For many, it’s the next logical step for smart grid technology.
Distributed energy has a long history in the state – with co-generation, or combined heat and power, playing the dominant role. How is that portfolio changing today?
Diversifying Utility Regulation: State regulators voice opinions as mixed as the nation’s geography.
Lessons learned for U.S. utilities – drawn from first-person fact-finding.
Pattern Energy Group’s (Pattern Development or the Company) Conejo Solar photovoltaic power project in Chile has secured a 22-year PPA with an affiliate of Antofagasta Minerals SA. The 104-MW Conejo Solar project was originated by Pattern Development and upon completion will be the largest solar energy project in Chile with a PPA. Conejo Solar will connect to the Sistema Interconectado Central's (SIC) 220kV transmission system and is located on public lands owned by the government of Chile with a long-term concession.
Minnesota Power, a division of ALLETE, and the Minnesota National Guard signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to build a 10-MW utility-scale solar energy array at Camp Ripley, located in central Minnesota. The project will be the largest solar energy installation on military property in the state. The solar farm and backup generation will be designed and constructed to allow Camp Ripley to use the energy produced by the project during infrequent periods when the electric grid is down, providing enhanced energy security for the military site.
MidAmerican Solar and SunPower installed the one millionth photovoltaic module at the Solar Star projects, co-located in Kern and Los Angeles counties in California. When complete, the 579-MW projects will have more than 1.7 million modules installed. The first solar module was installed in March 2013. The Solar Star projects are owned by MidAmerican Solar and are being constructed by SunPower, which also will provide operations and maintenance services. Construction on the projects began in 2013 and is expected to be complete by year-end 2015.
Xcel Energy and SunPower signed a PPA to build a 50-MW solar power plant in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Construction of the solar power plant is contingent on the project securing all required permits, interconnection rights and financing. SunPower expects to start construction in 2015, and to achieve full commercial operation by the end of 2016. At the 320-acre site, SunPower will design and build a SunPower Oasis Power Plant system.
As part of the statewide NY-Sun Initiative, a $60 million investment to support the Long Island solar industry's transition to PSEG Long Island has been announced. PSEG Long Island will partner with NYSERDA to locally implement the statewide NY-Sun program. NY-Sun Initiative is a collaborative effort among public-private entities who are all working toward advancing the use of solar power in New York State. NYSERDA will more than double the proposed NY-Sun Initiative allocation for the Long Island region from $28 million to $60 million.