors. According to the report, prepared by the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, within the framework of the preparation of the 3rd International Forum on the renewable power engineering and energy efficiency (REF-2011), which will be held on 17-18th of October, 2011 in Kyiv, new objects of electric generation, with the total capacity of more than 98 megawatt and heat generation of more than 42 megawatt, have been put into operation, for the mentioned period. In particular, prior to October, 2010, there was no big energy generation object in the segment of solar power engineering (this sector was represented by some low capacity home systems) in Ukraine. In October, 2010, in the city of Rodnikovoe (Simferopilskiy district, Autonomous Republic of Crimea), the Austrian company called Activ Solar, sponsor of the segment on solar engineering REF-2011, put into service first Ukrainian solar power plant, with a capacity of 2.5 megawatt. For the following 11 months, Activ Solar has put into service objects in Crimea, with a total capacity of 65 megawatt. At the moment, the total capacity of the networked solar power plants of Activ Solar is 67.5 megawatt. In 2011, Activ Solar also plans to bring capacity levels on industrial production of polysilicon, at possessed by the company Zaporigzka factory of semiconductors, to 3800 tons. Beside the projects of Activ Solar, there have been realized several small projects in Ukraine, concerning roof photoelectric system, with a total capacity of about 100 kilowatt. In 2011, Ukrainian market of solar power engineering has also become a center of keen interests, for some foreign engineering companies from such countries as Israel, Spain, Germany and USA. At the moment, there are several solar power plants of the average power, in the process of implementation. In general, as of September, 2011, the total capacity of power plants in Ukraine is approximately 67.6 megawatt. Launch of the first line of the wind farm called ”Novoazovskiy” in the Bezimyanniy town, Novoazovskiy district, in the coastal area of Asov Sea(with a first line capacity of 25 megawatt, total capacity of the wind farm will be 107.5 megawatt) has become the key event of the last year. In particular, 10 wind generators of one German company called FuhrländerAG,have been installed at the object. One year before, in July 2010, the enterprise called «ФурлендерВиндтехнолоджи» has been created. FuhrländerAG has become one of the shareholders of this enterprise. The main purpose of this project is the organization of production delivery of wind generators in Ukraine. Also, the Greek company called Sa Prime Energy Construction SA (sponsor of the wind power engineering section, REF-211) plans to implement the large-scale project of the wind farm construction, with a total capacity of 1000 megawatt in Pervomaysk, Razdolnenskiy, Krasnoperekopsk and Leninskiy districts of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In its turn, EurocapeNewEnergyLimited (the Principality of Monaco), which is part of the international concern called Eurocape Group, intends to build a wind farm, with a capacity of more than 300 megawatt, in the Priazovskiy district(Zaporigzkiy region). In 2011, «Eco-Optima» (wind farm of about 5 megawatt in the western part of Ukraine) and Japanese Toshiba(first line - 6 megawatt in Crimea) have expressed their desire to build wind farms in Ukraine. As of September 2011, the total power of working wind farms is approximately 110 megawatt. Ukrainian company “Eco-Optima” has also stated about its plans to invest into the construction of several objects of small hydropower engineering. In general, more than 10 companies, including foreign companies, have expressed their desire to build small hydroelectric power plants in Ukraine. For the mentioned period, 14 new objects of small hydropower engineering, with a total power of 3 megawatt, have been put into service. In compliance with the data, shared by the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, in general, as of September 2011, there are 64 small hydropower plants being operated, with a total capacity of more than 104 megawatt. Largest operators of such stations are companies like “Novosvit” and “Energoinvest” In Ukraine, in the segment of the solid biofuel production, within a period from September 2010 to September 2011, the capacities on solid biofuel production (fuel briquettes and pellets) have increased by 270 thousand tons per year- to 950 thousand tons. The main contribution to this dynamics, according to the research, made by the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, have been made by oil-extracting plants, that established lines of granulation and briquetting of sunflower husks, with a total capacity of 250 thousand tons per year. Also, according to the research, made by the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, there had been build more than 30 large objects of heat generation, based on biomass, with a total capacity of 42 megawatt, including 4 biofuel power plants, with a capacity of 3 megawatt, for the mentioned period. In Ukraine, as of September 2011, the total power of heat generation objects based on biomass (woodworking waste, agrarian waste) is approximately 64 megawatt, electric generation – approximately 4 megawatt. Within the mentioned period of time, some activities could also be noticed, in the segment of motor biofuel. In particular, in April 2011, “Azov Oil Company”(member of the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine), which possesses the oil-processing plant in the city of Mariupol (Donetsk region) has started the implementation of the petrol production oil ”Innovativ E-95”, which consists of more than 40 percent of biological components and differs from traditional types of petrol because of its improved ecological and operational qualities. Capacities of this enterprise give a possibility to produce more than 5 thousand tons of biofuel per year. By commenting the bottom lines of the sector development, the president of the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, Vitaliy Daviy, has emphasized, “Ukraine is in the spotlight for majority of international players with regard to the renewable energy industry. For the last year, all those projects that have been realized in Ukraine enabled it to become a full-fledged member of the international industry society. However, achieved results represent only the small portion of the potential that Ukraine possesses. In the upcoming year, Ukraine is expected to have a real boom in the sphere of renewable energy industry. First and foremost, the level and the number of participants of the REF-2011 Forum is a good example of what is going to come. It’s good to state that projects in the sphere of alternative energy and new types of fuel, which have been waiting for a long time on paper, have started to come into reality” Detailed conclusions of Ukrainian companies, involved in the sphere of renewable energy, analysis of problems and industry prospects, and also a presentation of some new investment projects, will take place within the framework of the working program of the 3rd International forum on renewable energy and energy efficiency (REF-2011), (Interocontinental Hotel). The organizer of the Forum is the Renewable Energy Center Fuel Alternative; co-organizer is the Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine, with a support of the European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA), Solar Power Industry Association of Germany (BSW-Solar) and others. In 2010, among the participants of the REF-2010 were more than 280 delegates from 30 countries. Official support to the Forum is provided by the Supreme Council of Ukraine Committee on the issues of energy industry, Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry of Ukraine, State Agency on Ecological investments of Ukraine. Partners of the REF-2011 Forum are KPMG (brand sponsor), Beiten Burkhardt (legal sponsor), Activ Solar (sponsor of the solar energy section), Prenecon (sponsor of the wind energy section), and legal group “Dominion” (sponsor of the energy efficiency section). Organizing committee: +38 044 498 90 56, info@ref-ua.com, www.ref-ua.com Information Created in September 2009, the Association sets as a goal, the consolidation of the participants of the renewable energy industry market for acceleration of formation and development of the alternative energy and clean technologies industry in Ukraine, development of effective and progressive legal basis, assistance in making Ukrainian production more stable on external markets, protection of the market participants interests. As of 1st September, 2011, the Association includes 25 companies. Regarding comments, interviews, additional information please contact Iryna Nemova, secretary of the - Association of the Alternative Types of Fuel and Energy Participants of Ukraine via cell phone: +38 067 810 88 22, E-Mail: info@apeu.info

Renewable energy development in the CIS will be at a completely new level in autumn, 2011

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 17:25:00 +0300

Renewable energy development in the CIS countries will be at a completely new level on realization and scale of investment projects. Such an opinion was expressed by the speakers of the 3rd International Forum on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Ukraine REF-2011, which will take place in Kyiv on 17-18th of October, 2011. In particular, established experts suppose that Ukraine’s experience on the project development, in the sphere of renewable energy, is very valuable and significant for other countries, and that REF-2011 Forum - is the key event in the sector, among the Eastern European countries. As the member of committee of directors of «Nitol Group» (Russia, production of polysilicon, solar power engineering) Andrei Kotenko pointed out, «In the recent years we have been witnessing a dynamic development of the solar power engineering market in Ukraine. At the same time, investments are being directed at the generation of source of raw material for the sector, production of single and polycrystal silicon, as well as directly into the building of solar energy stations». This fact makes 3rd International Forum on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Ukraine interesting both for potential investors and specialists of solar energy, and for representatives of legal and executive branches of power, from a position of familiarizing with the experience of realization of assistance programs for solar power engineering in Ukraine. I’m convinced that Forum will be used as a platform for demonstration of the current status of the industry development in the CIS and as a place of fruitful business contacts». Along with a dynamic development of renewable energy in the CIS countries, and Ukraine in particular, companies of the industry also expect the formation of the market of accompanying services. «After the adoption of the legislation on a green tariff in 2009, the real boom of renewable projects has started in Ukraine. We can see first big projects being implemented this year. We are convinced, that a devopment boom in the sector will start next year, and it’s necessary to get ready for big size building-erection works»,- noted Vadim Novikov, director of the Prenecon Ukraine company (wind-power engineering). In his opinion, customers as well as contractors, are not ready for a boom in the industry, taking place in Ukraine today, however, the reach experience of the Western Europe, which will be represented at the REF-2011, will help to eliminate those «diseases of the developing market». The importance of effective industry communications is also emphasized by the head of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund of Armenia,Tamara Babyan. «International Forum, REF-2011 stresses the growth of strategic sector of renewable sources of energy and energy efficiency and contributes to the development of international cooperation, including the interaction between researchers, professionals of the sector, investors and governments, for a further growth in the dynamic, global market economy. Forum will grant a unique opportunity for establishing of new business contacts, by creating a platform for an exchange of information and experience, and also to define new projects and investment possibilities. I’m sure that all participants will gain new knowledge and information for their appropriate sphere of activities». 3rd International Forum on renewable energy REF-2011 will be held on 17-18th of October, 2011 in Kyiv (Intercontinental Hotel). Organizer of the Forum is the Center of Renewable Energy Fuel Alternative, co-organizer – Association of the Participants of Alternative Fuel and Energy Market of Ukraine, under auspices of the European Small Hydro Energy Association (ESHA), Solar Energy Association (BSW-Solar) etc. Last year, there were more than 280 delegates from 30 countries at the REF-2010 conference. The partners of the REF-2011 Forum are following: KPMG (brand sponsor), Beiten Burkhardt (legal partner), Activ Solar (sponsor in the solar energy section), Prenecon (sponsor of the wind energy section), Legal Group “Dominion” (sponsor of the energy efficiency section)

Brazillian state utility has won more than the half wind contracts in A-3 tender

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:05:00 +0300

Brazilian state utility Eletrosul won nearly half of the wind contracts sold at yesterday’s A-3 tender,Recharge informed. With 21 wind farms representing an installed capacity of 492MW, the company was the biggest single winner in the wind sector. A total of 44 farms representing 1GW won contracts in the A-3 round. Several of Eletrosul’s winning bids were below R$100/MWh ($63), making it among the most competitive of contenders. All of the wind farms will be built in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the company already has several projects in operation or under construction. The wind farms represent four clusters of projects: 90MW project which will expand on the Cerro Chato wind farms being built near the Uruguay border, and the others include the projects in several regions of Brazil: 258MW Verace complex; the 46MW Minuano complex; and the 90MW Chuí complex.

Beiten Burkhardt became a Legal Partner of the 3rd Ukrainian Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Forum

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:44:00 +0300

REF-2011 enlisted the support of the leading international law firm - Beiten Burkhardt, as a Legal Partner of the Forum, which will be held on October 17-18, Kyiv, InterContinental Hotel. The main features of the Forum REF-2011 are: - Only the business and the practical orientation of the Forum in each of key segments: solar energy, wind energy, small hydropower, - An integrated program that allows participants to spend efficiently the time at the Forum. - Investment session allowing participants to discuss the opportunities and possible alternatives to attract financing, except for those few who are well-known, but not suitable for all, - Matchmaking: You do not need to guess how and with whom to meet. We prepare in advance your individual program of meetings and negotiations. About Beiten Burkhardt Beiten Burkhardt is an independent international commercial law firm, employing around 320 attorneys and tax advisers in 12 offices worldwide. We advise mid-sized companies, industrial investors and large groups from numerous sectors of industry, among the core industries on our list stands alternative energy (wind, solar, bio-fuels). About REF-2011 Join the industry and the leaders of the market at the REF-2011, 3rd International Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Forum and learn all about alternative energy and fuel industry of Ukraine - the new promising market to invest in and to develop your renewable energy projects. - “Green field”: How stable is an attractive legislative foundation of the Ukrainian market of renewable energy? Having one of the highest rates of feed-in-tariff in the world, is Ukraine protected from Czech or Italian scenario of renewable energy market stimulation? - 6% vs 30% in energy balance in 2030. What are the real goals of the Ukrainian government in renewable energy sphere? How does the renewable energy projects road map (announced by the state agency) of Ukraine look like? - 100 reasons to invest in renewables in CIS. Lessons of special financing programs and new opportunities of investment attraction in renewable energy projects in Ukraine and neighboring markets. - Practical focus sessions on solar, wind and small hydro manufacturing: How can you best set up a plant? What challenges will you face in Ukraine? How to solve land, equipment selection, grid connection and other impotent questions? - Case studies of industrial scale renewable energy plants and energy efficiency projects under development. - Energy Efficiency in the industry and municipality: the best projects and technologies which solve the economy in the high gas prices conditions - Regional outlook: What are the opportunities for large scale renewable energy projects development in Russia, Kazakhstan, Belorussia, Moldova, Azerbaidzhan and other Commonwealth of Independent States markets? Can Ukraine serve as a hub to these?

Activ Solar, a Sponsor of Solar Energy Section of REF-2011, completes first phase of Perovo project

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:32:00 +0300

Vienna-based Activ Solar announces the completion of a new 20 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) installation located near the village of Perovo (Crimea, Ukraine). The installation is the first phase of the Perovo Project - another multi-phased “mega-project” under development by Activ Solar. Earlier this year, the company launched the 7.5MW Rodnikovoye Solar Power Station and half of the 80MW Ohotnikovo Solar Power Station, which will be completed by year-end. “The Perovo project is further evidence of ActivSolar’s significant commitment to the development of the solar PV industry in Ukraine”, emphasizes Kaveh Ertefai, CEO of Activ Solar. “Our projects continue to transform undeveloped and non-arable areas in the Crimea, giving them productive and sustainable purpose”, says Kaveh Ertefai. Phase I of the installation in Perovo is expected to produce approximately 26,500 megawatt hours of electricity per annum and consists of over 88,000 mono and multi-crystalline solar PV modules ground-mounted on a surface of 40 hectares. To date, this is the largest single-row PV system installed in the region. About Activ Solar Activ Solar, headquartered in Vienna (Austria), is a global company focused on the development and manufacture of solar based technology. The company's main business areas include production of silicon products and development of large-scale photovoltaic installations. PJSC Semiconductor Plant, based in Zaporozhye, Ukraine, is a subsidiary of Activ Solar with Polysilicon production history dating back to 1964. Activ Solar develops finances and realizes large-scale solar energy projects combining world-class expertise, strategic partnerships with cutting edge technology. The company's unique vision, industry know-how and technological excellence arecombined with a focus on providing the highest level of quality to sustainably grow into a fully-integrated solar energy platform. Activ Solar is a Sponsor Solar Energy of 3rd International Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Forum (REF-2011), to be held October 17-18, 2011 in Kyiv. A key event of this autumn in Ukraine,REF-2011 is a meeting of professionals, whose activities are connected to the Ukrainian market of alternative energy. The Forum creates a business platform for exchange of experience, communication, presenting investment projects and for finding the investors in the field of solar and wind energy, small hydro power businesses and projects in the sphere of energy efficiency on CIS markets. For extra information about the Forum, please visit the official web-site www.ref-ua.com

Ukraine starts an unprecedented project entitled Green Awards Ukraine 2011, which will determine the best business and social "green" projects

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:41:00 +0300

On August 1, 2011 there will be started a new project for Ukraine, Green Awards Ukraine 2011, the first Ukrainian independent contest, in which the business and social "green" projects in Ukraine are evaluated. Green Awards Ukraine is designed to determine the level of professionalism of the organizations and companies in projects of environmentally clean technologies, environmental protection, environmentally responsible strategies, management and initiatives on environment preservation. For "green" projects implemented in Ukraine, the prize of the Green Awards Ukraine is also the way towards international recognition. An international jury of the contest, consisting of the recognized "green" business professionals of European and international levels, independent experts, professionals from business and the public, transparent procedure of evaluation and protection of projects, as well as the use of a number of modern communication channels - this is what makes Green Awards Ukraine special. "Green" economy of Ukraine and CIS countries can play the role of a "driver" of economic development. It is expected that the "green" economy will grow annually for at least 3-5% above the average economic growth. "Green" economy is based on the alternative energy and fuel sources, clean production technologies, clean technologies in agriculture, "green" construction, as well as programs of cleaning air, water and soil from pollution, waste recycling and disposal, etc. The environmental projects and innovative solutions mostly are the products of modern entrepreneurs, who are trying to develop "green" projects more often "in contrary", than "with help". Participation in such contests as the Green Awards Ukraine is one of the ways to enter the market for such projects and obtain recognition of their value",- says Antonio Ferreira, the owner of VALORSABIO, ENVIRONEXT and ENERCLEAN, Portugal, and a number of patents in the field of clean technologies in the EU, Green Awards Ukraine jury member. The market of introduction and funding of "green" projects in the country is at its development stage. In particular, the investments of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Ukrainian projects with the presence of a "green" component in 2005 to 2010 financial years were $ 645 million. "Now we are working with projects that aim to improve the energy efficiency and alternative energy sources. The main stimulus for their development is the high cost of energy. Green Awards Ukraine will be an excellent business platform that will help the socially responsible and progressive enterprises of Ukraine to show successful projects to attract investors and partners. For those who are taking the first steps towards the introduction of "green" projects such platform is invaluable. There one can get new ideas and see what works in practice,"says Christina Turilova, director of the programs for investing in resource efficiency in Ukraine, International Finance Corporation (IFC) , Russian Federation, Green Awards Ukraine jury member. Yurko Gutsulyak, a graphic designer, an art director and a co-founder of the eponymous graphic design studio has been awarded more than 50 international awards for design and advertising, including the projects for environmental design, for the past five years. He believes that we have very little "green" advertising in Ukraine. "Usually, the true purpose of the advertisement, which exists today, is far from "green". It is the lack of "green" goals of the people or organizations creating the advertisements, that cause its low efficiency. Usually it is an advertisement of nothing created by no one or for no one. In fact, the environmental problem exists and affects all of us, and this problem is particularly acute in a society where everyone is indifferent", - says Yurko Gutsulyak, who is also the Green Awards Ukraine jury member. Fuel cell technology, which is a real breakthrough in the development of electric vehicles, made Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, a Singaporean company, not only one of the world leaders of the new fast-growing global market, but also helped its owners to win a number of prestigious international awards. The founder of the company knows from its own experiencehow to transform good ideas into successful business projects. "In addition to governmental support, the best stimulus for implementation of projects is combination of private capital and new business ideas in the direction of energy saving products and creation of "clean energy" products, which will be commercialized by a new generation of local entrepreneurs. The country needs a good example of implementation of "green" projects and success stories that can be aimed at.In general, the contest leads to new levels of performance, achievements and, therefore, the progress. Green Awards Ukraine can become not only a great impetus to the development of green industry sector, but also to encourage the business and investment, and even to help choose the right ideas and start building one’s own success story",- says Taras Vankevich, the founder and managing director of Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies, Singapore, and Green Awards Ukraine jury member. "In my opinion, Green Awards Ukraine can play two different roles in promoting the "green" market in Ukraine. First, the contest will attract more public attention to environmentally clean technologies in Ukraine. And second, the contenders will be able to present their projects and compare them with the other Ukrainian examples, and maybe even get some feedback about what they are worth as compared to the reference projects outside Ukraine. These two aspects will play a huge role in subsequent promotion and development of the market", - says Johannes Berg, director of the Brussels office of TUV NORD, Belgium, which had experience of work with the Ukrainian market of environmentally friendly technologies. In general, thecontest jury is composed of 20 distinguished experts of international level, representing different areas of business and public life, and competent to evaluate the whole range of "green" projects. The result of the Green Awards Ukraine should become not only the determination of the best projects, but also the creation a unique publication entitled The Best "Green" Projects in Ukraine", and the ceremony of the Green Awards Ukraine itself is the format of the independent recognition, which, according to many market participants, Ukraine is still lacking. "The activities towards the implementation of environmental programs at the enterprise and in the private office, projects in the field of clean technologies, renewable energy and energy efficiency, in particular, are presented by actions more eloquently than by words. The Green Awards Ukraine chooses the best business and social "green" projects that have already been implemented in order to give impetus to the speedy implementation of new environmental ideas and best practices to improve and build the "green" economy in Ukraine. We will be honored to announce on December, 15 the companies and organizations that are building "green" economy of the future right today ", - says Yulia Berezovskaya, the Director of the Green Awards Ukraine. AboutGreen Awards Ukraine MAIN OBJECTIVES: - Assessment of the level of nusiness and social "green" projects implemented in Ukraine in 2009 to 2011. - Assessment of the level of development of environmentally clean technologies, “green” projects, products and services, environmental programs of Ukrainian enterprises, as well as identification and definition of the main trends of the industry development. - Creation and development a unique platform for dialogue, sharing of experience, presentation of technical know-how and generation of ideas on environmentally friendly solutions. - Identification of the most important professional and commercial, consumer and social points of view in Ukraine. - Creation of a precedent for subsequent qualitative development and implementation of the national capacity in the field of "green" solutions, projects, products, services and applications. - Promotion of the sustainable development of Ukrainian economy. - Determination of winners by an unprejudiced voting of jury members. Green Awards Ukraine NOMINATIONS: 1. The best project in the field of renewable energy 2. The best energy efficient project 3. The best project in the field of water supply and wastewater treatment 4. The best waste management project 5. The best "green" program for the enterprise 6. The best “green” tourist project 7. The best “green” advertisement 8. The best "green office" project 9. The best "green" goods 10. The best “green” investment 11. The best "green" technology/innovation 12. The best "green" infrastructure object 13. The best "green" social project 14. The best "green" educational project 15. The best "green" art project On December 15, 2011 in Kiev Golf Center the nominees of the GreenTrends will defend their project and winners of the Green Awards Ukraine 2011 will be awarded. The award ceremony of Green Awards Ukraine 2011 will bring together the representatives of "green" business, environmentally responsible companies, leading experts of the European level, representatives of international and Ukrainian organizations and journalists. Its holding is a powerful impetus for development of the "green" economy in Ukraine. Contest Background We develop the project of an independent contest assessing the best business and social "green" projects, Green Awards Ukraine 2011, as a separate project of CleanTech, the international professional magazine, which we publish. In April 2011 the CleanTech publishing house supported by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Ukraine, held the 1st International Forum of Clean Technologies in Ukraine ECOSMART-2011 (exhibition and conference) in Kiev International Exhibition Center. The Forum was the first project implemented for minimization and counting of the carbon emissions, as well as their full offsetting. The Forum has enjoyed a significant international recognition, and in June 2011 it was named the Best International Event in Ukraine by the Ukrainian Event Awards 2011. Among the speakers of ECOSMART-2011 there are recognized world experts in the field of ecology, clean technology and "green" projects. Among the participants there are the key market players. Implementing the Green Awards Ukraine 2011 project, we intend to continue following the high standards, contributing to the effective development of the "green" economy in Ukraine. Awards Ukraine Award 2011 - for sustainable development and growth! Website - www.greenawards.info For more information about the Green Awards Ukraine, arrangement of interviews with judges, preparing the latest news of the Contest, please, contact Elena Pustovoyt. +38 044 362 03 69, +38 093 637 53 32 info@greenawards.info www.greenawards.info

Biofuel Boost in Cowichan

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:23:00 +0300

BIOFUEL PRODUCTION IN THE COWICHAN VALLEY IS GETTING A BIG BOOST. FOR YEARS, MEMBERS OF THE COWICHAN BIO DIESEL CO OP HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING THE USE OF COOKING OIL AS FUEL FOR VEHICLES. NOW IT, ALONG WITH THE COWICHAN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES ARE SEEING A DREAM COME TRUE AS A NEW BIODIESEL PROCESSOR IS UNVIELED AT THE BINGS CREEK WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY. THE IDEA IS A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE ONE. USED COOKING OIL IS COLLECTED FROM RESTAURANTS AND RESIDENCES, THEN PROCESSED AND TURNED INTO DIESEL FUEL. NOT ONLY DOES IT OFFSET THE USE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, IT OFFERS A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT. AN OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE NEW FUEL PROCESSOR TAKES PLACE TOMORROW