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1.China's Colossal Wind Turbines Conquer Europe

SANY Renewable Energy’s new 919 platform features both onshore and offshore turbines with power ratings of 8.5-11 MW and blade diameters of 214-230m. Currently there are three prototypes in operation in the Jilin province, in north-eastern China.

China's Powerhouse Enters Europe

• SANY Renewable Energy, a Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, has introduced its 919 platform featuring some of the world's most powerful onshore turbines.

• The company aims to sell these 8.5-11MW giants in Europe, offering a cost-effective alternative to existing options.

Modular Design for Customization

• The 919 platform's modular design allows for customization to suit various wind conditions.

• Its lightweight components help overcome transportation challenges, making it an attractive choice for European developers.

Boosting Global Presence

• SANY sees the 919 platform as a crucial step in its strategy to become one of the top 10 global wind turbine manufacturers.

• The company's advanced technology and increased production capacity could significantly contribute to the wind industry's growth in Europe and beyond.

2. The Vatican's Renewable Revolution

Pope Francis has commissioned an agrivoltaic plant to be located in the extraterritorial area of Santa Maria di Galeria, Rome that will ensure the complete energy sustenance of Vatican City.

A Holistic Approach

• The Agrivoltaic plant will generate renewable energy and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

•  By integrating photovoltaic systems with crop cultivation, the project aims to optimize land use and create a symbiotic relationship between energy production and food production.

Maximizing Land and Resources

•  The Agrivoltaic plant will be built on Vatican-owned land.

•  It will feature advanced solar panel technology that can be raised to allow sunlight to reach crops and grazing animals below.

•  This dual-use system maximizes land utilization and resource efficiency, making it an attractive solution for the Vatican's energy needs.

  Stay tuned for updates on this exciting project as it unfolds!

3. Poland Unlocks More Land for Onshore Wind

Poland has recently passed a new law that is expected to double the amount of land available for onshore wind development in the country.

Boosting Poland's Wind Capacity

• The report notes that this policy shift is expected to boost Poland's onshore wind capacity, which currently stands at around 6.5GW.

• The new law is seen as a positive step for the country's renewable energy transition.

Supporting the Coal-to-Clean Shift

• Onshore wind has been a key part of Poland's plans to reduce its reliance on coal power.

• The expanded land availability for wind projects will further support the country's efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources.

4. Renewables Reign Supreme in $2.4T Energy Investment Boom

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the world is investing twice as much in renewable energy as in fossil fuels. It has reached a significant milestone, with renewable energy investment now outpacing fossil fuel investment on an annual basis, reflecting the accelerating energy transition underway globally.

The key points are:

• Global investment in renewable energy sources like wind and solar power reached $1.3 trillion in 2022, more than double the $550 billion invested in fossil fuels.

• This marks the first time renewable energy investment has exceeded fossil fuel investment on an annual basis.

• Investment in wind power reached $380 billion in 2022, up 50% from 2021 levels. Solar PV investment also grew strongly to $580 billion.

• The IEA expects renewable energy investment to continue growing in the coming years, reaching $2 trillion annually by 2030 as countries work to meet their climate goals.

1. Denmark Launches Largest Offshore Wind Tendering Procedure

The procurement procedure being announced by the Danish Energy Agency could entail a massive increase in Danish offshore wind capacity. The procurement procedure will enable establishment of a minimum of 6 GW offshore wind power, to be completed in 2030.

• The procedure is divided into six sites in areas: The total capacity of at least 6 GW located as follows:

  ·         Minimum 3 GW in North Sea I (broken down into three farms)

  ·         Minimum 1 GW in the Kattegat

  ·         Minimum 1 GW in Kriegers Flak II

  ·         Minimum 0.8 - 1.2 GW in Hesselø

• Denmark today has a total installed capacity of 2.7 GW offshore wind power.

• The Thor Offshore Wind Farm currently under construction in the North Sea will supply a further 1 GW when it is scheduled for completion in 2027. 

2. RWE's Green Hydrogen Powerhouse

RWE is taking a holistic, integrated approach to developing green hydrogen projects in the US that combine its wind and solar assets. This strategy aims to enhance the reliability, efficiency and scalability of green hydrogen production to support the energy transition.

Focusing on Combining Wind and Solar

• RWE is focusing on developing green hydrogen projects in the US that utilize both wind and solar energy to power the electrolysis process.

• This integrated approach helps improve the reliability and consistency of the power supply compared to relying on just one renewable source.

Aims to Enhance Reliability and Efficiency

• By combining wind and solar, RWE aims to optimize the utilization of the electrolyzer and maximize green hydrogen output. The complementary nature of wind and solar helps provide a steadier power supply to the electrolyzer.

• RWE believes this integrated strategy will be crucial to the success of the energy transition and further expansion of renewables, as hydrogen will be needed in many sectors as an alternative to direct electrification.

Developing Co-Located Projects

• RWE is actively developing opportunities to build electrolyzers co-located with its wind and solar projects in key US markets to capitalize on this integrated approach.

• In Netherlands, RWE plans to power its 50 MW Eemshydrogen electrolyzer with electricity from its nearby Westereems wind farm.

3. Global Solar Capacity Set to Soar in 2024

According to S&P Global Commodity Insights, global solar photovoltaic (PV) installations are projected to reach over 500 GW in 2024, driven by 20% year-on-year growth.

Mainland China exceeded 2023 expectations by installing 239GWdc, two and a half times the 2022 demand.

This continued rapid expansion is being driven by several factors:

Supportive Policies  - Favourable government policies and renewable energy targets in major markets like China, the US, and Europe are fuelling solar deployment.

Cost Reductions - The falling costs of solar technology, including modules and other components, are making solar increasingly cost-competitive.

Energy Security Concerns - The need to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid geopolitical tensions is accelerating the transition to solar and other renewables.

Key Markets Leading the Growth

• China is expected to remain the dominant driver, accounting for over 50% of global solar PV additions in 2024.

• Other major growth markets include the US, India, Brazil, Germany, and several European countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy.

1. Preventing Catastrophic Wind Turbine Blade Failures

Blades are the most critical components of wind turbines, and the manufacturing process is intricate and predominantly manual, with roughly 250 people involved in producing each blade.

Challenges

• Maintaining blade quality has been a persistent challenge, with issues like crumpling, lightning damage, and delamination becoming increasingly common as turbine fleets age.

• Among all wind turbine components, blades present a unique challenge due to inadequate recycling options and end-of-life disposal methods.

• Although some alternative solutions are being explored, the prevailing approach involves dismantling the blades and relegating them to landfills, a solution that remains far from satisfactory.   

Adcomp-Tecsis' Pioneering Root Replacement Solution

Adcomp-Tecsis, the successor to Tecsis – a former top-three global blade manufacturer – has reinvented itself with a commitment to developing new processes that enhance energy generation efficiency and address structural issues that extend the lifespan of existing blades.

• A recurring problem is manufacturing defects at the blade root, such as loose metal inserts that attach the blade to the turbine.

•  Adcomp-Tecsis has developed an innovative solution to replace only the blade root, rather than the entire blade.

• This root replacement procedure has been successfully implemented on 1.65 MW and 2 MW turbine models.

2. Microbes Menace Underground Hydrogen Storage - A Critical Challenge

Researchers from the China University of Petroleum have analyzed the impact of microorganisms on underground hydrogen storage in aquifers, depleted reservoirs, and salt caverns. Their study, "Integration of underground green hydrogen storage in hybrid energy generation," highlights the need for geological analysis and hazard mitigation to ensure stable and affordable green hydrogen storage.

Key findings:

• Microorganisms can affect the stability and safety of underground hydrogen storage

• Geological analysis and hazard mitigation are crucial for successful underground storage

• Underground storage is vital for managing seasonal energy demands

• Hybrid energy systems can surpass the limits of standalone hydrogen storage

3. DEWA's Breakthrough in Supercharging Solar Performance

DEWA's innovative I-V curve measurement approach enhances the performance monitoring and optimization of its solar power infrastructure, contributing to the continued growth and reliability of Dubai's renewable energy ecosystem.

Enhancing Solar Asset Management

•  New method allows precise measurement of PV system current-voltage (I-V) curves.

• Provides detailed insights to identify issues impacting solar output.

•  Enables enhanced management and optimization of solar assets.

 Driving Efficiency and Reliability

• Supports Dubai's renewable energy expansion and sustainability goals

• Demonstrates DEWA's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies.

4. Sinovoltaics updates North American solar module manufacturing map

The latest North American manufacturing hub report from Sinovoltaics maps current and planned capacity for 95 plants in the region’s PV module supply chain. The current and future capacities at plants producing PV modules, cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and metallurgical-grade silicon.

Expanding Production Footprint

• The Sinovoltaics Supply Chain Map (SSCM) – notes 42 GW of total module production capacity spread across Mexico, Canada, and the United States, which manufacturers plan to double to 84 GW in the coming 3 to 6 years.

• Cell production is at 8 GW and growing to 55 GW in the coming 3 to 6 years, while wafer production is to grow from 3.2 GW to 24.5 GW.

• As for polysilicon, the analysts said that REC Silicon, Hemlock Semiconductor, Wacker Mississippi Silicon, and HPQ Silicon have an estimated total of 155,000 metric tons of production capacity

5.Midsummer Shines Light on Southern Italy with Thin-Film Solar Expansion

Midsummer's decision to establish a new thin-film solar cell production facility in southern Italy underscores the company's commitment to driving the adoption of innovative solar technologies across Europe.

Establishing a New Manufacturing Hub

• Swedish solar technology company Midsummer will begin production of thin-film solar cells in southern Italy after the summer of 2024.

• This new facility will complement Midsummer's existing manufacturing operations in Sweden.

Leveraging Thin-Film Technology

• Midsummer specializes in the production of CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) thin-film solar cells and modules.

• Thin-film technology offers advantages like lower material consumption and the ability to be integrated into building materials.

 Driving Solar Adoption in Italy

• The new production facility in southern Italy will help Midsummer meet the growing demand for solar energy in the country.

• Italy has set ambitious renewable energy targets, making it an attractive market for solar manufacturers like Midsummer.

Expanding European Footprint

• This investment in southern Italy represents Midsummer's continued expansion across Europe, strengthening its position as a leading provider of thin-film solar solutions.

• The company aims to contribute to the region's renewable energy transition and support the growth of the local solar industry.

  

  Source: pv Magazine