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1. Global Renewables Generation Hits Milestone, Coal Power Declines

The energy transition is accelerating globally, with renewables becoming the dominant source of new power generation.

Renewable Energy Surpasses 40% of Global Electricity Generation

• Zero-carbon sources made up over 40% of the world's electricity generation for the first time ever in 2023.

• Wind and solar power accounted for 14% of this clean energy, with almost 91% of global power capacity additions coming from these sources versus only 6% from fossil fuels.

• Renewable energy investment reached $313 billion in the first half of 2024, similar to the same period in 2023.

Britain to End Coal Power This Month

• Britain's last coal-fired power plant will close at the end of September 2024, making it the first G7 nation to stop using coal for electricity.

• In 1990, coal supplied 80% of Britain's electricity but this dropped to just 1% last year.

• The new government aims for renewables to make up 83% of Britain's electricity by 2050, ramping up wind and solar capacity and investing in carbon capture.

Other Energy Transition Highlights

• AI could reduce oil prices over the next decade by improving logistics and resource allocation.

• Coal power plant permits in China have dropped by over 80%.

• US clean energy jobs grew at more than double the rate of overall US jobs last year.

• Australia's grid will remain reliable as it shifts from coal to renewables, but only with timely investment in new wind and solar generation.

• South Korea is accelerating nuclear reactor exports to Europe.

However, consistent progress is still needed in many countries to meet climate goals through public-private collaboration and policy reform.

2. Siemens Gamesa Resumes Sales of 4.X Onshore Wind Turbine

Siemens Gamesa has made a significant move by resuming sales of its 4.X onshore wind turbine after addressing previous technical challenges.

Background on the 4.X Turbine

The 4.X turbine, which includes the SG 4.5-145 and SG 4.2-145 models, is a crucial component of Siemens Gamesa's onshore product line up. It was initially launched to enhance the company’s competitiveness in the onshore wind market.

Technical Issues and Resolutions 

Sales of the 4.X turbine were halted in 2022 due to reliability problems. Siemens Gamesa has since implemented fixes and is now confident that the turbine is ready for deployment at wind farms. However, specific details regarding the technical issues and the nature of the solutions have not been disclosed.

Strategic Importance

The relaunch of the 4.X turbine is particularly important as Siemens Gamesa integrates its operations with Siemens Energy, following the latter's acquisition of a majority stake in the company. Successfully bringing the 4.X back to market will serve as a key milestone in optimizing their combined wind power business.

With the resumption of sales, Siemens Gamesa aims to regain its footing in the competitive onshore wind sector and reinforce its commitment to delivering reliable and efficient wind energy solutions.

3. Insights into Onshore Wind Pricing Trends: Stability and Cost Reductions

Onshore Wind Price Trends" provides an overview of recent trends in pricing for onshore wind energy projects.

Key points include:

• Price Stability: The report indicates that prices for onshore wind projects have stabilized after experiencing fluctuations in recent years. This stability is attributed to increased competition among suppliers and advancements in technology.

• Cost Reductions: There has been a notable reduction in the costs associated with onshore wind energy, driven by improvements in turbine efficiency and larger installations. These advancements are expected to continue influencing pricing positively.

• Market Dynamics: The article discusses how market dynamics, including policy changes and demand for renewable energy, are impacting onshore wind prices. The push for decarbonization and energy transition is leading to increased investments in the sector.

• Regional Variations: Pricing trends vary by region, with some areas experiencing more significant cost reductions than others due to local market conditions and resource availability.

Overall, the snapshot emphasizes the positive trajectory of onshore wind pricing, reflecting a robust market poised for growth in the renewable energy landscape.

1. Ameropa and Hygenco Sign Term Sheet for Renewable Ammonia Supply from India

Ameropa, a Swiss agribusiness, and Hygenco, an Indian renewable energy company, have signed a term sheet for the supply of renewable ammonia from Hygenco's under-development project in Gopalpur Port, Odisha, India.

Hygenco's Renewable Ammonia Project

• The $2.5 billion project will produce over 200,000 tons per year of ammonia from electrolytic hydrogen, starting in 2027.

• Production capacity will double by 2028 and reach full capacity of 1.1 million tons per year by 2030.

• Hygenco recently commissioned the Steel One project, one of India's first MW-scale, electrolytic hydrogen production plants.

 Partnership Highlights

• Hygenco leverages advanced technology and expertise in green hydrogen to produce economical, reliable, and safe "Greenest of Green" ammonia.

• The term sheet highlights India's exceptional position to lead globally in this sector by harnessing abundant renewable energy resources and strong infrastructure.

 Supply Chain and Market Capture

• Ameropa and Hygenco plan to establish supply chains from India to Europe and Asia, capturing a significant share of developing global markets for low-carbon ammonia.

• Ameropa plans to supply the ammonia for the manufacture of fertilizers, among other applications.

This partnership is not Ameropa's first foray into ammonia. The company has previously signed pre-offtake terms for renewable ammonia supply from projects in Egypt and Jordan.

2. Suzlon Secures India's Largest Wind Energy

Suzlon Group, India’s largest renewable energy solutions provider, has announced a landmark order from NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) for a total of 1166 MW, marking the largest wind energy order in India to date. 

Project Details

• Installation: Suzlon will install 370 wind turbine generators (WTGs) of the S144 model, each with a rated capacity of 3.15 MW.

• Locations: The turbines will be deployed across two projects under NTPC Renewable Energy Limited and one project for IndianOil NTPC Green Energy Pvt. Ltd. in Gujarat.

• Cumulative Capacity: This order brings Suzlon’s total order book close to 5 GW as of September 3, 2024.

 Significance of the Order

This project is notable as it represents the first large-scale wind energy initiative undertaken by a public sector undertaking (PSU) in India. It aims to significantly enhance NGEL’s wind energy portfolio and contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.

 Responsibilities and Commitment

As part of the agreement, Suzlon will not only supply the wind turbines but also manage the project’s execution, including erection, commissioning, and post-commissioning operations and maintenance services in Gujarat.

This strategic collaboration underscores Suzlon's commitment to advancing local manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions in line with the 'Make in India' initiative.

 3. QatarEnergy to Build 2 GW Solar Plant in Dukhan

QatarEnergy, the state-owned petroleum company, has announced plans to construct a 2 GW solar facility in Dukhan, Qatar. 

This initiative was revealed by Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi during a recent press conference.

Key Highlights

• Environmental Impact: The development of the solar power plant is part of Qatar's strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, aiming to cut emissions by over 4.7 million tons annually. Al-Kaabi emphasized that solar power plants are crucial for sustainability and diversifying electricity production.

• Capacity Expansion: The new project will significantly enhance Qatar's solar production capacity, more than doubling the existing capacity. As of the end of 2023, Qatar had 808 MW of deployed solar power.

• Current Solar Projects: QatarEnergy's solar portfolio includes the 800 MW Al-Kharsaah solar power plant, which commenced operations in 2022, and an 875 MW project in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, expected to start production by the end of this year.

• Future Goals: By 2030, the latest project will increase QatarEnergy's solar assets to approximately 4 GW, which will account for about 30% of the country's total electricity generation capacity.

This ambitious solar initiative underscores Qatar's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability as it seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.

1. Finland to Build World’s Largest Air-to-Water Heat Pump Plant

Energy company Helen is set to construct the world's largest air-to-water heat pump plant in Patola, Helsinki, Finland. 

This significant project aims to enhance the city’s district heating capabilities while reducing carbon emissions.

Project Overview

 Capacity and Technology: The facility will feature a 33 MW air-to-water heat pump, which will be the largest of its kind used for a district heating plant. It will also include two 50 MW electric boilers. The heat pump can operate efficiently even at outdoor temperatures as low as -20°C.

 Environmental Impact: Once operational, the plant is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 56,000 tons per year, supporting Helsinki’s goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030.

 Construction Timeline: Construction is slated to begin at the end of this year, with the plant expected to start production during the 2026-27 heating season.

 Technical Features

• Heat Supply: The heat pump will supply heat to around 30,000 households in Helsinki, utilizing ambient air as a thermal energy source to raise water temperatures for the district heating network. It will deliver heat at temperatures of up to 90°C using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, which is both toxicologically and environmentally safe.

• Operational Efficiency: The heat pump's design allows for rapid power-balancing of the electrical grid, making it a flexible solution for urban heating needs.

 Industry Support

 German manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions has been commissioned for the project, emphasizing the economic competitiveness and efficiency of the heat pump technology in harnessing climate-neutral heat from ambient air. The Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has also granted an energy subsidy to support the initiative.

This project represents a significant advancement in urban district heating technologies, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions.

  Key Takeaways