J1. Green Tech Industry & Utilities

Altus Power has announced the signing and closing of approximately 84 MWs of commercial-scale solar arrays from Vitol, the largest independent energy trader globally, for total proceeds of approximately $118 million. The acquisition adds thousands of new long-term Community Solar, school district and other enterprise customers served by a mix of rooftop, ground and carport arrays to Altus Power’s customer base across the Northeast, notably in New York, New Jersey and Maine.

Conrad Energy has announced that planning permission for its new 15.23 MW Yeovil solar farm, being developed in collaboration with Leonardo Helicopters, has been approved.

The UK Government has announced new measures to support EV drivers from its Plan for Drivers including grants for schools, cash for councils and new proposals to boost chargepoint numbers.

European Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement on EU answer to the IRA – policy to strengthen local net-zero manufacturing.

The post EU backs local net-zero technology with Net-Zero Industry Act appeared first on RenewEconomy.

The European Commission sends "clear signal to investors" with proposed 90% emissions reduction target for 2040.

The post European Commission proposes 90 pct cut to emissions by 2040 appeared first on RenewEconomy.

South Australia's remarkable transition to renewables has claimed two new fossil fuel scalps, as batteries muscle out diesel peaking plants.

The post Diesel power stations to close as big batteries take centre stage appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Dylan McConnell discusses the benefits of the Capacity Investment Scheme, its impact on prices and how the market should pay for spilled energy.

The post Energy Insiders Podcast: Renewable energy barriers and curtailment appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Redflow's Australia designed zinc-bromide flow battery tech is on a roll in California, where alternatives to lithium-ion are incentivised.

The post Redflow tapped as preferred battery provider for a fourth major California project appeared first on RenewEconomy.

UNSW study finds that effective solar module recycling practices could eliminate the need to mine for materials to make new PV. Instead, we would "mine from waste."

The post Used solar panels could supply Australia’s next resource boom: study appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Wandoan South solar farm kicks off commercial operations after signing up the global tech giant as the project's main long-term energy off-taker.

The post Queensland solar farm locks in global tech giant Amazon as energy off-taker appeared first on RenewEconomy.

Castillo Engineering has been chosen by Summit Ridge Energy to provide design and engineering services on an 82 MW portfolio of 26 Illinois community solar projects. 

Part of the Illinois Shines or Adjustable Block Program, each of the average 3 MW community solar projects will use bifacial modules mounted on single-axis trackers. A portion of these projects are slated to begin construction during this quarter and are expected to be completed by year’s end. 

“We chose to work with Castillo Engineering on this portfolio of projects due to their extensive community solar experience within Illinois, their project management office, as well as their highly customized solutions,” says Pradeep Mohanraj, Summit Ridge Energy’s vice president of engineering. 

“Throughout our longstanding relationship, Castillo Engineering has provided Summit Ridge and our EPC partners with critical feedback on design improvements, product selection and innovative value engineering ideas, among other deliverables, that enable us to build these projects on schedule and on budget.”

Collectively, Summit Ridge Energy and Castillo Engineering are expected to have an Illinois community solar portfolio of over 500 MW by the end of this year.

The post Summit Ridge Energy Selects Castillo Engineering for Solar Project Services appeared first on Solar Industry.

Summit Energy has announced its market expansion and launch into the Pennsylvania solar market, offering its design and installation services to the region. 

“We recognize the rising interest among Pennsylvania residents in renewable energy sources, especially solar,” says Summit Energy’s Dallin Maw. “This expansion aligns with Summit Energy’s commitment to creating a sustainable future, reducing carbon footprints, and providing customers with innovative solar solutions that lead to long-term savings.”

Summit offers solutions for homeowners and businesses in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Utah, New York’s Westchester County and Pennsylvania. 

The post Summit Energy Expands Into Pennsylvania Market appeared first on Solar Industry.

Electriq Power has partnered with Aveyo to provide customer acquisition and installation services of Electriq’s solar-plus-BESS for the company’s Sustainable Community Networks program.

The company’s PoweredUp Network is a turnkey clean energy solution for homeowners in select geographic locations, which the company says has no upfront costs for its customers.

“This partnership shows Electriq’s continued commitment to grow access to zero-upfront cost, affordable clean energy solutions,” says Frank Magnotti, CEO of Electriq Power. “The markets we serve have traditionally been either underserved or completely ignored. Working with Aveyo allows us to bring a high-touch, experience-driven approach to those markets, delivering the knowledge customers need to feel comfortable signing up and the expertise to provide them with a great installation experience.”

The post Electriq, Aveyo Partner on Homeowner Solar + Storage Program appeared first on Solar Industry.

Spearmint Energy has closed a $47.5 million project finance term loan from Manulife to support the commercial operation of Revolution, Spearmint’s 150 MW, 300 MWh BESS project in West Texas’ ERCOT market.

“We are proud to partner with Manulife, globally recognized for its strong track record of identifying key market leaders and providing capital with meaningful outcomes, for one of its first ever investments in standalone battery storage,” says Spearmint CFO Cory Magnuson. “Our successful closing of this loan amidst a highly competitive bidding process reflects Spearmint’s leading position within Texas’ fast-growing energy storage market as well as Revolution’s success to date in supporting grid stability throughout ERCOT.”

The close of the project finance term loan follows Revolution’s commercial operations launch earlier this year, as well as Spearmint’s prior securing of $92 million in tax equity financing from Greenprint Capital Management and $200 million in term loan financing from Aiga Capital Partners and Nuveen.

Javelin Capital supported Spearmint as financial advisor on the transaction and Paul Hastings LLP served as Spearmint’s legal counsel. Day Pitney served as legal counsel for Manulife.

The post Spearmint Energy Secures Loan from Manulife for ERCOT BESS Project appeared first on North American Windpower.

Spearmint Energy has closed a $47.5 million project finance term loan from Manulife to support the commercial operation of Revolution, Spearmint’s 150 MW, 300 MWh BESS project in West Texas’ ERCOT market.

“We are proud to partner with Manulife, globally recognized for its strong track record of identifying key market leaders and providing capital with meaningful outcomes, for one of its first ever investments in standalone battery storage,” says Spearmint CFO Cory Magnuson. “Our successful closing of this loan amidst a highly competitive bidding process reflects Spearmint’s leading position within Texas’ fast-growing energy storage market as well as Revolution’s success to date in supporting grid stability throughout ERCOT.”

The close of the project finance term loan follows Revolution’s commercial operations launch earlier this year, as well as Spearmint’s prior securing of $92 million in tax equity financing from Greenprint Capital Management and $200 million in term loan financing from Aiga Capital Partners and Nuveen.

Javelin Capital supported Spearmint as financial advisor on the transaction and Paul Hastings LLP served as Spearmint’s legal counsel. Day Pitney served as legal counsel for Manulife.

The post Spearmint Energy Secures Loan from Manulife for ERCOT BESS Project appeared first on Solar Industry.

Radiance Solar and Pivot Energy have collaborated on a portfolio of five community solar projects in Illinois with a combined capacity of 19 MW, all of which are slated for completion this year. 

The portfolio is estimated to produce enough power to offset 3,800 homes annually, says the company. 

Atlanta-based Radiance Solar is serving as EPC partner, having already completed more than ten community solar projects in Illinois. Denver-based Pivot Energy is the facilities’ owner.

“Our collaboration with Pivot Energy on this portfolio, reinforces our long-standing commitment to the Illinois renewable energy sector, where we have been an active participant for several years,” says Radiance CEO Steve Newby. “It also deepens our relationship and partnership with Pivot, a company we greatly admire and respect.”

The post Radiance Solar, Pivot Energy Partner on Illinois Community Solar Projects  appeared first on Solar Industry.

Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy has secured $160 million in financing for its 127 MW Bayou Galion Solar project, located in Louisiana’s Morehouse Parish. 

Microsoft will purchase 100% of the energy and renewable credits produced by the project, which is currently under construction and expected to be operational by fall. 

Recurrent began development of Bayou Galion Solar in 2018 and commenced construction last December, selecting Primoris Renewables as its engineering, procurement and construction partner. Once construction is completed, Recurrent will own and operate the project.

“We are very pleased to announce the successful close of project financing and PPA signing for Bayou Galion Solar in Louisiana,” says Ismael Guerrero, CEO of Recurrent Energy. “This project represents an important milestone as we continue to advance our pipeline in new markets and increase project ownership. Bayou Galion Solar extends our relationship with our esteemed partners at MUFG and establishes a new relationship with Microsoft, one of the world’s largest renewable energy power buyers.”

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group acted as coordinating lead arranger for the financing.

The post Recurrent Energy Secures Financing for Bayou Galion Project appeared first on Solar Industry.

“We’re already projecting eight times the load growth we anticipated just two years ago,” said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy’s South Carolina president.

The advanced nuclear innovation ecosystem remains strong, with a portfolio of public and private investments, multiple technology pathways and diverse business models.

The work, undertaken at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy, will help facilitate the deployment of virtual power plants.