|

Rwanda’s Electrification Success: From 6% to 75% Access in 15 Years

By

In the past decade and a half, Rwanda’s electricity sector has seen transformative growth, increasing access to electricity from 6% in 2009 to 75% by March 2024. This development has facilitated electrification in 100% of health centres and administrative facilities at the sector level, while also reaching 84% of schools and small enterprises. According to the World Bank, Rwanda’s electrification expansion, especially from 2010 to 2020, was one of the fastest globally, ranking 11th worldwide…

Power Sector News Roundup for November 4, 2024

By

Global: IEA report forecasts US$2 trillion clean energy market growth, challenging oil industry dominance. Germany to bury nuclear waste, but toxic dispute remains unresolved. UK Government confirms rise in oil and gas headline tax alongside investment in clean energy. Asia to spend over USD 20 billion on EVs, according to a report. Moroccan government partners with Total Energies H2 for the ‘Chbika’ green hydrogen project. Blykalla and ABB partner to develop an SMR pilot facility…

|

Asia to spend over USD 20bn on EVs: Report

By

Developing an electric vehicle (EV) industry in South and Southeast Asia will require significant investment, with S&P Global Ratings estimating more than US$20 billion in spending by rated carmakers over the next few years.  Chinese EV manufacturers are expected to lead the expansion, viewing the region as a key growth market and a strategic hub for exporting to Europe, where Chinese-made EVs face high import tariffs. S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Claire Yuan noted that…

|

Germany to bury nuclear waste but toxic dispute unresolved

By

In Salzgitter, Germany, an old iron ore mine is being transformed into the Konrad repository, a facility to house Germany’s radioactive waste.  The site, situated a kilometre underground, is projected to store over 300,000 cubic meters of low- and intermediate-level waste from shuttered nuclear plants.  Engineers aim to encase waste in concrete to prevent radiation release, ensuring long-term containment. Set to open in the early 2030s, Konrad represents Germany’s sole approved nuclear waste storage location,…

|

IEA report forecasts US$2 trillion clean energy market growth, challenging oil industry dominance

By

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 report predicts rapid expansion in the clean energy market, with investments in solar PV, wind, electric vehicles, batteries, electrolysers, and heat pumps expected to triple by 2035, reaching over US$2 trillion.  This anticipated growth could rival the economic scale of the global oil market, marking a pivotal shift towards a sustainable economy. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted the interlinking of energy, industry, and trade policies…

|

LRE’s White Wing Ranch solar project in Arizona begins operations

By

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has announced the start of commercial operations at its 179MW White Wing Ranch solar project in Yuma County, Arizona.  This project boosts LRE’s operating capacity to over 3.3GW and is the first large-scale installation of American-made First Solar Series 7 photovoltaic modules, known for enhanced efficiency and a lower carbon footprint. White Wing Ranch, spanning 1,400 acres, will supply renewable energy to the bulk electric grid via the 500kV Hoodoo Wash…

|

JERA Nex and Catalyst Energy partner for clean energy deployment in US

By

Renewable energy firm JERA Nex has formed a strategic partnership with Catalyst Energy Partners (CEP) to accelerate clean energy deployment across the United States. This collaboration aims to develop, construct, own, and operate new utility-scale renewable energy facilities, leveraging existing grid infrastructure alongside conventional power plants. Through this partnership, JERA Nex will provide financial backing, strategic insights, and operational expertise to support CEP’s clean energy projects. CEP brings a portfolio of development-stage renewable assets and…

|

RWE signs PPA with Rivian for EV fast-charging network with Texas wind energy

By

German energy company RWE has entered a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to supply renewable energy from its upgraded 127MW Champion Wind project in Nolan and Mitchell counties, West Texas.  This agreement will support Rivian’s Adventure Network, enabling renewable energy-powered fast charging for its EVs and contributing to the company’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Champion Wind, initially launched in 2008, is undergoing a major upgrade to extend its lifespan,…

|

Squadron receives approval for 700MW Spicers Creek Wind Farm in NSW

By

Tattarang’s Squadron Energy has secured approval from the New South Wales Independent Planning Commission (IPC) to construct the Spicers Creek Wind Farm, a 700MW renewable energy project in Wiradjuri Country, 25km north-east of Wellington within the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ).  The project will include up to 117 wind turbines, battery storage, and supporting infrastructure, marking it as one of the largest wind farms approved in NSW. Once operational, Spicers Creek is expected…

|

Recurrent Energy signs two tolling agreements with APS

By

Canadian Solar’s subsidiary Recurrent Energy has signed two 20-year tolling agreements with Arizona Public Service Company (APS), set to boost Arizona’s renewable energy capacity by 2026.  The agreements cover the Desert Bloom Storage (600MWh) and Papago Solar (150MWac) projects, both located in Maricopa County, with construction starting in 2025 and operations slated for 2026. These projects join last year’s 20-year tolling agreement for the 1,200MWh Papago Storage project, which will become Arizona’s largest standalone energy…