Author: solarenergy

Natural gas production fell by 18% and oil production by 9%, a record low. Image: iomart. A total of 2.1GW of new renewable generation capacity came online in the year to June 2024, representing a 3.9% increase on the previous year, according to data published by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ ). DESNZ’s report on UK energy trends for the second quarter of 2024 shows that UK renewable electricity generation reached a record share of the energy mix between April and June this year, up 19% on the same period last year, which amounts to 51.6…

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says the result represents a decline of 12% year-on-year. Since the beginning of 2010, this figure has fallen by 90%. September 27, 2024 Patrick JowettAccording to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the globalized weighted average levelized electricity cost (LCOE) of utility-scale solar power plants was $0.044/kWh in 2023.The report says the result represents a 12% year-on-year decline, compared to a 3% year-on-year decline between 2021 and 2022. In 2010, this figure was $0.460/kWh, meaning the weighted average LCOE has fallen by 90% since beginning of the last decade.IRENA’s report says…

Western New York Energy says it will install an industrial steam-generating heat pump at its ethanol plant in Medina, New York, with a maximum output temperature of 215 C and a coefficient of performance of 2.7. September 27, 2024 Emiliano Bellini Image: Skyven TechnologiesWestern New York Energy, the operator of an ethanol plant in Medina, New York, United States, has unveiled plans to deploy an industrial steam-generating heat pump at the facility.US-based Skyven Technologies will supply its Acturus heat pump system for the project. It claimed its system offers “high efficiency” and reduces energy consumption and costs in on-site process…

The European Commission says only one Member State, Denmark, has transposed provisions regarding consent for renewable energy projects into national law. It has initiated infringement proceedings against 26 other countries and imposed a two-month deadline. September 27, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Christian Lue, UnsplashThe European Commission has sent a letter of formal notice to 26 of its Member States for failing to transpose the provisions of the revised version Renewable Energy Directive (RED) in national law.The revised RED entered into force in November 2023. It called for several provisions, including measures to simplify and accelerate permitting procedures for renewable energy…

Powering Tiny Homes with the Sun The tiny home movement has surged in popularity, drawing in those who want to live more simply and sustainably. These small dwellings, usually between 100 to 400 square feet, embody a lifestyle focused on minimalism, affordability, and environmental responsibility. As interest in tiny homes grows, so does the desire to power them with clean, renewable energy sources. Solar panels emerge as an ideal solution, perfectly aligning with the tiny home’s values of sustainability, self-sufficiency, and environmental stewardship. By harnessing solar energy, tiny home owners can enhance their commitment to eco-friendly living, gaining energy independence…

DTE Energy announced that it has completed three new solar projects in the past four months, in response to growing customer support for clean, renewable energy. The Fish Creek and Mission Road solar farms, located in mid-Michigan, and the Little Trout Solar Park, located in northern Michigan, are all funded by customers who voluntarily enrolled in DTE’s CleanVision MIGreenPower program. In addition to the three solar projects referenced above, three other projects funded through MIGreenPower are currently under construction. Together, all six developments will add 800 MW to DTE’s renewable energy portfolio, enough to power more than 220,000 homes. These…

Soltec has entered pre-insolvency proceedings to negotiate with creditors, and Spain’s National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) has suspended trading in its shares until it announces its first half 2024 financial results. September 27, 2024 Pilar Sanchez Molina By pv magazine SpainSpain’s CNMV has suspended trading in Soltec shares until it publishes its financial results for the first half of 2024.Soltec, which is active in tracker manufacturing, project development and PV asset management, has said the delay is due to a detailed investigation it is conducting with the help of its auditor Ernst & Young.Soltec said that “this assessment requires additional…

Researchers in Pakistan have tested different configurations of an off-grid PV hydrogen system intended to power EV chargers. The system achieved the lowest levelized electricity costs when combined with battery storage. September 27, 2024 Lior KahanaAn international research team has conducted a techno-economic analysis of a standalone EV charging station that uses solar energy and hydrogen as electricity sources and can also be linked to a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery.The analysis was carried out using the simulation software HOMER under the environmental conditions of the southeastern Pakistani city of Jamshoro. “Hybrid PV-hydrogen and PV-hydrogen battery are the two different scenarios that…

Three years after the historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) was signed into law, Illinois state lawmakers and solar industry leaders are recognizing the legislation’s achievements and building on its foundation to achieve its goals . CEJA, signed by Governor JB Pritzker on September 15, 2021, launched Illinois on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and led to exponential growth in the solar industry through forward-looking programs that equitably expand access to clean energy in Illinois , building family-supporting careers and investing in the economy. “CEJA has made an important commitment to democratize energy production and equitably…

Spain aims for 81 percent green energy by 2030 Spain on Tuesday adopted a target for 81 percent of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 to meet its climate goals. In the plan, adopted by ministers and sent to the European Commission, the government committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent compared to 1990 levels. This represents an increase of nine points compared to the 23 percent target from the last plan for 2021. To achieve this, the government has pledged to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources to produce 81 percent of Spain’s…