ENERGY-THINK! » China

China to Biuld it’s First Coal-fired Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Power Plant

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 02:27:49 +0000

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the construction and operation of a coal-fired integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the first such plant in a developing nation.

The ADB Board of Directors today approved a $135 million loan to build a 250-megawatt IGCC plant in Tianjin City that can generate up to 1,470 gigawatt-hours of electricity every year.

PRC is the world’s largest coal producer and consumer. Its heavy use is causing serious pollution, including sharply lowered air quality and widespread acid rain. The large coal usage is also causing global concerns due to rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In response, PRC has launched a clean coal power generation program, GreenGen, to sharply reduce pollution as well as lower the GHG emissions, with the Tianjin project being the cornerstone of the first phase.

ADB is also providing $1.25 million in technical assistance to pave the way for the second and third phases of the program which will result in a scaled-up IGCC plant fitted with carbon capture and storage technology by 2013.

Plants using IGCC technology turn coal into a synthetic gas, removing impurities, before the gas is burned in a gas turbine. It is more efficient than other clean coal technologies and emits less GHG and only a fraction of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollutants, but its adoption has been slow due to high costs and some perceived technology complexity and risks.

The advent of IGCC technology combined with a carbon dioxide capture and storage function, however, has provided fresh impetus for its use, with studies showing that it is now the least-cost option to cut carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants by up to 90%.

“The project will demonstrate the advantages of a technology with the potential for large greenhouse gas emission reductions. Its successful implementation will bolster the confidence of investors, project developers, and policymakers leading to scaled-up IGCC power plants and their expanded deployment,” said Ashok Bhargava, Principal Energy Specialist in ADB’s East Asia Department.

To help curb risks linked to the adoption of the new technology and to keep costs down, ADB is providing a $5 million grant from its Climate Change Fund to finance direct supervision and technical support from the component suppliers during the critical initial operation and maintenance phase. It will also be used to help strengthen project management capacity and to ensure compliance with key safeguards.

As the IGCC technology reduces coal use and GHG emissions, the project is expected to be eligible for carbon credits under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. ADB is providing technical support to help with the CDM registration process.

ADB’s loan from its ordinary capital resources makes up 32% of the total project cost of $419.59 million. The loan has a 26-year term, including a grace period of six years, with the interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s LIBOR-based lending facility.

The loan component is due for completion by June 2012 and the grant component by June 2015.

The remaining costs will be funded from equity contributions of $84 million, a loan of $195.59 million from a group of local banks, and the grant from ADB’s Climate Change Fund – established in 2008 to invest in projects which address the causes and consequences of climate change.

China Huaneng Group, the managing partner of the government’s GreenGen program, is the executing agency for the project.

Duke Energy Enters the Solar Power Market with a Texas Solar Farm Purchase

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:31:50 +0000

Duke Energy is adding solar power to its commercial renewable energy portfolio through the acquisition of a large-scale solar photovoltaic project under development in San Antonio, Texas.

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy Commercial Businesses unit that owns and develops renewable power assets, will purchase the Blue Wing Solar Project from juwi solar Inc., based in Boulder, Colo. The 14-megawatt (16-megawatt direct current) project will consist of 214,500 ground-mounted First Solar thin film panels.

“Demand for power from renewable resources continues to rise,” said Keith Trent, group executive and president of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses. “Our entry into the commercial solar power industry reaffirms Duke Energy’s commitment to generating emissions-free electricity for customers.”

With the acquisition comes a 30-year power purchase agreement to sell all of the output from the solar farm and associated renewable energy credits to San Antonio-based CPS Energy, one of the largest municipality-owned utilities in the U.S.

“Duke Energy’s acquisition of the Blue Wing Solar Project adds an exciting new dimension to our renewable power business,” said Wouter van Kempen, president of DEGS. “We took our wind energy business from zero megawatts to more than 730 megawatts in under three years, so I’m very confident we can grow our solar power business.”

Construction will follow the close of the acquisition, which is expected in the first quarter of 2010. The 139-acre project is expected to be completed and energized by the fourth quarter of 2010. No other terms were disclosed.

Blue Wing will be the first commercial solar power project Duke Energy will own and operate. Duke Energy Carolinas, part of the company’s regulated business, is installing solar panels on select business and residential customers’ rooftops as part of a $50 million program.

Duke Energy owns and operates 733 megawatts (MW) of commercial wind power generation – a figure that will rise to nearly 1,000 MW by the end of 2010. In total, the company has committed more than $1 billion since 2007 to build its wind energy business.

Although Duke Energy plans to wholly own the Blue Wing project, the company continues to look for opportunities to jointly develop commercial solar power projects in the U.S. with China-based ENN Group, pursuant to an agreement signed in October 2009.

Cyclone Power Technologies Signs Letter of Intent

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:58:19 +0000

PRESS RELEASE

POMPANO BEACH, FL, Nov. 4, 2009. Cyclone Power Technologies Inc. (Pink Sheets: CYPW) has signed a Letter of Intent with Great Wall Alternative Power Systems Ltd. to advance the development and production of Cyclone’s award-winning heat-regenerative external combustion engine in China.
Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, Great Wall Alternative Power Systems (GWAPS) will invest capital, assets and know-how necessary for a development program aimed at making certain of the Cyclone engine systems ready for production, sales and marketing in China within the next 12 to 24 months. These investments will include: legal and financial structuring, intellectual property protection, recruitment and management of skilled personnel, and securing of facilities, hardware and software for engineering, manufacturing and testing the engine systems.

“Developing our technology for the Chinese market is absolutely necessary for the long term growth and viability of our company,” stated Cyclone COO, Frankie Fruge. “However, it is also a frightening proposition unless we have partners we can trust to establish strong protections for our intellectual property. With the talented principals of Great Wall, we believe we have found this dependable, knowledgeable and highly professional group.”

GWAPS, a company organized in the BVI and located outside of Beijing, plans to commence with the development of beta versions of Cyclone’s 95HP Mark V engine for electric power production, and the company’s biomass-to-power portable generator system. For these rights, GWAPS will pay Cyclone development and licensing fees not disclosed at this time and subject to the execution of a final Technology License Agreement.

“In the middle of a massive multi-decade power rollout, there is intense interest in increasing the efficiency and flexibility of China’s energy systems,” stated Robert Devine, Managing Director of GWAPS. “We believe that Cyclone’s groundbreaking engine technologies will have widespread application in China and a real opportunity for market breakthrough. GWAPS is very pleased to be working together with the Cyclone team on this opportunity.”

Cyclone received a patent in China earlier this year for its external combustion engine. Establishing licensing and joint venture relationships with companies experienced in the countries where Cyclone has secured patent protection is a key component of the company’s business model.

CORPORATE PROFILE
Cyclone Power Technologies is the developer of the award-winning Cyclone Engine – an eco-friendly external combustion engine with the power and versatility to run everything from portable electric generators and garden equipment to cars, trucks and locomotives. Invented by company founder and CEO Harry Schoell, the patented Cyclone Engine is a modern day steam engine, ingeniously designed to achieve high thermal efficiencies through a compact heat-regenerative process, and to run on virtually any fuel – including bio-diesels, syngas or solar – while emitting fewer greenhouse gases and irritating pollutants into the air. Currently in its late stages of development, the Cyclone Engine was recognized by Popular Science Magazine as the Invention of the Year for 2008, and was presented with the Society of Automotive Engineers‘ AEI Tech Award in 2006 and 2008. Additionally, Cyclone was recently named Environmental Business of the Year by the Broward County Environmental Protection Department. For more information, visit www.cyclonepower.com.

Duke Energy and China-Based ENN Group to Build Solar Power Projects in U.S.

admin — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:10:49 +0000

China-based ENN Group and Duke Energy will jointly develop commercial solar power projects in the U.S.

Under an agreement signed today, ENN and Duke Energy will concentrate on two types of solar photovoltaic designs: large “utility-scale” solar farms and commercial distributed generation solar projects. Distributed generation systems produce electricity close to where the energy is used, rather than at large, central power plants.

This joint development agreement builds upon a memorandum of understanding announced Sept. 23 at the Clinton Global Initiative’s annual meeting at which time the companies pledged to work together to accelerate the development of low-carbon and clean energy technologies.

“China is investing heavily in clean energy and we can make greater progress in the U.S. by joining forces and working together,” said Duke Energy CEO Jim Rogers. “Duke Energy and ENN seek to not only accelerate the development of solar power in the U.S., but help achieve economies of scale and drive down the cost of renewable energy.”

“ENN and Duke Energy have very complementary strengths,” said ENN Chairman Wang Yusuo. “We are both dedicated to the development and use of low-carbon, clean energy sources to combat the climate change crisis facing all humanity.”

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a commercial business unit of Duke Energy, will team with ENN to develop, own and operate the solar projects.

The joint development agreement will expand DEGS’ existing investments in renewable energy – including wind and biopower – and commercial transmission. DEGS owns and operates more than 630 megawatts (MW) of wind power projects in the U.S. and plans to add another 350 MW by the end of 2010. In the biopower market, DEGS is developing wood-waste-to-electricity power plants in the U.S through ADAGE, the company it formed in 2008 with French-based AREVA.

Keith Trent, president and group executive of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, and Wouter van Kempen, president of DEGS, joined ENN Chairman Wang Yusuo and Vice Chairman and Chief Scientist Gan Zhongxue in Langfang for the signing of the agreement.

About ENN:

ENN is committed to clean energy for China and the world. Since its founding 20 years ago, ENN has grown into an integrated group of companies that delivers clean energy to tens of millions of customers and provides overall clean energy solutions to city governments and heavy industry. ENN has more than 100 subsidiaries in over 80 cities across China and around the world, and employs more than 24,000 people.

ENN Solar Energy is an international company that produces world-leading silicon thin film solar modules. It has also created an innovative system of integrated solar power stations.

Additional information about ENN is available on the Internet at: http://www.enn.cn/en/index/index.html.

About Duke Energy Generation Services:

Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), part of Duke Energy’s Commercial Businesses, is a leader in developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including wind, solar and biopower projects. DEGS builds, owns and operates electric generation for large energy consumers, municipalities, utilities and industrial facilities. DEGS is also working to build commercial transmission capacity to help the U.S. meet its energy needs of the future.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: www.duke-energy.com

Global Trade Mission to China for PV and Thin Film Solar Opportunities

admin — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:07:12 +0000

With the rapid and huge demand for new energy in China, TD.Fortune Consulting will launch the new solar energy trade mission to invite overseas solar companies to join in the potential market, to develop this industry opportunity together. November 2nd to 6th , 2009

According to TDFortune:

2008 global production of thin-film solar cells of 892MW, an increase of 123%, and in 2009, the global thin-film solar cell production has reached 1000MW so far, more than two-thirds growth in the same period of 2008.China thin-film solar cell output increased sharply during the period of 2008 to 2009 as well. From Q1 to Q3 2009, the investment and production capacity has been tripled as record. More and more manufacturers in China had expanded their production capacity across the country.A-si production line is the most common turnkey technology are being applied in Chinese thin-film makers.The 2 digits continues industry growth will secure the cost of solar energy is controlled in the end-users’ market, particularly obvious significance is effected by this upcoming enormous industry revolution power by the new energy. The local private capital is engaging to thin film industry aggressively. There is no way to fully understand the market and industry unless holding the on-site investigation.

The Government also pays great attention on solar power developments, and has released a series of favorable policies such as the subsidy of CHN4.00/kh for two solar power generating stations locate at Shanghai and Inner Mongolia respectively.

Mission Objective:

–Build up Perceptive Understanding to China Solar Thin Film Business Potential.

–Enhance Chinese – International Cooperation at Solar Energy Industry.

–Figure out the resources to potential business opportunities and cooperation in China.

to learn more about how to participate click here

GE, Plutonic Power Move Closer to Purchasing Largest Wind Power Project Under Construction in BC and Conn

admin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:07:57 +0000

September 23, 2009— GE Energy Financial Services, a unit of GE (NYSE: GE), and Plutonic Power Corporation (TSX: PCC) have moved a step closer to purchasing the 144-megawatt Dokie Ridge Wind Project, the largest wind farm under construction in British Columbia, from EarthFirst Canada Inc. GE and Plutonic have completed their due diligence, waived initial due diligence conditions and have committed to purchase the Dokie project subject to satisfaction or waiver of closing conditions. GE and Plutonic have formed a partnership through which they intend to own and operate the project, located 1,100 kms northeast of Vancouver.

The Dokie project would represent GE Energy Financial Services’ and Plutonic’s first wind energy investment in Canada and an expansion of their relationship from hydroelectric power development into wind energy.

The Dokie project consists of the fully permitted and partially built 144-megawatt Dokie Phase 1 project and the rights to expand to 300 megawatts. As partners, GE and Plutonic or their affiliates would jointly provide equity and seek project debt financing to complete construction and operate the project. The estimated construction cost of the project is C$225 million. Other financial details are being finalized.

EarthFirst has reported that the 144-megawatt Dokie project, once completed, would generate 340 gigawatt-hours annually; enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 34,000 homes and avoid more than 229,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from a coal plant — the equivalent of taking 44,000 cars off the road.

EarthFirst obtained court-ordered protection from its creditors under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, and yesterday the Dokie partners informed the Court of Queens Bench of Alberta, Judicial Centre of Calgary of their waiver of initial due diligence conditions. GE Energy Financial Services and Plutonic plan to complete the acquisition of the Dokie project in early November, with completion of construction estimated in early 2011.

A GE affiliate will hold 49 percent and a Plutonic affiliate will hold 51 percent of the Dokie partnership, which has signed and put into escrow an amended and restated electricity purchase agreement with BC Hydro. Among other conditions, the transaction is subject to the BC Utilities Commission’s acceptance of the electricity purchase agreement, an agreement to obtain renewable energy incentives in Canada’s ecoENERGY program and arrangement of debt financing. In keeping with its commitment to good community citizenship, the partnership has received consents for the assignment of EarthFirst’s memorandums of understanding with the West Moberly, Halfway River and McLeod Lake First Nations. The partnership has signed a letter of understanding with the Saulteau First Nation and looks forward to working with all First Nations.

In addition to the Dokie project, GE Energy Financial Services and Plutonic are partnering on three hydroelectric projects in British Columbia: the 196-megawatt East Toba River Montrose Creek project—under construction since July 2007—the proposed 166-megawatt Upper Toba Valley Project and the proposed 1027-megawatt Bute Inlet Project. The companies bid Upper Toba Valley and Bute into BC Hydro’s 2008 Call for Power issued in November 2008.

Suntechs Claim for World Record Energy Conversion Efficiency Independantly Validated at 15.6%

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 14:44:21 +0000

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., a world leader in the manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) modules, recently announced that it has achieved a new world record conversion efficiency of 15.6% on a commercial grade multi-crystalline silicon PV module. This conversion efficiency surpasses the previous record of 15.5% (aperture area only) set by Sandia National Labs 15 years ago. The multi-crystalline module conversion efficiency was independently tested by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Germany.

Suntech’s world record breaking multi-crystalline silicon module is powered by Pluto PV cells utilizing solar grade silicon with each PV cell having a conversion efficiency well over 17%. The previous record was based on an aperture area or frameless module. In contrast, Suntech’s new world record efficiency includes the framed area, without which Suntech believes it would achieve a conversion efficiency of well over 16%.

The world record conversion efficiency was accepted by the scientific journal Progress in Photovoltaics (PIP), which offers a prestigious forum for reporting advances in the PV industry. Professor Martin Green, Research Director of the ARC Photovoltaics Centre of Excellence at the University of New South Wales, Australia, and member of the PIP committee, said, “Improving the conversion efficiency of multi-crystalline silicon modules has proven particularly challenging and this is a very impressive achievement for such a large module from a commercial supplier. I can confirm that the 15.6% multi-crystalline module result is the highest known conversion efficiency measured by a PIP-recognized test center.”

Dr. Stuart Wenham, Suntech’s Chief Technology Officer, said, “This is a tremendous result for Suntech and clearly demonstrates the power and versatility of the Pluto technology, which can be applied to both mono and multi-crystalline wafers. The fact that this module was produced on our commercial scale production lines using regular solar grade silicon is of particular note. The best news is that we believe there is still room for plenty more improvement in Pluto as we push the boundaries of technology development to bring more powerful and reliable solar products to market.”

Suntech has initiated commercial shipments of Pluto powered modules and currently expects to ship 10MW to 15MW of Pluto products in 2009.

About the Fraunhofer Institute

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft undertakes applied research of direct utility to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society. By developing technological innovations and novel systems solutions for their customers, the Fraunhofer Institutes help to reinforce the competitive strength of the economy in their region, throughout Germany and in Europe. Their research activities are aimed at promoting the economic development of our industrial society, with particular regard for social welfare and environmental compatibility. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s research work is oriented toward concrete applications and results. Pure basic research, as practiced at universities, is funded to almost 100% by public grants. Industrial R&D, up to prototype level, is largely financed by private enterprise. For more information please visit http://www.fraunhofer.de .

About Progress in Photovoltaics

Progress in Photovoltaics offers a prestigious forum for reporting advances in this rapidly developing technology, right through from research to practical application, and aims to reach all interested professionals, researchers, and energy policy-makers. The journal’s Editorial Board is drawn from many countries with a deliberate balance of interests between research, industrial development and practical operation of PV systems, and plays an essential role in the refereeing of contributions. Contributions in the form of Full Papers and Short Communications are invited on the full range of PV topics and concerns. All submissions are rigorously peer reviewed. For more information, please visit http://as.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-PIP.html .

About Suntech

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP) is the world’s leading solar energy company as measured by production output of crystalline silicon solar modules. Suntech designs, develops, manufactures, and markets premium quality, high-output, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar products for electric power applications in the residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility sectors. Suntech’s patent-pending Pluto technology for crystalline silicon solar cells improves power output by up to 12% compared to conventional production methods. Suntech also offers one of the broadest ranges of building-integrated solar products under the MSK Solar Design Line(TM).

Suntech designs and delivers commercial and utility scale solar power systems through its wholly owned subsidiary Suntech Energy Engineering and will own and operate projects greater than 10 megawatts in the United States through Gemini Solar Development Company, a joint venture with Fotowatio Renewable Ventures. With regional headquarters in China, Switzerland and San Francisco and sales offices worldwide, Suntech is passionate about improving the environment we live in and dedicated to developing advanced solar solutions that enable sustainable development

United States and China to Cooperate on Climate Change and Energy

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:42:18 +0000

The United States and China signed an agreement on Tuesday to enhance cooperation between the two countries on climate change, energy, and the environment. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) elevates climate change in the relationship between the two countries, committing them both to reaching a successful international agreement that addresses the problem. The MOU also expands cooperation between the two countries to accelerate the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon global economy. Specifically, it lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in combating climate change and developing and promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, and other energy technologies.

Under the MOU, the United States and China will establish an ongoing dialogue on what they are doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to advance international climate negotiations in preparation for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December. The MOU was one of the results of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which was held in Washington, D.C., on Monday and Tuesday.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu at the signing ceremony made these remarks;

Both of our countries understand the importance of clean energy for our economies and for our security.Both of us understand the imperative of fighting climate change. What the U.S. and China do in the coming decades will help shape the fate of the world. I’m heartened by the progress we are making. Under President Obama’s leadership, the United States has invested billions of dollars in clean energy and has taken bold steps to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our vehicles.

In recent years, China has taken impressive steps to improve energy efficiency, deploy renewable energy, and invest in clean energy technologies. Both our countries, however, must do more. And that’s why today’s agreement is so important. Today’s agreement should send a clear signal that the United States and China are ready to work together on clean energy and climate change. It sets the stage for what I hope will be many years of close cooperation.” See the MOU, the remarks at the signing ceremony, and the joint press release on the first round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue