Alevo to transform energy storage by combining battery tech with smart data analysis

First commercial ‘green’ hydrogen refueling facility opens in UK

Canada’s Enerkem announces new biofuel project partnership in China
 

SunPower Corporation has purchased SolarBridge Technologies, Inc., a leader in integrated microinverter technologies for the solar industry. With the purchase, SunPower aims to utilize SolarBridge’s integrated microinverter technology to develop next generation microinverters for use with SunPower’s high-efficiency solar panels.¹  

Financial terms of the acquisition, which essentially expands its residential product portfolio, were not disclosed.

“SunPower’s acquisition of SolarBridge 2 and its high-performance microinverter technology will allow us to develop a differentiated product specifically optimized for our high efficiency solar panels,” said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. “This is the beginning of integrating electronics into our world-class solar panel technology.”  

Microinverters have rapidly emerged in the US residential PV market, and are predicted to account for over 40 per cent of the inverter shipped to this segment in 2014, estimates IHS Technology. They are predicted to slowly continue gaining share, and the total market for residential PV installations is predicted to grow by 16 per cent per year on average over the next five years.

The challenge for SunPower in benefitting from this trend, according to Sam Wilkinson, research manager at IHS, is that the high power of its modules means that most standard microinverters are not suitable for it. “Acquiring microinverter technology will enable it to optimize a product for use with its modules and streamline the process of integrating it,” Wilkinson explained. “The inverter can be adjusted and optimized for its high efficiency modules, and it will take control over the complete process.”

The tidal turbines will be installed in the coastal waters of the Mokpo Jeonnam region. The Mokpo Jeonnam region has one of the strongest tidal streams on the planet, with bi-directional tidal speeds of up to 4 meters per second. Electricity generated will be fed into South Korea’s national grid.

“This is a major step towards accelerating Tocardo’s expansion into large-scale tidal energy projects across the globe,” said Hans van Breugel, CEO of Tocardo. “We’re looking forward to working with Ekornergy and other Korean partners to seize this opportunity to supply the Korean grid with significant amounts of clean and reliable energy, helping reduce the country’s carbon emissions.”

Manufacturing of the first 15 T2 kW Tocardo turbines is expected to start in late 2015 as part of a 3 MW demonstration project. In 2016, Tocardo expects to start producing its bigger T3 turbines, which are to be installed in a commercial tidal array with a total capacity of 25MW.

 View this product at capsells.com/products/capsells-curb-residential-energy-tracking-and-management-system.html

Capsells Curb for your home tracks your energy usage in real time and provides engaging tools and actionable analytics to help you make a lasting impact.

REAL-TIME — See how your energy bill changes right when you turn on devices.

INTELLIGENT — Powerful algorithms gives you insight on how to save money in your home.

SOCIAL — Compete and collaborate with others in your community to save energy.

INTUITIVE — With a simple glance you can tell if you are saving energy. 

Features:

• Monitor total home consumption and up to 5 additional appliances or zones (by circuit)
• Real time (second by second) data
• Accessible anywhere (Smart phone, Tablet, PC, etc)
• Energy bill break down into segments measured
• Forecasted monthly billing by zone and appliance measured
• View energy consumption over different time frames

Details:

• Base system comes with a total of 7 sensors (CT clamps)
• 2 for total consumption of the home mains (100amp)
• 5 for individual circuits (50amp)
• Communicates over home plug adapter (Power Line Communication) or Cat-5 connection (upon request)
• Curb Data Collector approximate size: 7″ x 3″ x 1.5″
• Most units installed within the breaker box, but in some circumstances the unit may need to be installed in an external enclosure

Requirements:

• Must have a reliable internet connection
• Professional installation recommended
• Domestic US shipping only (contact us for International)

• Curb device to collect and communicate circuit level energy flow data to our servers.
• Your personal Curb account tracking your current and historical energy consumption — available on your computer, tablet or smart phone.
• Weekly energy summary report.

For more information about Capsells Curb, please visit capsells.com/products/capsells-curb-residential-energy-tracking-and-management-system.html

Innotech Solar, the Scandinavian-German PV module manufacturer, has expanded its international sales team for the UK, French and German markets. Innotech Solar has hired three new highly experienced sales managers — each bringing experience having previously worked for renowned module manufacturers and distributors.

The appointments are as follows:

Iain Garner is joining the sales team as sales manager for the UK. Born in Great Britain, he has been working in the PV industry for more than 30 years and has held senior sales management and business development positions with responsibility for various European and International markets. Garner has amassed many years of experience across a broad range of fields within the PV industry such as systems technology, design and optimization, specification and design of building-integrated photovoltaics and off-grid applications. Garner will be in charge of all sales channels in the burgeoning British solar market.

Vincent Beaurain, sales manager for France, will assume responsibility for sales in the French-speaking market. The 34-year-old Frenchman has spent the last five years working as the EU sales manager, with a focus on new business development and strategic account management, for two high-end PV manufacturers. Beaurain studied advanced electronic circuit design in Scotland before beginning his career as a global key account manager in the semiconductor industry. He will work towards further increasing Innotech Solar’s market share in the rapidly developing French solar market.

Ilias Agapidis has been appointed sales manager for the German-speaking market. Greek by birth, he studied industrial engineering in Germany with a focus on technical sales, and since graduating has worked in sales for three solar module manufacturers.

“To succeed in such a fiercely competitive market not only necessitates high-quality, durable products capable of generating high yields but also requires experienced employees skilled in communicating these benefits to customers,” said Jerry Stokes, CEO of Innotech Solar. “I am delighted that we have been able to recruit three highly experienced and knowledgeable sales experts into our team who will strongly contribute to the growth of our company.”

DNV GL and Grontmij have signed a framework agreement with TenneT TSO for the provision of engineering services.Based on the framework agreement, the consortium and its partners Roos+Bijl and Joulz will support TenneT in the further development of the Dutch high-voltage grid as preferred supplier for connections and approved supplier for stations.

The consortium of DNV GL and Grontmij will support TenneT with services in the area of ??spatial integration of connectors and stations, environmental impact, soil surveys, permits, feasibility studies, high voltage engineering, architectural design and supervision. The framework contracts have a total value of 39 million euros for the five selected parties collectively, with the agreement slated for a duration of three years with twice the option to extend with two additional years.

«As a longstanding partner of TenneT, DNV GL (formerly KEMA) – as a consortium member – delivers its expertise to support TenneT’s ambitions in integrating more renewables and securing a reliable energy supply in the future,» said Jacob Ruiter, director Benelux DNV GL — Energy.

In the coming years, TenneT plans to execute a large investment programme to make its network and systems future-proof, considering the increasing production of renewable energy from wind farms. Also, connections with neighbouring countries in Europe are likely to be expanded. Safety, security of supply and cost effectiveness are paramount. In essence, it’s about an extension of the national energy transportation capacity and system improvement and renewal.

Mr Cole, a qualified solicitor who joined ScottishPower after several years as part of a large energy practice advising major energy companies, became the managing director for Iberdrola’s offshore wind business in July 2011. In 2012, he was appointed to the Offshore Wind Programme Board to lead its Operations Maintenance Workgroup. In his current role, he is responsible for the development, supply chain, construction, operation and maintenance of Iberdrola’s worldwide offshore portfolio from its global headquarters in Glasgow.

“I welcome Jonathan’s appointment to the role of chairman of our Industry Advisory Group,” said Andrew Jamieson, chief executive of ORE Catapult. “His years of experience in the energy sector — coupled with the high regard in which he is held throughout the industry — will be crucial in helping to grow ORE Catapult’s reputation and in allowing the Industry Advisory Group to continue to drive ORE Catapult’s innovation efforts.”

1. The Industry Advisory Group is made up of senior representation drawn from across the offshore renewables sector, including utilities, manufacturers, supply chain and marine organisations. It provides clear, consistent and representative industry advice to ORE Catapult, which was established to help the UK seize the opportunity to lead the world in offshore wind, wave and tidal energy production. It helps the Catapult identify critical areas where innovative approaches and technological development can accelerate industry to deliver at a lower risk and cost.

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