Renewable Energy World Magazine - December 2010

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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010
renewable energy world
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PennEnergy Jobs 2010
Winter Catalogue
QATAR’S SOLAR
SHOWCASE
Blazing a Trail for Solar Thermal Cooling
volume 13 number 6
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Realise opportunities to develop large- A new era of renewables sector growth
scale sustainable local African markets for is set to emerge with the revised political
solar products. landscape of this vast continent.
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6
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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6 CONTENTS
23
QATAR’S SOLAR THE BIG QUESTION

SHOWCASE
Blazing a Trail for Solar Thermal Cooling Considering the short term of one to three
years, what technology advances may be ex-
pected in the CPV sector? What conversion
GET INTO AFRICA AUSTRALIA: RENEWABLE UPDATE
Realise opportunities to develop large- A new era of renewables sector growth efficiencies might be achieved and costs/kW
scale sustainable local African markets for is set to emerge with the revised political
solar products. landscape of this vast continent. installed reached? And what, if any, are the
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6 technical and investment barriers which must
be overcome in order to achieve these fore-
casts? ......................................................... 23
REGULARS Renewable Energy World asks leading players in the industry to
give their verdict on a key issue of the moment.
From the Editor ............................................. 6
News analysis ............................................... 9 THE LAST WORD

Featuring a review of E&Y’s latest renewable energy attractiveness
index, which saw China shrug off the US from the joint top spot; Could utilities find that smart grid
the role of patents technology transfer; the disparities between technology offers a useful tool in cutting
government subsidies for fossil fuels and renewable energy; and a carbon emissions? ......................................76
look at the blossoming renewable energy relationship between the Moves are afoot to adopt smart grids and smart meters in Europe,
EU and Africa. the Middle East and Africa but are the potential benefits they can
bring to the renewable energy industry yet fully understood ?
Diary ............................................................ 79 By Bastian Fischer
Advertisers’ index ....................................... 80
66 62
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CONTENTS
Key players: Wind ...................................... 47
36 Last year was a record-breaker for the global wind industry with
installations at an all-time high, but with the global economic crisis
continuing to bite and the time lags between project planning and
realisation widening in some key wind markets, we look at how the
majors are responding.
By David Beattie
PV set to ride out the downturn ................. 55

Public budget restraint and the weakening of the euro, while
presenting some difficulties, will not be sufficient to kill off growth
in the global PV market. Instead, new analysis suggests that it will
continue its expansion into next year with over 19 GW of
installations planned before softening only slightly in 2012.
By Henning Wicht, Stefan de Haan, and Greg Sheppard
China and the US – friends or foes in the

green revolution? ....................................... 62
Two schools of thought appear to dominate the relationships being
established between the two global renewable energy giants of
the US and China – one sees threats, the other opportunities. Can
FEATURES these traditional adversaries see past their differences to become
an unstoppable combined force for the greater, greener good?
Country profile: Australia ........................... 26 By Elisa Wood
The issue of coal, carbon emissions and climate change is a divi-
sive one in Australia, but on the back of a new political landscape Qatar’s Solar Showcase: Blazing a trail for
a major shift in emphasis is forecast, and with it the changing thermal cooling ........................................... 66
fortunes for renewable energy development. A newly built sports stadium near Doha in Qatar is showcasing
By Jackie Jones solar thermal cooling technology for a far larger scheme that has
been proposed. This will not only raise the profile of the technol-
Wind in the Balkans: Players, ogy it will perhaps also finally level the playing field for this long-
policy and opportunity ................................ 31 overlooked solar option.
The former Yugoslav republics have rebuilt themselves and moved By David Appleyard
on from the wars that ravaged their lands in the 1990s. Now
through the implementation of new renewable energy policies we Biomass: Scotland moves forward with
examine how wind power is being factored into their development largest biomass anaerobic digestor .......... 70
plans. As the emphasis in Europe on recycling and recovery grows, the
By Jeff Potter opportunities for small and medium-sized contractors to generate
energy from bio-waste have never been greater. Here we look at
Africa’s solar strategy: A new model the latest and largest AD scheme to be given the green light by
for sustainable market growth .................. 39 Scottish authorities.
It is time to think seriously about kick-starting real solar markets in By Daniel Leaver
Africa, markets with both scale and sustainability. Previous efforts
supporting solar projects are to be welcomed, but more ambition Company Results ........................................ 72
could engender a seachange for Africa’s solar sector. A roundup of some of the latest financial results from leading
By Mark Hankins renewable energy companies from around the world.
By Chris Webb and David Beattie
71
62
4 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010
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FROM THE EDITOR
I
s the renewable energy sector finally heading for a downturn after years of
unprecedented growth? It would of course be quite wrong to call time on an
industry that is by any standard a major force in the global power generation
sector and has enjoyed robust expansion year-on-year for perhaps a decade or
more. But it would also be unrealistic to expect such growth to continue indefinitely.
Group Publisher Ralph Boon
Chief Editor David Appleyard
And it cannot be denied that a number of indicators have emerged in recent weeks
Associate Editor David Beattie which suggest that , for example, the European wind sector is facing a period of
Consulting Editor Jackie Jones demand volatility and oversupply.
Production Editor Piers Evans
Design/Production Shyam Gosai
Vestas – whose latest financial results we cover in a new section beginning on page
Production Manager Kimberlee Smith 72 – says that while at the beginning of 2010, it resolved to retain substantial excess
Production Controller Rebecca Crews capacity in Europe in expectation of an increased demand in 2010 and 2011, it now
Sales Managers Peter Andersen, Natasha Cole,
Dan Harper, Kate Hart, Ekow Monney, Sandra believes that in 2011 European market growth will not live up to expectations. As
Spencer
a result, the company says, it has been compelled to adjust its capacity in Europe,
Digital Sales Manager Leo Wolfert
Marketing Manager Dorothee Petereit closing down of a number of factories, primarily in Denmark where costs are highest.
In total, around 3000 jobs will be lost.
Published by PennWell International Publications
Ltd, The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mills,
There is also evidence that the impact of a slowing market is being felt further
Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9
1BN, UK
up the supply chain. For instance, gearbox manufacturer Hansen Transmissions
Tel: +44 1992 65 6600 International NV recently announced that it will focus its future business strategy on
Fax: +44 1992 65 6700 wind energy. However, as part of a restructuring move it will reduce its current wind
e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
turbine gearbox manufacturing capacity by 1100 MW from a total capacity of
A detailed supplier listing and other
information can be found at 8700 MW. This reduction will help reduce the level of over-capacity and is ‘reflective
www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
of the continued volatility and uncertainty in the global wind energy market,’ the
Advertising: For information on advertising in
future issues of the magazine, please contact:
company said in a statement.
Ekow Monney on It may be that alongside the worst global economic recession in decades, the
+44 20 8679 5945 (direct), or
traditional markets for renewable energy technology are set for a downturn as the
Sandra Spencer on
+44 1992 656 664 (direct), or best sites are exploited, saturation levels are reached and the glory days which
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followed the introduction of feed-in tariffs are long gone. If anything, European
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+1 603 924 4405 ext 211
or e-mail rew@pennwell.com
However, while these traditionally strong markets may not be expected to grow as
vigorously as in previous years there is perhaps cause for optimism in the sector,
© 2010 PennWell International Publications Ltd with the growing strength of emerging markets.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced in any form or by any means, Indeed, according to the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA) president, Dr. Anil
whether electronic, mechanical or otherwise
including photocopying, recording or any
Kane: ‘The Asian markets and especially China with its impressive growth continue
information storage or retrieval system without the
prior written consent of the Publishers.
to be the main drivers of the world wind energy markets. Companies in the Asian
While every attempt is made to ensure the countries are now about to start exporting wind turbines and equipment on a larger
accuracy of the information contained in this
magazine, neither the Publishers nor the authors scale. Such new manufacturing capacities will further speed up the wind energy
accept any liability for errors or omissions.
deployment worldwide, mainly for new markets in the developing world.’
Opinions expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of the Publishers or Editor. This is a key observation and in this edition we look at several sectors that are
expected to witness significant growth, albeit starting from a platform of relative
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Renewable Energy World is
circulated free to professionals in the renewable underdevelopment.
energy industry. To start a free subscription visit
www.rew-subscribe.com. Professionals outside In our feature on page 31 we consider wind development in the Balkan states and
the renewable energy industry may start a paid
subscription. For pricing information visit __
www. review the prospects for the future. We also have an in-depth profile of the renewable
omeda.com/rew or call +1 847-559-7330.
_______ energy sector in Australia, starting on page 26, where we consider recent policy
Renewable Energy World is published six times developments and the growing impact of carbon markets. In addition, we include a
a year by PennWell International Publications Ltd,
The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mills, Powdermill number of articles looking at renewable energy development in Africa, for example
Lane, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1BN, UK, and
distributed in the USA SPP at 75 Aberdeen Road, presenting a series of considerations for policymakers on page 39.
Emigsville, PA 17318-043. Periodicals Postage
paid at Emigsville PA. Given the evidence presented here, it seems that the traditionally strongest
renewable energy markets of the US and Europe may be a long way from the boom
POSTMASTER: send address changes to
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times of a year or two ago. But that said, as a global industry developing markets
Emigsville, PA. 17318. mean that it is certainly far from bust.
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Member, BPA Worldwide
Chief Editor
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NEWS ANALYSIS
E&Y RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNTRY ATTRACTIVENESS INDEX
CHINA TOP FOR INVESTMENT
G
lobal consultancy group Gaining a point in the
Ernst & Young’s (E&Y) second quarter of the year was
recently published report Australia. The upturn followed
on renewable energy investment an amendement to the country’s
attractiveness has seen China renewable energy legislation which
push the US from the joint top spot has set a target of 20% of energy
after the failure of the US Senate’s from renewable energy while at the
proposed energy bill to include same time pledging A$625.5 million
a Federal Renewable Energy (€458 million) to set up a renewable
Standard Portfolio provision. energy future fund. For more
By not setting out a successor on Australia’s renewable energy
to its treasury grant programme prospects, see page 26.
after 2010, the Senate has left Japan also picked up a point
the country with no real incentive in the report following a 2.6-fold
mechanism for renewable energy growth in its solar cell market,
projects in the country, says E&Y. which according to E&Y, is a
The report’s wind index saw product of the country’s aggressive
the US drop two points after climate change policies.
reported difficulties faced by wind Meanwhile, New Zealand –
developers in obtaining credit on having launched an emissions
the back of low natural gas prices trading scheme – also picked up a
and slack demand for electricity, point in the report.
which had impacted the offtake of ‘Accepting there is a wide degree
wind power. of consensus in most developed
Spain also saw its score drop countries that they need to take
by one point as a result of current carbon out of their economies on
deliberations regarding retroactive a relatively aggressive basis over
change to photovoltaics tariffs, the next 20 years, it is reasonably
said E&Y in the latest in its series expected that, post recession,
of reports on national investment the long-term prospects for the
climates. renewables industry are buoyant,
If the Spanish plans are notwithstanding pressures on the
implemented, these changes public purse and sluggish growth,’
would likely have a significantly said the report.
detrimental effect on the county’s However, E&Y warns that the
relative rating across the entire renewables industry cannot afford
renewable sector, said the report. to be complacent and that there are
Germany also dropped a considerable challenges in both the
point, after – said E&Y – finally short and medium term, particularly
announcing cuts to solar PV it says, if the sector is to ‘take a
tariffs. This decision, believes the major if not dominant share of the
analysis authors, will stunt future energy mix as economies transition
installations ‘given the frantic rush to a low carbon environment.’
to install in the first half year to Continuing, it notes that
obtain the higher rates.’ detractors of the renewable energy
Also dropping one point was sector, particularly those in the US,
India, following the government’s have said that the cost of renewable
mandate for a local PV energy places a burden on general
manufacturers’ contribution as part industry, making it less competitive.
of the recently announced 22 GW ‘Certainly this is currently making
National Solar Mission for 2020. the cap-and-trade [incentive
According to E&Y, Indian PV scheme] difficult to implement. The
module makers’ production voluntary carbon offset market is in
capacity may not be able to keep widely reported difficulty, with the
up with the surging domestic COP16 global summit in Cancun in
demand, which in turn could impair November regarded as challenging,’
the country’s ability to meet its the authors note, adding: ‘The latter
highly ambitious solar target. particularly affects projects in the
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NEWS ANALYSIS
developing world which are often The impact of tightening fuel capacity have to be replaced likely to be whether they are able
dependent on joint implementation/ government finances on support for but also there is the requirement to provide the levels of capital
clean development and voluntary renewable energy will be a recurring for a huge increase in electricity required for unprecedented growth
offsets.’ theme in many jurisdictions over generation capacity overall as the or whether more players will enter
Credit lines are also still tight, the coming months, it added. energy market moves toward a the market.
found E&Y, with some economies China, as the new stand-alone greater use of electricity in relation Concluding, the E&Y report
taking ‘faltering steps’ to the leader of the E&Y All Renewables to transport and the provision of said: ‘For some of those engaged
restoration of growth. Index, is a good contrast, said heat.’ in the more emerging renewable
‘It is evident that a relatively the report, with its planned ‘The implications for this are technologies, fiscal pressure in
high proportion of recent European economy where capacity growth only just being thought through,’ it the West may cause difficulties.
projects have been reliant on is increasingly rapid, both in terms continued. Without early support, there may a
European Investment Bank of generation and manufacturing. ‘This may lead to a doubling of misplaced assumption by policy-
participation and in the US those According to E&Y, it is ‘small electricity generation in the UK makers, that room will still be
projects that go ahead, more often wonder that China has reached by 2050 notwithstanding radical available for newer technologies in
than not, are those which benefit the sole number one position in measures to increase energy the marketplace even if commercial
from US Treasury buyouts of the the Country Attractiveness All efficiency.’ deployment is delayed – either due
Production tax Credit/Investment Renewables Index for the first time, The report continued: ‘For to fiscal pressures or intolerance of
Tax Credit.’ while the position of the US shows governments, the challenge may the inevitable early stage setbacks.
Also key to the development signs of slipping further if more well be the extent to which market- It will require considerable resolution
of the sector is government action does not occur.’ based solutions are able to provide on the part of policy-makers to
involvement in financing. This, The report continued: ‘For the speed of change and scale of create an environment to ensure that
according to E&Y, has been market-based economies in the investment required to achieve new technologies get the support
exemplified by the UK’s new developed world, the opportunity carbon targets or indeed match the they need when they need it.’
coalition government plan to set up for renewables is greater than many level of investment in China.’
a green investment bank. perceive – as not only does fossil For corporates, the challenge is David Beattie
ERNST AND YOUNG ALL RENEWABLES INVESTMENT INDEX
Rank Previous Country All renewables Wind Onshore Offshore Solar Solar Solar Biomass/ Geothernal Infrastructure
rank index PV CSP others
1 1 China 69 75 78 67 59 66 40 57 51 74
2 1 US 67 68 72 56 72 71 74 62 67 61
3 3 Germany 63 65 63 71 55 66 22 63 54 62
4 4 India 62 63 71 42 65 66 62 58 44 63
5 5 Italy 61 62 65 53 65 67 59 56 66 67
5 5 UK 61 67 64 77 38 51 0 59 38 70
7 7 France 58 60 62 56 53 64 24 58 30 62
8 8 Spain 56 57 62 42 64 63 68 50 33 55
9 9 Canada 53 60 65 46 32 44 0 49 34 62
10 10 Portugal 51 54 58 42 48 57 22 45 32 56
10 10 Ireland 51 58 58 57 26 36 0 48 28 61
12 12 Greece 50 52 56 41 55 60 41 41 32 52
12 12 Australia 50 50 54 41 54 57 46 45 59 53
14 14 Sweden 49 52 52 53 32 43 0 55 34 51
15 15 Netherlands 47 53 51 57 34 47 0 40 21 43
16 16 Poland 46 51 54 42 32 43 0 42 23 47
16 16 Belgium 46 52 50 57 31 42 0 39 28 52
16 16 Brazil 46 47 51 35 41 46 30 48 22 46
19 19 Japan 45 45 48 39 51 61 25 35 40 49
20 19 Denmark 44 47 44 56 29 40 0 45 32 51
21 21 Norway 43 48 49 45 22 30 0 44 30 49
22 22 New Zealand 42 47 51 36 24 32 0 34 50 45
23 22 Turkey 41 43 46 35 39 43 28 36 43 44
24 24 South Africa 40 43 46 34 37 34 44 34 31 41
25 25 Austria 37 34 46 0 40 54 0 49 34 52
26 26 Czech 35 33 45 0 40 55 0 38 30 41
Republic
27 26 Finland 34 35 34 37 19 26 0 49 23 37
ERNST AND YOUNG RANKINGS OUT OF 100
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ENERGY TECHNOLOGY PATENTS
MORE TRANSPARENCY REQUIRED

ON CLEAN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
The European Patent Office in Berlin
I
t is accepted that clean energy and transfer and this process there has been little data. should be considered.
technology development will will have to be further developed The empirical study, jointly Commenting on the study, EPO
be pivotal in mitigating climate in Cancun, Mexico, in UNFCCC undertaken by the United Nations president, Benoît Battistelli, said:
change and that transferring meetings in December, due as REW Environment Programme (UNEP), ‘The joint study is both exemplary
this technology to developing goes to press. the European Patent Office and ground-breaking in its cross-
economies will be equally important But for all the perceived value in (EPO) and the International sector collaboration to deliver
in making these economies developing and transferring clean Centre for Trade and Sustainable results that have a direct benefit
more socially responsible while energy technologies (CETs) there Development (ICTSD), assessed to society. Patents play a key role
supporting economic growth. has been little empirical data on the the role of patents in the transfer in providing information about
Last year’s UN Copenhagen relationship between technology of CETs and concludes that: policy existing technologies, the level of
climate summit may have been development and transfer, that is processes and signals do matter; their development and geographic
considered a failure in terms until now. accurate and publicly available spread. This information facilitates
of absolute emission reduction A new study: ‘Patents and clean information is urgently needed an informed debate on climate
agreements, but it did call for the energy: bridging the gap between on existing and emerging CETs; change.’
establishment of a mechanism to evidence and policy’ sets out to and, options to facilitate licensing Achim Steiner, UN Under-
accelerate technology development provide facts where previously of CETs to developing countries Secretary and executive director
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NEWS ANALYSIS
of UNEP, said: ‘Far from being a Six countries – Japan, US, costs involved, identifying a suitable R&D activities, patent out-licensing
drag on economies and innovation, Germany, South Korea, UK partner and the right licensing and joint ventures over patent
international efforts to combat and France – are the main conditions. As the survey notes, the pooling and cross-licensing.
climate change have sparked clean technology innovators, willingness to out-license is often Looking to the future, and the
technological creativity on low with the report finding that the much higher than the actual level of development of a clean technology
carbon, resource efficient green concentration of patenting activity licensing and the findings suggest patent landscape, the EPO has
economy solutions. The challenge in these countries reflects patenting this trend will be even greater for developed and launched a new
now is to find ways in which these trends in other technology sectors. clean energy technologies. classification scheme for patents
advances can be diffused, spread Accordingly, these six countries The report notes: ‘This overall in climate change mitigation
and transferred everywhere so that account for almost 80% of all patent difficulty with markets for licensing technologies, starting with CETs.
the benefits to both economies and applications in the CETs reviewed, may create particular challenges According to the EPO, this scheme
the climate are shared by the many with each showing leadership in in the case of CETs, where rapid will ‘provide continuous, accurate
rather than the few.’ different technology sectors. diffusion is needed. Thus there and user-friendly patent information
And ICTSD chief executive But when CET patent data is a need for improving market and thus help to improve the
Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz added: is benchmarked against total conditions and encouraging transparency of the patent system
‘A massive scale-up of use patenting activity (i.e. across all licensing in the context of efforts in this critical technology sector.’
and diffusion of Clean Energy technology sectors) in a given to enhance technology transfer to While this report has provided
a clearer picture of the CET
Far from being a drag on economies and innovation, international efforts development and transfer market it
nonetheless has, as with previous
to combat climate change have sparked technological creativity on low studies, focused primarily on the
carbon, resource efficient green economy solutions supply-side perspective. Clearly
more information is needed on
Technologies globally, and in country, other nations feature developing countries. For the time the demand side of the debate
particular to developing countries, strongly in the patent league. For being, where licensing agreements and the study also further notes
is imperative for effective climate example, India features within have been entered into, the main that a survey capturing the views
change mitigation and adaptation. the top five countries for solar beneficiaries are actors in China, of entities in the developing world
This study provides evidence photovoltaic and Brazil and Mexico India, Brazil and Russia.’ seeking access to CETs is essential
and key insights towards a better share the top two positions in On out-licensing activity the for a broader understanding of the
understanding of the challenges hydro/marine. survey found that intellectual issues at stake.
facing this objective.’ Unsurprisingly, the majority of property (IP) protection in the The study also recommends
The project comprised three activity in terms of patent filing country of the licensee was an that future work and refinements
parts: a technology-mapping study trends between countries takes important consideration when are required to identify patented
of key CETs, a survey of licensing place in the patent offices of the top determining whether to enter inventions that have been
practices, and a patent landscape six patenting countries with China into a licensing agreement, but commercialised in the marketplace,
based on the identified CETs. being the next most important that IP protection in the recipient reasoning that this would give a
For the purposes of the study patent filing destination for the top country was not the only significant better idea of which technologies
CETs are defined as energy six countries. factor for licensing agreements in are working and inducing
generation technologies with the The second part of the study, the developing countries. Overall, the technological change. And, it
potential to reduce greenhouse gas licensing survey, was structured in survey found that respondents adds that a study of patenting by
emissions. three parts and addressed different attach slightly more weight publicly-funded institutions and
According to the study, patenting
rates (i.e. patent applications and
granted patents) in the selected The majority of activity in terms of patent filing trends between countries
CETs have increased at roughly takes place in the patent offices of the top six patenting countries with
20% annually since the adoption
of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997
China being the next most important destination
with patenting in CETs outpacing
‘traditional’ energy technologies. elements of the respondents’ to factors such as scientific universities would be important in
The report argues that the adoption licensing practices and activities, infrastructure, human capital, helping to understand the source
of the Kyoto Protocol ‘provides a participation in collaborative favourable market conditions of new technologies and the role
strong signal that political decisions intellectual property (IP) and investment climates, while of government funding in their
setting adequate frameworks mechanisms and R&D activities, licensing-intensive respondents development.
are important for stimulating the and finally it looked at licensing attach much greater importance to Although this study has not
development of CETs,’ and notes practices in CETs in relation to IP protection. provided all the answers, it
that the most intensive patent developing countries. A total of 160 Interestingly, 70% of was never intended to. What
growth has been seen in solar key organisations responded to respondents are prepared to it has provided is a greater
photovoltaic, wind, carbon capture, the survey, which was 30% of the offer more flexible terms when understanding on the geographic/
hydro/marine and biofuels. sample size. licensing to developing countries demographic development of CETs
Not surprisingly the study found Overall the survey found there with limited financial capacity, and the limitations on transferring
that patenting in the selected is little CET out-licensing activity with academic institutions and these technologies to the areas of
CET fields is dominated by OECD towards developing countries public bodies being more willing greatest demand – the developing
countries, although it notes that a among the survey participants, but than private enterprises to provide economies. Further work is
number of emerging economies are that this level of activity is no lower accommodating licensing terms to required on CET transfer and
showing specialisation in individual than in other industries. Indeed, developing-country recipients. And further progress is required in this
sectors and are thus providing if the lessons of other industries in terms of size, small and medium- area at Cancun if tangible progress
further competition to the OECD are to be followed by CETs then sized enterprises are more likely on climate change mitigation is to
dominance and potentially, it says, there will be a number of hurdles than multinationals to offer more be achieved.
changing the future of the CET to overcome in out-licensing – due flexible terms. Additionally, most
patent landscape. to factors such as the transaction organisations favour collaborative Jeremy Wilcox
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NEWS ANALYSIS
ACTION ON SUBSIDY SPLIT
OIL AND RENEWABLES

SLICING THE SUBSIDY PIE
Fossil fuel subsidies are
encouraging energy waste, the
IEA believes BP
E
ven though governments support, does the oil industry have Administration (EIA). $4 billion into loan guarantees for
throughout the world are any reason to worry? ‘Removing subsidies is usually renewable energy.
vowing to expand green It appears so. Several nations very unpopular with consumers, But still, stimulus money is not
energy, they continue to give far have begun analysing the disparity and that makes it a challenge to expected to eliminate the problem.
more subsidies to fossil fuels than with an eye toward rolling back exact such changes, particularly in To that end, IEA has undertaken
renewable – 10 to 12 times more, at least some of the subsidies. countries with difficult sociopolitical further analysis of fossil fuel
according to recent reports. G20 leaders, in particular, have circumstances’, said EIA in its subsidies published in the World
Bloomberg New Energy Finance expressed consternation about International Energy Outlook 2010. Energy Outlook 2010.
identified US$43–$46 billion last the inequity, and are discussing a While the US was not included The IEA argues that phasing out
year allotted by governments for phase-out of the subsidies. Their among the 37 countries analyzed the fossil fuel subsidies could have
renewable energy. Meanwhile, concern is that fossil fuel subsidies by IEA, it too has traditionally a profound impact, reducing global
oil, coal and gas received distort markets, encourage fuel given more incentives to fossil energy demand 5.8% by 2020, the
$557 billion in subsidies from the gluttony and undercut efforts to fuels than renewable energy. The amount of energy used in Japan,
37 countries that represent 95% expand clean energy. US allotted $72 billion to fossil Korea, Australia and New Zealand
of global subsidisation of fossil Consumers in the 37 countries fuels from 2002–2008, but only combined. It would cut global
fuels in 2008, says the International analysed by IEA on average paid $29 billion to renewable energy oil demand by 6.5 mb/d in 2020,
Energy Agency (IEA). In its latest only 71% of the market price for oil. over the same period, according to which is about one third the amount
World Energy Outlook the IEA says Middle Eastern nations, in particular, the Environmental Law Institute. used by the US. The phase-out
that government support for both are known for large subsidies to The wide discrepancy is also would reduce carbon dioxide
electricity from renewables and fossil fuels. For example, in 2008, expected to narrow in 2009–2010 emissions 6.9% by 2020, equivalent
biofuels was $57 billion in 2009, of Iranian consumers paid 38 US as governments disperse stimulus to the current emissions of France,
which $37 billion was allocated to cents per gallon for gasoline and funds. The US, alone, directed Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK
the former. Saudi Arabians about 61 US cents, $16.8 billion of stimulus dollars into combined.
With such a gap in government says the US Energy Information green energy, and an additional ‘The analysis we have carried
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NEWS ANALYSIS
out in collaboration with other eight countries – Australia, France, Sustainable Development (IISD). a prime funding source: Koch
international organisations at the Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa And even if the energy poverty Industries. According to a March
request of G20 leaders, and which and the UK – said they have no issue is resolved don’t expect the 2010 report from Greenpeace:
is set out in this outlook, shows that inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. reversal of fossil fuel subsidies to be ‘Koch Industries: Secretly Funding
removing fossil fuel consumption Nonetheless, commenting on easy, warned conference speakers. the Climate Denial Machine’ the
subsidies, which totaled $312 the World Energy Outlook, WWF Oil companies are well organised company has outspent even oil
billion in 2009, could make a big director of Global Energy Policy, and their subsidies are not always major ExxonMobil in lobbying
contribution to meeting energy Stephan Singer, said the NGO highly visible, said GSI’s Kerryn against climate change policies.
security and environmental goals, is highly gratified with the IEA’s Lang, who pegged US oil and The report pegs Koch efforts at
including mitigating carbon dioxide growing emphasis on energy gas industry spending on political $24.9 million from 2005 to 2008 and
and other emissions,’ said Tanaka. efficiency and renewable energy lobbying at $175 million in 2009. ExxonMobil’s at a relatively modest
He added: ‘The commitment to enhance effective carbon $8.9 million.
made by G20 leaders meeting abatement regimes. ‘We are OIL VERSUS RENEWABLES ‘Koch Industries has become a
in the US city of Pittsburgh in pleased that they highlight the Indeed, oil’s lobbying might financial kingpin of climate science
September 2009 to ‘rationalise and need to overcome the approximate became apparent in the US this denial and clean energy opposition’,
phase out over the medium term annual $700 billion in fossil fuel year as carbon dioxide cap-and- says the Greenpeace study.
inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that subsidies. This money, about 1% of trade proposals languished before Such clout creates unease
encourage wasteful consumption’ global GDP, needs to go to support Congress. While cap-and-trade is among renewable energy
has the potential to, at least partly, renewable and energy conservation not classed as a subsidy per se, it developers, who worry that it will be
balance the disappointment of and help the poor.’ is viewed by supporters as a way to neither quick nor easy to do away
Copenhagen. This commitment Indeed, one issue under debate create a more level financial playing with fossil fuel subsidies.
was made in recognition that is the role some fossil fuel subsidies field between clean energy and John Kourtoff, President and
subsidies can distort markets, can play in preventing energy poverty. fossil fuels. Chief Executive Officer of Toronto-
impede investment in clean energy While industrialised countries The battle also made its way based Trillium Power Wind, recently
sources and can thereby undermine tend to subsidise production of down to the states. In New York, lamented that the tangle of fossil
efforts to deal with climate change.’ fossil fuels, poor nations are apt to protesters chanted ‘cap-and- fuel subsidies is so complex, even
However, the effectiveness of the underwrite costs to guarantee heat tax’ outside the headquarters of the US Department of Energy and
G-20 agreement remains to be seen, and power to the citizenry. the Regional Greenhouse Gas the Federal Energy Regulatory
since it calls for elimination only of ‘In this background, some Initiative in September. Meanwhile, Commission admit to finding it
‘inefficient’ subsidies. It is unknown countries may consider it necessary in California, similar bombs were difficult to unweave. ‘So how is
how nations will define ‘inefficient.’ to continue subsidising the access being launched in an attempt the average person gong to figure
When they met in Toronto, just 11 of of their poorest communities to to overthrow the state’s Global it out?’ said the offshore wind
the G20 countries produced plans energy’, said Harsha Singh, deputy Warming Solutions Act through a developer. ‘I’d be happy to beat
to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. director general of the World Trade ballot initiative. anyone as long as everything is on
They were Argentina, Canada, Organization at the 14 October According to green energy the table’.
Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, meeting in Geneva of the Global advocates who study the money
Korea, Mexico, Russia, Turkey and Subsidies Initiative (GSI), a project flow of anti-cap-and-trade initiatives
the United States. At the same time of the International Institute for one name keeps emerging as Elisa Wood
RE GROWTH FORECAST IN IEA’S 2010 OUTLOOK

Fossil fuels’ share of the overall energy mix key to how energy markets will evolve over the made available. In the New Policies Scenario,
falls in favour of renewable energy sources next few years. But WEO-2010 demonstrates government intervention in support of
– and nuclear – over the outlook period as that it is what governments do, and how that renewables (electricity from renewables and
forecast in the International Energy Agency’s action affects technology, the price of energy biofuels) increases from $57 billion in 2009
new World Energy outlook reports (WEO- services and end-user behaviour, that will to $205 billion (in 2009 dollars) by 2035. The
2010) to 2035, the latest in its series. shape the future of energy in the longer term. share of modern renewable energy sources,
However, oil nonetheless remains the We need to use energy more efficiently and including hydro, wind, solar, geothermal,
leading fuel in the energy mix by 2035, followed we need to wean ourselves off fossil fuels modern biomass and marine energy, in global
by coal, the IEA states. This is despite the IEA’s by adopting technologies that leave a much primary energy use triples between 2008 and
conclusion that the oil price is set to rise. The smaller carbon footprint.’ 2035 and their combined share in total primary
central scenario in this year’s Outlook – the Tanaka added: ‘It is hard to overstate the energy demand increases from 7% to 14%.
New Policies Scenario – forecasts the average growing importance of China in global energy. However, the energy trends envisioned in
IEA crude oil price to rise from just over $60 in How the country responds to the threats to the New Policies Scenario imply that national
2009 to $113 per barrel (in year-2009 dollars) global energy security and climate posed by commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas
in 2035. The New Policies Scenario takes rising fossil-fuel use will have far-reaching emissions, while expected to have some
account of the broad policy commitments and consequences for the rest of the world. China impact, are collectively inadequate to meet the
plans that have been announced by countries is at the forefront of efforts to increase the Copenhagen Accord’s overall goal of holding
around the world. share of new low-carbon energy technologies, the global temperature increase to below 2°C.
In that central scenario, world primary including alternative vehicles, which will help ‘A lack of ambition in the Copenhagen
energy demand increases by 36% between to drive down their costs through faster rates Accord pledges has increased our estimated
2008 and 2035, or 1.2% per year on average. of technology learning and economies of cost of reaching the 2°C goal by $1 trillion
Releasing the document, Nobuo Tanaka, scale, and boost their deployment worldwide.’ and undoubtedly made it less likely that the
executive director of the International Energy He continued: ‘Renewable energy can goal will actually be achieved. The technology
Agency, commented: ‘The energy world play a central role in reducing carbon-dioxide exists today to enable such a change, but the
is facing unprecedented uncertainty. The emissions and diversifying energy supplies, required rate of technological transformation
strength of the economic recovery holds the but only if strong and sustained support is would be unprecedented,’ said Tanaka.
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Conference & Exhibition

Co-located with:
7-9 JUNE 2011 FIERA MILANO CITY, MILAN ITALY
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
A three-day event, Renewable Energy World Europe Conference and Expo offers unrivalled networking
opportunities connecting the utility-scale renewables and general power industry, with a busy exhibition
floor populated by major players in the renewable sector, alongside a high-level conference featuring
strategic and technical presentations by leading experts in the renewable energy field.
Both conference and exhibition floor attract the industry’s leading professionals and key decision makers,
whose innovation and expertise are helping to shape the future of renewable energy production and usage.
Exhibition Scope
• Building and managing a utility renewable energy portfolio
• New technologies and systems:
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• Photovoltaics
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• Bioenergy (biomass and biogas)
• Learning from the experiences of experts in the field
Join us in Milan for Europe’s largest power industry networking event.
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD EUROPE

ADDRESSING THE HOT BUTTON ISSUES
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NEWS ANALYSIS
EU-AFRICA ENERGY PACT
EU BOOST FOR AFRICA’S NEW

RENEWABLE DEVELOPMENT
significant, RECP will begin with

a relatively modest €5 million
(US$7 million) of EU funding to
support the programme’s three-
year start-up phase, which will lay
the groundwork for its activities.
In light of the scale of the
challenge in Africa, it is fair to ask
what RECP hopes to add to the
many initiatives already underway
involving Europe, both at EU and
individual member state level,
especially as the African Union (AU)
lacks the legislative clout with its
national members enjoyed by its
colleagues in Brussels. The answer
seems to be that RECP is intended
to focus the two continents’
collective minds on the job in hand.
Launching the programme,
Europe’s commissioner for
European and African Union commissioners meet in Addis Ababa AFRICA AND EUROPE IN PARTNERSHIP development, Andris Piebalgs,
said that RECP is not itself a new
T
ravellers to Cape Verde will continent, is a far more daunting driven approach the EU has financing instrument for investments
soon spot visible evidence of challenge. adopted within its own borders. but is instead intended to add value
the tiny African island nation’s There are a host of good reasons Its goals include building at least to other programmes that involve
big ambitions in renewable energy for the EU to drive renewables 5 GW of wind power, 500 MW of the EU and its members. Piebalgs
set against its beautiful volcanic development in Africa. These range solar capacity and 10 GW of new made it clear that for the objectives
landscape. from an ethical imperative to bring hydropower facilities. set out in RECP to be met, ‘political
By 2012, the 28 MW Cabeolica clean energy to some of the world’s Along with general measures will’ is a prerequisite in Europe and
wind facility should be helping poorest people to hard-headed to boost energy efficiency, the Africa alike.
Cape Verde achieve its target of commercial considerations. China partner agencies hope this Amanda Luxande, manager of
meeting a quarter of its needs from sees Africa as a major source renewable capacity will contribute the Southern Africa secretariat of
renewable sources. of trade in renewable energy to the overall AEEP goal of bringing the Renewable Energy and Energy
The technology to power technology and is already a major ‘modern and sustainable energy Efficiency Partnership (REEEP),
Cabeolica will come from wind backer of projects on the continent, services to at least an additional believes pan-continental level co-
turbine manufacturer Vestas of a fact that EU-based companies 100 million Africans by 2020’. operation pacts such as RECP can
Denmark. The cash needed to are all too aware of. RECP hopes that renewables have a positive effect in this regard.
make it happen will come from Brussels’ latest initiative to development in Africa will benefit REEEP works in developing
€45 million of loans from the build strong links with the Africa’s from a high-level cementing of ties nations to help governments
European Investment Bank – the nascent renewables infrastructure with Europe, one of the world’s to create favourable policy
financing arm of the European was unveiled in the autumn in the regional powerhouses of clean frameworks for renewables, and
Union – and the local African form of the Renewable Energy Co- energy policy and innovation. to promote innovative finance and
Development Bank. operation Programme (RECP). Among the methods proposed to commercial models that can help
For Cape Verde, this is a triumph The programme is a joint help it achieve its goals are stronger kick-start the sector. That means
of Euro-African co-operation. initiative with the African Union links between Africa and the EU’s that it is working on the ground
With their first-rate natural wind under the umbrella of the Africa-EU formidable R&D base; clearer routes to achieve many of the same
resource, the technology is clearly Energy Partnership (AEEP), a wider for technology transfer; improved objectives set out by RECP.
the perfect fit for the islands. strategic energy pact between data on renewable options on the ‘High level agreements are
However, replicating it with other the two bodies that has been continent; and promoting better critical in securing the political
renewables projects large and operational since 2007. access to finance and ‘renewables- will of governments to accelerate
small across Africa, and especially RECP brings to African friendly’ policy frameworks. the uptake of RE systems,’
the sub-Saharan region of the renewables a flavour of the target- While its ambitions are said Luxande. ‘However, such
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NEWS ANALYSIS
agreements ought to stipulate (ARE), which also emphasised the make a significant contribution, Scott Brodsky, a partner at
how they will be implemented on need to get the right technologies despite its modest beginnings. law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf in
the ground, with what resources, in place for specific regional needs ‘RECP is a programme with very Johannesburg and a specialist in
and also define the roles and and to make sure technical support limited financial resources and energy project financing, said that
responsibilities of the different mechanisms are embedded locally. manpower. However, ARE believes while not quite over the finishing
stakeholders.’ According to ARE, rural and that it has the potential to become line, REFIT has the potential to
Technology transfer is one area off-grid renewable projects are a substantial catalyst with real finally unleash South Africa’s
where Luxande believes European currently poorly served by existing impact,’ the organisation said. renewables potential.
input could make a significant arrangements. ‘We need deeper The cautiously positive reaction ‘While there are a number of key
difference, given the current understanding on how to embed of bodies such as REEEP and ARE steps still to be taken, I believe
limitations of specific renewable renewable energy systems into suggests that those involved in South Africa is well on its way to a
expertise in Africa. local communities, safeguarding renewables development on the successful programme that will see
However, she warned that ‘this sustainable operations and ground are sympathetic to RECP’s the first projects selected in 2011
can only be an interim intervention. management.’ aims, if it can more sharply focus and that is set to continue for the
Africa’s long-term vision should ARE believes there is a mismatch the EU’s various other programmes next 20 years and beyond,’ said
be looking to create green jobs, between these actual research and initiatives on delivering the right Brodsky.
establishing its own manufacturing needs on the ground and the technology for the right conditions As well as providing clean energy
capacity for RE technologies that funding programmes currently in the right part of Africa. and jobs, Brodsky said the ‘huge
are designed to work within this available under the EU’s framework, Technology is by no means the prize’ is on offer of a manufacturing,
particular climate.’ claiming that previous programmes only issue facing RE implementation knowledge and skills base that
According to Luxande, the have tended to ignore the off-grid in Africa, however, and many can benefit South Africa and be
application of inappropriate or distributed sector. industry observers say construction exported across the region.
systems that lack local technical It will recommend to RECP of the right policies and incentives Some African nations such as
support and maintenance resources that it takes steps to improve this will be key that unlocks the door to Kenya have already embraced this
has sometimes contributed to a situation, and called on the EU to growth. approach. According to Brodsky,
negative perception of renewable launch a specialist energy research As is often the case in sub- if the EU and AU under RECP
energy sources on the continent. co-operation programme with Saharan Africa, many are looking can help the process of putting
‘Any technological transfer should developing nations. to South Africa to take the lead programmes and incentives in
be accompanied by a transfer ARE said if RECP can help role in developing a renewable place across the continent to make
of skills in their operations and the development of technologies energy infrastructure. The country renewables-based projects viable,
maintenance,’ Luxande said. that could be especially useful in is currently working through the it would be making a valuable and
Luxande’s support in principle an African context – for example various legal and regulatory steps lasting contribution.
for RECP was echoed by the energy storage or metering devices needed to complete its REFIT
Alliance for Rural Electrification for mini-grids – then it could still programme of feed-in tariffs. Andrew Lee
ONE WORLD. ONE SOURCE.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS.

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THE BIG QUESTION THE BIG QUESTION
CONCENTRIX SOLAR
IG
THE BON
QUESTI SOLFOCUS
What does the future

hold for the concentrating
PV sector?
Each issue, Renewable Energy World asks leading players in the industry to
give their verdict on a key issue of the moment.
Considering the short term of one to three years, what technology
advances may be expected in the CPV sector? What conversion
efficiencies might be achieved and costs/kW installed reached?
And what, if any, are the technical and investment barriers which
must be overcome in order to achieve these forecasts?
JEROEN HABERLAND, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CIRCADIAN SOLAR

In the next three years lowering We expect the current but also by the combination of The key barrier to investment
manufacturing costs will be trend of 1% annual increases in high efficiency optics, optimal is 'bankability' - the requirement
crucial to the CPV industry. As research cell efficiency, from the concentration factor, innovative to guarantee to financiers the
well as the gains from adopting 2010 level of 42%, to continue, thermal management, high kWh energy yield from CPV
best practises and economies of although advances in cells accuracy solar tracking and systems over 25 years for a given
scale, part of the cost reductions with more optimum bandgap through automated precision investment in the plant. Without
will come from advances in cell combinations could deliver more assembly too. this, either the cost of finance will
manufacturing techniques to significant increases. Production Commercially, the emphasis be very high, or there will be no
lower the amount of material cell efficiencies meanwhile will increasingly be placed on finance. Publicly funded projects
required in each cell. Exploiting will most likely continue to lag levelised cost of electricity are one of the best/only ways to
increasingly optimised bandgap behind world record research (LCOE), rather than just demonstrate bankability and well
combinations, either by cell efficiencies by 2%–3%. system efficiency and system thought out incentives, such as
metamorphic growth or by layer Overall system efficiencies are price/ watt, since LCOE is feed-in tariffs, will be an important
transfer techniques, will produce expected to rise to around 32% the key determining factor in enabler for the industry to reach
cells with higher fundamental by 2013. This will be driven not commercial payback and return the economies of scale necessary
efficiency limits. just by cell efficiency increases, on investment. to reduce system costs.
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THE BIG QUESTION
CARLA PIHOWICH, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, AMONIX
The most important technology has by far the greatest efficiency potential for cost reduction than its challenges – cell performance
advances in CPV solar over of any solar technology. In conventional PV technologies must be effectively transferred
the next three years will be addition, as we have done in such as single-crystal silicon and to production environments, for
performance improvements to the past, Amonix will deploy thin-film PV, which are nearing example. But we believe these
III-V multi-junction cells and how performance improvements performance limitations that will challenges can be managed.
they are integrated into CPV. over the next year that will make it difficult for them to drop Bottom line, efficiency
Amonix incorporated III-V lessen the gap between cell and below their current installed improvements combined with
multi-junction cells into our system efficiency. In the years to system costs. In contrast, the the future cost advantages
systems in 2007 leading to come, we expect multi-junction CPV performance advantage of CPV over PV, the greater
dramatic improvements in production cell efficiencies will has plenty of headroom and can deployment flexibility – and the
efficiency – currently 39% at reach 42% or higher using achieve continual reductions in advantage of using no water
the cell level, which translates current or new high-efficiency the levelised cost of electricity compared with CSP systems –
into 31% at the module level cell designs. (LCOE). make CPV the best choice for
and 27% at the system level. At On the question of cost, we Achieving the cell and utility-scale solar deployments in
these levels of efficiency, CPV believe that CPV offers greater system efficiencies is not without sunny and dry climates.
NANCY HARTSOCH, VICE PRESIDENT SALES ANDREAS W. BETT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR,

AND MARKETING, SOLFOCUS FRAUNHOFER ISE
In 2010 industry-leading CPV high energy yield resulting in a Concentrating PV and sites with solar radiation of more
companies have become very strong value proposition, specifically HCPV technology is than 2400 kWh/m²/year.
commercial, demonstrating which will become even more now ready to enter the market. One has to take into
scalable deployment, bankable commanding in the future. I am aware this has already consideration that for the
products, and volume Bankability of the technology been said, but the difference moment the cost per installed
manufacturing. So what does lie remains perhaps the biggest is that there are now serious kW is not an appropriate
ahead for CPV? hurdle, however, this is rapidly companies in the market. measure for CPV technology.
One way to describe changing through thorough due
CPV’s path over the next one diligence on the technology and The CPV industry must teach and
to three years is that it will creative approaches to reduce demonstrate reliability – a major
have a steep trajectory. CPV the risk for developers. obstacle today for bankability
conversion efficiencies are on Certification to industry
a steep upward path. System standards for CPV combined They have set up production This is simply because the
efficiencies of 26%+ today will with multiple years of on-sun capacities which are in the two- corresponding rating standards
continue to increase as CPV performance and reliability digit MW range, and collectively for CPV are not yet established.
cell efficiencies move from 39% data also contributes to the the production capacity today is Indeed, missing standards can
upwards to 45%. increasing adoption of CPV into more than 150 MW. Two years be seen as one hurdle for CPV
Manufacturing costs for CPV large distributed and utility-scale ago it was less than 10 MW. This and a barrier for investors.
systems are also on a steep projects around the globe. achievement is an important Consequently, the financial side
trajectory, but going downward, With 150 MW forecast to milestone for CPV and the first must learn more about CPV
as factories are ramped from be deployed in 2011, CPV has step to overcome their infancy. technology and the industry
manufacturing hundreds of finally turned the corner on In respect to technology must teach and demonstrate
kW to hundreds of MW per commercialisation and is moving advances, due to steady and reliability – a major obstacle
year. The upward efficiency forward into a market where its continuous improvement for today for bankability.
trajectory combined with the high energy yield with the largest cells, optics and tracking CPV- At present CPV struggles
rapidly declining manufacturing energy output/MW installed has system AC operating efficiency not so much with technology,
cost trajectory provides a very the potential to dramatically will eventually be 25% on an but with funding. However, this
steep reduction in terms of change the opportunity for the average. System efficiencies as barrier will soon be overcome,
the levelised cost of electricity PV market. Add in the need high as 30 % are possible, but for example if guarantees
(LCOE) for CPV in the upcoming for environmentally friendly it will take more than three years can be provided by the CPV
three years. technology and it provides an to achieve this goal. These high companies.
In 2010 CPV won extremely low carbon footprint, efficiencies, in combination with It is then that the growth and
competitive bids around along with low cost of energy, advancing along a steep learning the technology development
the world against other PV It becomes easy to forecast a curve, will lead to energy costs speeds up, leading to still lower
technologies because of its major impact by CPV solar. in the range of €0.10/kWh at CPV costs.
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THE BIG QUESTION
HANSJÖRG LERCHENMÜLLER, CEO AND FOUNDER, CONCENTRIX SOLAR
Leading players in the CPV will be available within the achieved a 27% module reduce the time delay normally
sector continue to surpass mentioned time period. In the efficiency in production and associated with utility-scale
record module and system long term, it will be integrated that we have commercial plants solar power plants.
efficiencies, leveraging optical exclusively into Concentrix' of hundreds of kilowatts, we In terms of bankability,
and electrical expertise to systems. foresee no major roadblocks Soitec Concentrix have
optimise output from the world’s Prices for a full turnkey CPV on performance reliability and partnered with energy efficiency
highest efficiency III-V cells. power plant are today already cost for the CPV industry for and sustainability company
CPV systems are below $4/watt and will go driving down the levelised cost Johnson Controls, which
typically twice as efficient as down to $3/watt in the coming of electricity (LCOE) produced will build, operate, maintain
conventional PV systems, with
current module efficiencies at
It is well established that CPV technology provides 40% to 50%
27% and expecting to break the
remarkable 30% barrier in the
more energy output than conventional PV and due to its use of
near future. dual-axis tracking, maintains a consistent, high output during
At Soitec Concentrix periods of peak demand, when energy prices are highest
we are currently working on
the next generation of smart years. Specific prices very much to reach grid parity levels. and provide lifecycle support
cell technology which is depend on size, the site of the Key issues from an for solar installations using
targeting cell efficiency of 50% power plant and timing. At the investment point of view are Concentrix CPV technology.
– in turn leading to a system same time, it is well established a relatively quick return on The combination of
efficiency of more than 35%. that CPV technology provides investment and bankability. the respective strengths of
Soitec’s patented Smart Cut™ some 40% to 50% more energy The scalability of CPV helps both companies will provide
technology, used for over a output than conventional PV to address this – due to the advantages, allowing the
decade in the semiconductor and due to its use of dual-axis modularity of the technology, partners to accelerate and
industry, will provide crucial tracking, maintains a consistent, the project size can be adjusted widen the successful installation
layer transfer expertise for the high output during periods of to the financial capabilities of the of solar renewable energy
optimisation of the cell design. peak demand when energy investors/banks and also energy utility-scale plants in high direct
The first results of the smart prices are highest. is produced as soon as the first normal irradiation regions
cell development programme Given that we have already tracker is installed, helping to across the globe.
ERIC J. PAIL, ANALYST, ALTATERRA RESEARCH
Short-term advances in CPV to reducing costs and increasing number of multi-junction cell 62108 – are also helping
systems will be mostly technical overall system efficiency. As manufacturers and number of to provide investors with
and focused on improving a rule of thumb, for every new cell technologies under assurance. As more and larger
the cost/performance ratio. percentage increase in multi- development will help the CPV CPV projects come online and
However, longer-term advances junction cell efficiency there is a industry make steep efficiency manufacturers take direct steps
in market development may 0.75%–0.8% increase in system improvements in the coming to address the issue, bankability
produce even greater economic efficiency. years. should therefore become less of
value for the sector. Today, most HCPV systems Like any new technology, a problem.
In the short term, high use 38%–39% efficient multi- the CPV industry still faces the In the long term, it is
concentration PV (HCPV) junction cells and have a system challenge of justifying financing the distinctive character of
systems will continue to see efficiency of between 24% and from risk-averse financers concentrating PV that will lead
technology advancements in the 35%. In 2011, multi-junction cell in terms of ‘bankability’. In to greater commercial uptake.
response, SolFocus – see page With sites in very sunny regions
In 2011, multi-junction cell efficiencies 24 – for example, has recently that make use of tracking,
are expected to rise to more than 40% announced that Munich RE pedestal mounting and other
will offer an insurance policy to distinctive features of CPV
and on to some 42% in 2012.
backstop SolFocus’s warranty. installations, the industry will
Meanwhile, Morgan Solar self- lower costs through volume
efficiency of III-V multi-junction efficiencies are expected to rise financed an initial 200 kW and more effectively create
cells. Multi-junction cells are at to more than 40% and on to test project to demonstrate economic value by focusing on
the heart of high concentrating some 42% in 2012. its technology. Certification customers that prize or require
PV systems and are a key driver The increase in the standards – particularly IEC particular features.
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COUNTRY PROFILE: AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA
SETS ITS SIGHTS
ON RENEWABLES
YET CARBON LEGISLATION HOLDS

THE KEY, AND THE GREEN PARTY
MAY HOLD THE CARDS
The mountains that form Australia’s Great Dividing Range are one of
the country’s best-known geographical features. But there’s another
Great Divide in Australia – the issue of coal, carbon emissions and The 2 GW Liddell coal/solar hybrid station
in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales
climate change. Jackie Jones investigates. AUSRA
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T he subject of climate change has had a low profile in many recent

national elections – its urgency being displaced by issues such
as employment and the global recession. But this year in Australia
The introduction of carbon pricing – whatever the mechanism
may be – potentially makes a big difference to Australia’s entire
energy future. Some mining and metal companies have called on
it played a keen role. And it is carbon policy that will be ultimately the government to introduce a carbon tax rather than an ETS. As
be mapping out the future for ongoing renewables development, Australia works towards setting its long-term policy, and in doing
not least by shifting the economic viability of Australia’s power- so giving the market some certainty, investors remain unsure of
generating status quo – coal and natural gas – and by rendering which projects to back. Clarity ‘is what the investment community
renewables more competitive. is looking for,’ according to Mark Twidell, executive director of the
The vast landmass of Australia has a population of just over Australian Solar Institute.
22 million. That’s the same as the city of Beijing, or two-thirds of ‘At the moment it’s hard to roll over debt finance. And it’s quite
the population of California. Rich in natural reserves of minerals and hard to invest whatever your technology is – clean or dirty – when
fossil fuels, Australia is the world’s leading exporter of coal – much of there’s this uncertainty about what the policy settings will be,’ said
which now goes to China. Twidell.
But coal is much used at home as well. Australia relies heavily In September, Australia’s Clean Energy Council wrote an
on it for its electric power, with black coal accounting for about 55% open letter of support for a price on carbon, signed by member
of power generation, and brown coal about 25%. Australia’s small companies including AGL, TRUenergy, Pacific Hydro, Conergy,
population has a high per capita energy consumption, and some of Siemens, Suzlon, Vestas, Infigen, GE and RPG Australia. It read, in
the world’s highest per capita emissions of greenhouse gases, half part: ‘Australians voted for a price on carbon at the election three
of which come from the power sector. years ago, and they are still waiting. Business accepts the need to
As population and energy consumption rise, more coal-powered act on climate change and wants certainty to invest in clean energy
plants could be on their way. Greenpeace’s John Hepburn is and create jobs.’
reported as saying that a planned pipeline of 12 new coal plants, if ‘A price on carbon will drive the process of decarbonising
they go ahead, would ‘increase the country’s emissions by 7%’. And Australia’s energy market and is the most prudent way for Australia
a recent report claims that over the past five years, Australia’s four to manage the risk of dangerous climate change,’ it continued.
leading banks have invested over A$5 billion (US$4.9 billion) in coal
mining, coal-fired power generation and coal export projects. While The introduction of carbon pricing
much of the rest of the world is facing up to an economic downturn, – whatever the mechanism may be –
Australia’s economy is freeing itself of debt and, according to
potentially makes a big difference to
reports, could soon be growing at a rate of 10% thanks to its income
from coal and iron ore exports. Kieran Davies, the chief economist at Australia’s entire energy future
RBS Australia, was reported in the UK’s Guardian as saying the two Interestingly, in the days between the August election and the
exports now account for 7.5% of gross domestic product. formation of a new federal government, the government of one of
Hardly surprising then, that half the nation views coal as Australia’s states, or territories – the Australian Capital Territory,
fundamental to the economic wellbeing of Australia, while the other which is home to the country’s capital, Canberra, and could be
half wants passionately both to cut emissions at home and to avoid thought of as Australia’s ‘DC’ – said it would introduce a climate
becoming ‘a coal mine for China’. change and greenhouse reduction bill that would set its own target
Former Labor Prime Minister Kevin Rudd – deposed in June of cutting its carbon emissions by 40% by 2020 from 1990 levels.
2010 – came under attack from both sides: on one hand when The cut would rise to 80% by 2050, with the aim of the territory of
he attempted to introduce a ‘supertax’ on mining profits in order nearly 400,000 people becoming carbon neutral by 2060.
to finance infrastructure developments, and on the other when he ‘Looking forward, the introduction of any form of carbon pricing,
backed away from the introduction of a carbon trading scheme, whether it is in the form of a carbon tax or a cap-and-trade scheme,
fearing lack of Senate support. This had been a key policy on which is going to change the relative pricing of electricity... That means
he had sought election three years earlier. the cost of renewables versus the cost of conventional fossil fuel
Rudd’s successor Julia Gillard, the country’s first female Prime power is fundamentally going to flip in the next 5–10 years,’ David
Minister, called an August election to seek a popular mandate. The Scaysbrook of Capital Dynamics, told Reuters Global Climate and
result was a hung parliament, and almost three weeks of negotiations Alternative Energy summit in October.
until she was able to form a government with the support of several While all this goes on, Australia has a fabulous solar resource,
independents and a single Green MP. Some commentators have some excellent wind locations, and a history of off-grid and on-site
since said the Labor party was being punished for its failure to renewable energy. And Australia’s renewables sector is already on
introduce climate change legislation. the move, thanks to funding packages introduced by the Rudd
Meanwhile, the Green party’s share of the vote in the recent administration and federal legislation introduced in 2009 and
election doubled to 12%. In return for their support to form a updated mid-2010. At state level, small-scale renewables are also
government, the Greens demanded a cluster of concessions from being encouraged by a number of feed-in tariff structures.
Labor on carbon and renewable energy, the most significant of
which is a commitment to creating a cross-party committee on RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET GETS ON TRACK
climate change. Australia’s first nationwide mechanism to support renewable energy
This new multi-party Climate Change Committee has now been was introduced by the Howard administration back in 1997, and
formed and had its first meeting on 7 October, chaired by the new implemented under legislation in 2000–2001. The Mandatory
Prime Minister. Its task is to explore the best way to put a price on Renewable Energy Target, or MRET, set out to create a market for
carbon, with options including an emissions trading scheme (ETS), a renewable electricity by obliging wholesale purchasers of electricity and
carbon tax, or perhaps a mixture of both. large users to purchase a certain amount per year. The mechanism
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included use of Renewable Energy Certificates, which could also be The small-scale market is uncapped – any quantity of its
traded. The obligation grew yearly, by increments, with the end target certificates can be bought and sold alongside the large-scale ones.
of 9500 GWh of renewable electricity by 2010 – a modest figure, equal The certificates for small-scale are to be fixed at A$40, but the
to only an additional 2% of electricity from renewable sources. government has the power to adjust that price in the future. It is
What’s more, the 9500 GWh target was achieved four years expected that small-scale will at very least make up the 4000 GWh
ahead of schedule, but by this time and following a review, the gap between the original RET 2020 target and the current one for
government had decided to cap the MRET, and resisted attempts large-scale projects, and many anticipate that by 2020 a level of
to push through extensions to the scheme. To avoid a complete 22% is likely to be achieved, rather than the 20% target.
stalling of renewable development, a number of state governments, Early signs are that the new structure is working. ‘We are starting
including South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia and New to see a pipeline of projects in the multi-megawatt range developing
South Wales set renewable energy targets of their own. in solar, and renewed interest in investment in large-scale wind, and
So the introduction of the RET, or Renewable Energy Target, in a buoyant residential sector for small-scale distributed generation –
August 2009 was a significant step forward. Like its precursor, it had generally the market participants are all quite busy at the moment,’
targets rising by increments over a 10-year period. This time it was said Twidell.
a much more significant 45,000 GWh to be delivered by renewables In a radio interview Moyse said: ‘One good thing about the RET
by 2020 – expected to be 20% of Australia’s electricity supply (up is it allows government to control the end point – the target will be
from a current level of about 5%). met. And if we get the target increased over coming years that will
Unfortunately, instead of coming on line, a pipeline of projects be met too.’
stalled, but what was the problem? Speaking in a recent interview, While the RET has its advantages, there are nonetheless calls
Damian Moyse of Australia’s Alternative Alternative Technology for introduction of a feed-in tariff (FIT). Several states, or territories,
Association explained how this came about. The RET market works have already introduced a FIT in some form. Those in Victoria, South
by having a fixed target each year – as with the MRET, electricity Australia and Queensland are net FITs, which pay only for surplus
suppliers are obliged to buy a certain amount of renewables each electricity that is exported to the grid, rather than paying a gross FIT
year. Under the RET, all technologies, and all scales, qualified to for the total produced. That makes revenue harder to anticipate and
create tradable certificates – large wind, wood waste, biogas, small lengthens payback periods, but can encourage installation of larger
PV, hot water – the whole range. systems.
In November 2009, Australia’s largest state, New South Wales,
Achieving the target will mean the addition announced a gross FIT of A$0.60/kWh over seven years for systems
of around 10 GW of new renewable energy up to 10 kWp. This tariff is approximately four times the rate that
residential customers pay for electricity. Initially proposed was a
capacity in the coming decade
net FIT that would have run for 20 years. In May, Western Australia
The problem that emerged during the second half of 2009 and introduced a residential net FIT for new and existing solar, small
first part of 2010 was that the uptake of certain technologies was, wind and small hydro systems, set at A$0.40/kWh, in addition to
at the same time, being encouraged by other government funding income from an existing scheme, the Renewable Energy Buyback
measures – in particular solar hot water and small PV (and many Scheme. And at the moment, all these FITs work hand-in-hand with
states have some kind of feed-in tariff). The response was good, so renewable energy certificates under the federal scheme.
the small solar sector experienced accelerated growth. The upshot But other groups, such as the Clean Energy Council, are
was that some 80% of the RET target for 2009 was taken up by pushing hard for a federal feed-in tariff. Green party senator and
solar hot water, and a further 10% or so by PV. deputy leader Christine Milne put forward a bill in 2008 to introduce
This meant that the market was saturated with certificates, and a federal, gross FIT for all renewables. It was supported in principle
the system offered slower-moving large scale wind or biogas projects by a senate committee but failed to progress to fruition. Milne and
the capacity only to supply the final 10%. With this oversupply of others insist that the planned rate of growth for renewables in
RECs, the price tumbled to well below A$30. This was well below Australia is too slow, and remain adamant that only with a FIT will
the estimated A$50 needed for wind projects to obtain finance and Australia be able to upscale at the right pace.
to operate effectively, and consequently larger projects were not
moving. A rapid review was needed, and in March the RET was WIND POWER
reconfigured, with legislation passed in June. The revised system Australia’s total operational wind capacity at the end of 2009 was
creates separate zones for large and small-scale renewables. 1.712 GW, of which 406 MW was installed that year – a record
Now the Small Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and Large year for new installations. By the middle of 2010 just one new wind
Renewable Energy Target (LRET) work in parallel. The large- farm had been commissioned – making for a total of 52 wind farms
scale market works much as the RET functioned before, with a generating almost 2% of the country’s electricity consumption
target of 10,400 GWh by 2011, increasing gradually each year to (5 TWh), though others are coming through the system now the
18,000 GWh by 2015 and 41,000 GWh by 2020 (total generation RET is restructured. Currently over 7 GW of large-scale wind farm
in Australia 2007–2008 was 228,600 GWh). Achieving the target energy projects are proposed around the country, many of them
will mean the addition of around 10 GW of new renewable energy having already received planning permission.
capacity in the coming decade, with wind power likely to play a About 45% of the nation’s installed capacity, about 740 MW, is
leading role. in South Australia, while Victoria has just over 200 MW installed. In
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early August, Western Australia announced the building of the state’s

largest wind farm, the 206 MW Collgar Wind Farm, scheduled to THE AUSTRALIAN
operate by August 2011. It is estimated that this 111-turbine wind
farm will prevent 1 million tonnes/year of greenhouse gas emissions.
SOLAR INSTITUTE
AND RENEWABLE
PHOTOVOLTAICS
Australia is no newcomer to PV – by the end of 2008 some 100 MW
AUSTRALIA
was installed and in 2009 the sector grew by over 350%. More than Renewable Australia and the Australian Solar Institute (ASI)
56 MW of new grid-connected solar went on line in 2009 but the really are government-funded initiatives set up as part of the
important development is in off-grid installations at remote farms and government’s Clean Energy Initiative to foster the development
off-grid homes, often supported by the Renewable Remote Power and commercialisation of Australian technologies.
Generation programme. ASI investment money, which comes from the Federal
It is estimated that 70% of Australia’s solar PV is still off-grid, government, is to be used to leverage industrial investment –
even though the figure dropped significantly after support schemes whether it be international or local – and research investment
for grid-connected systems started to take effect. – international or local – into Australia-based research activity.
There have been some notable additions this year, such as Mark Twidell describes the focus as being on research
Horizon Power’s 505 kW PV installation, based at two remote sites that can be applied commercially – technologies need to
in Western Australia, which is now the largest tracker system in show cost reduction and increased efficiency in generation.
Australia and part of a hybrid solar–diesel power station completed They should also help tackle some of the barriers that are
at the beginning of August. currently preventing solar technologies from being deployed
And in September, Verve Energy of Perth announced it would without specific incentives. Australian universities and their
be partnering with BP Solar Pty Ltd on the construction of a 10 MW commercial offshoots are well regarded outside Australia. The
PV plant near Ellendale, also in Western Australia. Verve Energy will group run by Professor Martin Green at the University of New
own the project and BP Solar will supply the technology and operate South Wales is a notable example.
the plant. Verve says construction on the A$58 million plant may
begin in March 2011, with completion expected by the end of the GEOTHERMAL
year. A Verve spokesman said the solar farm would be ‘the first step Though only one plant is currently in operation, nearly 50 firms are
towards expanding Western Australia’s renewable energy away from working on geothermal exploration in Australia and several of these
the high reliance on wind farms’. expect hot rock geothermal generators to be producing power within
the next two to five years. According to the Clean Energy Council,
SOLAR HOT WATER about A$1.5 billion worth of exploration work is in progress in four main
Often heated by electricity, water heating accounts for a quarter of areas of Australia: the Cooper/Eromanga Basin in South Australia; the
the energy used in the average Australian home and is responsible Hunter Valley near Newcastle; Otway Basin in Victoria; and Tasmania.
for 23% of total household greenhouse gas emissions, according to
the country’s Clean Energy Council. Installing a solar water heating HYDRO
system can cut a typical home’s greenhouse gas emissions from Australia has well-developed hydro schemes (and 100 hydro
water heating by between 60% and 90%. In 2008 about 600,000, stations) in several regions – particularly Tasmania and New South
or 7%, of Australian homes used solar, and this number has been Wales’ Snowy Mountains Scheme – with a combined capacity of
growing rapidly thanks to the RET and other incentives. Australia has 8.3 GW. The small hydro sector still has opportunity for development
several well established solar thermal system manufacturers. however, and the Clean Energy Council wants to see a market
mechanism to ensure its further roll out.
CONCENTRATING SOLAR THERMAL POWER
One of the big names in solar thermal power, Ausra, has its origins BIOENERGY
in Australia. Founded by Dr David Mills, formerly of the University There is resistance to the use of large-scale forest bioenergy, due to
of New South Wales, Ausra was recently acquired by Areva. In the need to protect Australia’s indigenous forests. But its sugar-cane
spite of its technological innovation, Australia has only a very small industry has been producing heat and power from bagasse for over
number of working solar thermal power systems, the largest being 100 years. The installed capacity for the bioenergy sector in Australia
the Liddell Power station. Liddell is operated by Australia’s largest amounts to around 767 MW, according to the Clean Energy Council.
energy utility company, Macquarie Generation, and is the world’s first There are also some biogas plants in operation on pig, chicken and
solar-augmented coal fired power station or ‘booster’ power energy dairy farms, and for anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge.
facility, initially as a demonstration plant of 1.5 MW.
Many companies, such as Acciona Energy Oceania, Transfield, Jackie Jones is consulting editor to Renewable Energy World
Parsons Brinckerhoff, WorleyParsons and Wind Prospect CWP are
believed to be evaluating much larger systems (150–250 MW) in e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
Australia, and the commercial deployment of large-scale solar power
generation could play a significant role in the nation’s renewable This article is available on line. To comment on it or forward it to
energy mix. a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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WIND: THE BALKANS
WAKING WIND IN
FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLICS
THE BALKANS
Jeff Porter takes a look at the market, forecasts and the key issues in developing wind power
REGION OFFERING NEW
projects in the region
OPPORTUNITIES IN WIND
Taking a look at the market,
forecasts and the key issues in
developing wind power projects
in the Balkan region, Jeff Potter
explores the former Yugoslav
republics.
The 42 MW Senj windfarm in Croatia
WALLENBORN GRUPPE
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WIND: THE BALKANS
T he Former Republics of Yugoslavia (FRYs) are in a nascent

stage with respect to developing their wind energy industries,
but they promise some interesting opportunities in the coming three
In 1991 the country’s first energy legislation was passed as
Croatia moved towards a free market economy. Over the next 10
years, various laws were enacted, but the Bosnian conflict and the
to five years. break-up of Yugoslavia hindered progress in all sectors. In 1997,
The regional conflicts of the 1990s which focused around Croatia launched its National Energy Program, ENWIND. But it was
Kosovo took a heavy toll on human life, infrastructure and social not until 2001 that the wind energy market began to develop a viable
structures. Yet the region has proven very resilient. Slovenia has regulatory shape with the passing of an energy act.
since joined both the EU and eurozone, Croatia is soon to follow In order to achieve its 20% target from renewable, excluding
and others are queuing up to be the next. Along with this comes large hydro, by 2020, Croatia will need to cut down on red tape
adoption of EU principles, and this has been a driving force for the and extend its guaranteed feed-in tariff scheme beyond the current
region’s energy sectors. 12 years.
The Italians and the French have been particularly supportive in
providing funding and input for regulatory studies and guidelines, MARKET OVERVIEW
as well as far-reaching bilateral cooperation. Progress has been Croatia’s net electricity consumption in 2007 was 17.6 TWh, up from
made in replacing or upgrading the power infrastructure that was 15.57 TWh in 2006, while its total generating capacity was
damaged or destroyed during the wars, but much remains to be 4054 MW. This can be broken down into 29% from imports,
done, with funding still a major constraint. 31% from thermal power plants, 24% from hydro, and 15% from
In October 2005, the EU and nine countries of southeast Europe the nuclear power plant at Krsko in Slovenia. Renewable energy
(Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, accounted for just over 1%.
Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Romania) signed the Energy In order to meet EU requirements for membership, Croatia must
Community Treaty (ECT). The purpose was to expand the EU energy reach a number of milestones regarding energy supply. A target of
market into the Balkans, thereby promoting a legal and regulatory 5.8% of all consumption to come from renewables, excluding large
framework for an integrated power and gas market. hydro, in 2010 will probably not be met.
A timetable was established with five milestones to be met The Croatian national power operator Hrvatska Elektroprivreda
between 2007 and 2017. For renewables, implementation plans had (HEP) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the
to be submitted in 2007, with regular updates thereafter, ensuring country’s national grid.
that each country is keeping pace with the implementation schedule. During the Bosnian conflict many substations were damaged,
The ECT is designed to open regional markets, provide leaving the grid in a state of disrepair. Since then, HEP has made
investment guarantees and set a regulatory road map for the national great strides in upgrading the transmission network. But problems,
energy sectors. It was the first legally binding agreement signed by such as the grid’s penetration limit, still exist. This is particularly
the Balkan states after the Balkan conflict. evident on the many islands where the grid remains weak.
The four former Yugoslav republics that have emerged as On the positive side, legislation was enacted for cost sharing
best potential targets for the exploitation of wind resources are when an renewable energy site is connected to the grid. HEP has
Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia. All of also been split into separate agencies instead of a larger, combined
their governments have responded to the call for action on climate body, and this should improve efficiency and competitiveness.
change and each state has made great strides in formulating and
adapting the regulatory structure to meet EU and Kyoto challenges. CROATIA’S WIND RESOURCE
On the ground, however, things sometimes turn out differently, The wind resource in Croatia is among the best in southeast Europe.
and the day-to-day activities of the domestic power markets often Optimal wind energy sites are along and near to the coast, with
favour local state power companies. This is due partly to a response average wind speeds up to 8 metres/second at 50 metres. There are
mechanism so that urgent needs can be met, but also reflects a also good inland locations at higher altitudes that would be attractive
cronyism that dates back many generations and still exists to this day. to developers.
International and local developers have already shown considerable The main area for potential development is along the Adriatic
interest in the region and projects have begun to take shape. The effort coast, but legislation now restricts development on the islands
of these pioneers have resulted in the identification of promising and and within 1 km of the sea. There is currently no reliable wind atlas
suitable sites for wind facilities and even wind measurement campaigns available for Croatia, but HEP has proposed a number of sites with
at the state level. It has also resulted in guidance for local authorities good development potential. Also of importance is avoiding areas
on appropriate planning requirements for windfarm construction. where the local Bora wind system, which can reach hurricane
The process is far from finished, but inroads have been made into strengths, is strongest.
establishing coherent guidelines for serious investors.
A forecast of 400 MW to be built by 2010
CROATIA was overly optimistic and, with 28 licences
Wind power has the potential to become a key element in the
yet to be granted planning permission, the
expansion of Croatia’s power generation system over the next decade
but currently the country has only 27 MW of installed wind capacity. pipeline is seeing a significant bottleneck
As it moves towards EU membership in 2012, Croatia will need to The country’s first wind farm was completed in 2004 on the
adopt additional EU energy legislation, and adjust to more stringent island of Pag with a capacity of 5.95 MW and was developed by local
requirements, which should support its fledgling renewable energy company Adria Wind Power. A second was constructed in 2006 by
industry. Strong economic growth and the availability of investment WPD-Enersys at Sibenik with a nameplate capacity of 11.2 MW.
funds should also provide additional stimulus for renewables. By the start of 2009, Croatia had 17 MW of operational wind power,
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WIND: THE BALKANS
and a further 10 MW were under construction at Orlice (also WPD- MONTENEGRO

Enersys). HEP is said to be developing its largest wind project to The energy framework devised by the Montenegrin government is
date, in the region of 60 MW. A further 90 MW project is slated for impressive but remains incomplete. Its original road map amounted
development in 2011. A forecast of 400 MW to be built by 2010 was to a state-directed and rigid policy which largely failed to spark
overly optimistic and, with 28 licences yet to be granted planning enthusiasm from investors, domestic or foreign, and so it was
permission, the pipeline is seeing a significant bottleneck, along with revised, with the government formulating a more flexible approach
grid connection constraints. and opening the door to private enterprise.
HEP has identified a number of sites deemed suitable for Ratification of the Kyoto protocol in 2007 was just one step in
windfarm development, while at the same time slowing grid the process of opening up the Montenegrin market and providing
connections. Looking to the future, independent estimates see the an acceptable degree of regulatory authority and transparency.
country’s capacity reaching 1.3 GW by 2020. This provides plenty The country’s ‘Energy Development Strategy by 2025’ was a major
of scope for project development over the next 5 to 10 years, and policy document which outlined road maps and required measures
as these estimates are often conservative, more potential could for meeting strategic targets.
emerge. Active developers include Enersys, Wallenborn, Adria Wind Its baseline goals were fairly broad and included, among others,
Power, Jura energija, EHN, RP Global and Electra. secure power supply, infrastructure improvements, creation of
regulatory frameworks, higher utilisation of renewables, and the
BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA privatisation of the Montenegrin state utility. Its implementation was
This country has a rather complex legal structure due to the legacy of left to the ‘Action Plan 2008–12’.
ethnic tension and therefore consists of two separate administrative As a follow-on measure, the Montenegrin parliament passed
entities: the Federation of Bosnia & Herzegovina (FB & H) a new energy law in April that introduced more flexible guidelines,
and the Republic of Srpska (RS). Renewable energy legislation can especially for private sector participation. Other changes
be enacted on the national or a sub-national level. The war in Bosnia were made to the responsibilities of the regulatory bodies and
resulted in about 60% of B & H’s grid suffering damage, although planning procedures.
most was repaired by 2003.
On sub-levels legislation has been slow to emerge and this may There is certainly potential. However, on its
continue to cause severe bottlenecks for renewable energy project own, the country may struggle to attract
developers. A draft of a much needed strategic plan was published
investments from abroad unless they are
in 2008 and provided recommendations on legislation and incentives
for renewable energy but, to date, it has yet to pass into law. combined with projects in neighbouring
In June FB & H adopted a renewable energy and cogeneration countries
law which established a 12-year feed-in tariff. For 2010 the tariff For renewable energy it meant new financial incentives which, it
equates to some €61.3/MWh and ensures the priority delivery of is hoped, will lead to a new renewables programme. Although the
renewable energy into the grid. specific benefits of it have yet to be seen, one concrete measure is
The B & H government recently approved a €71 million loan the use of a new licence, the energy permit, which succeeds the
from German bank KfW to state power utility Elektroprivreda for its various licences of the previous energy law.
44 MW Mesihovina wind project, which is due to be built in 2013. The It will have a term of 15 years which is extendable. Another
government is set to provide €6 million to the scheme. Elsewhere, provision is the concept of the ‘qualified energy producer’, which
the utility plans to build a 30 MW windfarm in Mostar, and projects will be given to renewable energy generators and guarantee them a
are planned for Borova Glava, Velika Vlajna and Poklecani, for fixed tariff as well as preferential grid access for 12 years.
which, to date, a total of 117 MW from 532 MW has been approved. Energy production in the country totals some 25 PJ (hydro
Elektroprivreda has become a driving force in the country’s wind 33.5%, lignite 56.5%, and wood 10%) but total consumption lies at
sector but it remains to be seen to what extent Bosnia & Herzegovina some 46 PJ, with the shortfall being made up from imports (oil 32%,
is willing to allow foreign investors develop projects in its territory. coal 30%, hydro 20% and wood 5%).
The state-owned utility, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG),
A draft of a much need strategic plan was is responsible for generation, transmission and distribution.
published in 2008 and provided Montenegro’s total installed capacity is 868 MW, of which 649 MW
is from two large hydro plants and 210 MW from a coal-fired plant.
recommendations on legislation and
Electricity demand has grown significantly from 505 GWh in 1994 to
incentives for renewable energy but, 2077 GWh in 2005.
to date, it has yet to pass into law A recent wind atlas for the country showed average wind speeds
A recently produced wind map showed its wind potential is of between 5.5–6.5 metres/second at 50 metres.
currently estimated at 2 GW, with wind speeds in the west of the The biggest hurdle for investors considering developing
country capable of reaching 9 metres/second. renewable energy projects in Montenegro is the difficulty in attaining
However, much needs to be done before the country can be any economies of scale.
considered a serious contender for foreign investment. The lack of There is certainly potential. However, on its own, the country
progress can be chalked up, in part, to tensions and the lack of may struggle to attract investments from abroad unless they are
cooperation between the governing administrations. combined with projects in neighbouring countries.
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WIND: THE BALKANS
SERBIA
The Serbian parliament adopted its energy law in July 2004. One
of its many objectives was to encourage the increased use of
renewable energy in the country.
Since then, other laws have bolstered Serbia’s energy regulatory
environment, including ones for renewables. In July 2005 two public
companies came into being. Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) which is
in charge of electricity generation and distribution and is the largest
power utility in the country with 8359 MW of generation (5171 MW
lignite, 2835 MW of hydro, and 353 MW of gas and liquid CHP
plants). The second was Elektromreza Srbije (EMS), an independent
transmission system and market operator.
In January a feed-in tariff of €95/MWh for wind power was
introduced, but with a cap of 450 MW. The form of FIT is a
guaranteed 12-year power purchase agreement with EPS.
Additionally, investments in excess of €6.8 million, accompanied by
the creation of 100 new jobs, will be exempt from corporation tax for
up to a maximum of 10 years.
The combination of the feed-in tariff and

Substation at the 42 MW Senj windfarm WALLENBORN GRUPPE
good wind speeds, along with investment
in grid improvements, should allow Serbia
CONCLUSIONS
to eventually reach a target of 4 GW So far, the FRYs have made progress in promoting renewables,
Like Montenegro, Serbia has reached out to international especially on regulatory and permitting issues. However, there
sources for guidance on their renewable policy as well as for initial are also failings in some of the work that has been accomplished.
site selection. Above all, investors will want to see more transparency and clarity as
Two wind separate 185 MW farms projects have been well as an even playing field in terms of local utilities and developers.
announced in Vojvodina province. A local company is developing Have investors who have already entered these markets
the Bela Crkva project, and construction must begin by the end peaked too early? Probably not, but the key is to keep overheads
of 2010 to comply with the project’s energy permit time condition. to a minimum and prepare for long delays in some cases. As
Wellbury, an Austrian company, is developing a project in Bavaniste. long as site selection has been optimised, then the downside
The company is thought to have formed a joint venture with risk should be fairly minimal, but returns may not be forthcoming
US-based Green Star to develop a 120 MW project in Pancevo. for another two to four years. There will certainly be high hurdles
MK Fintel and Vingtim, both foreign companies, are developing the when it comes to financing, but local, regional and development
130 MW (Grabenac, Parta & Izbiste) and 60 MW (Zagajicka Brda) banks may be inclined to step in and assume the country risk in
projects, respectively. the medium term.
Extensive wind measurement studies have been carried out, What can one expect for wind development in the region in the
and the best locations for wind development have been identified coming years? Above all, there will have to be more investment in
accordingly, albeit with low measurement heights. infrastructure, in particular the grid. A specific strategic grid policy
An average wind speed of 6.5–8 metres/second has been for renewables, as seen in Portugal, would be a big help to a smooth
estimated on the basis of 40-metre masts. Capacity factors transition to a renewables driven energy policy. Environmental
estimates came in at about 30%. issues will also have to be tackled in the form of new laws and
Two areas for improvement in the medium-term are environmental implementation. Freer competition would also provide international
guidelines and grid upgrades. Typically, developing countries realise investors with greater comfort.
in retrospect that legislation has neglected environmental provisions, Initially, the region is more likely to become a niche players’
and basic legislation is added later. domain, but by 2015 it should have reached a level where larger
The country’s grid is another issue in light of the destruction of players – utilities, funds and infrastructure companies alike – will still
much of the country’s infrastructure in the conflict at the end of the see plenty of opportunities for growth.
1990s. Investment monies have been limited and much needs to be
done to make basic upgrades, not to speak of specific new builds to Jeff Potter is chief executive officer of Renewable Energy
accommodate renewable energy projects. International Ltd.
The combination of the feed-in tariff and good wind speeds,
along with investment in grid improvements, should allow Serbia to e-mail: jeff.potter@renewableenergyint.co.uk
eventually reach a target of 4 GW. Progress continues to be made
in various areas and developers may consider Serbia as one of the This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it
better prospects in the region over the next decade. to a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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𰀏𰀠𰀤𰀛𰀟𰀟𰀟𰀏𰀿𰀸𰁃𰀲𰀷𰀏𰀲𰀾𰀽𰁃𰁁𰀾𰀻𰀏𰀏
𰀏𰁂𰁈𰁂𰁃𰀴𰀼𰁂𰀏𰁆𰀾𰁁𰀻𰀳𰁆𰀸𰀳𰀴𰀝
𰀏𰀏𰀏𰀰𰀽𰀳𰀏𰀼𰀾𰁁𰀴𰀏𰀴𰁅𰀴𰁁𰁈𰀏𰀳𰀰𰁈𰀝
𰀼𰀾𰀾𰀶𰀏𰀴𰁇𰀿𰀴𰁁𰁃𰀸𰁂𰀴𰀏𰁁𰀴𰀳𰀴𰀵𰀸𰀽𰀴𰁂𰀏𰁆𰀸𰀽𰀳𰀏𰀴𰀽𰀴𰁁𰀶𰁈𰀏𰁁𰀴𰀻𰀸𰀰𰀱𰀸𰀻𰀸𰁃𰁈𰀝
𰁃𰁞𰁓𰁐𰁨𰃂𰁢𰀏𰁢𰁐𰁕𰁔𰁢𰁣𰀛𰀏𰁜𰁞𰁢𰁣𰀏𰁔𰁕𰃋𰁒𰁘𰁔𰁝𰁣𰀏𰁦𰁘𰁝𰁓𰀏𰁣𰁤𰁡𰁑𰁘𰁝𰁔𰁢𰀏𰁢𰁗𰁐𰁡𰁔𰀏𰁞𰁝𰁔𰀏𰁣𰁗𰁘𰁝𰁖𰀏𰁘𰁝𰀏𰁒𰁞𰁜𰁜𰁞𰁝𰀩𰀏
𰁦𰁞𰁡𰁛𰁓𰀜𰁒𰁛𰁐𰁢𰁢𰀏𰀼𰁞𰁞𰁖𰀏𰁟𰁘𰁣𰁒𰁗𰀏𰁒𰁞𰁝𰁣𰁡𰁞𰁛𰀏𰁣𰁔𰁒𰁗𰁝𰁞𰁛𰁞𰁖𰁨𰀝𰀏𰁈𰁞𰁤𰃂𰁛𰁛𰀏𰃋𰁝𰁓𰀏𰀼𰁞𰁞𰁖𰀏𰁢𰁞𰁛𰁤𰁣𰁘𰁞𰁝𰁢𰀏
𰁘𰁝𰁢𰁣𰁐𰁛𰁛𰁔𰁓𰀏𰁞𰁝𰀏𰁜𰁞𰁡𰁔𰀏𰁣𰁗𰁐𰁝𰀏𰀠𰀤𰀛𰀟𰀟𰀟𰀏𰁞𰁝𰀜𰀏𰁐𰁝𰁓𰀏𰁞𰁕𰁕𰀜𰁢𰁗𰁞𰁡𰁔𰀏𰁦𰁘𰁝𰁓𰀏𰁣𰁤𰁡𰁑𰁘𰁝𰁔𰁢𰀏𰁦𰁞𰁡𰁛𰁓𰁦𰁘𰁓𰁔𰀝
𰀏
𰀳𰁞𰁦𰁝𰁛𰁞𰁐𰁓𰀏𰁞𰁤𰁡𰀏𰁦𰁗𰁘𰁣𰁔𰁟𰁐𰁟𰁔𰁡𰀏𰁞𰁝𰀏𰁗𰁞𰁦𰀏𰁦𰁘𰁝𰁓𰀏𰁕𰁐𰁡𰁜𰀏𰁡𰁔𰁠𰁤𰁘𰁡𰁔𰁜𰁔𰁝𰁣𰁢𰀏𰀏
𰁐𰁡𰁔𰀏𰁒𰁗𰁐𰁝𰁖𰁘𰁝𰁖𰀏𰁐𰁣𰀏𰁘𰁝𰁕𰁞𰀝𰁜𰁞𰁞𰁖𰀝𰁒𰁞𰁜𰀞𰁦𰁘𰁝𰁓𰀞𰁦𰁟𰀠𰀠𰀝
_____________________
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ELECTRIC PITCH SYSTEMS PITCH CONTROL COMPONENTS SLIP RING SOLUTIONS BLADE SENSING SYSTEMS SUPPORT SERVICES
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-VYTVYLPUMVYTH[PVULU[LY H[9,>OV[PTZJVT
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PHOTOVOLTAICS: DEVELOPING NEW MARKETS
A solar roof installation in

Senegal KAITO PROJEKT GMBH
A SOLAR
STRATEGY
FOR AFRICA
INTERNATIONAL
PLAYERS SET TO
EXPAND KEY MARKETS
Now that real progress has been made in growing global
demand and production – and in getting prices down in
developed countries, it is time to think seriously about
kick-starting real solar markets in Africa. Mark Hankins
suggests a series of issues that need consideration if
such a goal is to be achieved.
THIS IS THE INTRO SUB HEADING

FEATURE ARTICLES
Utilities in the northwest US and California are scrambling in order to meet requirements set out
in state Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) legislation in the face of rising prices and shrinking
availability of wind turbines. Lisa Cohn reports.
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T here is a need for a shift in focus on solar markets in Africa away

from donor and rural electrification projects to commercial and
productive investments. There is also a need for the international PV
industry to aggressively invest in the development of solar markets
and not to leave it up to aid and relief organisations. This must be
based on the need to move – today – towards grid-connected and
urban markets. As part of this process there is a need to engage
and educate African governments about the current global status of
the solar sector and help them build frameworks for industry growth.
Markets for small off-grid systems, those below 100 Wp, are
important to kickstart solar industries, but they will be less important
in the long term as demand for them begins to fall.
It is also useful to have an idea of where marketing and
development efforts will lead in the long term. ‘Off-grid rural solar
development’ in Africa has dominated discussion for so long that
we seem to have lost the bigger picture. Where does the solar
industry want to be in Africa in 10 years? Leaving aside the ‘rural
electrification’ impact, which is more attractive for a solar company:
20,000 solar home systems at 50 Wp or 500 systems of 2 kW each?
Both will result in 1 MW of sales.
Kenya’s so-called ‘solar PV success story’ is a good example
of this. Its focus on small systems – to the exclusion of larger
commercial or grid-connected systems – and has resulted in an
annual PV market of 1.5 MW that is low-tech, over-the-counter and
dominated by small products. But the market is stagnating.
Continued efforts by aid groups to build sales in ‘poverty
markets’ will likely increase the depth and accessibility of small
scale lighting systems. However, this will not build a market with
a 20 MW/year solar demand of a scale that is interesting to larger
PV supply companies. No matter their importance to the rural poor,
LED lanterns with 1 W modules fall into the realm of the fast moving
goods providers from Asia, not solar PV companies. A small-scale focus will see Africa’s PV sector stagnate KAITO PROJEKT
If healthy markets that are multi-dimensional and sustainable are
to develop, solar advocates must prepare the ground for the variety the objective, NGO contracts to supply a thousand lanterns or
of viable niches that will be part of a healthy long-term solar market. government procurements for 100 schools are, at best, stepping
In addition to village electrification, this includes off-grid markets stones, but they are not the long-term answer to stimulating wider
such as telecoms, tourism, business and pumping as well as grid- demand and building solar futures.
tied and utility-scale markets.
Africa is not solely a poverty market and, in the long term, Solar advocates must prepare the ground
middle class and commercial groups will do far more to develop for the variety of viable niches that will be
solar markets than procurement-driven public sector projects or the
part of a healthy long-term solar market
efforts of humanitarian groups.
Every car salesperson knows that, when a customer enters a Too many people think of Africa in terms of desperate
showroom looking for a luxury car there is probably no need to show unempowered off-grid rural poor people with no cash. Aside from
the second-hand hatchbacks. But, in Africa, the solar sales approach a lot of sunshine, the continent’s agricultural sector is growing
shows high-end customers bicycles, not limousines. Africa’s most as are its mineral exports. In some areas, Africa is also seeing
important buyers go for generator sets because they see generators massive building projects, along with more frequent traffic jams
as being ‘classy’ and practical solutions – and generator dealers as automobile sales increase rapidly, and more and more power
latch on to this. Solar agents do not recognise this market. shortages as electricity companies struggle to meet spiralling
demand. Where there is money – and power shortages – there is a
THE FLAWED ‘AID’ APPROACH TO AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT market for solar power.
The aid-dominated approach to PV in Africa has led many decision- The multi-megawatt PV project market is coming to Africa, but
makers in Africa to believe that solar is about helping poor people. not yet. To deliver large-scale projects, a focus on intermediate-sized
Without detracting from the hard work of solar NGOs, village solar 50 kW to 200 kW installation market segments is required.
electrification is relief work and should not be confused as being Developers, financiers, solar companies and governments
the foundations of a developing market. If building real markets want to push the envelope and open up new markets in Africa. But
for solar in Africa, and in doing so reducing carbon emissions, is most are thinking big, and perhaps a bit too big, for the present
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undeveloped state of the market. For example, a finance house hotels, offices and households today buy and install hundreds
developing PV project portfolios for African countries, while eager to of thousands of generator sets and battery-inverter systems to
hear ideas for innovations in Africa, was unwilling to discuss projects hedge against brownouts. Because electricity can be unreliable
below 1 MW. in African cities people who require continuous power are willing
On a continent where the largest installed system is 250 kW to pay extra to ensure their supply and therefore surely it makes
(Kigali, Rwanda) a 1 MW minimum requirement is unreasonable sense to use this willingness to pay as a wedge to open new grid-
as a starting target. Even though grid parity is close in a number connected PV markets.
of countries, outside of South Africa the type of feed-in tariffs and Given the choice, a substantial proportion of the middle classes,
incentives necessary for megawatt-scale projects are simply not NGOs and business consumers in Africa would purchase grid-
feasible. Resistance from utility sectors can make agreements connected systems. Educated Africans will install solar for the same
problematic and risky for investors whereas smaller-sized projects reasons that people in the North do – because it is clean and silent,
may be able to fly under the radar and build up experience as solar is reduces carbon footprints, is modern and aesthetically pleasing.
assimilated into power sector planning. When experience is gained Net-metering, not feed-in tariffs, will initially be key to developing
on one or two 50 kW projects in a country, these can be bundled by grid-connected markets, just as they were in Germany and the US.
developers into financially attractive packages. But the first step is For medium to large-scale renewables such as wind, hydro and
to gain experience. biomass, specialised feed-in tariffs are important policy tools to
There is a need for developers, perhaps with donor agency stimulate investment. Even in Africa (RSA, Kenya) feed-in tariffs are
help, to think bigger than village scale, but a bit smaller than utility helping to get renewable power projects off the ground.
scale. Just 10 years ago 50 kW PV projects made industry headlines However, feed-in tariffs are less suited to PV than other
in Europe. renewable technologies for several reasons. First, there is much less
economy of scale in PV; it does not matter whether a PV installation
GRID-CONNECTED MARKETS is 10 kW or 1 MW – the costs are broadly the same. Secondly,
Grid connection is coming in Africa, perhaps faster than expected because of this scale issue, thousands of dispersed PV installations
and definitely in different ways than expected. In the near future, make as much sense as a single large plant. But right now PV is
urban PV markets will be as important as rural markets. still more expensive than wind, hydro or biomass, so it is hard for
In the mid-1990s, when the annual world production of PV was governments to justify PV as part of their ‘least cost power plan’.
well below 100 MW, many ridiculed the idea of grid-connected solar However, there is no need to block private consumers who want to
anywhere in the world. Off-grid rural solar electricity made much invest in Africa’s nascent solar market.
more sense. How could grid-connected solar prosper when off-grid Net metering is a low-cost policy tool that allows electric utilities
markets were screaming to be satisfied in developing countries all to incentivise on-grid PV investment by private consumers. With it,
over the globe? consumers invest in a PV system. Instead of storing their PV power
In every country in Africa the electricity sectors plan to eventually in a battery during the day, they store it on the grid by running their
connect all economically active areas to a national grid system. meter backwards and selling their output at a retail rate. In the
Arguments and concerns can be raised about how fast this will occur evenings they draw back the electricity that was generated during
– or even whether it makes sense – but the fact is that politicians, daylight hours, with the result that at the end of a month consumers
planners and consumers are united in their desire for grid electricity. could potentially have a zero-value bill.
Because virtually all solar in Africa today is off-grid, ministry planners Unlike feed-in tariffs, net metering does not require massive
often view solar as a second class option for remote locations where grant support or additional levies on electricity consumers by
it is likely to be too expensive to establish a grid connection and cash-strapped African governments. Net metering cannot be
where there is little economic activity. It is time for those planning unscrupulously ‘rigged’ because there is no incentive – electricity
national strategies to look to solar – and those developing solar bills are offset, and no cash changes hands. Net metering also
marketing plans – to embrace on-grid solar and stop pretending allows demand to develop naturally. Those who want solar PV
that solar is exclusively for off-grid communities in Africa. and are willing to pay a premium for it will be rewarded. In short,
those that want to buy and sell PV power should be encouraged,
There is a need to engage and educate not discouraged.
African governments about the current
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR
global status of the solar sector
In Africa the versatility and practicality of solar energy solutions is as
Some say that fragile African grids, with fluctuating voltages and important as the cost/kWh.
frequent shutdowns, cannot accept PV power but the same thing Too often, electricity is judged on extremely narrow price
was said about wind a few years ago. Now there are multi-megawatt grounds. Policy-makers, from both government and donor sides,
wind projects all over the continent. Surely, the opposite is true – grid look at the cost/kWh of solar and automatically disqualify it from
connect solar systems can help stabilise grids and, with small battery discussions in national planning. African energy departments, and
banks, can also help consumers weather power outages. the donor agencies that support them, apparently dismiss solar out
While there are definitely technical, financial and regulatory of hand because of its high costs. The mentality, it seems, is that
hurdles to be overcome there are also huge opportunities. Europe should busy itself with developing the PV as Africa cannot
From Lagos to Nairobi and from Addis to Dakar, businesses, afford to do so.
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But at the same time, in countries as divergent as Kenya, Aid efforts should focus on helping to steer solar policy in the right
Rwanda, Senegal and Burkina Faso, petroleum-based generation is direction, and tying grant and subsidy support to the achievement
sacrosanct when it comes to investments in power supply. Thermal of targets. This will require the active long-term engagement of
generation units are purchased to meet ‘emergency’ peak demands governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international
because petroleum flexibly supplies power when it is needed. solar industry.
Even though solar PV is an expensive investment it can be an The global boom in solar – and the accompanying fall in PV
extremely reliable and predictable component source of an overall prices – has occurred because a handful of countries realised that
electricity profile during periods when electricity is needed. it would take strong policy initiatives to get PV markets to a size
It is especially valuable during cloudless periods when dams that would bring solar prices to back down to earth. Bold politicians
dry up and grid managers must scramble to get thermal units on bet on solar and we are now beginning to see the fruits of those
line, and nothing seems surer than the fact that as petrol prices will measures.
invariably rise the costs of developing and installing relevant and Because of a lack of disposable income and difficulties, perceived
efficient PV solutions will fall. or real, in doing business, Africa has been largely side-stepped in
PV can be deployed in a decentralised manner where it is needed solar energy development discussions.
and where space is available. Financing can also be decentralised. Slapping donated modules onto the roofs of rural clinics is an
The same customers who buy their own generator and battery easy way to leave the impression that something is being done in
back-up sets may consider investing in solar as an alternative Africa. Of course it is easier to target support for schools, clinics
to brownouts. and village electrification, but until policy frameworks are in place to
But perhaps most importantly it is necessary to pay the high up- build sustainable solar energy industries, much international solar
front prices of solar today to build the experiences and capacities aid support is being wasted on projects in remote locations with no
that will be needed tomorrow. infrastructure and little cash. Sustainable local solar businesses are
Solar did not happen in Germany and California overnight; it took simply not being created.
decades of work to get the skills, supply lines, finance and consumer
awareness in place. Aid efforts should focus on helping to steer
Governments cannot wave magic wands and make these things solar policy in the right direction, and tying
happen, at which point solar suddenly becomes ‘cost-effective’.
grant and subsidy support to the
Before achieving 200 MW of installed capacity, a first target of
1 MW has to be reached. achievement of targets
As is the case with coal and nuclear industries in the North,
THE ROLE OF INDUSTRY there are entrenched interests in many African countries that do not
Over the past two decades, as solar markets have grown at double necessarily embrace solar.
digit rates in the North, the job of building up solar markets in Africa Numerous ruling elites manage profitable petroleum and
has been left to NGOs and aid agencies such as the UN, the World large power project cartels and they could be expected to block
Bank and the Global Environment Facility. decentralised solar and grid-connected projects. International solar
Few African governments have championed PV, and most of industries and development aid networks that are seeking to build
the companies that did have offices in Africa have left. This needs solar markets need to be aware of these interests and find ways to
to change. As stand alone generator and petroleum-based power help civil society empower itself with solar.
suppliers already know, Africa is a steadily growing market – and a As power prices in Africa rise, grid expansion stalls and as
profitable one at that. grid power availability is constrained, consumers and communities
Donor agencies have relegated PV to off-grid markets and, increasingly have to take electricity production into their own hands.
moreover, they have left the administration of PV projects to slow- In the long term, this is a good thing, and having a portion of electricity
moving government agencies. coming from decentralised solar sources is healthy for any grid.
Few major solar players want to bid on World Bank-supported Just as political systems in Africa have evolved to reflect the
government tenders that can take years to develop and which can needs of educated voters, power sectors must change too to allow
be expensive. new segments of the population to profit from and participate in
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had it right. When they developed electricity production. This is the promising future of solar in Africa.
their electrical lighting and automobile products, they aggressively
took them to the moneyed classes in large American cities and Mark Hankins has worked in the African solar energy sector for
their companies were successful. With more solar resources than 25 years. He manages Africa Solar Designs, a Nairobi-based
anywhere else in the world, with steadily growing economies, and solar solutions provider that is currently developing on- and
with massive shortages of power, the markets in Africa are ripe. But off-grid PV projects. He recently authored Stand Alone Solar
Africa needs solar entrepreneurs that can convince the buyers and Electric Systems published by Earthscan Publishers.
it needs the type of aggressive green investment that took place in
the 1990s in Europe. e-mail: mhankins@africaonline.co.ke
Solar industries need to work together to build viable markets in
Africa and should instead leave the World Bank and the UN to focus This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it to
on the off-grid poor. a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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Let‘s talk about facts.

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When talking about how reliable we are,

we go on and on and on.
REpower is one of the leading manufacturers of wind turbines for onshore and offshore applications. So we’ve amassed an
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WIND: KEY PLAYERS
Key Players...
Wind energy: Pausing for thought
The wind industry has been a renewable energy star pupil since its widespread adoption but its teenage
years are throwing up new and unfamiliar issues. David Beattie looks at how it is facing up to them.
A ccording to the latest BTM ‘World Market Update’ report,

approximately 23,000 turbines, capable of generating more
than 38 GW of wind energy, were installed worldwide in 2009,
up from 11.3% the previous year. But far in the lead was Asia, which
saw a growth rate of 59% on year, and accounted for 41% of global
installations during the year.
pushing the global total to a figure in excess of 160 GW – a record On the supply side, 2009 was also a strong year for Asia with
year for the industry. three Chinese companies making in into the list of the world’s top
The strength of the sector, it said, came despite the ongoing 10 suppliers, which, said the report, resulted in significant losses of
financial crisis, which continues to shake many of the world’s major market share for some of the more established majors.
economies and ravage their industries. Despite a strong appetite for wind in the long term, 2010 to date
Over the course of the year, Europe lost its title as the largest has proved to be something of a challenge, with demand in Europe
wind power continent, installing 28.2% of 2009’s global capacity, falling and manufacturing capacity being cut. Licensing uncertainties
down from a figure of 51% three years previous. The Americas and significant time lags between planning and implementation are
picked up some of the slack coming in with 30% of the year’s total, going some way to fuelling fears of a temporary downturn in wind.
GAMESA
Spanish-headquartered
Gamesa designs, manu-
factures, installs and
maintains wind turbines.
It has installed more than
19 GW with a further
3 GW in various stages
of development in more
than 20 countries and four
continents.
It manages the entire GAMESA
turbine process from design,
manufacture and installation 6000 staff is capable of energy equipment industry, In addition it set a 15%
through to and including manufacturing 4.4 GW of according to a sustainability annual growth rate which
operation and maintenance. turbines each year. ranking produced by the it hopes will see it achieve
The company also designs The firm is currently Dow Jones Sustainability 4 GW/year in sales by 2013.
and manufactures its own developing two offshore World Index. The company plans
blades, blade roots and models, with capacities October saw Gamesa to base its offshore wind
moulds for blade and tower of 5 MW and of 6–7 MW, sign supply contracts for energy business in the UK,
manufacture. in anticipation of further 251 MW of turbines to China, backed by an investment of
The company has development in the North a month after it reached €150 million between 2011
manufacturing facilities Sea over the coming years. strategic agreements to and 2011.
across Europe, the United In early November the supply 1.31 GW of capacity A global headquarters
States, China and India. company was ranked global to the country between 2010 for its offshore division will
Its workforce of more than leader in the renewable and 2013. be established in London.
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WIND: KEY PLAYERS
E.ON IBERDROLA RENOVABLES

Germany’s E.On is one of the top 10 wind power operators in the Spain’s Iberdola Renovables already claims to be the top wind
world and aspires to rise further up the global rankings. In Europe energy company in the world in terms of installed capacity, output
and the US it has more than 70 onshore wind farms with a combined and project portfolio. And, in addition, the company’s plans to invest
capacity in excess of 2. 8 GW. €9 billion over the 2010–2012 period to bolster its position.
The company says it is committed to further large-scale Growth in the period to 2012 is expected to come mainly
investments and to expanding its on and offshore installed capacity from the United States, where it will plan to invest €4.9
to about 10 GW by 2015. billion, 55% of its total capex budget. In the UK, meanwhile,
E.On operates the 782 MW Roscoe wind farm in Texas, US, the the firm plans to invest 21% of its budget, or €1.9 billion,
world’s largest onshore wind farm. It is also very active in offshore while in its home market of Spain it plans to invest 11%, or
wind energy and is currently developing a portfolio of projects in UK, €1 billion. The rest of the world will receive 13% of the capex budget,
Scandinavian and German waters. or €1.2 billion.
The company developed the 120 MW Scroby Sands offshore The goal, says the company, is to accumulate more than
windfarm off the Norfolk coast in England. Its 30 turbines, each 16 GW of installed capacity by 2012. Iberdrola also expects its
rated at 2 MW. E.On’s latest offshore windfarm is the 60-turbine operating earnings to rise by 15%–20% a year in the period.
Robin Rigg project in Scotland, which is one of the country’s largest. Iberdrola Renovables is a member of the group of companies
Construction began in 2007 and was completed this year. headed by its sole shareholder Iberdrola SA, which owns 80% of
E.On is also one of the partner companies developing the the capital. Iberdrola Renovables, in turn, is the parent for a group of
London Array project along the English coast in cooperation with companies in Spain and elsewhere.
DONG Energy and Masdar. Iberdrola Renovables operates in more than 20 countries
When complete the London Array will be the largest offshore including Brazil, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland,
windfarm in the world with a capacity of 1 GW. Located more than Mexico, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the UK and the United States.
20 km from the Kent and Essex coasts in the outer Thames Estuary, In the UK the parent company owns one of the country’s major
one of the three strategic areas the UK government has identified for utility groups, Scottish Power, and by extension ScottishPower
offshore wind farm development, construction began in July 2009 Renewables which operates Europe’s largest onshore windfarm, the
and the first stage is set to be completed by 2012. 322 MW Whitelees windfarm in Scotland.
VESTAS
Lem, Denmark, causing its For next year the
VESTAS
shares to slide temporarily. company expects firm and
But plans to supply 140 unconditional orders of
commercially produced V112s 7–8 GW.
to Australia’s Macarthur Wind Activity in terms of
Farm remain firmly in place. produced and shipped
Nonetheless, Vestas has megawatts is expected to
been unable to avoid the come in at 6 GW during the
effects of the global economic year, generating a positive
downturn and in late October free cash flow of €650 million,
the company announced that said the company.
it plans to close a number Over the course of the
of its manufacturing units, year Vestas has taken receipt
principally in Denmark. of its largest order to date
Along with back office from Portugal’s EDPR for
Denmark’s Vestas is a long- capacity falls just short of functions, the resulting job 1.5 GW and up to 2.1 GW.
term player in the wind 1 GW, of which the UK losses will total about 3000 The agreement covers
industry and its roots can be accounts for 484 MW from people. The decision, said the supply, installation and
traced back as far as 1898. 182 turbines. company, was largely based commissioning of wind
In 1987 the company Its turbines’ ratings on weaker-than-expected turbines for delivery to North
opted to concentrate range from 850 kW through demand in Europe. America, South America and
exclusively on wind energy to its latest 3.0 MW V112 However, despite the Europe in 2011 and 2012, with
and by the end of June 2010 it model, which is designed for staffing cull, Vestas at the the possibility of a 600 MW
had installed 41,417 turbines both on and offshore use. same time reiterated its extension through to 2011.
giving it an installed capacity In September a manually expectations for 2010. But the The company say it is
of just under 40 GW, the vast produced prototype of company has sliced planned also continuing to work on
majority of which is onshore. the V112 suffered a blade investment which will now not its plans for development of a
Its current offshore installed detachment at its test site in exceed €900 million. 6 MW offshore turbine.
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Designing for a
sustainable future
__________
At Hansen Transmissions, innovation is a part of our culture. That is why we work

incessantly to develop new generations of drive trains that are even more powerful,
flexible and reliable. As leading experts in gear- & gearbox technology, our R&D
activities focus primarily on reliability, reductions in noise and vibrations, tribology and
oil cleanliness.
Working closely with our customers, we set out to meet industry trends by further
expanding our capabilities in virtual prototyping, advanced dynamic simulation
techniques, validation, testing and monitoring.
info.wind@hansentransmissions.com
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Hansen is proud to be part of the current technological evolution, by helping to

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WIND: KEY PLAYERS
SIEMENS
Siemens Wind Power started and under development
life as Danregn Vindkraft in offshore wind farms.
1980, before being renamed The company says it has
Bonus Energy in 1983. also played a key role in the
In December 2004 it was development of the UK’s
acquired by Siemens and first modern apprenticeship
remains a wholly-owned scheme for the renewable
subsidiary of the German energy sector.
engineering giant. Speaking at the launch
The company has of the scheme in Glasgow in
developed a wide range of on early November, Christopher
and offshore wind turbines Ehlers, head of Siemens
with current machines Wind Power UK, said: ‘As
offering power ratings in the the leading supplier of
2.3–3.6 MW range and with offshore and onshore wind
some 8735 turbines installed. turbines, grid connections
Siemens in 2009 had a and service and maintenance
5.9% share of the 38 GW in the UK, our support of the
global wind energy market, apprenticeship scheme is
according to the most recent critical.’
BTM report. Notable projects using
In recent months the Siemens turbines include the
company has announced that Windy Flats and Tuolumne
it is on track to build a new wind farms in the United
wind turbine factory in the UK States with a total capacity of
that should be operational by 358 MW, Wolfe Island in
2014 and create 700 jobs. Canada with 197.8 MW
In October Siemens said installed, Whitelee in
it plans to produce a new Scotland, UK, with 322 MW
6 MW direct-drive offshore installed, Smola in Norway
wind turbine at the facility. with 150.4 MW, West Wind in
At present more than 40% New Zealand with a capacity
of UK-generated wind power of 142.6 MW and Xinjiang in
is derived from Siemens China – Asia’s first wind farm,
machinery and technology. which was developed in 1989
Siemens turbines account with a total rated capacity of
SIEMENS
for 77% of the UK’s installed 2 MW.
GE NEXTERA
GE has installed more than 13,500 wind turbines worldwide and has US-based NextEra, formerly FPL, provides more than 25% of the total
manufacturing and assembly facilities in Germany, Norway, China, wind energy generation energy in the United States. The company
Canada and the United States. The company’s current product entered the wind generation sector in 1989 with the acquisition of
portfolio includes turbines with rated capacities from 1.5 MW to 4 MW. several existing wind projects in Southern California and built its first
In May GE and US-based Lake Erie Energy Development wind farm in Oregon in 1998. The next 10 years, said the company,
Corporation announced a long-term partnership covering the were marked by significant growth and the acquisition of two wind
development of the first fresh-water offshore wind farm in the US and projects in Canada.
a broad range of other initiatives. Under the partnership, GE is set to NextEra is the largest generator of wind-powered electricity in
provide direct-drive wind turbines to LEEDCo’s 20 MW offshore wind North America, with 76 facilities across 17 US states and Canada.
project in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie. It operates about 9000 turbines which collectively have a nameplate
GE also plans to install up to five offshore demonstration generating capacity of some 7500 MW.
turbines through two separate partnerships, with both set to use the In 2009 the company invested about $11 billion in its wind
company’s largest wind turbine – a 4 MW-rated machine. interests. It also operates solar and nuclear sites and reported 2009
The company recently said it will invest €340 million to develop revenues of more than $15 billion from nearly 43 GW of generating
and expand its European wind turbine manufacturing, engineering capacity. It employs more than 15,000 people across 28 US states
and service facilities in the UK, Norway, Sweden and Germany. and Canada.
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WIND: KEY PLAYERS
SINOVEL
SINOVEL
China-based Sinovel Wind Group leading producer, and propelling

is an independent designer, it into third place in the global
developer and manufacturer rankings. In 2009 it launched a
of large-scale on and offshore 5 MW offshore wind turbine.
wpd – we’ll do it all – develop, finance and series wind turbines. The Beijing-headquartered
operate your projects for harnessing wind By 2008, only three years company also regards itself
power. Our successful realisation of more after the company was founded, as a leading innovator in
than 1,600 operating wind turbines with Sinovel Wind Group had installed China’s wind power equipment
a total power output in excess of 2 GW 1.4 GW of wind turbines, ranking manufacturing. The company
demonstrates our ability and expertise in it first in China and seventh in provided all 34 of the 3 MW-
this unique field. We’re like the wind – our the world. In 2009, it installed rated wind turbines for the
power is limitless – onshore and offshore. a further 3.51 GW of turbines, new Shanghai Donghai Bridge
Let us help you experience the dynamics holding its position as China’s offshore wind farm.
by becoming your exclusive partner!
www.wpd.de
SUZLON
India’s Suzlon, launched in The company has over
1995 with a staff of just 20, 40 sites across eight states
has evolved into a leading in India, and had installed
wind power company in excess of 5 GW by
with 16,000 employees September.
in 25 countries and with With a global project
operations across the portfolio across Asia,
Americas, Asia, Australia Australia, Europe and North
and Europe. and South America, Suzlon
The company has a fully recently announced plans
integrated supply chain with to set up a new office in
manufacturing facilities in South Africa, where the
three continents as well as country’s wind energy
R&D facilities in Belgium, association believes could
Denmark, Germany, India derive 25% of its energy
and the Netherlands. from wind by 2025. The firm
Suzlon’s global is in the tendering process
market share last year, for more than 800 MW in
combined with that of its South Africa, where wind
2009-acquired German potential is estimated at
wind turbine manufacturer about 184 TWh.
REpower, rose to 9.8%, In late October
making the group the Suzlon reported a
third largest wind turbine group order book worth
manufacturing company in $5.4 billion and Q2 revenues
the world. of $847 million.
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WIND: KEY PLAYERS
RWE
RWE has operated onshore wind farms for more than 10 UK’s Welsh coast. Nearby, the company is also planning a
years in Europe. In Spain and the UK, the company says it 576 MW offshore farm at Gwynt y Mor.
has built a solid foundation for its growing business with its Off the English coast RWE is involved with the 504 MW
existing wind farms. In Germany and the Netherlands, RWE Greater Gabbard project. The firm has secured development
Innogy significantly increased its capacity when it acquired licences for two other UK offshore projects, the 1.5 GW
the wind farms of Dutch energy supplier Essent. It currently Atlantic Array in the Bristol Channel and the massive
has some 2.2 GW of installed capacity and 1.1 GW under Dogger Bank scheme off Yorkshire, which is expected to
construction. have an installed capacity of 9 GW. Off the German coast
RWE’s existing wind farms include those in North Hoyle the company is building the 295 MW Nordsee Ost, for which
and Rhyl Flats, at 60 MW and 90 MW respectively, off the the European Union is providing some €50 millon of funding.
NORDEX
Germany’s Nordex was launched in 1985
Rasin Transformers
and in 1995 introduced the first megawatt

Enclosed Cast
system in the world, the N54. Today more

than 4000 Nordex wind turbines with a
total rated output of more than 5720 MW
are operating in 34 countries.
Represented with offices and
subsidiaries in 18 countries, in the third
Transformers
Cast Resin
quarter of 2010, business fell short of the

company’s expectations, chiefly due to
weak market conditions. Thus, Nordex has
launched a cost-cutting programme as
well as an initiative to boost the efficiency
Transformers
of its turbines. Furthermore, and contrary

Dry Type
to previous forecasts, it no longer expects

a small increase in sales for 2010.
In October Nordex USA announced
the official opening of its flagship wind
Transformers
turbine manufacturing plant in the US,

Oil Cooled
representing a $40 million investment,

which will manufacture nacelles for its
2.5 MW Gamma series machines.
Direct Water Cooled
The latest order announced by the firm

was obtained by its Turkish subsidiary and
Transformers
is for the supply of 18 machines for the

‘Susurluk’ wind farm. The farm is owned
by Iltek Iletisim, the energy subsidiary of
the Eksim Group. Nordex also announced
an order for the turnkey installation of
Transformers
a the ‘Akres’ project in Turkey, with 18

Custom
N90/2500 machines. This development is

for Karesi Enerji, a subsidiary of the Turkish
transformer manufacturer Best.
Transforming energy
Made in Switzerland
since 40 years
David Beattie is associate editor of
Renewable Energy World magazine
e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
This article is available on-line. To www.trasfor.com

infotrasfor@trasfor.com
comment on it or forward it to a colleague,
visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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PHOTOVOLTAICS: MARKET OUTLOOK
PV SET TO RIDE
OUT DOWNTURN
INSTALLATIONS SET TO TOP 15 GW
IN 2010 AND TO RISE AGAIN IN 2011
New analysis suggests that the surging PV market will
withstand public budget restraints and the weakening
of the euro in currency markets to continue its
expansion into 2011, with over 19 GW of installations,
before softening only slightly in 2012. Henning Wicht,
Stefan de Haan and Greg Sheppard explain.
San Rafael California, USA (9kW)

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C onsensus is now growing that at least 15 GW of PV

*OREDO$QQXDO3KRWRYROWDLFV,QVWDOODWLRQV
systems will be installed globally in 2010, up from
7.2 GW in 2009.

Transparent project pipelines, emerging clarity
0HJDZDWWV
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on feed-in tariff (FIT) clarity, and overflowing advance

order books for suppliers are conspiring to make this a

reasonable possibility, iSuppli for example is forecasting

a 15.7 GW market this year.
However, debate over how 2011 will shape up for
the industry is rife, with questions raging over possible

market dips in Germany and Italy as FIT cuts take effect.
But analysis suggests this will not be the case, with
aggressive growth in both set to continue.
A notable drop-out during 2011 is likely to be the Figure 1. Worldwide PV installation forecast (Q3 2010) ISUPPLI
Czech Republic, where new installations are set to

plunge from the gigawatt level to just one fifth of that. After introducing But these risks could be mitigated by a further drop in system
a moratorium on grid connections in 2010, the government in installation prices, with a price drop of at least 10% on average in
September said it would reduce FITs for ground installations and Europe predicted, continuing a long-term trend.
restrict funding to systems of 500 kW or less from March 2011. It is also believed that the French government will not reduce its
FIT by more than 20% in 2011, following the policy revision in Italy,
PRICE CUTS SET TO KEEP PROJECTS ATTRACTIVE where cuts of 10%–27%, depending on segment, were agreed in
Concerns over the PV market next year reflect several considerations. August 2010.
Public budget problems seen in Greece could also affect Spain In France, speculation concerning future PV regulations are
and Italy, and potentially dull the appetite for higher FITs, while the becoming something of a source of derision. In September the
weakening of the euro against the Chinese yuan, which is itself country’s environment ministerJean-Louis Borloo said that France
linked to the US dollar, could also push up the prices of modules could reach 5 GW in 2011 and quadruple its 2020 targets. However,
and other system components. Christine Lagarde, the industry and economy minister, interpreted
Debate over how 2011 will shape up is rife, with questions raging over possible market dips in Germany and Italy SOEN
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CALL FOR
PAPERS
Abstract submittal deadline:
26th November 2010 5 - 7 MAY 2011, PRAGATI MAIDAN,
NEW DELHI, INDIA
www.renewableenergyworldindia.com
Renewable Energy World India 2011 is a new event for the WHO WILL BE YOUR AUDIENCE?
Indian renewables sector. Co-located with POWER-GEN
• Policy-makers from the Energy Sector
India & Central Asia , the region’s most important power
• Electricity Boards/Power Utilities
related conference and exhibition and HydroVision India,
this is the premier event for meeting the major players in • Energy Managers
the Indian and international energy sectors and learning • Urban Planners & Developers
about the latest technologies. • Renewable Energy Consultants
• Project Financiers
The Advisory Board for Renewable Energy World India is
accepting abstracts for the Renewable Energy World 2011 • Independent Power Producers (IPP)
Conference. We invite you to submit an abstract and share • Technology Developers
your knowledge, experience and solutions with industry • Environment Agencies
colleagues from around the world. • Operations & Maintenance Managers
• OEMs
To have your presentation considered for the technical
session programme, please submit your 100 - 400 word
abstract on one or more of the technical focus areas listed by Submit your abstract online at:
26th November 2010. www.renewableenergyworldindia.com
GEARING UP FOR THE

RENEWABLES
CHALLENGE OF
INDIA’S 12TH PLAN
Co-located with
Flagship Media Sponsors Supporting Event Organizers

Organization
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Average ROI in 2011 will remain attractive in key markets SOEN
the 2010 dynamics the other way round, saying: ‘A large part of our
2020 goals have been achieved – we can reduce our efforts.’
In September iSuppli revised down its installation forecast for
France from 1080 MW to 700 MW.
RETURN ON INVESTMENT HOLDS UP

The bottom line is that the average return on investment for projects
installed in the major market countries of Germany and Italy during
2011 will remain attractive and will, in fact, stimulate substantial
demand. The average FIT will be cut by 13% in Germany, according
to our forecasts, while the projected return on investment (ROI) will
range at about 8%. Likewise, Italy’s FIT reduction will be 10% to
27% and will be split over the year. Our models assume ROIs will
average 10% for projects completed during the year in Italy.
Next year could be the year the PV industry begins to wean itself
from German market generosity, with other markets stepping up to
complement it. Some 19 GW will be installed in 2012 worldwide,
according to our forecast, down slightly from 2011’s 19.5 GW.
German installations are expected to cool off from a pace of
9.5 GW in 2011 and reduce further for a number of years into the
4–5 GW/year range. This will result, we believe, from the government’s
aim of maintaining an orderly progression towards its ultimate goal of
about 80 GW of installed PV capacity by 2028.
Meanwhile, countries like Italy, the US, China and Canada,
specifically Ontario, will fill in the gap partially in 2012 and more
completely in 2013.
German installations are expected to cool

off from a pace of 9.5 GW in 2011 and
reduce further for a number of years into
the 4–5GW/year range
MANAGING INVENTORY WHILE RIDING A BUCKING BRONCO

Operations managers at PV module companies are often under
great pressure to maintain production levels and inventories at
optimal levels and to ensure that the product can be easily accessed
by its buyers. In addition, currency fluctation can be a key concern,
especially if the supply chain is in yuan. There is also pricing pressure
_____________
against a sliding euro.
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Although in some quarters these could be considered minor ruggedised electronic systems with annual shipments of more than
issues for a rapidly developing industry, those who fail to take 10 million units and 32 MW by 2013.
into account these challenges could find themselves permanently
relegated to the minor leagues of the sector. But these risks could be mitigated by a
further drop in system installation prices,
CHANNEL VISIBILITY IN A FIT-DRIVEN WORLD
with a price drop of at least 10% on average
Channel inventory, as iSuppli defines it, includes modules that are on
ships, in customs, with distributors, with installers, on trucks and on in Europe predicted
the job site, including those awaiting inspection, commissioning and Revenues should also top $7.2 billion by then. PV inverter
official approval. Collectively, this constitutes the largest cache of suppliers are straining to keep up with system installations this year
inventory for modules. Modules can flow through part of the chain in as they roughly double. Consolidation is expected, we predict that
days – for an expedited shipment, right to the
job site – or sit installed for months until grid or
legal issues are worked out.
Unlike electronics, where communications
and supply chain practices and technologies
are fairly mature, the PV industry is still in a
rudimentary state, struggling with ill-timed
capital spending (or its absence), over-
and under-production, and nationalistic
government efforts to create local jobs
without considering the global supply picture.
Electronics suffer the same afflictions, but to a
lesser extent.
In electronics, the bulk of the inventory
is typically held by upstream suppliers like
semiconductor firms, even for products
that flow through distributors and electronic
manufacturing services (EMS) contractors.
This adds cost to the semiconductor supplier,
but has greatly reduced oversupply risks
downstream and has helped control pricing
from the supplier’s point of view.
CAN PV LEARN FROM ELECTRONICS?

Most inventory in the PV industry remains
piled up in the later stages of its market flow
and it can be argued that until uncertainty
over changes to FITs is resolved and installer
operations become more efficient, reducing
«Renewable energy – it deserves excellent connections»
the oversized inventory swings will be hard.
But an interesting trend from an inventory Solar energy
perspective is that, as more module companies Connect with holistic
move into system installer/developer/EPC RADOX®SOLAR connectivity
roles, overal inventories should become easier solutions. Use our quality to
to manage and the industry can look forward secure your solar power.
to more subdued swings.
Another trend that could emerge is that Wind energy
module manufacturing contractors – such as
Fiber optic, copper and wireless
EMS – could help supply to match demand.
solutions for the nacelle and
EMS companies dislike being used in this way
control system, and between
but are better placed to aggregate demand
towers in the windpark.
across their customers and smooth out
industry-wide production levels.
The PV inverter market is set to grow by HUBER+SUHNER AG
8330 Pfäffikon Switzerland
98% in 2010 and PV inverters are on track
info@hubersuhner.com hubersuhner.com
to become one of the world’s highest volume
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this year, our analysis predicts. Considering the strong demand and
catch up on supply, this may seem to contradict the laws of supply
and demand.
But digging beneath the surface reveals a shift towards large
inverters with a lower price per watt, as well as a challenge for
inverter suppliers on the market’s expectation of price reductions.
It is expected that inverter suppliers will increasingly be valued for
their impact on the levelised cost of energy (LCOE), which takes into
account total energy production – not just the acquisition cost of an
inverter but the lifecycle costs of the inverter over 20 or more years
within an installation.
As the inverter industry closes in on efficiencies well above 90%
this figure is unfortunately becoming just a prerequisite to compete
and less the overwhelming selection criterion it once was.
Factors like total energy harvest and advanced features – such
as those for the utility segment – as well as lifetime and uptime
guarantees are increasingly defining who wins a supply deal.
UTILITY-SCALE INVERTERS IN DEMAND

High-power inverters rated 500 kW or more that target utility-scale
operations on the ground and on large building rooftops are one of
Inverter suppliers are straining to keep up installations SOLAR WORLD
the market’s fastest growing segments.
This range of inverters will average a 61% Compound Annual
the current 200 inverter companies worldwide will settle into 15 Growth Rate (CAGR) on a MW basis over the next five years. These
companies controlling 90% of the market by 2012. systems must incorporate considerable capability to help utilities
manage the grid, including low voltage ride through (LVRT) for
TRYING TO ESCAPE THE COST PER WATT TREADMILL tackling outages as well as ways to smooth out harmonics and to
The average price per watt for inverters will be down by 13.5% correct the power factor when voltage and current get misphased.
____________________________________
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_____
39,QYHUWHU6KLSPHQW)RUHFDVW
6KLSPHQWV*: $QQXDO*URZWK

+ +

6KLSPHQWV

$QQXDO*URZWK
Figure 2. PV inverter shipments forecast (Q2 2010) ISUPPLI
PROCUREMENT ISSUES
Last year and for part of this year, adequate production capacity to
make inverters was a key issue. But a lingering shortage of electronic
components has now solidified into an ongoing challenge for
inverter companies.
PV inverter suppliers are straining to keep

up with system installations this year as
they roughly double. The current 200
inverter companies worldwide
will settle into 15 companies controlling
90% of the market by 2012
The most troublesome components to source include IGBT
modules, of which many inverter companies are already complaining
of a short supply. Market leader SMA has cited component shortages
as a factor in limiting its shipments over recent quarters. DSP-based
controllers and certain high cap value capacitors have also been
running in short supply.
PV inverters are estimated to be a $1 billion market for
semiconductor suppliers by 2014. In addition to IGBTs, MOSFETs,
rectifiers, DSP controllers, FPGAs, ASICs and even flash memory will
be used in high volumes for inverters – creating a very respectable
market opportunity that is worthy of investment.
________________
Henning Wicht is senior director & principal analyst,
photovoltaics, iSuppli.
Stefan de Haan is senior analyst, photovoltaic materials &
systems, iSuppli.
Greg Sheppard is chief research officer at iSuppli.
e-mail: hwicht@isuppli.com
This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it

to a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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POLICY AND MARKETS: CHINA AND THE US
CHINA & THE US

OPPORTUNITY OR THREAT IN
THE GREEN REVOLUTION?
The number of green relationships being established between the US and
China is on the increase but does that mean these two giants see past their
differences to become an unstoppable combined force for the greater, greener
good? Elisa Wood reports.
China’s success in wind turbine manufacturing

has some in the US concerned
SINOVEL
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S C hina now stands alone as the most attractive market for

renewable energy investment in the world, a position it had
previously jointly held with the US, according to Ernst & Young’s most
recent Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices report.
The news became political fodder in a US mid-term election year
and has been highlighted as an example of the nation’s failings. With
US jobs at stake people are worried, and for good reason.
That’s one way to look at it. Another is that China’s rise offers
a new and crucial opportunity. Paired, the countries can float a
tremendous clean energy market that could buoy the industry
worldwide – or sink it if they fail.
‘Imagine a small canoe, barely above the waterline with two
sumo wrestlers, China and the US, in it – one at each end,’ says Elton
Sherwin, senior managing director at California-based Ridgewood
Capital and author of the book Addicted to Energy.
The rest of the canoe, he says, is packed full of people from all of
the other countries. The two sumo wrestlers account for 42% of the
world’s energy demand, are the world’s biggest coal consumers and
the largest importers of oil. Both have aggressive goals to integrate
renewable energy into their supply mix and they lead the way in
wind power development. Last year China installed 13.8 GW of wind
power, the US added 10 GW.
A recent criss-crossing of the globe by industry leaders and
government officials from both nations demonstrates a heightened
understanding of their paired potential and they have been meeting
to investiagte joint green energy opportunities. China brings to the
table its cheap manufacturing capability and the US its high tech
know-how.
‘We can’t view this as one against the other. Over the past
12 months, partnerships and collaborations and deals from the
manufacturing side all the way up to the development and installation
side have really taken off. It makes a lot of sense. We are working
together on the government side and private sector side to grow the
pie and make it beneficial and profitable for businesses in the US and
China,’ said Foley & Lardner partner Jeffery Atkin.
One such meeting, a panel discussion entitled ‘US-China
Private Sector Cooperation in Energy’, brought together industry
and government heavy hitters in early October at the Woodrow
Wilson Center in Washington, D.C. Among the attendees was Jim
Rogers, chief executive officer of Duke Energy, one of the US’ largest
electricity companies.
‘I believe that China and the US are uniquely positioned to
answer the environmental energy challenges for the globe,’ he said
at the forum. ‘We are smart enough and have a clear enough vision
to be able to cooperate and compete at the same time.’
While the two nations have many political and social differences,
both face similar challenges in their power sectors. Both depend
heavily on coal as a core energy resource; it accounts for 50% of the
electricity mix in the US and 80% in China, which in turn makes the
two countries the largest carbon dioxide emitters in the world. Also
at the forum was US secretary of commerce Gary Locke, who said:
‘If not addressed, this current energy mix will significantly impact our
businesses, our environment, and our way of life in both countries.’
THE GREAT GRID OF CHINA

In addition to many similarities in energy supply, both countries are
poised for enormous electricity transmission grid build-outs, which
will be required to meet increasing energy demand through to 2050.
Rogers sees a ‘daunting challenge’ ahead for the US. The nation
will need to spend an estimated $2.1 trillion to meet its electricity
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demand by 2030, with consumption set to grow at an estimated issues with its goods, a problem acknowledged in a recent report
rate of 0.5%/year through to 2035. published by Greenpeace, the Global Wind Energy Council, and the
Over the next 40 years almost all US power plants, with the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association.
exception of its hydroelectric sites, will have to be retired and Kumi Naidoo, executive director of Greenpeace International,
replaced, said Rogers. This comes on top of the transmission and said in the report ‘2010 China Wind Power Outlook’ that China
distribution overhaul needed for smart grid applications. remains dependent on Europe and the US for key wind turbine
Conversely, China will focus less on upgrading an outdated design technology; that it lacks experience in operating and
grid and more on building new facilities. It has 700 million rural maintaining wind farms; and that its workers’ skills are ‘insufficient’.
inhabitants, 15 million of whom, it is anticipated, will flock to its cities ‘To face and address the long-term problems, China needs to
every year. By 2025, China is expected to build 40 billion m2 of floor learn constantly, create opportunities for international cooperation
space across five million buildings – the equivalent of two Chicagos and communication,’ he said. The country must also establish a
every year, said Rogers. ‘cooperative mechanism of win-win and multilateral wins with wind
Electricity consumption rises in line with higher average power corporations and research institutes all over the world in
incomes through the increased use of energy-hungry devices such order to learn other countries’ strong points, compensate for [its]
as refrigerators and air conditioning units. By 2030 an estimated own weak points, and develop together’.
$3.1 trillion will need to have been spent to keep up with China’s To date the Chinese solar industry has largely been driven by the
burgeoning demand. production rather than the utilisation of its PV technology. Indeed in
With such levels of growth predicted in China and the US 2009, one third of the world’s PV panels were produced in China,
entirely new power infrastructures in both are expected to be built yet installations there accounted for less than 3% of the global total,
in the next 40 years. according to PwC.
BIG PROBLEMS, BIG SOLUTIONS Both countries are poised for enormous
With such daunting figures, it is an enormous challenge for the electricity transmission grid build-outs,
two countries to simultaneously meet new demand and achieve
which will be required to meet increasing
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, but significant progress
is afoot. energy demand through to 2050
China has a five-year plan for renewables to account for 15% Some quarters have voiced concerns that this allows Chinese
of its energy mix on top of a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas manufacturers to have less stringent quality standards. However,
emissions by 2020. again according to PwC, as China finds a new balance and moves
In just three years, the country became the world’s largest from largely being a solar technology producer into an adopter, an
producer of photovoltaic panels, according to Pricewaterhouse broad upturn in quality to Western standards is expected to follow.
Coopers’ (PwC) recently published document: ‘US-China Cleantech A technologically-innovative and growing Chinese market is also
Connection: Shaping a new commercial diplomacy’. expected to see more widespread applications in China itself, while
The US is also making hefty strides in cleantech development, welcoming the country into the global market will force it to raise the
an example being its solar industry, which by the end of the year quality of the goods it manufactures.
is expected have seen a year-on-year doubling in size, despite The Chinese installation market remains wide open and therefore
ongoing global economic issues, according to trade group the Solar provides a huge opportunity for US companies that produce high
Energy Industries Association. quality products to seek to do business there.
The president and CEO of SEIA, Rhone Resch, recently In September 2009 US-based First Solar unveiled a memorandum
announced a target for the US to install 10 GW/year of solar by of understanding with Chinese government officials to build a
2015. Simultaneously the US government began to approve 2 GW solar power plant in the Mongolian desert. The development
the construction of large utility-scale solar plants on federal land. site, slated for completion in 2019, requires cutting edge technology
Construction work on several large projects is expected to be and high quality components.
underway by the end of the year. The growth of the clean technology sector in both countries is
Bolstered by strong government commitment over the past in part due to the state of the industry in the other, with companies
two years, the US is shaping up to be the largest solar market in from each becoming increasingly co-dependent. Bilateral trade and
the world, with its potential serving to attract Chinese companies investment between China and the US has given and continues
including Suntech Power Holdings. The company, the world’s to give citizens from both countries greater access to high quality
largest crystalline silicon PV module producer, said earlier this year products and services, according to Locke.
it plans to construct its first manufacturing plant in the US, while An example of this is the growth in China’s middle class, which
Yingli Green Energy is also said to be considering building a facility has spurred demand for US products, helping US producers’ order
in the country. books and satisfying Chinese consumers, while lower-cost products
from China which are being sold in the US mean a potential increase
CAN THE MARRIAGE WORK? in the disposable incomes of US citizens. ‘That is what a win-win
However, not everyone in the US welcomes expansion of Chinese relationship looks like,’ said Locke.
companies into the US clean tech market. One concern is that while Another major partnership opportunity between the US and
China may excel at cheap manufacturing, there may be quality China is the development of smart grid technology. The PwC
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report forecast that China could spend up to $100 billion over the
next decade on smart grid development, which could result in the
deployment of 300 million smart meters alone.
Not surprisingly, Intel Corporation recently consolidated its chip-
making operation in Chengdu into a 2400-employee facility and is
now the largest chip packaging and testing base in Asia.
To help US companies penetrate Chinese and other foreign
markets, the Obama administration in March launched the National
Export Initiative, which seeks to double exports from the United
States over the next five years.
‘I am confident that our efforts and a sustained focus on the
National Export Initiative will allow the US, China and countries all
around the world to reap the benefits of the emerging clean energy
economy,’ said Locke.
Entering the US market, however, is another story. Accessing Wind turbine manufacturing facilities in Dalian, China SINOVEL
this market can pose difficulties for international companies owing to free land and low-interest loans to its clean energy industries while
a quagmire of local, state and federal regulations. restricting access to its domestic market.
‘The US is very complex compared with most other places in In response, in October Zhang Guobao, a senior economic
the world. It is more time consuming. That is a reason why foreign official for China, held a US news briefing in which he accused US
companies, the European companies, the Chinese companies, are trade officials of delaying trade talks with China, adding that the
joint venturing and partnering with local companies,’ said Foley & United States uses economic reforms to promote US companies
Lardner’s Atkin. over foreign investors.
‘You can build a solar facility almost anywhere in the world Zhang also accused US politicians of looking for someone to
without a lot of complication in a couple of months. You go to do blame for America’s slow economic recovery. The criticism of China,
that in California and it is a much longer period of time,’ he added. he pointed out, had coincided with the then-upcoming US mid-
term elections. ‘Do they want fair trade? Or an earnest dialogue? Or
PARTNERSHIP PROS AND CONS transparent information?,’ he asked rhetorically, before answering: ‘I
Duke Energy is hoping that a United States–China partnership will don’t think they want any of this. I think [it] more likely, the Americans
lower costs, create more jobs and expedite the deployment of clean just want votes’.
energy technologies. The North Carolina-based utility has entered The development of a large and technologically advanced clean
into two agreements with the Chinese power companies ENN and energy industry is critical for both countries to successfully mitigate
China Huaneng. the effects of climate change, promote economic recovery, and
The agreement with ENN, signed over a year ago, covers the compete in a globalised market,’ said Locke.
development of several different cleantech projects, including a pilot Ultimately it would benefit both countries to put aside their
smart eco-city near Beijing. By working with Chinese companies, differences and work together to accomplish a similar goal, he
Duke Energy hopes to gain experience both in scaling up and in added, before saying: ‘I am confident that these partnerships,
driving down the costs of green energy deployment. especially in clean energy, will continue to strengthen over time and
US universities and other research institutions are now also we will all be the better for it.’
partnering with China. In September, some 30 senior executives Cooperation in the clean energy industry could be a starting
from the State Grid China Corporation, the world’s largest utility, met point for further cooperation between the two countries, he
with representatives of the University of California San Diego, to tour continued, saying: ‘The power sector is just one step on a ladder of
its energy facilities along with executives from IBM and utility group cooperation that is needed to encourage other companies to work
San Diego Gas & Electric. together, which could possibly influence the governments to work
But despite recent efforts to promote business cooperation together as well.’
between the US and China, significant political and economic Many issues remain for the two countries to work out but the
tensions remain. In September 2010, the United Steelworkers trade advantages of collaboration conspire to drive them together. Only
union filed a complaint accusing China of ignoring World Trade time will tell if the two sumo players will continue to work together
Organization rules, claiming that its government is granting too many to develop the clean energy industry or if they will start wrestling
subsidies to Chinese companies, making it impossible for US groups instead, and sink the boat.
to enter China’s market.
In addition, the union accused China of depressing its currency Elisa Wood is US correspondent for Renewable Energy World
so exports of clean energy products sell cheaply abroad while magazine.
foreign imports appear expensive. China’s currency, the yuan, is
appreciating, but at a much slower pace than China’s economic e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
gains, said the union.
Its complaint echoes similar charges by manufacturers in other This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it to
countries, who argue that China grants hidden subsidies including a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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SOLAR THERMAL: KEEPING FANS COOL
CHILLING IN THE
HEAT OF DOHA SU
SOLAR SOCCER STADIUM STAYING COOL
A pioneering solar thermal cooling project at a sports stadium in
Qatar is kicking off the technology for far larger endeavours, and
perhaps levelling the playing field for this long-overlooked solar
option. David Appleyard reports.
The solar-cooled showcase stadium in Qatar

GEM ADVERTISING AND PUBLICATIONS
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F or the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup football tournament some
86,000 spectators will convene at the Lusail Iconic Stadium in
Qatar, if the nation’s on-going bid is successful.
As envisaged, the stadium is certainly iconic. Its Foster + Partners
design encompasses the sweeping curves evocative of the sails of
a traditional dhow boat, but – perhaps more significantly – it is also
potentially set to feature a major solar thermal cooling installation.
Designed to cool those thousands of fans who visit the Doha stadium
in the up to 45˚C heat of the Arabian Peninsula, with a backdrop of
a World Cup final and its television audience of many millions, it will
no doubt do much to highlight the power of solar cooling and low-
carbon, low-energy development.
Located to the north of Doha, with direct connections by road
and a new metro line, its parking and service areas are to be shaded
by canopies of solar PV collectors, which will produce energy for the
stadium when it is in use, as well as generate power for neighbouring
buildings. Overall, the stadium is designed to be net zero carbon in
operation.
Indeed, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,
chairman of the Qatar 2022 Bid, reportedly said: ‘The stadium will
inspire a new generation of regional and international sports venues,
incorporating environmentally friendly cooling technologies to ensure
the ideal conditions for players and spectators alike. The design of
the stadium provides fans with optimum views of the action in a cool
and comfortable setting.’
In a recent interview, Mark Fenwick, senior partner of RFA Fenwick
Iribarren Architects, commented on the major challenges in designing
and developing such venues for this region. ‘Certainly the most
important challenge for stadium design in the Middle East has to do
with the need to cool the interior environment to an acceptable level,
especially in the summer months,’ he said. Fenwick added: ‘One of
the most exciting challenges in modern stadiums in the Middle East
is to develop a design which allows cooling for the players and the
spectators, and to resolve a responsible energy source, such as solar
power.’
A SHOWCASE FOR LOW-CARBON DEVELOPMENT

Blazing a trail for that major development is a pioneering installation
at another of the 12 stadiums which the Qatar authorities submitted
as part of their bid to FIFA.
Designed by Arup Associates, the 500-seater showcase ‘model
stadium’ in question is zero carbon in operation and features an
operating concentrating solar thermal cooling system. Serving as a
proof-of-concept, it is expected to act as a development platform
to refine the technologies for application across Qatar, at the Lusail
Iconic Stadium and potentially across all arid regions.
UN
Commissioned to demonstrate to FIFA and the world-wide
audience that the harsh climate over the summer months is no longer
a barrier to hosting global events, the showcase has been designed
to create a controlled microclimate over and around the football field,
and other public spaces. Its design is focused on three key elements:
passive energy-saving architecture; photovoltaics; and solar thermal
cooling for summertime air conditioning load.
Now completed after a four-month build period, the structure
features a revolving canopy roof which moves to provide cooling
shade within the building and is thermally insulated. Remaining closed
over the space until the sun has passed overhead, the shading roof
can then be opened without letting the sunshine heat up the space.
Unless the outside conditions are extremely hot and windy,
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the roof may open to the sky. Under more adverse conditions, the five years ago, the Qatar installation being the largest demonstration
canopy can be closed in the run-up to an event, allowing the system of the collectors to date. High output temperatures from the design
to cool down the closed air volume ready for match time, working make the collector ideally suited to power absorption chillers, the
at maximum efficiency. The developers emphasise that the surfaces company says.
of the showcase are also designed to remain cool throughout a Energy from the collector field is used to drive a double-effect
match in order to help to stabilise the thermal gains from lights, the lithium bromide absorption chiller supplied by Thermax Absorption
assembled spectators and so on. Cooling, headquartered in Pune, India. Thermax Vapour Absorption
A solar field outside the stadium is made up of both grid- Machines (VAMs) are designed to be driven by different heat sources
connected photovoltaic panels and Fresnel-type reflectors. Together and to offer a minimum outlet temperature of +5˚C.
with generators using biofuels, the amount of electricity generated The output is then stored in eutectic tanks beneath the showcase
exceeds net imports for events over the year, making the facility zero for use in the evening when it is circulated through air-handling units
carbon for electricity. (AHUs) supplied by Desiccant Dry Air. Commissioned in the early
The solar thermal field, supplied by German engineering and summer of 2010, the UK company produced two 8-metre-long
manufacturing group Mirroxx GmbH, features single-axis tracking dual wheeled desiccant AHUs designed to control the very high
flat-plate mirrors which focus solar energy onto a water-filled Schott temperature and humidity found at the site, with outside temperatures
PTR® 70 vacuum absorber tube – heating the fluid, which is as high as 45˚C and relative humidity as high as 95%. The company’s
pressurised at 16 bar, to some 200˚C. With a total aperture area of engineers designed a high temperature, high pressure water system
1400 m2, the collectors are rated at 700 kW, with Mirroxx claiming that would regenerate lithium bromide coolant for chilling the airflow.
a maximum optical efficiency of 62%, based on DNI, and a peak High pressure vessels were fabricated and pump sets designed
performance of 500 W/m2. The system has modules that are 4 and installed. These units supply chilled air to the area beneath the
metres long and 8 metres wide with 11 primary mirror rows and spectators’ seats, cooling the seating area and flowing down to the
uses toughened flat white glass mirrors and a polished aluminium pitch to provide cooling for the players.
secondary reflector. Arrayed in 32 metre-long sections, each of the With the solar cooling system in operation, maximum temperatures
individually-driven mirror rows features a 7 W electric drive motor. are well below the guidelines set out by the FIFA medical committee
Mirroxx’s Fresnel technology is a spin out from the Fraunhofer to avoid players suffering significant heat stress and also beat the
Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and the product was launched ASHRAE comfort standards for spectators, its designers say.
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there is a large fraction of direct sunlight. For off-grid applications or

for applications where the provision from the grid is unreliable, this
technology is more cost-effective than employing a diesel generator,’
said Platzer.
‘Air-conditioning could also be an important application. Over 40
million new air-conditioning units are sold worldwide annually and
the tendency is increasing. Up to now, this potential application has
not been used because market-ready products and demonstration
projects that serve as role models are still needed,’ he added.
The Qatar 2022 Showcase appears to have delivered at least one
more role model. During the FIFA visit, with an outside temperature at
The showcase stadium’s collector field GEM ADVERTISING AND PUBLICATIONS 44˚C only two hours earlier, the pitch was recorded as 23˚C. If Qatar
wins through against the other bids for the FIFA 2022 – including
FANNING THE FLAMES OF FUTURE DEVELOPMENT Australia, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the USA – then it will
Recent research sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for the surely serve as a role model for large scale solar thermal cooling
Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and too. The FIFA Executive Committee, chaired by President Joseph S.
conducted by the Fraunhofer ISE and others found that in the near Blatter, is due to vote on the winning bidder by secret ballot as REW
term, small concentrating solar collector systems can significantly goes to press.
contribute to sustainable development goals. Such small and
medium-scale solar thermal power stations generate heat at David Appleyard is chief editor of Renewable Energy World
temperatures up to 400˚C and can generate electricity, cooling and magazine.
industrial process heat. Dr Werner J. Platzer, department head at
Fraunhofer ISE observed: ‘Small is beautiful – and most of all fast. e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
Systems ranging from 20 kW up to 2 MW can be more easily realised
and they offer greater possibilities.’ This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it to
‘For regional applications, the technology is economical where a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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BIOMASS: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
SCOTLAND PLANS
LARGEST EVER
ANAEROBIC DIGESTOR
AN INSPIRATION FOR
SMALLER CONTRACTORS
An operational AD plant in the UK

WARDELL-ARMSTRONG
An anaerobic digester in central Scotland which will are the commercial and environmental pressures greater than in
be able to handle up to 105,000 tonnes of mainly Scotland, where the recycling targets are the highest in Europe.
So the recent news that planning permission has been given
commercial waste each year is now under development.
for Scotland’s largest ever anaerobic digestion facility, capable of
The site will serve densely populated local areas and handling around 105,000 tonnes of biomass a year, should be a
produce biogas to fuel an on-site combined heat and real inspiration for smaller contractors looking to diversify into new
power plant, writes Daniel Leaver. resource streams and to take advantage of a whole new market.
Led by Banks Developments in partnership with
W ith UK landfill taxes set to rise in April 2011, as the emphasis

grows on recycling and recovery, while new incentives
encourage renewable energy from waste, and innovative new
recycling firm Scotwaste, the anaerobic
(AD) plant will be built as part of a £70 million
digestion
(US$111 million) facility at Pond Green Energy Park near Bathgate,

technologies come on stream, the opportunities for small and in between Scotland’s two largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
medium-sized contractors have never been greater. The facility as a whole will have a design capacity of 200,000
Nowhere is this truer than in the area of commercial and industrial tonnes/year. Although the waste input will mainly be commercial,
biomass wastes, where the volumes being generated in the UK are the site is well suited to serve the West Lothian municipal waste in
four to five times higher than municipal solid waste. And nowhere addition to existing Scotwaste inputs. It will also generate enough
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BIOMASS: ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
electricity to power more than 7000 homes and enough heat to

serve the equivalent of 9000 homes. MORE UK ENERGY
The location is well placed to serve densely populated areas that
generate large volumes of organic waste. The site is jointly owned by FROM BIO WASTE
Scotwaste and Banks Developments.
However, AD is relatively new in the UK – although there are
DEVELOPMENTS
around 30 plants at various stages of development, only three are Sterecycle, the waste treatment and renewable power
operational and of a similar scale to the proposed Pond site. company, has recently been awarded planning permission
by Essex County Council to develop a waste recycling and
AD: DESIGN FOR LIFE biomass Combined Heat and Power facility at Harlow in Essex.
Wardell Armstrong, an engineering and environmental consultancy, The development will treat up to 240,000 tonnes per
was called in by Banks Developments to provide early input on annum of municipal household and commercial waste from
energy from waste, to advise on the various technological options the local area.
for anaerobic digestion, and to prepare a financial model for the Sterecycle Harlow will be developed to house the biomass
proposed facility. The firm was also briefed to carry out the design CHP plant which will be used to generate electricity for
of the facility. export to the grid. The company is also expanding its facility
The anaerobic digestion system at Pond will use a two stage in Rotherham, South Yorkshire in response to increasing
process in order to maximise control of the bacterial communities. demand from local authorities and commercial customers, it
Before reaching one of the three large anaerobic digestion tanks says. This development has planning permission to double the
the slurry is treated in the buffer and hydrolysis tanks which act as current capacity of 100,000 tonnes annually and construction
a buffer between the ‘raw’ slurry and the digestion tanks in two is expected to be complete in mid-2011.
ways. Firstly, they allow for the quality of waste passing through Meanwhile, one of the UK’s largest wood recyclers Growing
the digestion tanks to be accurately controlled to ensure the most Beds Recycling Services is to build a 2.6 MW biomass-fired
efficient treatment of the slurry. Secondly, they have the effect of power station, situated in a disused 1960s Ministry of Defence
homogenising the chemical attributes of the incoming feedstock research and development building in Thurleigh, Bedfordshire.
providing a natural balance for PH and other variables. This project is also due for completion during summer 2011.
The prepared slurry is then pressurised, by retention for a Under the terms of a joint venture agreement with waste
minimum of one hour at 70°C, in order to immobilise pathogens to energy company Bioflame, specialist renewable energy
and active seeds. Through the use of air coolers the temperature investors the Ventus Venture Capital Trust Funds and B & W
of the slurry is then reduced to 37°C to meet the requirements of Waste Management Services, Growing Beds will divert 30,000
the digesters. Once the correct temperature has been achieved the tonnes of low-grade wood waste as feedstock for Twinwoods
slurry is pumped into the digestion/fermentation tanks for anaerobic Heat and Power Limited’s (THPL) system.
digestion. In order to prevent heavier sludge from settling and to THPL has signed a contract with a supermarket giant,
maintain consistency, the digester is also equipped with a slowly which will purchase the energy output under the terms of a
rotating agitator. long term contract.
The addition of fresh slurry into the bio-reactor and the
simultaneous draining of the fermented liquid is a continuous process. This digestate is dewatered and then heat dried to produce a
Once in the reactor the slurry remains there for approximately 15- stabilised odourless organic material.
Air quality assessment is also essential to ensure that emissions
However, AD is relatively new in the UK from the stack would be suitably dispersed.
although there are around 30 plants ‘This development drives us firmly forward into the twenty-
first century,’ said Scotwaste director Stewart Melrose. ‘As a local
at various stages of development, only
business and employer we’ve built up a good customer base and
three are operational a good reputation, but we wanted to go much further by using
new technology to convert the waste streams in the area into a
20 days. This is how long it takes to form a stable post-formation sustainable resource.’
digestate material. Once the organic fraction has worked its way Colin Anderson, managing director of Banks Property
through the digestion tanks it passes into the strip tank to undergo Development, said: ‘We hope to start construction during 2011, with
aeration which effectively terminates the anaerobic digestion process the facility coming on line in 2012.’
and prevents the formation of biogas in the following stages.
The generated gas is transported into a low pressure gas storage Daniel Leaver is the senior waste & resource manager at Wardell
facility via filters suitable for drying and purification – preventing them Armstrong
from being released to atmosphere and holding them ready for use
in powering a combined heat and power plant on the site. e-mail: dleaver@wardell-armstrong.com
The remaining, non-digestible material which the bacteria cannot
feed upon, along with any dead bacterial remains constitutes the This article is available on-line. To comment on it or forward it to
solid digestate. a colleague, visit www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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Solar shines on while

wind blows hot & cold
T he jury is still out on whether signs of economic recovery are a
‘blip’ or represent underlying confidence. Energy companies are,
however, showing remarkable resilience, as REW’s round-up of the
energy projects will lack any real effective incentive mechanism.
Accordingly, the US has fallen from the top spot of E&Y’s renewable
energy country attractiveness indices, a position it has held since
latest earnings postings reveals. 2006, allowing China to take the crown. For more on the latest E&Y
Warnings of a ‘double-dip’ recession in the US and elsewhere, investment attractiveness index see the News and Analysis section
notably the UK, have done little to undermine confidence in starting on page 9.
the renewables sector. Venture capital investment in cleantech
companies, according to analysis firm Ernst & Young, topped YINGLI GREEN ENERGY
US$1.5 billion in the second quarter of the year. Industry observers Yingli Green Energy, also known as Yingli Solar, is one of the world›s
are keen to see if the momentum can be maintained for the remainder largest vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturers, recently
of the year. reported its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter
E&Y reports that some 65 financing rounds for the period saw ended 30 September, which saw total net revenues of RMB3.284
a 63.8% increase in capital and a 4.6% increase in deals compared billion ($490.9 million), an on-quarter increase of 21.7%, and a gross
with the same quarter in 2009 (Dow Jones VentureSource). The profit of RMB1.094 billion ($163.3 million) – giving a gross margin
figures represent the highest level of venture funding for cleantech of 33.3%. Gross profit in Q3 was up 20.9% on Q2, while the gross
since Q3 2008. margin saw a minor downtick from the previous 33.5%.
Solar projects were among those receiving higher investment than Operating income for the three month period was RMB735.8
previously, and made up five of the top-10 VC deals with $438.8 million million ($110 million), up 30.1% on the previous quarter and 203%
in investment, a rise of 182.6% from Q2 2009. BrightSource Energy, up from the same period in 2009. Its Q3 operating margin was
a developer of utility-scale solar thermal energy plants, received the 22.4%, a 20.9% increase on Q2 and 10.9% growth against Q3
second-largest deal of the quarter, a $180 million later-stage round. 2009, said the company.
Earlier this year the US Department of Energy conditionally Net income closed the quarter at RMB456.1 million ($68.2
committed to provide $1.37 billion in loan guarantees to support million) while its diluted earnings per ordinary share and per American
the financing of the company’s Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating depositary share value was RMB3.57/share ($0.53/share).
System. The 392 MW Ivanpah project, which was given the green Announcing the results, chairman and CEO of Yingli, Liansheng
light by the California Energy Commission in August, will be the Miao, said: ‘The third quarter was another exciting period for us with
first large-scale solar thermal project built in the state in nearly two strong operating results. PV module shipment volume increased by
decades. 25.2% from the second quarter and [the] gross margin was 33.3%,
Elsewhere, there is no shortage of companies putting on a brave higher than our previous estimation in the range of 31%–31%.’
face, however adverse the wider market conditions. SunEdison, a Continuing, he said: ‘The demand for our Yingli Solar modules
leading solar energy services provider, has announced an agreement continues to grow rapidly in the global market.’
with J P Morgan Capital to fund an estimated $60 million in project The CEO said there had been a 25.2% on-quarter increase in
financing for deployments across key markets in the US. PV module shipments in Q3 which he also attributed to ‘broader
The J P Morgan commitment will be funded through SunE Solar recognition of our premium brand, supported by the expanded
Fund and used to help fund solar installations for both commercial manufacturing capacity from the new 400 MW production lines’.
and government projects. It is the first distributed generation solar ‘As of today, we have entered into sales contracts under which
programme in which J P Morgan has been involved. Meanwhile, a total of 721 MW of PV modules are expected to be delivered in
SunEdison confirmed that Bank of America Merrill Lynch has 2011, and this figure is expected to increase to 1000 MW by the
committed to financing the final two phases of its 17.3 MW solar farm end of this year.’
project in Davidson County, North Carolina. The solar farm is being Continuing, Miao said: ‘In order to meet the growing market
deployed through solar power purchase agreements between Duke demand and increasing interest in our products, we have recently
Energy Carolinas and SunEdison. The solar farm will be expected launched a total of 700 MW of new capacity expansion projects,
to generate more than 510 GWh of energy over a 20-year period. which are expected to start initial production in the middle of 2011
Yet despite these successes, companies with particular and increase our nameplate capacity to 1.7 GW in late 2011.’
exposure to the North American markets will take little comfort ‘To support the financing needs of the fast expansion I’m
from the failure of the US Senate’s proposed energy bill to include delighted that through one of our operating subsidiaries in China,
a Federal Renewable Energy Standard (RES) provision. The expiry we have become the first China-based solar company to have
of the treasury grant programme after 2010 means that renewable completed a successful registration of [RMB] 2.4 billion and [the]
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Company Results
issuance of [RMB] 1 billion [of] medium-term notes

on the PRC inter-bank debenture market,’ he added.
‘We have always been committed to bringing state-
of-the-art technology to our customers to drive
down their balance-of-system cost,’ he said.
‘Our Panda cell conversion efficiency has
achieved 18.5% on the commercial production lines
and we expect to increase the figure to 20% towards
2012. Currently we have achieved a new record cell
efficiency of 19.5% on Panda trial production lines
with third party verification from the Fraunhofer
Institute for Solar Energy System ISE in Germany.
SOLAR MILLENNIUM
Solar Millennium recently released its interim results
and earnings forecast for the full year, adjusted to
take account of a relatively weak position in the first
half of 2010. The company recorded sales of €37.1
million ($51.6 million) for the period 1 November Gamesa’s share price over the last 12 months, in €
2009 to 30 June 2010, compared with €48.5 million
the previous year. also dropped year-on-year by more than €400 million to €297 million
Solar Millennium said that although the interim results fall short at the end of September.
of the previous year’s respective performance, it had reached In its outlook, the company said it was ‘steadily moving forward’
important milestones in the current fiscal year. The approval process and the results showed it has achieved financial soundness and
for power plant projects in the US, in particular, was on schedule, it profitable delivery in the periods concerned. At the same time it
said. However these achievements were not be shown in the interim also launched its 2011–2013 business plan, which it said would
financial statements as they could only be recognised in the balance strengthen the company’s industry leadership in three ways – cost of
sheet after an approval phase was completed, said the company. energy, growth, and efficiency.
Its executive board said it still plans to generate respective sales Capital expenditure in the period will amount to €250 million/year
and earnings in the current fiscal year with both the US projects and with no need to resort to the capital markets, while offshore activities
Ibersol. will account for 20% of total capex, it said. The company also plans
Sales in the first eight months of the current fiscal year were to double the amount of installed capacity under maintenance by its
largely generated in its technology and power plant construction services arm within three years to 24 GW.
sectors for the Andasol 3 parabolic trough power plant in southern With an eye on reorganising its manufacturing arm to boost its
Spain and through the work being finished for the Egyptian hybrid footprint in growth markets such as China, India, Brazil and the US,
power plant in Kuraymat, as well as in its project development sector. the company plans to reduce its exposure to the Spanish market by
The negative interim result was attributible to one-time charges in halving current capacity.
connection with former CEO Utz Claassen’s signing fee as well as Those active in the wind sector continue to cast their net to the
to consistently high pre-investments in projects and the company’s East to grow market share and Gamesa, too, has obtained new
growth, particularly in the US, it said. contracts in China to supply 197 turbines with a combined capacity
of 251 MW. Gamesa’s wind turbine division signed the contracts
GAMESA with two of its largest customers in China, Guangdong Nuclear Wind
In the recent publication of both its third-quarter and year-to-date Power and Datang Renewable Power, and a new customer, Henan
results covering January through September, Spahish engineering Weite Wind Power, a mid-sized independent power producer. The
group Gamesa reported a strong recovery in orders in Q3 with deals underscore Gamesa’s commercial strategy for expanding into
1186 MW of firm orders placed – split into 584 MW for delivery new markets and customer segments.
this year, and 602 MW for delivery in 2011. However, despite this Gamesa will supply Guangdong with a total of 48 of its
late upturn its nine-month net income slipped by almost 71% to G90 2 MW turbines, representing a combined capacity of 96 MW.
€25 million from the €86 million reported in the same period of The agreement with Datang Renewable Power covers 25 Gamesa
2009. The value of sales for the same period also tumbled, this 2 MW turbines, with a combined capacity of 50 MW, supplied to the
time by almost 28% dropping to €1.786 billion from the previous Chinese power company’s wind farms in Liaoning Province.
€2.478 billion. But the company still claims to have a strong balance In addition, Gamesa will supply Henan Weite Wind Power
sheet position and ‘sound profitability’ in what it described as a with 124 of its G58-850 kW turbines, for a combined capacity of
‘highly competitive market’. The company’s wind turbine division 105 MW. The turbines are destined for the Henan Weite Wind Power
reported a 5.4% EBIT margin and a 58% annual increase in O&M Project, which is being funded by a China Climate Change framework
service sales – reaching €227 million in the nine month period. For loan from the European Investment Bank, and which will have an
Q3 the figure was 39% up year-on-year. Net debt at the company annual capacity of 200 GWh and will allow the Chinese company
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to meet the renewable energy generation targets stipulated in its quarterlies and nine-month numbers showed a fall. Third-quarter
five-year plan. EBIT was €185 million from €244 million in Q3 2009. Nine-month to
end-September figures swung to a loss of €59 million from a profit
VESTAS of €398 a year earlier.
Vestas’ October-published third-quarter and year-to-date financials The picture was similar when broken down specifically into
were never going to be easily digested because, like many other profit both before and after tax in which the third quarter fell to
majors in the sector, it has faced and continues to face a dip in €175 million from €229 million in the same period of last year, and
European demand as well as ever-increasing competition and €126 million from €165 million in Q3 2009, respectively.
pricing pressure from newcomers, particularly in Asia. Put simply, The nine-month to end-September before and after tax
this giant of the global wind energy market said it plans to stay on figures show more dramtic swings, closing at a loss before tax of
track – both financially and in terms of maintaining and growing its €104 million from a profit of €366 million in the same period of 2009.
market share – by cutting its manufacturing capacity through the After-tax profit was wiped out, coming in at a loss of €75 million from
closure of five of its sites, four in Demark and one in Sweden, in a a figure of €264 million in the black in the same nine month period
move that will see a workforce reduction of approximately 3000. in 2009.
Speaking from Copenhagen, rather than from New York, as had Gross profit for the nine month period was down 45% on year
been planned before the announcement of the job cull, Ditlev Engel, at €451 million from the previous year’s €816 million. For the third
president and CEO, described the market situation as ‘challenging’. quarter the fall was decidely more subdued at 4% with a showing
‘The situation that we experience is unfortunately at a level where of €363 million against Q3 2009’s €377 million. The EBIT margin fell
we have to reduce our expectation of European demand compared for the quarter and closed out at 0.7%, well down from the previous
to what we thought a while back,’ he said. figure of 13.5%. But on the positive, the company’s gross margin
‘At the same time we definitely also see, on a global level, that for Q3 was up by 0.3% on year to 21.1% from the previous 20.8%.
competition is increasing. But I would also like to stress that Vestas However, its net debt had fallen on quarter by €169 million by
is more than ready to handle this situation.’ the end of Q3. Its net working capital, on year at the end of Q3, was
Consultations with those set to lose their jobs was to begin down 15%, said the company, at €1.92 billion as of 30 September
immediately and was expected, he said, to be completed by from €2.25 billion as of the same date in 2009. But its cash flow
November 2011. was up to €300 million by end-September from €291 million a
‘We have to be very certain that Vestas’ competitiveness is being year earlier.
increased in the years to come, making sure that we can provide the In terms of orders, the company said it is ‘on track’ for the
lowest cost of energy to our customers,’ he said. 8–9 GW estimated for full year 2010, with 6.567 GW of orders in
‘This obviously does not just come from the development of hand by end-September.
technology but definitely also from the fact that we have to make The regional distribution of where orders are placed from has
sure that the turbines are manufactured at the most cost-competitive been maintained, said the company, with the Asia-Pacific region
level that one can imagine. Otherwise it would, of course, be very almost dead on target for its full year estimate, although the Americas
difficult for Vestas in the years to come to win, let’s say, in this and Europe have some way to go in the final three months of
industry – which we intend to do.’ the year to meet forecasts.
In the Q3 report the company said its 2010 guidance, before The company described its decision not to cut manufacturing
one-off costs, remains intact, and that it has an order intake of capacity earlier in the year as a wrong decision from a financial point
7–8 GW for 2011 as well as a positive free cash flow for the year of view. However it was the view of the company’s management that
ahead. ‘Value proposition pays off,’ said Engel. the decision to hold off on the cuts was the right one.
The income statement showed perhaps why its austerity drive Vestas said 2010 had been an extremely tough year and that in
had come to the fore, as almost across the board the year-on-year 2011 it would face fierce competition. Furthermore, the company
added that 2011 will bring with it a number
of weak demand drivers in Europe.
Low economic growth, low demand
for energy, modest short-term political
possibilities due to changes in fiscal agendas
and uncertain project approval processes
would result in lower than expected demand
in Europe next year.
The firm’s solution would be, according
to the report, to align its capacity and costs
to 2011 demands. The report added that,
no matter where the company sells its
products, it would have to be competitve.
In conclusion, it said fierce competition in
the market would be answered by its global
presence.
Vestas’ share price over the last 12 months, shown in DKK
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in the business.
‘We believe the supply chain and service industry
for offshore wind farms will be a rapidly growing and
profitable sector and our marine team has done a terrific
job over the past year in developing a business model
surrounding turbine access and servicing,’ he said.
‘We now look toward generating orders, and
ultimately cash flow, by providing the solution to what we
believe is a key issue for offshore wind constructors and
operators.’
OTHER RESULTS IN BRIEF

Ocean Power Technologies’ recently published its
financial results for the first quarter of its fiscal year, which
ended 31 July, revealed its contract order backlog had
increased to $6.5 million compared with $5.7 million as of
20 April, and $6.4 million as of 31 July, 2009.
Revenue grew by 5% to $1.4 million for the quarter,
compared with $1.3 million for the same period in 2009.
SeaEnergy’s share price over the last 12 months
In addition it reported cash, cash equivalents, restricted
cash and marketable securities of $60.8 million as 31 July
against 30 April’s $66.8 million.
Seaenergy’s share price over the last 12 months, shown in £ Operating loss for the three months ended 31 July was
SEAENERGY $6.3 million compared with $3.2 million for the same
The marine energy specialist also recently published its six-month period in 2009. Net loss attributable to OPT was $6.3 million for the
results for the period ending 30 June. Operational highlights included quarter against $2.1 million in the same period of the previous year.
a start to offshore activity on the company’s UK Round 3 Zone 1 The increases in fiscal 2011 operating loss and net loss attributable to
site in Scotland’s Moray Firth. Geophysical, met-ocean and bird OPT were primarily due to costs incurred in its product development
surveys for the site all got underway during the period and a consent programmes, principally for the PB150 system, it said.
application along with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is In October the US Navy awarded $2.75 million in additional
due for submission in 2012. funding to OPT for a second stage under its existing contract to
The company said arrangements with UK’s Crown Estate to provide an autonomous PowerBuoy wave energy conversion system
advance the Inch Cape project off Scotland’s eastern coast were for the Navy’s near-coast maritime surveillance programme.
close to being concluded and, importantly, had allowed offshore Meanwhile, Acta, the clean energy products company,
work to commence. Work on the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm in announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June,
Scottish territorial waters had also progressed well during the period with an increased operating loss of €2.4 million ($3.2 million) from
with geophysical survey work completed and geotechnical work on €1.3 million the previous year reflecting, said the company, an
the site set to commence shortly. increase in commercial and production activities, including materials,
Elsewhere, it signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the staff resources, operating expenses.
Nantong COSCO Ship Steel Structure Co, a subsidiary of China’s Despite this, the company said it had benefited from the rapid
COSCO Group. exploitation of the highly favourable, cash-generative Italian solar
The company reported a loss from continuing operations after photovoltaic market.
tax of £4.2 million ($6.6 million) for the first six months of 2010 During the reporting period the company’s hydrogen generator
compared with £2.5 million for the same period in 2009. won the prestigious Qualitec Technology Award for innovation
Group cash balances at stood at £1 million as of 30 June against and CE certification and it also launched its so-called hydrogen
a figure of £1.8 million for the same period of 2009. The company village in Viareggio, Italy, in which its integrated PV panels, a
also reported that a financing agreement with LC Capital Master hydrogen generator and fuel-cell powered bikes and boats feature.
Fund had been extended until the earlier of 31 December 2010 or Furthermore it received a €780,000 grant award from the Tuscan
the completion of the SERL sale process. regional government to develop a wind power storage system.
On the current status of its divestment of SERL, which is being
coordinated by Ernst & Young, it said it was progressing well and Chris Webb is a correspondent for Renewable Energy World
that its board had been encouraged by the level of interest shown magazine. Additional reporting by David Beattie.
to date. Further announcements concerning the sale would be
released in due course, it added. e-mail: rew@pennwell.com
SeaEnergy executive chairman Steve Remp said he expected
the sale process to be complete by the end of the year, after which This article is available on line. To comment on it or forward it to
the company would refocus its attention on opportunities elsewhere a colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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THE LAST
WORD DEVELOPING THE SMART GRID
Utilities could find smart grid technology offers

a useful tool in cutting carbon emissions
A recent study by Oracle Utilities reveals that organisations in the EMEA region are
making progress towards the adoption of smart grids and smart meters. Nonetheless,
argues Bastian Fischer, utilities are yet to fully understand or appreciate the potential
benefits that the technology can offer for the increased use of renewable energy.
G lobal warming and the effect of carbon dioxide emissions on the

environment is of growing concern to countries worldwide, so
much so that the EU has pledged that by 2020 one fifth of the region’s
the reduction of carbon emissions, including the capability of managing
distribution grids more effectively in order to create fewer emissions.
What is more, the technology enables utilities to integrate renewable
energy will come from renewable energy sources. In response to this, energies, such as wind, water and solar, into the grid. This means that
many countries have introduced targets to reduce energy use. sources of power from high carbon emitting energy sources, such as
In the UK, for example, this comes in the form of the Carbon Reduction fossil fuels, can more effectively be substituted with renewable energies
Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme which was introduced in April in an effort to reduce emissions, and consequently help meet EU targets.
2010, and requires companies to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by However, despite the many benefits of the smart grid, a recent study
2020 and 80% by 2050. conducted by Oracle Utilities, titled ‘The EMEA Smart Grid Rollout’,
As well as this, the European Union has launched the Emissions found that, while over a third of utilities across the region have made
Trading Scheme, which calls for large emitters of CO² to monitor progress towards the adoption of smart grids and smart meters, the vast
and annually report their CO² emissions. Through the initiative, majority of utilities do not realise the full capabilities it delivers.
the ETS pledges to cut CO² emissions by 34% below 1990 levels
by 2020. Addressing the lack of awareness
There is undoubtedly increasing pressure on organisations and This lack of understanding around the technology is evident in utilities’
countries to become greener. One of the biggest contributors to CO² awareness of the use of renewable energy within the smart grid.
emissions is the electric utility industry, accounting for a quarter of all The study found that only 6% of utilities questioned across Europe,
carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, the largest share amongst all the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) consider increasing their level of
industries. For this reason, utilities are faced with the added pressure of renewable generation as a top priority over the next five years. What is
curbing both their own and their customers’ energy use. One way this perhaps more surprising is that some utilities surveyed across the region,
can be achieved is through the successful implementation of smart grid including utilities from France, Greece and the UK, do not consider it to
infrastructures. be one of their top three priorities.
Smart grids deliver a series of benefits to utilities which can help in One country that does place significant importance on the capabilities
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THE LAST WORD: RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE SMART GRID
of integrating renewable energy sources into the smart grid however, is and reap the full benefits of the capabilities available, utilities must
D
Turkey, with 100% of Turkish utilities surveyed considering it as their top take it upon themselves to leverage the tools that enable them to
priority over the next five years. extract intelligence and manage data created by smart meters. One
This can be attributed to the prediction that energy use within Turkey such software application is meter data management (MDM), a key
is expected to double over the coming decade, with the demand for component of the smart grid platform. MDM allows utilities to manage
electricity likely to increase even faster. Furthermore, Turkey aims to the vast quantity of data gathered from smart meter deployments
increase its renewable energy resources in electricity by 30% by 2023 to helping turn the data into actionable intelligence, enabling utilities to
meet the increasing demands placed on its grid. With this in mind, it is improve service by accurately responding to the demands placed on
hardly surprising that the country’s utilities place so much importance on the grid. For instance, MDM allows utilities to see when power is in peak
the benefits the smart grid brings in regards to renewable energy. demand, meaning they can feed more energy from renewable sources
While many countries may not currently consider the smart grid’s into the grid to meet customer demand.
capabilities to integrate renewable energy into the grid as one of their top Another technological innovation that can enable utilities to manage
priorities, what is promising, as found in the report, is that two thirds of data volumes more efficiently is a customer information system (CIS),
utilities surveyed do have plans to evolve their grids in order to support which is an enterprise-wide software application that allows companies
the technology and the subsequent level of renewable generation.
In fact, four fifths of German utilities surveyed have already started, or What is more, the technology enables
have plans to evolve their systems so that they are capable of supporting
utilities to integrate renewable energies,
the smart grid. This is not only good news for utilities across Germany,
but also for those across Europe. According to DENA, the German
such as wind, water and solar, into the grid
Energy Agency and adviser to the German government, Germany is
faced with a unique problem in that it is currently producing too much to manage every aspect of their relationship with a customer. The system
solar power during the summer months. Feeding too much solar power helps turn customer satisfaction into customer loyalty. Therefore, an
into the grid could cause instability within the current infrastructure and effective CIS could play a crucial role in allowing utilities to educate their
lead to further problems. However, the implementation of smart grids customers on the environmental benefits of the smart grid.
can help tackle this problem. Smart grids enable the power gathered Furthermore, an intelligent CIS delivers additional benefits, especially
from the solar source to be retained in energy storage systems which when supported by a smart grid infrastructure. For instance, it can
can then feed into the grid during periods of peak demand, or when enable better forecasting and management of the energy demands
other renewable energy sources are low. placed on the grid. Moreover, the solution is able to provide optimisation
Furthermore, the smart grid can play an important role as countries capabilities that can determine the best mix of energy and resources
across the EU formally draw up plans to link their clean energy projects required to handle changing voltage requirements within certain areas.
around the North Sea in the form of a giant universal grid, being labelled Consequently, a CIS could not only play an important role in educating
as a ‘supergrid’. customers of the renewable benefits of the smart grid, but it also enables
One criticism of renewable power has always been that due to utilities to provide the best mix of energy needed to satisfy the demands
unpredictable weather patterns it is unreliable. However, with a supergrid placed on the grid.
in place, Germany could distribute the excess solar power it generates to
members of the supergrid who are not generating enough solar power Smartening up
during the summer months, while during the winter months, when solar As pressure grows on various organisations and countries around the
energy is low, it could source its renewable energy from wind turbines off world it is increasingly important that utilities begin to realise the full
the Scottish coast. benefits of the smart grid, especially its capabilities to integrate renewable
sources. Similarly, as alternative sources of energy begin to run low, it will
Utilities are faced with the added pressure be crucial for utilities to have in place a system that enables them to input
of curbing both their own and their renewable energy into the grid.
customers' energy use Smart grids will be critical in helping utilities meet the various regulatory
demands placed on them in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and
It is clear to see that the smart grid provides many benefits in integrate renewable sources, as well as helping them cope with the
regards to renewable energy, yet ‘The EMEA Smart Grid Rollout’ found increasing power demands of growing populations and improved
that only half of utilities surveyed across the region have a system in infrastructures across the globe. Renewable energy can play a crucial
place to educate their customers on the environmental benefits of the role in helping utilities meet these demands, and the smart grid can play
technology. For utilities to get the most out of the technology in order to a vital role in making it a reality.
reduce their own and their customers’ carbon emissions, utilities must
increase their knowledge of the benefits of the grid and smart meters, Bastian Fischer is vice president and general manager of Oracle
which they can then pass on to their customers. The Netherlands, Utilities, EMEA
Sweden and the UK are already well on the way to doing this with
100% of utilities surveyed, from the respective countries, having in place e-mail: bastian.fischer@oracle.com
a communications programme to educate their customers about the
environmental benefits of the smart grid. This article is available on line. To comment on it or forward it to a
However, in order to successfully implement a smart grid infrastructure colleague, visit: www.RenewableEnergyWorld.com
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Send details of your event to: Renewable Energy World rew@pennwell.com DIARY
2010 SNEC 5th International

Photovoltaic Power Generation
EWEA 2011
Brussels, Belgium
Wind Power India 2011
Chennai, India
Conference & Exhibition 14–17 March 2011 7–9 April 2011
Shanghai, China European Wind Energy Association, Global Wind Energy Council, Wind
POWER-GEN International 22–24 February 2011 Wind Power House, Rue d’Arlon 80, Power House, Rue d’Arlon 80, 1040
Orlando, Florida, USA Shanghai New Energy Industry 1040 Brussels, Belgium Brussels, Belgium
14–16 December 2010 Association (SNEIA), Room 1008, Tel: +32 2 213 18 00 Tel: +32 2 213 1897
PennWell Corporation, Stephanie 1525 West Zhongshan Road, Fax: +32 2 213 18 90 Fax: +32 2 213 1890
Moore, 1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, Shanghai 200235, China e-mail: events@ewea.org e-mail: info@gwec.net
OK 74112, USA Tel: +86 21 6438 0781 web: www.ewea.org/annual2011 web: www.windpowerindia.in
Tel: +1 918 832 9382 Fax: +86 21 6464 2653
Fax: +1 918 831 9729 e-mail: office@sneia.org Intersolar China / SOLARCON POWER-GEN India & Central Asia
e-mail: stephaniem@pennwell.com web: www.snec.org.cn China 2011 New Delhi, India
web: www.power-gen.com Shanghai, China 5–7 May 2011
RenewableUK Wave & Tidal 2011 15–17 March 2011 PennWell Corporation, Sue
Intersolar India London, UK Solar Promotion International GmbH, McDermott, The Water Tower,
Mumbai, India 2 March 2011 Ms Chi Zhang, Kiehnlestrasse 16, Gunpowder Mill, Powdermill Lane,
14–16 December 2010 RenewableUK, Greencoat House, 75172 Pforzheim, Germany Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK
Solar Promotion International GmbH, Francis Street, London, SW1P 1DH, Tel: +49 7231 5859 8205 Tel: +44 1992 656 632
Diana Döppe, Kiehnlestrasse 16, UK Fax: +49 7231 5859 828 Fax: +44 1992 656 700
75172 Pforzheim, Germany Tel: +44 20 7901 3000 e-mail: zhang@intersolar.asia e-mail: suemc@pennwell.com
Tel: +49 7231 5859 822 Fax: +44 20 7901 3001 web: www.intersolar.asia web: www.power-genindia.com
Fax: +49 7231 5859 828 e-mail: info@renewable-uk.com
e-mail: doeppe@intersolar.de web: www.renewable-uk.com World Biofuels Markets 2011 Renewable Energy World India
web: www.intersolar.in Rotterdam, The Netherlands Conference and Expo
World Sustainable Energy Days 22–24 March 2011 New Delhi, India
2011 Green Thinking (Services) Ltd., 5–7 May 2011
2011 Wels, Austria

2–4 March 2011
Southbank House, Black Prince
Road, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7SJ, UK
PennWell Corporation, Lee Catania,
The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mill,
Christine Öhlinger, O.Oe. Tel: +44 207 099 0600 Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey,
Energiesparverband, Landstrasse 45, e-mail: info@greenpowerconferences. Essex, EN9 1BN, UK
World Future Energy Summit 4020 Linz, Austria com Tel: +44 1992 656 647
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +43 732 7720 14380 web: www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com Fax: +44 1992 656 700
17–20 January 2011 Fax: +43 732 7720 14383 e-mail: leec@pennwell.com
Reed Exhibitions, Kelly King, e-mail: christine.oehlinger@esv.or.at Russia Power 2011 web: www.
___
P.O. Box 60799, Abu Dhabi, web: www.wsed.at Moscow, Russian Federation renewableenergyworldindia.com
United Arab Emirates 28–30 March 2011
Tel: +971 2 409 0442 Renewable Energy World PennWell Corporation, Crispin 6th AsiaSolar Photovoltaic Industry
e-mail: kelly.king@reedexpo.ae Conference & Expo North America Coulson, The Water Tower, Exhibition and Forum 2011
web: www.worldfutureenergysummit. 2011 Gunpowder Mill, Powdermill Lane, Shanghai, China
com
___ Tampa, Florida, USA Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK 5–7 May 2011
8–10 March 2011 Tel: +44 1992 656 646 Shanghai AiExpo Exhibition Services
EPIA 2nd International Conference PennWell Corporation, Stephanie Fax: +44 1992 656 700 Co Ltd, 5F, No. 501 Guangyue Road,
on PV Module Recycling Moore, 1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, e-mail: crispinc@pennwell.com Shanghai, 200434, China
Madrid, Spain OK 74112, USA web: www.russia-power.org Tel. +86 21 6592 9965
25 January 2011 Tel: +1 918 832 9382 Fax: +86 21 6528 2319
The European Photovoltaic Industry Fax: +1 918 831 9729 Hannover Messe e-mail: info@aiexpo.com.cn
Association (EPIA), Pietro Caloprisco, e-mail: stephaniem@pennwell.com Hannover, Germany web: www.asiasolar.cc/en
Renewable Energy House, Rue web: _______________
www.renewableenergyworld- 4–8 April 2011
d’Arlon 63-67, 1040 Brussels, events.com
______ Deutsche Messe, Messegelände, Solar 2011
Belgium 30521 Hannover, Germany Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Tel: +32 2 400 10 42 Photovoltaics World Expo Tel: +49 511 89 0 16–21 May 2011
e-mail: p.caloprisco@epia.org Tampa, Florida, USA Fax: +49 511 89 32626 American Solar Energy Society,
web: www.epia.org 8–10 March 2011 web: www.hannovermesse.de 2400 Central Ave, Suite A, Boulder,
PennWell Corporation, Stephanie Colorado 80301, USA
PHOTON’s Solar Terawatt-hours Moore, 1421 S. Sheridan Road, Tulsa, PHOTON’s 7th Photovoltaic Tel: +1 303 443 3130
Conference Series 2011 USA OK 74112, USA Technology Show Europe 2011 Fax: +1 303 443 3212
San Francisco, California, USA Tel: +1 918 832 9382 Stuttgart, Germany e-mail: ases@ases.org
16–17 February 2011 Fax: +1 918 831 9729 5–7 April 2011 web: www.ases.org
PHOTON USA Corp., Moritz Dieck, e-mail: stephaniem@pennwell.com PHOTON Europe GmbH, Jülicher
514 Bryant Street, CA, 94107 San web: www.pvworldevent.com Straße 376, 52070 Aachen, Germany
Francisco, USA Tel: +49 241 4003 109
Tel: +49 241 4003 5103 Fax: +49 241 4003 309
Fax: +49 241 4003 5503 e-mail: info@photon-expo.com
e-mail: info@photon-expo.com web: www.photon-expo.com
web: www.photon-expo.com
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DIARY
All Energy 2011 Renewable Energy World Europe POWER-GEN Asia China Wind Power 2011
Aberdeen, UK Conference and Expo Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Beijing, China
18–19 May 2011 Milan, Italy 27–29 September 2011 19–21 October 2011
All Energy Conference Management, 7–9 June 2011 PennWell Corporation, Neil Walker, Global Wind Energy Council, Wind
Judith Patten, 34 Ellerker Gardens, PennWell Corporation, Dorothee The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mill, Power House, Rue d’Arlon 80, 1040
Richmond, Surrey, TW10 6AA, UK Petereit, The Water Tower, Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey, Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +44 208 241 1912 Gunpowder Mill, Powdermill Lane, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK Tel: +32 2 213 1898
Fax: +44 208 940 6211 Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK Tel: +44 1992 656 643 Fax: +32 2 213 1890
e-mail: info@all-energy.co.uk Tel: +44 1992 656 641 Fax: +44 1992 656 700 e-mail: info@gwec.net
web: www.all-energy.co.uk Fax: +44 1992 656 700 e-mail: neilw@pennwell.com www.chinawind.org.cn
e-mail: dorotheep@pennwell.com web: www.powergenasia.com
WINDPOWER 2011 web: www.renewableenergyworld-
_______________ POWER-GEN Middle East
Anaheim, California, USA europe.com
______ Renewable Energy World Doha, Qatar
22–25 May 2011 Conference & Expo Asia 24–26 October 2011
American Wind Energy Association, Intersolar 2011 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia PennWell Corporation, Neil Walker,
1101 14th Street, NW, 12th Floor, Munich, Germany 27–29 September 2011 The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mill,
Washington, DC 20005, USA 8–10 June 2011 PennWell Corporation, Neil Walker, Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey,
Tel: +1 202 383 2500 Solar Promotion GmbH, Kiehnlestrasse The Water Tower, Gunpowder Mill, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK
Fax: +1 202 383 2505 16, 75172 Pforzheim, Germany Powdermill Lane, Waltham Abbey, Tel: +44 1992 656 643
e-mail: conference@awea.org Tel: +49 7231 58598 0 Essex, EN9 1BN, UK Fax: +44 1992 656 700
web: www.windpowerexpo.org Fax: +49 7231 58598 28 Tel: +44 1992 656 643 e-mail: newspgme@pennwell.com
e-mail: info@intersolar.de Fax: +44 1992 656 700 web: www.power-gen-middleeast.
Sustainabilitylive 2011 web: www.intersolar.de e-mail: neilw@pennwell.com com
___
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24–26 May 2011 Brazil Windpower 2011 asia.com
_____ RenewableUK 2011 Annual
Faversham House Group, Sandra Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Conference and Exhibition
Bilz, Faversham House, 232a 31 August – 2 September 2011 Solar Power International 2011 Manchester, UK
Addington Road, South Croydon, Global Wind Energy Council, Wind Dallas, Texas, USA 25–27 October 2011
Surrey, CR2 8LE, UK Power House, Rue d’Arlon 80, 1040 18–20 October 2011 RenewableUK, Greencoat House,
Tel: +44 20 8651 7106 Brussels, Belgium Solar Electric Power Association, Francis Street, London, SW1P 1DH,
e-mail: sandra.bilz@fav-house.com Tel: +32 2 213 1898 1220 19th Street, NW, Suite 401, UK
web: www.sustainabilitylive.com e-mail: info@gwec.net Washington, DC, 20036, USA Tel: +44 20 7901 3000
web: www.brazilwindpower.org Tel: +1 202 857 0898 Fax: +44 20 7901 3001
POWER-GEN Europe Fax: +1 202 559 2035 e-mail: info@renewable-uk.com
Milan, Italy 26th European PV Solar Energy e-mail: info@solarelectricpower.org web: www.renewable-uk.com
7–9 June 2011 Conference & Exhibition web: www.solarpowerinternational.
PennWell Corporation, Crispin Hamburg, Germany com
___
Coulson, The Water Tower, 5–9 September 2011
Gunpowder Mill, Powdermill Lane, WIP, Sylvensteinstr. 2, 81369
Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1BN, UK München, Germany
Tel: +44 1992 656 646 Tel: +49 89 720 127 35
Fax: +44 1992 656 700 Fax: +49 89 720 127 91
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web: www.powergeneurope.com web: www.photovoltaic-conference.com
Advertisers’ index
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GET INTO AFRICA AUSTRALIA: RENEWABLE UPDATE

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6

Is it by developing the next-generation solar thermal

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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 6 CONTENTS

QATAR’S SOLAR THE BIG QUESTION

News analysis ............................................... 9 THE LAST WORD

Advertisers’ index ....................................... 80

RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 3

Key players: Wind ...................................... 47

PV set to ride out the downturn ................. 55

China and the US – friends or foes in the

4 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

FROM THE EDITOR

Printed: in the UK by Williams Press Ltd

6 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

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    )

Visit us at POWER-GEN International, Booth 4049

The Americas: (Int’l +1) 713-354-6100 / EMEA: (Int’l +33) 2-35-25-5225

SLIM®, the most reliable transformer for your wind turbine

If you are thinking of going offshore, think SLIM®.

CG Power Systems Belgium NV

E&Y RENEWABLE ENERGY COUNTRY ATTRACTIVENESS INDEX

CHINA TOP FOR INVESTMENT

RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010 9

ERNST AND YOUNG ALL RENEWABLES INVESTMENT INDEX

ERNST AND YOUNG RANKINGS OUT OF 100

10 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

Ingeteam is constantly adapting innovation

We are committed to the development

Ingeteam has supplied electrical equipment

The new energy formula is

View a brand new topology at

Converters – Generators – Pitch Regulators – Control electronics – Remote control – Services

ENERGY TECHNOLOGY PATENTS

MORE TRANSPARENCY REQUIRED

12 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

For more information about these companies visit

14 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

EWEA events: the winning formula

ACTION ON SUBSIDY SPLIT

OIL AND RENEWABLES

16 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

World Leader in EHV Cable Systems

UK Manufactured Products UK Services

RE GROWTH FORECAST IN IEA’S 2010 OUTLOOK

18 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

Conference & Exhibition

7-9 JUNE 2011 FIERA MILANO CITY, MILAN ITALY

Join us in Milan for Europe’s largest power industry networking event.

RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD EUROPE

EU-AFRICA ENERGY PACT

EU BOOST FOR AFRICA’S NEW

significant, RECP will begin with

20 RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2010

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