Solar Power | The Water and Solar Company

Eskom keen to cut coal dependency

Nov 242010

Eskom plans to reduce its dependency on coal over the next 20 years, says the chief executive at the power utility, Brian Dames.

He said the utility was planning to build five gigawatts of “cleaner coal” generation capacity after 2025, Business Report reported on Wednesday.

At present about 90% of Eskom’s electricity is generated through coal.

Dames said the government’s Integrated Resource Plan would bring coal’s share of generation down from 86% to below 50% over the next 20 years as the energy mix would be diversified to include nuclear, wind, solar, biomass and other sources.

“Eskom aspires to lead South Africa’s nuclear programme, in partnership, and to play a lead role in solar power,” said Dames who was speaking in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Coal reduction was among the goals Eskom had set for itself as part of its new strategic direction.

It also plans to invest in more opportunities in southern Africa where there are potentially 200 million customers.

“Over the next few months, we will have a detailed business plan for the region. There are a lot of exciting opportunities in the region that we don’t have,” Dames said.

Opportunities had been identified in countries such as Botswana and Namibia and a business plan would be presented to the board in February.

He said the firm planned to build transmission networks and have the private sector handle the generation side.

Source – Timeslive.co.za

Fluor Develops Master Plan For South Africa Solar Park

renewable energy 2 Responses »

Oct 262010

Fluor has announced that it was selected to perform a study for a potential solar park development in the Northern Cape for South Africa’s Department of Energy.

Following the recent completion of a pre-feasibility study by the Clinton Climate Initiative, a program of the William J. Clinton Foundation, Fluor will now develop a more detailed conceptual master plan to be unveiled at the upcoming South African Solar Park Investors Conference Oct. 28 and 29 in Upington, Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Fluor will book the undisclosed contract value in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“We are closely collaborating with South Africa’s Department of Energy and the Clinton Climate Initiative on this potential flagship solar power development,” said Dave Dunning, president of Fluor’s Power Group.

“Our company has a strong track record of achievement in South Africa. Just last month, Fluor commemorated its 50-year anniversary of ongoing capital project development in South Africa, and we hope to bring this clean energy initiative to fruition.”

The 5 gigawatt solar park is one of the largest proposed solar parks in the world. Upon completion of the conceptual study, a more detailed design plan will be developed.

The South Africa Department of Energy intends to establish a Solar Park Authority as a unit within the state-owned Central Energy Fund to facilitate the advancement of the project.

The solar park could host proven and emerging solar technologies including photovoltaic (PV), concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) plants and concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies such as power tower and parabolic trough alternatives.

When fully developed, the 5 gigawatt solar park could realize a total investment of more than US$20 billion according to the Department of Energy.

Fluor is a global leader in the engineering, procurement, construction, maintenance and operations of the world’s most challenging and complex power generation facilities.

It is currently building the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the coast of the United Kingdom, and its completed power projects have been recently recognized as top projects by POWER Magazine, Platts and Power Engineering.

Source – Solardaily.com

US Solar Installations Expected To Double In 2010

Solar Water heating No Responses »

Oct 222010

solar-pv-panels-roof-molokai-hospital-lg

Unsurprisingly, California led states in solar capacity added in the first six months of 2010, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida.

Evolution Solar cheered a new report on Thursday that claims new solar power installations in the U.S. this year could double the capacity installed in 2009.

The Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research released the report at Solar Power International, a conference and trade show in Los Angeles.

The U.S. Solar Market Insight report compiled data from the first half of 2010, which forecasts that the domestic solar industry could achieve a new milestone this year by installing a gigawatt of new capacity by year’s end. That figure would more than double the 441 megawatts added in 2009.

“This report just confirms what we already know: that solar energy is gaining traction in the United States,” said EVSO President and CEO Robert Hines.

“Now that U.S. public policy has become stable and friendly towards solar, more and more people are taking a serious look at this revolutionary technology.”

The domestic solar industry has avoided the malaise plaguing the overall economy thanks in part to an federal investment tax credit for renewable energy that will stay in place through the end of 2016.

Unsurprisingly, California led states in solar capacity added in the first six months of 2010, followed by New Jersey, Arizona and Florida.

“Due to ever-improving solar technology, the costs associated with generating electricity using photovoltaic panels are becoming increasingly affordable,” Hines said.

“We expect that the price gap between solar power and power generated from traditional fuels will continue to narrow. The development of a cleaner, more efficient and renewable energy industry is already creating thousands of jobs across the country.”

In Houston, Evolution Solar is partnering with Texas Southern University to install eight AmpleSun thin-film photovoltaic panels on the campus that are intended to serve as a cornerstone of the new TSU Green Technology Center.

The project will be Evolution Solar’s first array featuring the AmpleSun panels in the U.S. The company also recently completed construction on a solar demonstration project in the City of Brookshire, Texas.

Source – solardaily.com

Building The World's Thinnest Crystalline Silicon Solar Panel

Solar Water heating No Responses »

Oct 212010

DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha and Fujipream Corporation have successfully developed a new thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) glass-glass photovoltaic module that is 25 percent lighter in weight (excluding the frame) compared with traditional c-Si modules using standard solar grade front glass.

Two sheets of the DuPont encapsulant surround and protect the module's sensitive silicon cells and circuitry, which is sandwiched between two 1.1-mm sheets of thin glass.

The new Fujipream module incorporates new innovative material technology from DuPont Photovoltaic Solutions and NSG Group to provide the strength, rigidity, resistance to impact and weatherability required to meet international module standards. The result is the world’s thinnest commercially available glass-glass c-Si photovoltaic module.

A key innovation is the use of DuPont PV5300 Series ionomer-based encapsulant sheets that replace traditional EVA-based encapsulants. The resulting laminate strength enables the thinner module to pass required load and hail tests, and thin glass replaces standard solar grade front glass and backsheet to provide a new lighter-weight glass-glass laminate structure.

Two sheets of the DuPont encapsulant surround and protect the module’s sensitive silicon cells and circuitry, which is sandwiched between two 1.1-mm sheets of thin glass.

“Fujipream is taking advantage of DuPont PV5300 Series encapsulant to enhance overall module strength and rigidity,” explains Jun Koishikawa, development manager – DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers.

“The ionomer sheet’s adhesion to glass is well-established from years of related experience in laminated structural glass. The high shear coupling of the glass layers via use of the ionomer encapsulant creates a composite-like module structure with strength comparable to a single piece of thicker glass.

The vacuum-laminated photovoltaic module’s extra strength lets Fujipream meet required module impact resistance and structural loading requirements using 31 percent less glass than traditional designs, which relied on a 3.2-mm glass topsheet and polymeric backsheet.

Minoru Amoh, president – DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha in Japan, sees the Fujipream module as a natural result of DuPont applying the power of its integrated science to help deliver clean solar power.

“DuPont is strategically focused on a thriving photovoltaic industry,” said Amoh.

“We are applying our market-driven science to offer products and technologies that can transform the sun’s potential into clean energy, and delivering growth through our market-leading position in materials. We expect to achieve $1 billion in revenue from sales into the photovoltaic market in 2010 and $2 billion by 2014.”

Source – Solardaily.com

GM To Install Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

renewable energy No Responses »

Oct 192010

chargepoint-sydney-charging-station-electric-vehicle-car-lg

Envision Solar International has announced that the company has been selected by General Motors, LLC to install its CleanCharge solar powered electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations integrated into EnvisionTrak tracking Solar Trees at a number of prominent locations.

“We are pleased to have been selected by General Motors for these strategic installations that will enable Chevy Volts to leverage clean solar power to recharge their batteries without relying on carbon fuel generated electricity,” said Bob Noble, CEO of Envision Solar.

“We applaud GM’s commitment to clean energy as well as green job creation through this initiative.”

The Chevy Volt extended-range electric car is expected to hit showrooms in November 2010 and will be rolled out initially in California, Michigan, Washington, D.C., Texas and New York. New Jersey and Connecticut will join in mid-2011.

“GM is committed to reducing carbon emissions and reliance on petroleum,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman, global product operations.

“We chose Envision Solar because its clean charging infrastructure allows us to maximize the environmental benefits of our electric vehicles through the use of clean renewable energy and further demonstrates our commitment to the proliferation of sustainable EV charging infrastructure.”

Envision Solar’s Solar Tree with EnvisionTrak is a highly engineered parking lot solar array that is 20 to 25 percent more productive than conventional fixed solar arrays, due to the incorporation of dual axis tracking which enables the canopy to follow the sun throughout the day.

“We have designed this technology with an architectural focus that enhances the overall aesthetic of corporate and commercial campuses,” Noble added. “The addition of our CleanCharge system makes this a truly comprehensive design and technology package, offering a value-added investment for businesses anticipating the dramatic growth in the electric vehicle market over the next decade.”

Pike Research forecasts that the market for plug-in hybrid and battery electric passenger cars and light duty trucks will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 106 percent between 2010 and 2015, resulting in sales of more than 3.24 million vehicles during that period.

Source – www.solardaily.com

Western Cape and Northern Cape could be the most severely impacted by climate change

Water matters 3 Responses »

Sep 222010

By Nthambeleni Gabara

Pretoria – Water and Environmental Minister Buyelwa Sonjica is concerned about the impact of climate change in the Northern Cape.

“This (climate change) is likely to have an effect on all South Africa’s provinces but it is anticipated that the Western Cape and Northern Cape could be the most severely impacted. In particular, it is predicted that Northern Cape will get hotter and drier in the decades to come,” the minister said at Northern Cape’s Water Indaba on Thursday.

There has been much emphasis internationally on mitigation strategies, but when it comes to the water sector the focus will be more on adaptation and this is something that this Indaba will need to deliberate upon, the minister said.

She said there were a number of projects being considered with respect to solar power and clearly the Northern Cape was uniquely positioned to capitalise on this. At the same time, however, these installations will require water supply so integrated planning is essential.

Increased emphasis on water conservation and demand management is virtually non-negotiable, Sonjica said.

Unfortunately non-revenue water is far too high in many municipalities in the province and this aspect needs to be improved.

Agriculture will need to continue to strive to use water more efficiently and the Working for Water Programme must continue its work and, if possible, be expanded.

On the supply side, the minister said desalination of sea water will certainly need to be considered in some areas.

“Another good technology, particularly for domestic and garden use, is rainwater harvesting and a project to address this has been undertaken in Kareeberg Municipality,” the minister said.

Sonjica also emphasised the importance of cooperative governance in the water sector in the Northern Cape. “In almost all instances, water issues are cross cutting with respect to many other sectors, creating many interdependencies. At the same time however, water resources are recognised as a national competence which means that there is no political representation at provincial level.”

One way of addressing this, she said, was via collaborative structures. “There is a need for a political figurehead at the provincial level. If this is in place then it provides an ideal linkage and partnership arrangement not only with me but also with the Water Affairs’ Regional Office. ”

The “missing piece in the jigsaw” is what one could term a Member of Executive Council (MEC) that will take over the critical linkage and political leadership role for the water sector in the province.

She further encouraged the establishment of a water-specific Inter-governmental Relation (IGR) structure to support the MEC. – BuaNews

Global bid to tackle cooking smoke

renewable energy 2 Responses »

Sep 212010

Cooking smoke believed to kill 1.9 million a year in developing countries.

Clean stoves run on biomass (with chimneys and clean-burn mechanisms), or gas, or on solar power.

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced a global partnership to tackle the scourge of toxic smoke from indoor cooking fires.

Cooking smoke is estimated to shorten the lives of 1.9 million people a year; it also contributes to climate change.

The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves is a partnership between the US government and other nations along with charitable foundations.

It is believed to be the first major attempt to tackle the issue worldwide.

The project will attempt to build on national programmes already underway in India, Mexico and Peru.

It aims to introduce modern low-pollution stoves to the homes of 100 million poor people by 2020.

The stoves programme would help to protect poor people from eye disease, lung disease and cancer; save forests from being ravaged for fuel; reduce CO2 emissions and reduce emissions of black smoke, which also contributes to global warming. Continue reading »

Bay engineers plan Eskom-free living - Wind turbines and Solar systems

renewable energy 2 Responses »

Sep 212010

IMAGINE Nelson Mandela Bay filled with small, silent wind turbines and solar systems – and no more reliance on Eskom.

That is the vision of a pair of Port Elizabeth engineers who have designed a “hybrid inverter”, the Renovo Power Solution, which they say could save consumers millions at the same time as saving the world.

Wiegand von Hasseln and Trevor van Onselen have launched a series of public seminars to publicise their invention which they say is “the first energy system mix, manufactured and available for the open market, of its kind in South Africa”.

It is also the cheapest, they say, because the price of R2279 a month, paid off over five years, for their 1kW system, matches the cheapest wind turbine so far produced – and they are adding a photo-voltaic solar panel component. And from that price you can also, each month, subtract your current electricity bill. Continue reading »

South Africa plans to complete a study into the viability of a 5,000 megawatt solar energy park

renewable energy 5 Responses »

Sep 202010

Sept. 16 (Bloomberg) — South Africa plans to complete a study into the viability of a 5,000 megawatt solar energy park, which will be the world’s largest if built, by the end of this month.

Initial estimates indicate that the plant, which may be built in Upington in the Northern Cape, could cost as much as 150 billion rand ($21.1 billion), government spokesman Themba Maseko told reporters in Cape Town today. The study is being conducted by South Africa’s Department of Energy with the Clinton Climate Initiative.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by South African Energy Minister Dipuo Peters and representatives from the Clinton Climate Initiative in October 2009 to develop the plant. South Africa is battling a power shortage after the government halted expansion plans by state-owned power producer Eskom Holdings Ltd. for four years until 2004 while it tried and failed to convince companies to build power plants. Continue reading »

Coal fired Power Stations - Eskom

Water matters, renewable energy No Responses »

Sep 142010

Coal Power Plant The Regime of the day is the owner of Eskom. This body maintains its monopoly on the supply of electricity by supplying this commodity mainly from a resource of coal. Perhaps the honourable minister is unaware of some of the facts surrounding the coal that her coal fired power stations do for us and our future generations.

Of the top-25 highest CO2 emitting power generating plants worldwide, South Africa has three stations.
South Africa is number eight of the top 50 countries with the highest CO2 emitting power sectors. Continue reading »

Older Entries

Eskom keen to cut coal dependency

Eskom plans to reduce its dependency on coal over the next 20 years, says the chief executive at the power utility, Brian Dames.

Fluor Develops Master Plan For South Africa Solar Park

US Solar Installations Expected To Double In 2010

Building The World's Thinnest Crystalline Silicon Solar Panel

DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha and Fujipream Corporation have successfully developed a new thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) glass-glass photovoltaic module that is 25 percent lighter in weight (excluding the frame) compared with traditional c-Si modules using standard solar grade front glass.

GM To Install Solar-Powered EV Charging Stations

Western Cape and Northern Cape could be the most severely impacted by climate change

Global bid to tackle cooking smoke

Bay engineers plan Eskom-free living - Wind turbines and Solar systems

South Africa plans to complete a study into the viability of a 5,000 megawatt solar energy park

Coal fired Power Stations - Eskom

Categories

Links

Eskom plans to reduce its dependency on coal over the next 20 years, says the chief executive at the power utility, Brian Dames.

DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha and Fujipream Corporation have successfully developed a new thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) glass-glass photovoltaic module that is 25 percent lighter in weight (excluding the frame) compared with traditional c-Si modules using standard solar grade front glass.

Categories

Links

Tags