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FPL launches innovative energy storage project in conjunction with White House summit on scaling renewable energy and storage
Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced an innovative new energy storage pilot project in conjunction with today’s White House summit on scaling renewable energy and storage with smart markets. FPL’s project aims to strengthen the electric grid by testing multiple applications of advanced battery technologies under real-life conditions.
FPL will install several different types of battery systems at locations in the southern Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Monroe to research a range of potential future benefits of energy storage, including grid reliability and power quality. In addition, the research has the potential to improve the integration of renewables in the future as FPL continues to expand its use of solar energy to serve its 4.8 million customers.
FPL will install several different types of battery systems at locations in the southern Florida counties of Miami-Dade and Monroe to research a range of potential future benefits of energy storage, including grid reliability and power quality. In addition, the research has the potential to improve the integration of renewables in the future as FPL continues to expand its use of solar energy to serve its 4.8 million customers.
"President Obama believes in the need to transition to a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable 21st century power grid. Under his leadership, transformations in how we produce and consume electricity are decreasing carbon pollution, scaling up renewable energy, and generating savings on consumers’ energy bills," the White House noted in a statement announcing a series of federal and private-sector commitments, including FPL’s project.
"FPL is one of the cleanest, most affordable energy providers in the nation because of our persistent commitment to investing in the future. We are always looking long-term, and we recognize that energy storage has enormous potential for both the reliability of the grid and the advancement of affordable clean energy," said Eric Silagy, the company’s president and CEO.
"FPL is one of the cleanest, most affordable energy providers in the nation because of our persistent commitment to investing in the future. We are always looking long-term, and we recognize that energy storage has enormous potential for both the reliability of the grid and the advancement of affordable clean energy," said Eric Silagy, the company’s president and CEO.
FPL’s energy storage pilot program will look at various applications of battery technologies to study potential benefits. Key components of the project:
- Repurposing used "second-life" batteries from more than 200 BMW electric vehicles to test "peak shaving" for better grid management during periods of high demand via a storage system to be installed in a densely populated residential area in southwestern Miami.
- Designing a mobile storage system that could be relocated as needed to prevent power interruptions at major, economically important events (e.g. nationally televised sports, etc.). FPL plans to build the portable battery system in time for testing during the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center on the island of Key Biscayne.
- Building a battery back-up system in the Flamingo community of Monroe County the southernmost tip of Everglades National Park, where a visitor center, campground and water treatment facility lie 45 miles from any other electric customer to study ways to improve reliability for isolated areas and develop microgrid foundations.
"Many miles from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Flamingo is the southernmost developed area in Everglades National Park, providing essential support and amenities so visitors have the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural, undisturbed setting.
Because of our remote location, the concept of having clean, quiet, on-site back-up power is exciting. FPL’s project could make a big difference for us and our ability to provide uninterrupted access to this national treasure for thousands of people around the world," said Mike Jester, chief of facilities management for Everglades National Park.
Because of our remote location, the concept of having clean, quiet, on-site back-up power is exciting. FPL’s project could make a big difference for us and our ability to provide uninterrupted access to this national treasure for thousands of people around the world," said Mike Jester, chief of facilities management for Everglades National Park.
FPL expects to begin construction on the project this summer with most components in operation by the end of the year.
The project is an extension of FPL’s clean energy research program, which includes a major, commercial-scale distributed solar energy system that opened in April at Florida International University’s College of Engineering in Miami.
The project is an extension of FPL’s clean energy research program, which includes a major, commercial-scale distributed solar energy system that opened in April at Florida International University’s College of Engineering in Miami.
In addition, the company continues to make progress on the construction of three new solar power plants that will be among the largest solar power facilities ever built in the eastern U.S. Comprising more than 1 million solar panels, the new, cost-effective plants will begin powering FPL customers later this year, tripling the company’s use of energy from the sun.
FPL’s commitment to clean energy is not new. In fact, because of investments that have been made year after year, FPL is already cleaner today than the 2030 carbon emissions rate goal set for Florida by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. At the same time, FPL’s typical residential customer rates are about 30 percent lower than the national average.
FPL’s commitment to clean energy is not new. In fact, because of investments that have been made year after year, FPL is already cleaner today than the 2030 carbon emissions rate goal set for Florida by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan. At the same time, FPL’s typical residential customer rates are about 30 percent lower than the national average.
In addition, as part of NextEra Energy, Inc., a global leader in clean energy, FPL is able to leverage the learnings and technical expertise of its sister company, NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which has energy storage installations in operation or development in Arizona, California, Maine, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada.
SunRISE TechBridge Challenge winners announced by DSM, Fraunhofer TechBridge and Greentown Labs
Five early-stage companies are announced as winners of the SunRISE TechBridge Challenge, which was designed to identify innovations in solar materials and technologies to reduce the levelized cost of energy for photovoltaic systems.
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments Announces the Acquisition of Portal Ridge Solar Project
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments, L.L.C. (DESRI) today announced the acquisition of the Portal Ridge solar project from First Solar, Inc. Portal Ridge is a 31 MW-ac solar facility located in Lancaster, California, with 20-year power purchase agreements with Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Southern California Edison. The project, which was developed by First Solar, was acquired by an affiliate of DESRI in partnership with Bright Plain Renewable Energy.
The facility will be built by Blattner Energy Inc. pursuant to an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, and will utilize First Solars advanced thin film solar modules. The project is expected to produce more than 90,000 MWhs of clean energy per year for customers in Southern California.
The facility will be built by Blattner Energy Inc. pursuant to an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract, and will utilize First Solars advanced thin film solar modules. The project is expected to produce more than 90,000 MWhs of clean energy per year for customers in Southern California.
Financing for the acquisition, construction, and operation of the project was provided by CoBank, ACB, and KeyBank National Association, alongside a commitment for tax equity financing from an affiliate of U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation.
We are excited to partner with First Solar as we expand DESRIs renewable energy footprint on the West Coast, said Bryan Martin, managing director and head of U.S. Private Equity at the D. E. Shaw group. DESRI has a strong presence in California with multiple projects in construction and operation. We are delighted to add Portal Ridge as we work to provide clean and cost-efficient green energy to the states residents and businesses.
We are excited to partner with First Solar as we expand DESRIs renewable energy footprint on the West Coast, said Bryan Martin, managing director and head of U.S. Private Equity at the D. E. Shaw group. DESRI has a strong presence in California with multiple projects in construction and operation. We are delighted to add Portal Ridge as we work to provide clean and cost-efficient green energy to the states residents and businesses.
We’re very pleased to have completed our first transaction with DESRI at Portal Ridge, and we look forward to partnering together in the future on a variety of fronts, said Georges Antoun, First Solars Chief Commercial Officer. We bring to the relationship our industry-leading product technology and project development expertise, which offer great synergies with DESRIs depth and experience as a leading investor in renewable energy assets.
OneRoof Energy Secures US$50 Million Construction Loan Facility and Additional Working Capital Funding to Support Solar 2.0 National Growth Strategy
OneRoof Energy, a residential solar services provider and wholly-owned subsidiary of OneRoof Energy Group today announced that certain of its affiliates have signed a US$50 million construction loan facility, with Black Coral Capital, a current investor in the company. In addition, Black Coral has funded $9.05 million of working capital to the company, in the form of secured non-convertible notes.
David Field, president and CEO of OneRoof, said the funds borrowed under the facility will be used to finance construction of new solar projects for the company’s Solar 2.0 national growth strategy, where OneRoof secures distribution and fulfillment partnerships with major consumer services providers with strong existing homeowner relationships.
David Field, president and CEO of OneRoof, said the funds borrowed under the facility will be used to finance construction of new solar projects for the company’s Solar 2.0 national growth strategy, where OneRoof secures distribution and fulfillment partnerships with major consumer services providers with strong existing homeowner relationships.
"This new round of financing from Black Coral will support our Solar 2.0 strategy to partner with leading energy retail providers, home services providers and other sales partners that are already selling a key product or service to homeowners, thereby reducing our customer acquisition costs across the board," Field said. "We are pleased to be working with Black Coral, which continues to be immensely important to the company’s growth and helping bring the benefits of environmentally sensitive renewable energy to new markets throughout the U.S."
Black Coral loaned an initial tranche of US$36.55 million under the facility and subsequent tranches may be funded from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of the facility. Principal and interest on the facility will mature and be payable on May 31, 2018 and interest will accrue on borrowed funds at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the facility will be secured by certain solar project assets that are not otherwise pledged under the company’s other secured loan facilities. The facility requires that the borrowers use the net proceeds of any equity issuances and asset sales in excess of $100,000 to pay all accrued and unpaid interest and outstanding principal under the facility. Amounts borrowed under the facility will be used to finance the construction of solar projects.
Black Coral loaned an initial tranche of US$36.55 million under the facility and subsequent tranches may be funded from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of the facility. Principal and interest on the facility will mature and be payable on May 31, 2018 and interest will accrue on borrowed funds at a fixed rate of 6% per annum. Subject to the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the facility will be secured by certain solar project assets that are not otherwise pledged under the company’s other secured loan facilities. The facility requires that the borrowers use the net proceeds of any equity issuances and asset sales in excess of $100,000 to pay all accrued and unpaid interest and outstanding principal under the facility. Amounts borrowed under the facility will be used to finance the construction of solar projects.
The company also announced that it has agreed to a financing totalling US$9.05 million, consisting of secured non-convertible notes (the "notes") issued to Black Coral. The notes are secured by the assets of the company that are not otherwise pledged under project financings (the "available assets"). The available assets are already pledged as security under the company’s senior credit agreements, as well as the agreements governing the company’s subordinated convertible and non-convertible notes. The notes are subject to the same terms and conditions as the company’s outstanding subordinated non-convertible notes. Proceeds from the notes will be used for general working capital purposes.
The completion of the facility and the notes are subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSXV.
The completion of the facility and the notes are subject to all applicable regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSXV.
State Clean Energy Programs Honored for Efforts to Transform U.S. Markets
State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards recognize six innovative initiatives from around the country.
RECOM teams up with WEDIS Group for 10MW project in Germany
Construction of PV plant to begin immediately at Fuerstenwalde site.
Maryland SREC Update June 2016
Much has been made of Governor Hogans recent veto of the Clean Energy Jobs Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Revisions bill (SB0921/HB1106) and its implications for the long term health of the state SREC market. Market weakness due to fundamental oversupply has been exacerbated by uncertainty as to the likelihood of the Maryland legislature to expand state renewables markets in step with increasing supply. With the Maryland SREC market trading at all time lows, we feel that it is important for market participants to be able to base their opinions on accurate empirical data.
As such, we have updated our supply and demand scenario models to reflect the most recent available capacity information made available by PJM GATS. Through May 2016 there was approximately 156,682 SRECs left over from compliance years 2014 and 2015. Thus far in 2016, 144,133 CY2016 SRECs have also been issued. Assuming that the observed average monthly build rate of 19.6 MW/month continues through the year, we project that 556,507 additional SRECs will be generated in compliance year 2016. Taking together the existing inventory of available prior-period SRECs together with the projected production for the remainder of 2016, we foresee an oversupply of 425,535 SRECs by the end of 2016.
As such, we have updated our supply and demand scenario models to reflect the most recent available capacity information made available by PJM GATS. Through May 2016 there was approximately 156,682 SRECs left over from compliance years 2014 and 2015. Thus far in 2016, 144,133 CY2016 SRECs have also been issued. Assuming that the observed average monthly build rate of 19.6 MW/month continues through the year, we project that 556,507 additional SRECs will be generated in compliance year 2016. Taking together the existing inventory of available prior-period SRECs together with the projected production for the remainder of 2016, we foresee an oversupply of 425,535 SRECs by the end of 2016.
In this latest capacity analysis update we have included parallel analyses for the projected supply/demand balance in future years. Looking out to 2022, we demonstrate how that balance would evolve under both the currently adopted RPS as well as under the recently proposed RPS. We have also made a slight change to the range of scenarios we present. Whereas we typically present this analysis extending the current trailing twelve month average build rate through the full term of the analysis, and two more scenarios where the build rate both increases and decreases slightly, we have chosen to adjust our methodology.
The current build rate of 19.6 MW/month is quite strong relative to historical averages, influenced primarily by above average build numbers for December 2015 through February 2016. This increase may have been caused by the ITC cliff confronted at the end of 2015 or by stronger SREC prices in the summer and fall of 2015. Whatever the cause, those factors are no longer relevant for the purposes of this analysis, and it is reasonable to believe that monthly build numbers will decrease from here. Our case 1 and 2, therefore, are reflective of a build rate that is 50% and 75% of the trailing twelve month average.
The current build rate of 19.6 MW/month is quite strong relative to historical averages, influenced primarily by above average build numbers for December 2015 through February 2016. This increase may have been caused by the ITC cliff confronted at the end of 2015 or by stronger SREC prices in the summer and fall of 2015. Whatever the cause, those factors are no longer relevant for the purposes of this analysis, and it is reasonable to believe that monthly build numbers will decrease from here. Our case 1 and 2, therefore, are reflective of a build rate that is 50% and 75% of the trailing twelve month average.
While the market is clearly oversupplied under almost all scenarios we think it is important to note that the proposed RPS significantly decreases the percentage oversupply in later years, decreasing the oversupply by almost half in some instances. We point this out to illustrate that the current state of the market may not be as dire as some market participants believe.
We maintain that an oversupplied market is not necessarily a broken market.
We maintain that an oversupplied market is not necessarily a broken market.
One of the advantages of a market-based mechanism is that price fluctuations provide price signals to market participants considering whether to initiate additional projects. Ideally, the low level of SREC pricing today will lead a significant portion of the current project queue to wait on adding new capacity until the supply and demand balance normalizes.
With that said, the greatest uncertainty as to the future health of the Maryland SREC market is what portion of the PJM interconnection queue will ultimately be built. There are several large utility scale projects with nameplate capacity of 100 MW or more that could drastically change the supply and demand balance to a point where the only solution would be legislation to either increase the state RPS or restrict eligibility to the existing market.
With that said, the greatest uncertainty as to the future health of the Maryland SREC market is what portion of the PJM interconnection queue will ultimately be built. There are several large utility scale projects with nameplate capacity of 100 MW or more that could drastically change the supply and demand balance to a point where the only solution would be legislation to either increase the state RPS or restrict eligibility to the existing market.
Our analysis does not account for this potential outcome but we acknowledge that it is certainly a plausible scenario.
We will continue to monitor the state of the Maryland SREC market as more data is made available regarding trends in monthly build rates and new projects that are awarded SREC eligibility. We will also continue to publish information regarding the Maryland legislative process and the status of the solar carve out.
We will continue to monitor the state of the Maryland SREC market as more data is made available regarding trends in monthly build rates and new projects that are awarded SREC eligibility. We will also continue to publish information regarding the Maryland legislative process and the status of the solar carve out.
Unique collaboration advances solar energy in Dubuque, Iowa
Project will guide future solar solutions for Iowans.
Intersolar and ees North America Offers Comprehensive Workshop Program for Installers, Project Developers
CALSEIA Contractor Day Returns to San Francisco For Third Straight Year
7.75-Megawatt SunPower System Planned to Power New Toyota Headquarters
SunPower Corp. and Toyota announced today that SunPower is designing and plans to construct a 7.75-megawatt solar power system at Toyota’s new North American headquarters in Plano, Texas, which the auto maker plans to occupy next year. Expected to generate 25 percent of the headquarters’ total electricity demand, the system is anticipated to be the largest corporate office on-site solar installation among non-utility companies in the state of Texas.
The project will be comprised of three solar carport structures using high efficiency SunPower solar panels. Two of the carports will each have a 2.45-megawatt capacity, and are planned to be operational mid-year 2017. The third, 2.83-megawatt solar carport is expected to be delivering power for the Toyota campus by end-of-year 2017.
The project will be comprised of three solar carport structures using high efficiency SunPower solar panels. Two of the carports will each have a 2.45-megawatt capacity, and are planned to be operational mid-year 2017. The third, 2.83-megawatt solar carport is expected to be delivering power for the Toyota campus by end-of-year 2017.
Compared to conventional solar panels, SunPower solar panels produce 45 percent more power from the same space in the first year of operation, which will allow Toyota to maximize the clean, renewable solar power generated on site. SunPower’s direct current panels are also the world’s first and only solar panels to achieve the Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver designation for the sustainable practices used in their manufacturing.
Toyota is integrating a range of energy efficient technologies and sustainable materials into the design of its state-of-the-art campus, with the intention of achieving USGBC Platinum LEED Certification for the facility. High efficiency, Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver SunPower solar panels may offer Toyota a significant advantage toward achieving that goal.
Toyota is integrating a range of energy efficient technologies and sustainable materials into the design of its state-of-the-art campus, with the intention of achieving USGBC Platinum LEED Certification for the facility. High efficiency, Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver SunPower solar panels may offer Toyota a significant advantage toward achieving that goal.
"We are dedicated to making sure our new headquarters campus supports even redefines Toyota’s commitment to the environment," said Kevin Butt, regional director, North American Environmental Division, Toyota. "The Plano solar system will not only reduce our environmental footprint and educate team members about renewable energy, it moves us closer to Toyota’s 2050 global environmental challenge to eliminate carbon emissions in all operations."
"Toyota products are valued for innovation and reliability, and the company clearly has a strong commitment to sustainability. These are features that also differentiate SunPower and our technology, resulting in a powerful synergy between our two organizations," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. "SunPower is proud that our high-performance solar carport technology will be generating emission-free power at Toyota’s new headquarters, raising the bar for corporate solar leadership in Texas and beyond."
"Toyota products are valued for innovation and reliability, and the company clearly has a strong commitment to sustainability. These are features that also differentiate SunPower and our technology, resulting in a powerful synergy between our two organizations," said Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. "SunPower is proud that our high-performance solar carport technology will be generating emission-free power at Toyota’s new headquarters, raising the bar for corporate solar leadership in Texas and beyond."
SunPower solar power systems are currently operating a number of Toyota facilities in the U.S.:
- In 2008, at the Toyota North American parts center in Ontario, Calif., SunPower installed a 2.3-megawatt system that produces more than 3.7 million kilowatt hours per year, providing up to 58 percent of the electricity needed at the facility. At the time of completion, it was the second largest single-rooftop solar array in North America.
- Toyota’s South Campus headquarters building in Torrance, Calif. was one of the largest privately funded systems of its kind when it opened in 2003. Also built by SunPower, the system covers 53,000 square feet of rooftop.
- Since 2009, a 1.5-megawatt SunPower solar power system has been operating at Toyota’s facility in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Toyota estimates that the SunPower system installed at its new headquarters will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 7122 metric tons, or the equivalent of almost 1,000 homes electricity usage for a year, and will position Toyota as the leader among auto companies in U.S. for installed solar power.
