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SFCE Oct 26
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Shunfeng unveils flagship integrated clan energy project
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Jonathan Gifford
Having acquired an extensive suit of clean energy companies and technologies in 2014, China’s SFCE is in the process of deploying these technologies in a series of demonstration projects aimed at demonstrating how the various pieces of its cleantech puzzle can be employed to supply a comprehensive clean energy solution. -
Downwind change in the situation: the low-carbon integrated solutions create new profit point
Oct 23, 2015 | PV Tech (China)
October 23, Shanghai Hongqiao International School energy saving demonstration project officially inaugurated the project by the tailwind of international investment, installation, operation and maintenance, downwind use its clean energy advanced technology to provide a complete solution to help schools saving energy costs... -
Downwind International Clean Energy to low-carbon energy comprehensive solution for the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to achieve energy saving vision
Oct 23, 2015 | SEMI (China)
Downwind International Clean Energy Co., Ltd. October 23, 2015 at the Shanghai Hongqiao International School for the construction of energy saving projects unveil. The downwind international investment, installation, operation and maintenance of this demonstration project, using its advanced clean energy technology to help schools... -
Downwind International Clean Energy to low-carbon energy comprehensive solution for the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to achieve energy saving vision
Oct 23, 2015 | Solar PV Sources (China)
The world's leading integrated low-carbon energy solutions provider downwind International Clean Energy Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "wind International", 1165.HK) today for its Shanghai Hongqiao International School (hereinafter referred to as "school") built energy saving projects held the opening ceremony. -
Suntech acquired that company does not intend to make money alone PV
Oct 26, 2015 | Jiemian (China)
In the actual controller Zheng Jianming Trader, clean wind energy (01165.HK) in one fell swoop annexed photovoltaic giant Suntech once after, and then become the second largest photovoltaic power plant investors. It continued its recent acquisition of various types of new energy companies move abroad, also caused the industry eyebrows. -
Press Release - SFCE Solutions Power the Hong Qiao International School
Oct 23, 2015 | NEN
Shunfeng International Clean Energy ("SFCE" or the "company"), (HK stock code: 1165) today unveiled their integrated clean energy system for the Hong Qiao International School in Shanghai ("HQIS" or the "school"). With the advanced clean energy technologies invested, installed, maintained and operated by the company... -
As oil industry bleeds jobs, Asia's green energy drive offers bright spot
Oct 25, 2015 | Reuters
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen
Renewables are powering a rare bright spot in the energy industry, with record job hiring in solar, wind and hydro partly offsetting the biggest round of job losses in the oil and gas sector in almost two decades. The boom in new green jobs is being led by Asia where governments in countries such as China and India ... -
UK: Government reminded of strong public support for clean energy as FIT cuts get go-ahead
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Ian Clover
The controversy surrounding the U.K. government’s proposal to slash the FIT support for solar power by as much as 87% has rumbled on following the closure of the consultation period on Friday. While most government consultation periods pass with little or no fanfare or attention, this particular period was characterized by sustained outcry... -
US Wind Industry Installed 3,600 MW So Far This Year, Still Faces Policy Uncertainty
Oct 23, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Joshua S Hill
The US wind energy industry installed over 1,600 MW in the third quarter, and nearly 3,600 MW for the whole year, but still faces policy uncertainty. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) published its US Wind Industry Third Quarter 2015 Market Report on Thursday, highlighting the more than 1,600 MW of new wind energy... -
UK launches campaign to speed up Africa's household solar market
Oct 23, 2015 | See News Renewables
By Plamena Tisheva
UK international development minister Grant Shapps on Thursday unveiled a campaign designed to speed up the expansion of the household solar market in sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative, called Energy Africa, will involve African governments, donors, investors and lenders, industry, non-governmental organisations and the public. -
Perceived Risk In Renewable Energy Investment Has Fallen, UN
Oct 26, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Smiti Mittal
Investors around the world no longer see renewable energy as a risky or low-yield investment sector, a recent report by the United Nations on private sector climate finance has revealed. Trends in private sector climate finance, published by the Climate Change Support Team (CCST) of the United Nations Secretary General, shows that... -
Western Australia to clear the way for battery rollout
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Jonathan Gifford
With over 500 MW of distributed solar PV already in place and annual growth of around 20%, the state of Western Australia is in line with much of the sunburnt country in embracing rooftop solar. It could now see major growth in battery installations, with state regulators intent on clearing regulatory hurdles currently inhibiting the growth -
The Tories are trying to kill off our renewable energy boom
Oct 26, 2015 | The Guardian
By Ed Davey
In the past three months, for the first time in our history, Britain produced more electricity from renewable sources than it did from coal. Between 2010 and 2015, Britain’s renewable power capacity trebled, with over £40bn invested into onshore and offshore wind farms, solar PV and biomass.
Shunfeng News
Industry News
Full Text of Stories Below
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Shunfeng unveils flagship integrated clan energy project
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Jonathan Gifford
Having acquired an extensive suit of clean energy companies and technologies in 2014, China’s SFCE is in the process of deploying these technologies in a series of demonstration projects aimed at demonstrating how the various pieces of its cleantech puzzle can be employed to supply a comprehensive clean energy solution.
SFCE unveiled the first such project last week at the Hong Qiao International School that brings together its Suntech modules, meteocontrol monitoring system, Lattice Power LEDs and Nobao ground source heat pump to supply with the school with almost 70% of its energy needs, reducing costs by 50%. The initial plan was for the project to be completed by the end of June.
“Over the last few years Shunfeng has changed a lot,” SFCE CEO Eric Luo told pv magazine. “We are moving from solar alone to a more integrated clean energy supply. Our goal is this area will be 24-hour clean energy production.”
Hong Qiao International School principal Rebecca Zipprich said that the flagship project aligns well with the school’s advocacy of clean energy and will provide its students with exposure to the field.
“The BIPV system implemented generates solar power, the use of LED products greatly reduce electricity consumption for lighting, while the ground source heat pump system meets our heating, cooling and hot water needs,” said Zipprich. The capacity of the PV system has not been revealed.
A second phase of the Hong Qiao school project could see the integration of electric buses, further reducing carbon emissions.
SFCE’s Luo explained that the provision of integrated energy solutions is not only good for energy consumers like the Hong Qiao school, but it also provides Shunfeng with opportunities to reap higher margins than those seen in PV manufacturing.
“We believe, from an investment perspective to capture a reasonable return, this needs to happen beyond purely solar,” Luo told pv magazine. “A lot of [the] solar [business] still relies on government subsidies. When you get into solar you ultimately go for energy savings and energy management, but we think we are already there.”
In recent years, SFCE has acquired a suite of companies across the clean energy spectrum. In solar PV, SFCE and its parent company APRD now controls former number one Chinese module manufacturer Suntech, U.S. high efficiency producer Suniva, inverter producer Sunways and Germany’s SAG Solarstrom, which includes monitoring provider meteocontrol.
Beyond PV SFCE and APRD control storage companies including Boston Power and Powin Energy, heat pump developer Nobao and GreenWheel EV in the e-mobility space.
Link: http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/shunfeng-unveils-flagship-integrated-clan-energy-project_100021709/#axzz3pfuIJF3n
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Downwind change in the situation: the low-carbon integrated solutions create new profit point
Oct 23, 2015 | PV Tech (China)
October 23, Shanghai Hongqiao International School energy saving demonstration project officially inaugurated the project by the tailwind of international investment, installation, operation and maintenance, downwind use its clean energy advanced technology to provide a complete solution to help schools saving energy costs and reduce carbon emissions.
According to reports, in the framework of a 25-year energy management contract for the solution of international schools downwind installed downwind into the international subsidiaries of the technical development, including 150.5KW BIPV (BIPV) roofing systems, Norway treasure-source heat pump (GSHP) heating and cooling through the hot water system, high-performance optical crystal LED lighting systems and Min-cast Intelligent Technology (Meteocontrol) intelligent monitoring systems.
Project area totaling 15,000 square meters, after the completion of this system is expected to help schools reduce energy costs by 50%, the required 1.4 million yuan (including the average annual electricity and gas) from the transformation of the former energy consumption is reduced to just 510,000, while the carbon emissions will be reduced by over 66%.
Among them, the photovoltaic power generation projects to take self-occupied, more than electrical means of access. To ensure the quality of power stations, power plants all the required components using Suntech monocrystalline efficient components in the experimental stage, the average daily power generation of 600 degrees, the school can meet 20% of electricity needs.
The entire solution systems are administered through Min intelligent remote monitoring platform monitoring, by monitoring platform can be built Smart Array failure alarm, efficient troubleshooting, system control, and further optimize the energy management system performance to ensure users maximize returns.
Downwind International CEO Luo Xin said: "The cooperation with the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to complete this long-awaited project, we are very pleased to officially opened the new energy system in the Hongqiao International School also marks the arrival of a new era of clean energy. This project reflects the international commitment to wind through an integrated system of clean energy solutions, providing customers with the vision of economic and readily available energy alternatives. project will help the school succeeded in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, downwind international integrated solutions for building construction classic example of. "
The information downwind International 2015 have been disclosed show that the company, including wind power operations projects, in cooperation with Greenwheel, expand electric vehicle co-production, sale, development of geothermal power projects, seawater air ion battery power commercial test, acquisitions LED lighting business LatticePower 51% stake, and so, in many areas through acquisitions, the integration of advanced technology to improve synergies, trying to build a low-carbon downwind empire.
Shanghai Hongqiao International School run demonstration project is downwind of clean energy from 2014 to promote low-carbon communities, low-carbon city, low-carbon low-carbon integrated solutions family is a microcosm of such projects will gradually become a new profit growth point . National Development and Reform Commission issued a notice: to "Twelve Five" for the construction of 1,000 low-carbon communities, coupled with the low-carbon industries demonstration zone, low carbon county, low-carbon integrated solutions can be expected with a larger space for development in the future.
The following article has been translated from Chinese to English.
Link: http://www.pv-tech.cn/news/Sf_the_low-carbon_integrated_solutions_create_new_profit_point
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Oct 23, 2015 | SEMI (China)
Downwind International Clean Energy Co., Ltd. October 23, 2015 at the Shanghai Hongqiao International School for the construction of energy saving projects unveil. The downwind international investment, installation, operation and maintenance of this demonstration project, using its advanced clean energy technology to help schools save 50% of energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds.
Downwind International Mr. Luo Xin, CEO, she said: "Cooperation with the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to complete this long-awaited project, we are very pleased to officially opened the new energy system in the Hongqiao International School also marks a new era of clean energy. soon. This project reflects the international commitment to wind through an integrated system of clean energy solutions, providing customers with the vision of economic and readily available energy alternatives. project will help the school succeeded in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, downwind International Integrated solutions for building construction classic example of. "
In the framework of a 25-year energy management contract, the school installed downwind international set of fully integrated system, which incorporates the technology developed downwind international subsidiaries, including building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing systems, Norway treasure-source heat pump (GSHP) heating and cooling through the hot water system, high-performance optical crystal LED lighting systems and Min-cast Intelligent Technology (Meteocontrol) intelligent monitoring systems. Project area totaling 15,000 square meters. Upon completion, this system is expected to help schools reduce energy costs by 50%, reduce carbon emissions by over 66%.
Shanghai Hongqiao International School Principal Ms. Rebecca Zipprich said: "As energy conservation advocate and practitioner, we Hongqiao International School introduces downwind international integrated low-carbon energy system, where BIPV solar power system to achieve, LED use of the product greatly reduces electricity for lighting, and ground source heat pump system is to meet our heating, cooling and hot water needs. With these green energy-saving design and technology, so that children pay more attention to the environment, and let them believe that we We have the ability to change the world, a better world. "
Today, downwind International held a brief opening ceremony at the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to celebrate the official launch of operation of the system. Mr. Luo Xin International CEO downwind, downwind International family business head of the company, Shanghai Hongqiao International School related to leadership and industry guests attended the opening ceremony. After the opening ceremony, guests and media friends are also invited to visit the school's new energy facilities, the operation of the system to have a more comprehensive understanding.
The following article has been translated from Chinese to English.
Link: http://www.semi.org.cn/pv/news_show.aspx?ID=17152&classid=12
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Oct 23, 2015 | Solar PV Sources (China)
The world's leading integrated low-carbon energy solutions provider downwind International Clean Energy Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "wind International", 1165.HK) today for its Shanghai Hongqiao International School (hereinafter referred to as "school") built energy saving projects held the opening ceremony. The downwind international investment, installation, operation and maintenance of this demonstration project, using its advanced clean energy technology to help schools save 50% of energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds.
Downwind International Mr. Luo Xin, CEO, she said: "Cooperation with the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to complete this long-awaited project, we are very pleased to officially opened the new energy system in the Hongqiao International School also marks a new era of clean energy. soon. This project reflects the international commitment to wind through an integrated system of clean energy solutions, providing customers with the vision of economic and readily available energy alternatives. project will help the school succeeded in reducing energy costs and carbon emissions, downwind International Integrated solutions for building construction classic example of. "
In the framework of a 25-year energy management contract, the school installed downwind international set of fully integrated system, which incorporates the technology developed downwind international subsidiaries, including building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) roofing systems, Norway treasure-source heat pump (GSHP) heating and cooling through the hot water system, high-performance optical crystal LED lighting systems and Min-cast Intelligent Technology (Meteocontrol) intelligent monitoring systems. Project area totaling 15,000 square meters. Upon completion, this system is expected to help schools reduce energy costs by 50%, reduce carbon emissions by over 66%.
Shanghai Hongqiao International School Principal Ms. Rebecca Zipprich said: "As energy conservation advocate and practitioner, we Hongqiao International School introduces downwind international integrated low-carbon energy system, where BIPV solar power system to achieve, LED use of the product greatly reduces electricity for lighting, and ground source heat pump system is to meet our heating, cooling and hot water needs. With these green energy-saving design and technology, so that children pay more attention to the environment, and let them believe that we We have the ability to change the world, a better world. "
Today, downwind International held a brief opening ceremony at the Shanghai Hongqiao International School to celebrate the official launch of operation of the system. Mr. Luo Xin International CEO downwind, downwind International family business head of the company, Shanghai Hongqiao International School related to leadership and industry guests attended the opening ceremony. After the opening ceremony, guests and media friends are also invited to visit the school's new energy facilities, the operation of the system to have a more comprehensive understanding.
The following article has been translated from Chinese to English.
Link: http://www.solarpvsources.cn/contents/255/579289.html
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Suntech acquired that company does not intend to make money alone PV
Oct 26, 2015 | Jiemian (China)
In the actual controller Zheng Jianming Trader, clean wind energy (01165.HK) in one fell swoop annexed photovoltaic giant Suntech once after, and then become the second largest photovoltaic power plant investors. It continued its recent acquisition of various types of new energy companies move abroad, also caused the industry eyebrows.
Last November, with the wind clean energy renamed after the abandonment of the formerly photoelectric downwind, its strategic layout began to become clear: to provide comprehensive energy-saving program, and no longer selling solar modules and photovoltaic power plant investment as the only business.
The company chose the new campus of Shanghai Hongqiao International School, as its first energy-saving pilot projects, which are only separated by a road in 1997, established schools and downwind of clean energy in the headquarters of Shanghai. The company is located in Qianjiang Business Plaza, 18th floor office window overlooking the roof of the new school will be able to see a large photovoltaic panels. This area is 1,000 square meters of solar installations, average daily power generation of 600 degrees, which is part of the energy-saving projects.
International School reconstruction project began last December, winter and summer clearance completion of construction, and on October 23 officially opened. In addition to a rooftop photovoltaic systems, the project also includes the supply of energy-saving heating and cooling of the ground source heat pump, LED lighting and new energy monitoring system.
The transformation equipment suppliers, mostly downwind clean energy company recently acquired two years. Last April acquisition of Sunways, the project provides a distributed solar power generation system; a provider of energy monitoring and control system for the Min vote smart technology, last August was downwind of clean energy in the bag; LatticePower is a provider of LED lighting systems, this year May, 59% of the shares acquired by the company at the cost of clean energy downwind of 2.04 billion yuan.Ground source heat pump equipment suppliers downwind Norwegian Insurance Group, is a clean energy wind holding 51% of the joint venture.
Clean wind energy CEO Luo Xin told news reporters interface, compared to most of the contract energy management provider integration of external resources the way they use mostly internal group resources, in order to form synergies.
Luo Xin said that the contract energy management company will be a major energy-saving project business model, 20, signed with the customer - the provisions of the contract will be for 25 years, the monthly electricity savings of 80% -90% were included in management fees paid.
Press downwind of clean energy and Shanghai Hongqiao International School signed contract energy management agreement, the transformation of the required investment costs 500 million yuan borne by the former, and is responsible for project operation and maintenance thereafter. And the next 25 years, the school will provide clean energy wind energy saving through part of the energy expenditure savings.
Responsible for this transformation downwind clean energy project manager Zhao introduced, he said the school had an annual electricity and gas expenses totaling 1.4 million yuan, 510,000 yuan is only after the transformation. Comparing the two, it is expected to save 890,000 yuan a year. In addition to the management fee tariff and subsidy thus obtained, photovoltaic power generation system gained power over the Internet, has become another pen revenue downwind of clean energy. According to their estimates, payback time of the project is 3--5 years.
For schools, hospitals and offers energy-saving services will be downwind high hopes for clean energy major business segments. This wind clean energy currently majority of its revenue from the photovoltaic sector is concerned, is a rather important change.
In the first half of this year, the company received 3.52 billion yuan of revenue, an increase of nearly two, but net profit of 170 million yuan in the year on year decline of 66%. One brokerage analyst told news reporters interface, clean wind energy is not really in the first half of brisk earnings, its future will not be very large changes in the manufacture of photovoltaic products, and photovoltaic power plants are faced with a considerable degree of market competition.
Downwind of clean energy and the number of photovoltaic power plants network slowdown, may prove this. In the first half of this year, plant size and cumulative net of 1.62GW, late last year, the figure was 1.5GW. Clean wind energy revenue growth driving force, mainly from the increase in size of PV power plant electricity generation revenue brought improvement.
"Lower cost of financing state-owned investment of photovoltaic power plants, compared to private enterprises have the advantage." The brokerage analysts believe that continued investment in photovoltaic power plants, wind clean energy will face some financial pressure; PV subsidies owed by the Government, but also lead to earnings power plant There is considerable uncertainty.
Luo Xin said, the wind clean energy photovoltaic power plant has been developed to make the policy adjustments, will be rolling development way, namely in the development, construction, and network at the same time, the sale of part of the power plant and non-permanent hold, according to the plan, the company future photovoltaic power plant holdings will remain at around 2GW.
After the adjustment, the wind clean energy need to clear new direction of development, but in the past year's time, it has been in the field to enter the energy-saving layout. Aforementioned brokerage analysts believe that providing energy-saving program is a good direction, the market has not yet formed, the wind clean energy future whether to get a larger market share remains to be seen.
Luo Xin told interface news reporter, clean wind energy has signed orders for more than 100 energy-saving projects, with a total area of 17 million square meters, and plans to complete one of the 1.7 million square meters this year, but these gains will be reflected in the company earnings in the six months.
The following article has been translated from Chinese to English.
Link: http://www.jiemian.com/article/415842.html
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Press Release - SFCE Solutions Power the Hong Qiao International School
Oct 23, 2015 | NEN
Shunfeng International Clean Energy ("SFCE" or the "company"), (HK stock code: 1165) today unveiled their integrated clean energy system for the Hong Qiao International School in Shanghai ("HQIS" or the "school"). With the advanced clean energy technologies invested, installed, maintained and operated by the company, HQIS's new energy system stands as a testament to the impact of SFCE's integrated solutions as it will cut the school's energy costs in half and reduce its carbon emissions by two-thirds.
"We at SFCE are so happy to be celebrating the completion of our long awaited project with the Hong Qiao International School. The unveiling of the school truly marks the start of a new age for clean energy," says Eric Luo, SFCE CEO. "The project reflects SFCE's vision of providing affordable and accessible energy alternatives via an integrated system of clean energy solutions. HQIS is a great example of how SFCE's medley of solutions can be retrofitted to a building to reduce both its energy costs and carbon footprint."
Under a 25 year energy management contract, SFCE has installed a fully integrated system comprised of its subsidiaries' technology, which includes a built-in photovoltaic (BIPV) rooftop system, a Nobao ground source heat pump (GSHP) heating, cooling and hot water system, high-efficiency LED lighting system by Lattice Power and a meteocontrol smart monitoring system. The project space covers a total of 15,000m2. Upon the completion, the system will enable the school to reduce energy costs by 50% and minimize its carbon footprint by more than 66%.
Rebecca Zipprich, the school's principal says, "As advocates and practitioners of energy conservation, we at the Hong Qiao International School have introduced SFCE's integrated clean energy system. The BIPV system implemented generates solar power, the use of LED products greatly reduce electricity consumption for lighting, while the ground source heat pump system meets our heating, cooling and hot water needs. These green energy-saving designs and technologies, enable the children to pay more attention to the environment, and empower them to believe that we have the ability to make the world to a better place."
In celebration of the launch of the system, SFCE held an unveiling at the school today. Eric Luo, CEO of SFCE, members of its subsidiary companies, Suntech, Sunways, Nobao, meteocontrol and Lattice Power, and HQIS officials along with distinguished guests attended the unveiling. Additionally, guests and attending media were offered a tour of the new facilities and given a preview of the system at work.
About SFCE
Shunfeng International Clean Energy Limited (SFCE) is committed to becoming the largest low-carbon, integrated, clean energy generation provider globally. Through strategic acquisitions and integration, SFCE owns a number of well-known product and technology brands in the industry. SFCE fosters a continuous improvement in energy generation including in solar, sea water power and ground source heat pumps, combined with energy management and storage capabilities. SFCE aims to provide clean energy solutions to large scale public facilities and commercial users such as business facilities, office buildings, schools, hospitals sports stadiums and households. SFCE's energy solutions can achieve energy cost reductions of 50% - 70%, creating energy generation choices for its customers to reduce both carbon emissions and energy costs. To learn more about the company, please visit http://sfcegroup.com/en/.
NEN (China): http://xy.nen.com.cn/system/2015/10/23/018548049.shtml
Roll Sohu (China): http://roll.sohu.com/20151023/n424021819.shtml
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As oil industry bleeds jobs, Asia's green energy drive offers bright spot
Oct 25, 2015 | Reuters
By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen
Renewables are powering a rare bright spot in the energy industry, with record job hiring in solar, wind and hydro partly offsetting the biggest round of job losses in the oil and gas sector in almost two decades.
The boom in new green jobs is being led by Asia where governments in countries such as China and India are embarking on massive programs to use more renewable energy.
The fresh opportunities come as the oil sector is suffering its worst downturn since the late 1990s, encouraging engineering students to rethink their options and even mid-career switches for some who have spent more than a decade in the oil sector.
"It's a matter of time for me personally before I make the move," said a Singapore-based project manager for offshore construction at an oil and gas firm, who is considering shifting into solar after 15 years in the oil sector.
"For me, it's not a question about running out of oil, but that the industry is losing popularity on the consumer end," said the manager, declining to be named due to his current employment status.
Direct and indirect employment in renewable energy jumped 18 percent, or by about 1.2 million, last year to 7.7 million globally, with most of the new jobs being created in Asia, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Some of the biggest gains have come in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan and Bangladesh and the overall figure could top 16 million globally by 2030, IRENA said.
That stands in contrast to oil and gas, where more than 200,000 jobs have been cut worldwide since oil prices collapsed last year, according to recruiter Swift Worldwide Resources.
The petroleum sector employs nearly 6 million, with more than ten times that number indirectly employed, according to International Labor Organization estimates. The latest job losses mark the biggest drop since the last big oil price slump of 1997-98.
"The employment situation is a complete disaster," said Didier Le Hech, who until recently headed operations in Gabon, West Africa, for Weatherford International (WFT.N).
Le Hech, who was one of 11,000 staff laid off at the oil field service provider this year, said he was looking for work in Southeast Asia, but given the tough market was prepared tocast his net widely.
CAMPUSES
The layoffs are being nervously watched on campuses around the world by trainees in the oil and gas industry.
"We're keeping our options open," said Faizzin Khafidz, a mechanical engineering student at the National University of Singapore, who is doing an internship at Keppel Corp (KPLM.SI), one of the world's largest offshore rig builders.
"Personally I am open to opportunities to join the renewables sector especially if it is going to grow as it should," he added.
Singapore is a major oil trading hub and servicing port, but the pain of the downturn is being felt with many oil servicing ships and drilling platforms idled off the island city-state.
Interest in green energy jobs is playing out at colleges.
New Delhi's Teri University has 139 students enrolled in its renewable energy programs this year, up from 97 in 2014 and 69 in 2013.
RECRUITMENT
"There are huge amounts of western money flowing into renewable energy in Asia," says David Russell, chief executive of Equis Funds Group, which has invested $2.4 billion in Asian projects over the last two years.
In order to keep up with demand for green jobs, recruiters have been forced to develop placement expertise in renewables.
"Because the oil and gas sector has been so hard hit, we've seen lots of people attempting to transfer their skills across to renewable energy," said Adam Carabetta, a recruiter at Drake in Singapore.
The shift comes as many governments have vowed to curb carbon emissions by using more renewables.
China, the world's largest greenhouse gas emitter, already employs 3.4 million people in renewable energy and this raised its solar installation target for 2015 by 30 percent.
In India, IRENA expects 1 million new jobs to be created after the government pledged to triple installed wind capacity and raise solar power capacity 33 fold by 2022.
This leaves some embarking on oil sector careers worried.
"Most of my classmates picked petroleum engineering because of the pay. But now we can't even get a job," said Michelle Robinson, a third-year petroleum engineering undergraduate at Australia's University of Adelaide. "I sure hope prices recover before I graduate."
Link: http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/25/us-energy-employment-idUSKCN0SJ0WY20151025
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UK: Government reminded of strong public support for clean energy as FIT cuts get go-ahead
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Ian Clover
The controversy surrounding the U.K. government’s proposal to slash the FIT support for solar power by as much as 87% has rumbled on following the closure of the consultation period on Friday.
While most government consultation periods pass with little or no fanfare or attention, this particular period was characterized by sustained outcry and criticism, with the Renewable Energy Association (REA) on Friday reminding the government that three quarters of the British public support renewables – according to the government’s very own Public Attitudes Tracker.
Since the proposals were first announced in July, leading voices from within and outside the solar energy industry have questioned the timing, scale and economic reasoning behind the proposals. Dissenting voices have emanated from the Solar Trade Association (STA), Friends of the Earth, the National Farmers Union, the CBI, the United Nations, former U.S. VP Al Gore, the Climate Change Committee and various representatives of both the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
One of the most vocal critics of the decision lies closer to home for the government – Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who on Friday repeated his call for government to phase out subsidies more slowly, rather than plump for the dramatic slashes now due on January 1.
"The Mayor believes that the solar PV industry needs some certainty over the next few years as it transitions to a subsidy-free and long-term sustainable future," wrote deputy mayor for the environment and energy Matthew Pencharz in a letter addressed to Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom on Friday.
"The current proposals, which have been consulted on, with little or no prior warning, to come into force in the new year have created great uncertainty in the solar PV industry, potentially putting at threat thousands of jobs across the U.K."
Johnson’s imploring arrived on Friday on the day that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) closed the consultation period, having ignored the advice and suggestions from the STA and REA to review the scale of the proposals in order for solar to achieve grid parity with other, more polluting, forms of fuel.
During the consultation the REA called for more money to be made available than the £75-100 million proposed; the introduction of alternative mechanisms – such as tax incentives – than the FIT, and a challenge to the minimum import pricing (MIP) of solar panels at EU level.
"The nation has shown its hunger for control over its own energy supply," said REA head of policy and external affairs James Court. "This consultation is serving as a reminder of why we chose to carve out this course, to pursue a decentralized vision for how the U.K. produces its electricity.
"Crucially it’s about people taking a stake in their individual energy futures. The public want to be able to make their own choices about the costs and sources of the electricity that lights their homes and offices, turns on their mobiles, and increasingly powers their cars."
Lauren Cook, the REA’s senior policy analyst, added that the reaction of those opposed to the cuts demonstrates that the future of small-scale renewables is an issue close to the heart of a great range of people – the majority of whom have a vested interest that extends beyond mere financial returns.
"The discussion is about reducing emissions, supporting industry, economic growth, and jobs. Small renewables are good for construction, for farmers, for urban and rural communities, and are important to remaining internationally competitive."
Link: http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/uk--government-reminded-of-strong-public-support-for-clean-energy-as-fit-cuts-get-go-ahead_100021706/#axzz3pfuIJF3n
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US Wind Industry Installed 3,600 MW So Far This Year, Still Faces Policy Uncertainty
Oct 23, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Joshua S Hill
The US wind energy industry installed over 1,600 MW in the third quarter, and nearly 3,600 MW for the whole year, but still faces policy uncertainty.
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) published its US Wind Industry Third Quarter 2015 Market Report on Thursday, highlighting the more than 1,600 MW of new wind energy capacity that has been installed in the country during the third quarter, bringing the year’s full cumulative new capacity up to nearly 3,600 MW. However, despite the billions worth of investment the industry is bringing in, and the number of well-paying jobs the industry supports, the US wind energy sector is still facing policy uncertainty in the face of a possible cessation of the Investment and Production Tax Credits.
“We are on the cusp of greatness,” said Tom Kiernan, CEO of AWEA. “There are over $20 billion worth of wind farms under construction right now, creating well-paying jobs and spurring economic development in rural communities across the country. This growth is in jeopardy however, as continued policy uncertainty could throw the wind industry off yet another economic cliff.”
The US installed a total of 848 turbines in the second quarter, across 13 projects in 7 different states, with Texas accounting for the most capacity installed so far this year, 771 MW, followed by Oklahoma with 398 MW, Kansas with 201 MW, and Illinois with 175 MW. For the year, the US has installed 1,862 turbines totaling 3,596 MW, more than double the 1,254 MW installed during the first three quarters of 2014.
As of the publication of the report, the AWEA was aware of 13,250 MW worth of construction taking place across 102 projects in 25 states, including 1,250 MW of new construction announcements made during the third quarter.
However, despite the obvious growth and benefit of the US wind industry, politics is playing its hand and creating enormous uncertainty, which is and will continue to have a dramatic impact on the industry’s future growth. Specifically, a “tax extenders” package has been sitting in Congress for awhile now, which would extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax Credit (ITC), both of which have played an important role in the growth and success of the US wind energy industry.
“Extending the Production Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit this year for the longest practical term will help wind power grow our economy and deliver more savings to American homeowners and businesses,” said Kiernan.
Another barrier that has stepped in to prevent the wider-spread of wind in the US includes the need for easy access to ample transmission infrastructure. “Building new transmission infrastructure is essential to enabling more low-cost wind energy to power American homes and businesses,” said Michael Skelly, Founder and President of Clean Line Energy. “With more transmission, we can bring wind energy from areas where it’s abundant and cheap to areas where it’s needed. It’s an exciting time for the wind industry as there are new transmission projects—currently awaiting decisions from federal authorities—that will bring about thousands of megawatts of new wind development.”
Link: https://cleantechnica.com/2015/10/23/us-wind-industry-installed-3600-mw-far-year-still-faces-policy-uncertainty/
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UK launches campaign to speed up Africa's household solar market
Oct 23, 2015 | See News Renewables
By Plamena Tisheva
UK international development minister Grant Shapps on Thursday unveiled a campaign designed to speed up the expansion of the household solar market in sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative, called Energy Africa, will involve African governments, donors, investors and lenders, industry, non-governmental organisations and the public. The plans include agreeing partnerships with 14 target African nations to set out policy actions to improve market conditions, as well as better co-ordinating donor support. The UK government also pledged further financial support to the sector.
The campaign will aim to take advantage of and advance market shifts such as the drop in solar panel costs, improvements in battery technology and in appliances efficiency, as well as the spread of mobile payment systems which enables pay-as-you-go access.
"The technology is there – all we have to do is remove the barriers stifling the market. This is what Energy Africa will help do," said Shapps.
"This generation of African leaders has a unique opportunity to deliver on the promise of energy for all," said Kofi Annan, chair of the Africa Progress Panel and former UN secretary general, who attended the launch at Facebook's offices in London. Currently, more than 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity.
"Solar is a tremendous opportunity for African countries to leapfrog traditional carbon intense energy systems to a cost effective, clean energy future," said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, which plans to invest in a number of projects.
Link: http://renewables.seenews.com/news/uk-launches-campaign-to-speed-up-africas-household-solar-market-498665
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Perceived Risk In Renewable Energy Investment Has Fallen, UN
Oct 26, 2015 | Clean Technica
By Smiti Mittal
Investors around the world no longer see renewable energy as a risky or low-yield investment sector, a recent report by the United Nations on private sector climate finance has revealed.
Trends in private sector climate finance, published by the Climate Change Support Team (CCST) of the United Nations Secretary General, shows that the renewable energy sector has matured significantly over the last few years as a safe investment avenue.
The report attested to the fact that developing countries are attracting investment in the renewable energy sector at a much faster rate compared to the developed countries. In 2014, a total investment of $278 billion was made in the renewable energy sector, the report stated, quoting Bloomberg New Energy Finance, marking a 55% increase from the global investment in the 2009 of $178 billion.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries accounted for just 30% growth in renewable energy investments in 2014. The number of countries with huge investments in the sector have also increased, as has the geographical diversity. In 2009 only 17 countries saw investment of more than $1 billion in renewable energy, a number which increased to 26 in 2014 — with 11 developing countries, including South Africa, Indonesia, Turkey, Kenya, and the Philippines.
The CCST in its report also mentions the role of development banks in the promotion of private sector finance in the renewable energy in developing countries. Institutions like the International Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, the Asian Development, the United States Export-Import Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and KfW, have all helped private project developers implement significant renewable energy and energy efficiency infrastructure in developing countries.
Several of the developing countries mentioned above took to competitive auctions to set up renewable energy projects. The cheap debt finance offered by the development banks played a major role in driving down the tariff bids in the competitive auctions.
Link: http://cleantechnica.com/2015/10/26/perceived-risk-renewable-energy-investment-fallen-un/
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Western Australia to clear the way for battery rollout
Oct 26, 2015 | PV Magazine
By Jonathan Gifford
With over 500 MW of distributed solar PV already in place and annual growth of around 20%, the state of Western Australia is in line with much of the sunburnt country in embracing rooftop solar. It could now see major growth in battery installations, with state regulators intent on clearing regulatory hurdles currently inhibiting the growth of battery storage.
“Reform to the electricity industry is an important issue for this government,” said Energy Minister Mike Nahan, in an interview with news.com.au. “[Grid operator] Western Power and [state-owned utility] Synergy are currently in discussions to achieve a solution to allow batteries to export to the grid. I expect to make an announcement in the coming weeks.”
Currently the installation of batteries is allowed in the state, however they are not allowed to export electricity to the grid. “There are currently 440 customers within the South West Interconnected Network (SWIS) that have batteries installed and draw from those storage facilities for their own use,” a Synergy spokesperson informed pv magazine in a statement.
“Synergy and Western Power are now working towards is entering into a non-reference service agreement that will allow storage customers with a means to export into the network,” the Synergy spokesperson continued.
The current prohibition of exporting to the grid from batteries is a legacy of the “reference agreement” under which Western Power and Synergy operate. Synergy says that this is a result of the agreement having been drawn up in a time in which widespread battery storage was not envisaged.
“There was a significant level of the unknown regarding the direction of those future technologies at the time the previous access arrangement was approved,” Synergy stated.
Cost curve drives a change of heart
The move to clear the way for widespread battery storage is consistent with a shift in the conservative Western Australian government’s approach to solar PV and storage. While previous policies sought to prop up state-owned coal generators in the state, Energy Minister Nahan has bee active in acknowledging the cost reductions solar has achieved and the inevitability of its dominance in the state’s electricity supply in the future.
“Australia is an ideal test market for residential battery storage products due to high peak tariffs and the relatively large existing base of installed solar photovoltaic systems,” Nahan told news.com.au.
A trial project in the state capital Perth is currently rolling out battery storage in a new residential development.
“This government has done more for renewable energy in this state than any other, including the Australian-first trial to examine battery storage and energy efficiency incentives for consumers at Alkimos Beach, north of Perth,” said Nahan.
Synergy is understood to be preparing to offer battery storage to its customers, along with gas retailer and electricity retailer Alinta.
Link: http://www.pv-magazine.com/news/details/beitrag/western-australia-to-clear-the-way-for-battery-rollout_100021701/#axzz3pfuIJF3n
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The Tories are trying to kill off our renewable energy boom
Oct 26, 2015 | The Guardian
By Ed Davey
In the past three months, for the first time in our history, Britain produced more electricity from renewable sources than it did from coal. Between 2010 and 2015, Britain’s renewable power capacity trebled, with over £40bn invested into onshore and offshore wind farms, solar PV and biomass.
But that massive progress in clean energy is about to slow dramatically, thanks to policy changes brought in since May’s general election. Without Liberal Democrats in coalition, the new Conservative government is slashing the low-carbon energy investment Britain needs if we are to tackle climate change and reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.
From making onshore wind farms almost impossible to build, at least in England, to plans to slash support for solar energy by 87%, David Cameron, once a husky hugger, is flushing down the toilet what Tories during the coalition years called “green crap”. And destroying thousands of green jobs in the process.
For Liberal Democrat former ministers like myself, these Tory attacks were inevitable the minute they got a majority.My experience as energy and climate change secretary – in the months I spent battling George Osborne over the budget for investment in low carbon, and in the daily attrition with Eric Pickles over onshore wind – was that many Conservatives simply regard their commitment to climate change action as something they had to say to get into power. With some honourable exceptions, most Conservatives I worked with seemed to view Lib Dem green energy policies as part of the political price they paid for the coalition.
Happily, the Conservatives cannot undo much of what the coalition achieved: from the trebling of the UK’s renewable power capacity to the 27 contracts I signed in March for more renewable power plants to be built over the next few years, the Lib Dems’ green legacy stands. I have heard that the chancellor has asked if he can get out of the contracts I signed. But he can’t. So I’m looking forward to Conservative ministers opening onshore and offshore wind farms that I commissioned.
But the bad news is the Conservatives are failing dramatically to build on the green opportunity we helped create: of tumbling prices for wind and solar power, of a world-beating offshore wind industry, and of the world’s first ever low-carbon power market.
Tory policy announcements since May have caused the UK’s renewable energy investment to collapse, large numbers of green firms and jobs destroyed, and our international leadership role on climate change trashed.Conservative ministers are now unbelievably trying to blame this on Liberal Democrat so-called “profligacy”. Yet Tory claims that the low-carbon energy budget is overspent don’t stand up: they have conveniently forgotten that I negotiated a contingency just in case wholesale gas prices fell, as they now have. By not using that agreed contingency, the Conservatives are effectively cutting our long-term green energy investment. It’s economic and climate lunacy.
But because the Conservatives are misrepresenting these budget figures, we need parliament to hold them to account. The energy and climate change select committee needs to hold an inquiry into their bogus claims and expose them: thousands of jobs are at stake in Britain’s new solar and wind industries alone.
That inquiry also needs to consider the legal aspect. By slowing Britain’s investment in renewable energy, Britain may not now be able to meet either its Climate Change Act obligations or our various legally binding EU targets, such as producing 20% of our total energy from renewable sources by 2020.
In the chancellor’s spending review – due before the critical UN climate summit in Paris this December – we will see whether the Tories are embarking on a path designed to break Britain’s international renewable energy legal obligations. So if the Conservatives continue to cut back on renewable energy, it will undermine still further our previous global leadership on climate change – with potentially disastrous implications for these vital global climate change negotiations.
Link: http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/oct/23/tories-kill-renewable-energy-boom
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