The Week in Cleantech: 11 June 2023
A number of multibillion-dollar investments in renewable energy projects were announced last week. Japan plans to invest $107 billion in hydrogen supply to expedite decarbonization efforts, Germany has launched a €50 billion subsidy program to assist companies in adopting low-carbon production processes, and the European Commission's Modernisation Fund will allocate $2.56 billion to 31 projects focused on renewable energy and grid modernization. Meanwhile, KORE Power has secured an $850 million US federal loan for a battery plant in Arizona.
Projects
First GE Haliade-X blades arrive for Vineyard Wind offshore project in Massachusetts. The 107-meter-long blades will be installed later this summer. (Offshore WIND and 7 other sources)
TotalEnergies to double sustainable aviation fuel production in France. The company will also add a new biomethane production unit. (Renewables Now and 7 other sources)
AESC breaks ground on new battery plant in South Carolina, creating 1,170 jobs. The 30 GWh battery plant will power US-made electric vehicles with sustainable batteries. (Battery Industry and 5 other sources)
NJ American Water and NJR Clean Energy Ventures launch largest floating solar array in North America. The 8.9 MW solar facility will provide 95% of the water treatment plant's annual power needs. (Solar Industry and 5 other sources)
Sweden's Triton offshore wind farm gets permission to be built by 2027. The wind farm will have a capacity of up to 1.5 GW and generate about 7 TWh of electricity annually. (Offshore WIND and 4 other sources)
BlueFloat Energy secures contracts for four offshore wind projects in the Philippines with a total capacity of 7.5 GW, marking its entry into the country's offshore wind market, as the Philippines' Department of Energy allocates 63 offshore wind service contracts with a total potential capacity of 49.9 GW. (Offshore WIND and 4 other sources)
Bell Bay Powerfuels to transform decommissioned power station into green methanol facility. The project will be backed by up to 700 MW of new renewable energy generation to be developed within the state, with commercial operation scheduled to commence in 2027. (pv magazine Australia and 4 other sources)
Redflow to install 20 MWh zinc-based battery system in California. The project is part of a $140m grant programme for non-lithium energy storage technologies. (Renewables Now and 4 other sources)
Westbridge's Sunnynook solar plus storage project in Alberta gets green light. The project includes a 270 MW solar park and a 200 MWh battery facility. (Renewables Now and 3 other sources)
Navigator Terminals and alfanar to build UK's first sustainable aviation fuel terminal at North Tees. The Lighthouse Green Fuels project will convert 1 million metric tons of non-recyclable waste into SAF, producing over 125,000 metric tons annually from 2028. (Biodiesel Magazine and 3 other sources)
Products, Services, and Technologies
Volvo's EX30 is the brand's smallest electric SUV, priced at $34,950 in the US and €36,000 in Europe, with pre-orders available now. The car will be available in two powertrain options, with the dual-motor AWD model being Volvo's quickest production car ever, and the EX30 will also be available as a Cross Country adventure-focused variant from 2024. (InsideEVs and 14 other sources)
Hurtigruten plans to launch the world's most energy-efficient cruise ship in 2030. The electric ship will have three sails, solar panels, and a battery capacity of 60 MWh. (Electrive and 4 other sources)
MIT engineers create 1MW motor for electrifying larger aircraft. The motor could be paired with a battery or fuel cell for all-electric applications or a traditional turbofan jet engine for hybrid propulsion. (Environmental News Network and 4 other sources)
GM unveils Buick Proxima EV concept for China, showcasing future design direction. The flagship sedan is not intended for production but could influence future models in China and the US. (Green Car Reports and 2 other sources)
TerraCycle launches Zero Waste Bag for hard-to-recycle rubbish. Consumers can recycle 14 waste streams and the bag includes delivery, shipping, and processing costs. (Interplas Insights and 2 other sources)
Electric water heaters could replace 2 million home batteries, saving billions in Australia's energy transition. Smart electric heaters can store excess renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making the electricity grid more stable. (Tech Xplore and 2 other sources)
ABB E-mobility launches HVC360 fleet charging solution for electric buses and trucks. The HVC360 power cabinet offers flexibility and interoperability with a wide range of OEMs. (AZO Cleantech and 2 other sources)
EVBox launches fastest 400 kW EV charging station, adds 62 miles in 3 minutes. The EVBox Troniq High Power can dynamically share charging power between two EVs. (Elektrek and 2 other sources)
Endua unveils hydrogen power banks for reliable, clean energy in microgrid applications. The modular power banks are designed to scale according to on-site demand. (Energy News and 2 other sources)
Forsee Power launches FLEX PLUS, an eco-designed battery system for heavy vehicles, with a lifetime of 8,000 cycles and a competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The new battery pack is available in two options, 52 kWh and 56 kWh, and can support both 650V and 800V motorization, and it is designed to facilitate repairability. (Batteries News and 2 other sources)
Deals and Partnerships
GM and Tesla have switched to Tesla's NACS charging plug, meaning all three major US EV makers will use it, and CCS1 will mostly be used by imports. Tesla's NACS is superior, and it is hoped that the regulations demanding CCS will eventually be modified to be friendlier to NACS and Tesla style of “plug and play” stations. (Forbes and 17 other sources)
Ørsted and Vestas partner to use low-carbon steel wind turbine towers and blades. The companies will install these sustainable towers and blades at all offshore wind farms they jointly develop, committing to a minimum of 25% low-carbon steel towers and stepping up circular blade recycling. (Renewables Now and 11 other sources)
Anaergia to help Monterey One Water generate renewable energy from food waste and wastewater. The project will expand anaerobic digestion capacity, increase biogas production, and reduce operating costs. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 7 other sources)
Denmark-based NKT has secured a contract to design, manufacture, and install a 320 kV HVDC export power cable system for the 1,400 MW East Anglia Three offshore wind farm in the UK. The contract, worth over EUR 250 million, was signed with ScottishPower Renewables and is expected to be delivered by NKT in 2025. (Offshore WIND and 5 other sources)
Ameresco and Atura Power will build a 250MW/1,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Ontario, Canada. The project will supply electricity for up to four hours and will be located next to Atura Power’s Napanee generating station and Ontario Power Generation’s Lennox generating station in the town of Greater Napanee. (Power Technology and 5 other sources)
Mercedes-Benz signs agreement for 50k tonnes of green steel annually from H2 Green Steel's plant in Sweden, with a potential supply from North America. The partnership includes closed-loop recycling of scrap steel and collaboration on supply chain human rights. (Auto Recycling World and 5 other sources)
Worley wins key contracts for Vast Solar's 30MW CSP plant in South Australia. The project is expected to create green manufacturing jobs and generate low-cost, dispatchable power. (NS Energy and 5 other sources)
TOMRA and Plastretur to build Norway's first plastic packaging sorting plant. The 50M Euro joint venture aims to help achieve future recycling targets and close the gap in plastics recycling. (Interplas Insights and 3 other sources)
Stellantis and Galloo to form joint venture for end-of-life vehicle recycling. The service will launch in 2023, initially in France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, and will offer its services to other automakers. (Auto Recycling World and 3 other sources)
Covestro signs 15-year vPPA with Ørsted for Texas solar power. The agreement will offset 70,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 3 other sources)
Mergers and Acquisitions
AES acquires 2GW Bellefield solar-plus-storage project in California from Avantus. The permitted project will have a total of 1GW solar and up to 1GW of energy storage across two phases, with phase one underpinned by a 15-year power purchase agreement. (NS Energy and 5 other sources)
Republic Services acquires GFL Environmental’s recycling, collection and disposal assets in Colorado and New Mexico. The acquisition reinforces Republic's commitment to growing its environmental solutions and expanding its customer base. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 1 other source)
AES Andes acquires Bolero solar park with 146 MWp capacity. The facility generates enough clean energy for 181,000 homes and AES Andes is considering adding energy storage. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
Linea Energy acquires 490 MW solar project in Texas from Horus Energy. The project, called Duffy, will generate green power equivalent to 63,000 homes per year. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
Quantron enters Italian market with acquisition of Eyes Group subsidiary. Quantron Italy will manufacture zero-emission vehicles for last-mile transportation. (EVMagz)
Enovert Group acquires ABC Power Solutions to broaden its landfill gas services. The acquisition will complement Enovert's existing range of specialist landfill, landfill gas, and waste sector services. (letsrecycle.com)
ACEN Corp to acquire 136 MW Texas wind farm portfolio. The Philippines' Ayala Group's energy platform enters US renewable market. (Renewables Now)
Blue Elephant Energy acquires 120MWp Chilean solar PV portfolio. The acquisition expands Blue Elephant's presence in Chile to 281 MW. (PV Tech)
TotalEnergies and ENEOS acquire 3.4 MWp rooftop solar portfolio in Vietnam. The joint venture plans to develop more and signed an MoU for additional projects. (Renewables Now)
Autocirc acquires Hinaus Sjöberg group, one of Finland's leading companies in salvage and car transport, to strengthen its logistics operations. The deal includes the parent company and subsidiaries, providing Autocirc with a stronger platform to transition to a circular auto parts industry. (Auto Recycling World)
Funding and Investments
KORE Power secures $850m US federal loan for Arizona battery plant. The KOREPlex facility will produce NMC and LFP cells for EV and BESS batteries. (Energy Storage Journal and 5 other sources)
GM and Posco invest over $1bn to increase EV battery production in North America. The new facility will produce cathode material and precursors for 360,000 vehicles per year. (Electrive and 3 other sources)
OXCCU secures $22.7m to advance sustainable aviation fuels. The funding will be used to develop technology, expand facilities, and double the team in the UK. (Environment + Energy Leader and 2 other sources)
Germany launches €50bn 15-year subsidy program to help companies invest in low-carbon production processes. The Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfD) program aims to address high costs and investment risks and is based on an auction system. (ESG Today and 2 other sources)
Japan to invest $107bn in hydrogen supply to accelerate decarbonization. The government aims to increase hydrogen supply to 12 million tons by 2040. (Senece ESG and 2 other sources)
AMPYR Solar Europe secures €200m financing from Rabobank for 350 MWp solar parks. The company will use the funds to finance three solar projects in the Netherlands. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
CleanCapital secures $500m commitment from Manulife for solar and storage. The US-based firm has surpassed the deployment of $1bn to fund renewable energy assets. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
European Commission's Modernisation Fund disburses $2.56bn to 31 EU projects for renewable energy and grid modernisation. Romania and Czech Republic receive the largest investments, while Bulgaria modernises its electricity grid for transport electrification. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
Constellation Energy to invest $350m in renewables, starting with repowering 70 MW wind farm. Repowering will enable 315 MW of its existing carbon-free wind fleet to generate greater output. (Renewables Now and 1 other source)
Swedish manufacturer SKF invests $278m to phase out fossil gas usage. The company aims to decarbonize its operations by 2030 and reduce scope 3 emissions for companies that use its products. (Power Technology and 1 other source)
Research and Development
Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have found a way to double the charging speed of solid-state batteries by eliminating tiny air pockets that block ion flow. The new method involves heating the press after spreading the electrolyte on it, then letting it cool under pressure. (Batteries News and 1 other source)
2D TMDC solar cells could be the answer to space exploration's energy needs. Researchers have proposed a design that can take the efficiencies of 2D TMDC devices from 5% to 12%. (Tech Xplore and 1 other source)
New study reveals mechanisms behind lithium metal solid-state battery failure, paving the way for improved EV batteries. Researchers used X-ray computed tomography to visualize dendrite failure in unprecedented detail during the charging process. (Tech Xplore and 1 other source)
Dutch researchers develop glass repair technique for PV modules, turning waste into valuable products. The technique is based on methodologies used in the automotive industry and has been validated through performance and reliability tests. (pv magazine Australia)
French researchers develop solid disk storage method for hydrogen, enhancing safety and efficiency. The technology has already gained recognition as a finalist for the European Inventor Award in Spain next month and has been commercialized in Italy and Japan. (DirectIndustry News)
Reports
US solar industry has best Q1 in history, with 6.1 GW of solar capacity installed. The Inflation Reduction Act is expected to triple the solar market over the next five years, with Wood Mackenzie predicting total installed solar capacity to reach 378 GW by 2028, while the domestic module capacity is expected to rise from fewer than 9 GW to more than 60 GW by 2026. (Solar Power World and 12 other sources)
Global plugin vehicle registrations up 70% YoY in April 2023, with over 928,000 registrations, and plugins represented 14% share of the overall auto market. Tesla Model Y was the best-selling EV model, followed by BYD Qin Plus and Tesla Model 3. (CleanTechnica and 3 other sources)
Volvo Cars' May sales surge 31% YoY, driven by electric cars. Recharge models accounted for 40% of global sales, with Europe leading. (Green Car Congress and 3 other sources)
Plugin EVs take a 22.9% share of the German auto market in May 2023, down from 25.3% YoY, with full electrics gaining share, but PHEVs losing out due to policy changes. Tesla's Model Y was the best-selling BEV in May, boosted by domestic production. (CleanTechnica and 2 other sources)
Smart Automobile unveils Smart 3, its second electric vehicle model in China. The Smart 3 is built on Geely's SEA platform, offers two powertrain options, and three range versions, with deliveries starting this month. (EVMagz and 2 other sources)
Global renewable capacity additions to soar by 107 GW in 2023, IEA says. Solar will account for 65% of growth, with distributed generation applications accounting for almost half of the expansion. (pv magazine Australia and 1 other source)
IMO's slow progress in reducing shipping emissions risks fragmentation of the industry. Recent studies show slow-steaming may not be the ultimate solution, and instead, ports are recognized as key partners in achieving emission reduction goals. (Fathom World and 1 other source)
Reliable public charging networks are crucial for mass EV adoption, says The Atlantic. While the number of charging ports in the US has doubled, most networks still have a long way to go before convincing drivers that there are enough in working condition to justify long road trips. (InsideEVs and 1 other source)
Adani Group's FY23 pre-tax earnings grow 36% to Rs 57,219 crore. The conglomerate's portfolio companies generate over 83% of EBITDA from core infrastructure businesses. (ET EnergyWorld and 1 other source)
Wind power replaces coal as Germany's top source of electricity. Despite a slight decrease, wind power reached a 32.2% share in Q1 2023, with Germany aiming for an 80% renewable share by 2030. (REVE and 1 other source)
Environmental, Social, and Governance
UK pension funds hesitant to invest in natural capital solutions despite growing biodiversity risks awareness, reveals Pensions for Purpose survey. While most asset owners agreed that addressing biodiversity risk is crucial, only 38% have invested in natural capital solutions due to challenges with data and the availability of investment products. (IPE Real Assets and 2 other sources)
Irish MEPs may vote against the Nature Restoration Law, which aims to increase biodiversity, after an independent TD claimed Green Party members do not understand the impact of rewetting drained agricultural peatland. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said the law would make environmental targets "unattainable" and that the focus should be on the "800 million trees that [are] being cut down in the Amazon, the lungs of the world". (Agriland and 1 other source)
M&S replaces use-by dates with best-before on own-brand milk to prevent waste. The move follows similar changes to fruit and vegetables last year. (edie and 1 other source)
MAPFRE launches ambitious decarbonisation plan in 25 countries for World Environment Day. The insurer aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, with a 68% reduction in business travel footprint and a 26% overall reduction in carbon footprint since 2019. (FinTech Global and 1 other source)
European Green Claims Directive could impact food and beverage companies, warns Leatherhead Food Research. Companies must ensure green claims are substantiated, with 37% of adults in Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the UK having purchased grocery products because they were labelled environmentally friendly. (Food and Drink Technology and 1 other source)
UK construction industry aims for diesel-free sites by 2035 with support from Nusrat Ghani MP. The Zero Diesel Sites Route Map will reduce diesel use by 78% and promote cleaner power sources. (PBC Today and 1 other source)
Jollibee faces animal cruelty allegations over egg sourcing. Fast-food chain announced sustainable sourcing policy last year. (Eco-Business)
People
Linde CEO named as Co-Chair of Hydrogen Council, taking over from Cummins' Executive Chairman. (H2 View and 1 other source)
Bosch Rexroth North America CEO to leave in 2023 after record growth. Reinhard Schaefer will support the transition and identify the next CEO. (Industrial News and 1 other source)
Boon Greenhouse Consultancy appoints Christopher Higgins to Advisory Board. Higgins will strengthen relationships with industry vendors and customers. (Urban Ag News and 1 other source)
Legislation and Regulation
Biden Administration releases National Clean Hydrogen Strategy for decarbonization. The strategy aims to accelerate the production, processing, delivery, storage, and use of clean hydrogen, with the potential to add 100,000 jobs by 2030. (REVE and 14 other sources)
British Soft Drinks Association seeks compensation for Scotland's delayed deposit return scheme. The trade association represents major soft drinks companies, including Coca-Cola and A.G. Barr, and wants compensation for the money spent preparing for the scheme, which has been delayed until at least October 2025. (Circular and 11 other sources)
Clean Fuels Alliance America and 75 industry stakeholders urge Biden to increase biofuels volumes. Proposed volumes threaten new market sectors' ability to decarbonize in the near term. (Biofuels International and 2 other sources)
IATA expects renewable fuel production to reach 69 billion liters by 2028, with sustainable aviation fuels comprising a portion of this growing output. Governments must act to ensure that SAF gets its fair production share, including production incentives and approval for more diversification of methods and feedstocks available for SAF production. (Biomass Magazine and 2 other sources)
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) faces opposition from China and other countries. The CBAM, which aims to level the playing field for European industries and encourage global carbon emission cuts, involves applying a carbon price to imports of certain goods to the EU, with the price proportionate to the goods' embodied emissions. (Carbon Credits and 1 other source)
"Pausing California's organic waste mandate would be costly," says CalRecycle. The state agency argues that the program has been effective and pausing it would be detrimental to the environment. (Waste Advantage Magazine and 1 other source)
CERC denies relief to solar power producer SBSR Power Cleantech Eleven. The company had encountered delays in commissioning its proposed 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan. (SolarQuarter and 1 other source)
ABS publishes risk assessment framework for hydrogen-fueled vessels. The framework supports the safe development and use of hydrogen as a marine fuel. (H2 View and 1 other source)
EPA rejects chemical industry's push to relax clean-air regulations on plastic recycling. The decision covers pyrolysis and gasification, two processes that use chemical methods to break down plastic waste. (The Daily Climate and 1 other source)
Fortescue Future Industries Director warns of US Inflation Reduction Act's impact on Australia's green hydrogen export markets. Guy Debelle emphasizes the need for Australia to act quickly to secure a share of the global green hydrogen market and recognize potential risks. (Energy News and 1 other source)
Events
"Join the Net-Zero Innovators" - Edie's free webinar and showcase on June 18th explores how businesses are using innovation to drive decarbonisation and accelerate climate action. The 90-minute session is broken into two parts: a 60-minute webinar showcasing business examples and a 45-minute showcase of innovations that are helping to drive the net-zero transition. (edie and 2 other sources)
IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 80) may be the most important climate meeting of 2023 as it revisits its 2018 strategy to regulate GHG emissions from shipping. The new or revised strategy will set the criteria for any rules adopted by the IMO over the next half-decade, making it the last chance to ratchet up ambition and enact a multinational framework that sets the shipping sector on a 1.5 [degrees Celsius] equitably aligned pathway. (GreenBiz and 1 other source)
Registration open for 2023 Environment + Energy Leader Solutions Summit. Attendees can learn about latest tools, topics, and offerings for sustainable business strategies. (Environment + Energy Leader and 1 other source)
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