EIN Presswire: Solar Energy Live Feed Press Releases

Ahold USA Recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Leading Green Power Purchases

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:34:34 +0000

Ahold USA Recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Leading Green Power Purchases

Ranking recognizes company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint

PR Newswire

CARLISLE, Pa., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahold USA announced today that for the first time it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) list of the largest green power purchases. The company ranks No. 7 on the EPA's Top 20 Retail list and No. 30 on the National Top 50 list. Ahold USA is purchasing more than 149 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 7 percent of the organization's electricity use. Ahold USA is buying renewable energy certificates (RECs) from 3Degrees. In addition, Ahold USA is generating green power from its on-site renewable energy systems which demonstrates a proactive choice to switch away from traditional sources of electricity generation and support cleaner renewable energy alternatives.

"Reducing our carbon footprint is a primary tenet of Ahold USA's main corporate responsibility priorities, which helps us minimize our impact on the environment while at the same time making operations more efficient," said Jihad Rizkallah, vice president of store planning for Ahold USA. "Being recognized by the EPA for our green power purchases highlights our on-going efforts and commitment to reduce our electricity consumption and expand our renewable and clean energy portfolio."

The EPA recently updated each of its National Top Partner lists, highlighting some of America's largest green power purchasers. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through January 5, 2012. For access to the EPA Green Power Top Partner ranking, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/top50.htm. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro. Purchases of green power help accelerate the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

"EPA is excited to welcome Ahold USA as a Green Power Partner and congratulates them on making the list of the Top 50 largest green power purchases," said Blaine Collison, Director of EPA's Green Power Partnership. "By opting to purchase renewable energy, Ahold USA is helping to grow the nation's green power market while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution."

According to the U.S. EPA, Ahold USA's green power purchase of more than 149 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of more than 20,000 passenger vehicles per year, or the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of nearly 13,000 average American homes annually.

From stores to distribution centers and corporate support offices, the company has a strong focus on greener efforts. Its newest stores are built with innovative green building technologies that reduce energy consumption, conserve water and reduce the environmental impact of operations. Ahold USA also continues to help its retail divisions make existing stores more energy efficient by utilizing energy efficient light bulbs, turning lights down during off hours, improving the efficiency of refrigerated display cases and installing smaller cooling systems by replacing open frozen food cases with closed door cases.

Ahold USA has been developing its renewable and clean energy portfolio since 2008. Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic systems at thirteen Stop & Shop stores generate between 7 and 10 percent of the stores' annual electricity requirements. In addition to solar power, the Ahold USA team worked with its New England division to construct their first fuel cell project at a Stop & Shop in Torrington, CT, which consumes natural gas to produce electricity and waste heat. The electricity being generated provides 95 percent of the store's annual electricity requirements and the waste heat offsets the gas consumption required to heat the air and hot water for the store.

About EPA's Green Power Partnership
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,300 Partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500^® companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.

Contact information
Ahold USA Press Office: +1 717 240 1513

Ahold USA is part of Ahold, a Dutch-based international food retailing group that operates quality supermarkets in the United States and Europe. Ahold USA supports four regional Divisions – Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle – that together operate more than 750 supermarkets with approximately 115,000 associates in 14 states and the District of Columbia along with Peapod, the nation's leading e-commerce grocery shopping/delivery service.

For more information, visit www.ahold.com.

SOURCE Ahold USA

Hertz Launches Global Sustainability Strategy

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Hertz Launches Global Sustainability Strategy

-- "Living Journey" represents Hertz's vision to integrate sustainability throughout its global operations --

PR Newswire

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world's largest general use car rental brand, introduced "Living Journey" today, the Company's corporate sustainability strategy. Living Journey positions Hertz to be the leader in Sustainable Mobility and Equipment Solutions through various strategic initiatives that integrate sustainability best practices throughout the Company including:

Smart Mobility—Hertz is committed to providing customers vehicle rental options that are fuel efficient and use clean, low-emissions technology such as Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.
Environment—Hertz's goal is to minimize its environmental footprint and operating costs through efficiency improvements, resource management and renewable energy production.
Community—Hertz is dedicated to creating a positive impact and enhancing the communities it serves by giving back through philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110810/NY50373LOGO )

"Sustainability has always been part of the culture at Hertz. We have a long-standing tradition of innovation and leadership that includes managing the environmental performance and social impacts of the Company alongside our fiscal responsibilities," said Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and CEO of Hertz. "In 2011, we made tremendous progress on Hertz's industry-leading solar generation and Electric Vehicle initiatives in addition to ongoing efforts to operate in an environmentally responsible manner at our corporate offices and rental facilities. As a continuation of our success, we are excited to introduce Living Journey which encompasses all of our efforts as an organization through partnerships, employee education and investments to reduce our impact on the environment, provide customer value, and manage our business sustainably."

Through Hertz's sustainability efforts, the Company has:

Recycled over 50,000 IT units since 2005 which diverted 2 million tons of e-waste from landfills,
Recycled approximately 680,000 gallons of used oil in 2011, and
Reduced paper use by 2.8 million pounds since 2006.

In addition, more than 80% of the water used at Hertz car washes is recycled. The Company is currently implementing energy audits and lighting upgrades across many of its facilities. Estimated results from recent lighting upgrades include 1.1 million kilowatt-hours and 776 tonnes of CO2 emissions saved annually (across 20 Hertz locations).

To communicate Living Journey to its stakeholders, Hertz has launched a sustainability website (http://www.hertzlivingjourney.com) which is the first of its kind for the Company. The site highlights Hertz's achievements and plans in the sustainability arena, which includes energy-efficiency improvements such as lighting and HVAC upgrades, utilizing LEED certification standards for Hertz buildings, solar energy production, global recycling efforts, and delivering fuel-efficient fleet choices to consumers.

Last year, Hertz was recognized by the Global Business Travel Association for Sustainable Practice through Hertz On Demand, Hertz's hourly car rental program.

Living Journey initiatives will be rolled out globally by divisions of The Hertz Corporation including Hertz Rent A Car, Hertz On Demand, Hertz Equipment Rental, Hertz Entertainment Services, and Donlen.

About Hertz
Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand operating from approximately 8,500 locations in approximately 150 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 94 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa and the Middle East. In addition, Hertz operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of rental equipment, including tools and supplies, and new and used equipment for sale from approximately 320 branches in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, China and Saudi Arabia, as well as through its international licensees. In late 2008, Hertz introduced a global car-sharing service, now referred to as Hertz On Demand, where customers can rent by the hour from various locations in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Hertz also owns Donlen Corporation, based in Northbrook, Illinois, which is a leader in fleet leasing and management services.

SOURCE Hertz Corporation

Envision Solar Announces Debt Reduction

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Envision Solar Announces Debt Reduction

Continued Management Results in Debt Reduction and Note Re-Negotiation

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Solar International, Inc., ("Envision Solar") (OTCBB:EVSI), a leading sustainable infrastructure product designer and developer, today announced that the company was successful in both reducing and renegotiating the company's debt positions at the end of 2011. Envision Solar was able to extend, with similar or more favorable terms, approximately $1,650,000 in various notes payable that were originally due December 31, 2011. Further, the Company was able to reduce by approximately $550,000 other debts on the balance sheet, which existed prior to the Company's 2010 re-organization, through various negotiated settlements.

Envision Solar's President and CEO, Desmond Wheatley, said, "Debt management is a key element of our broader strategy for long term growth and profitability. Our ability to renegotiate notes is a strong indication of our creditors belief in our growth and success. Similarly our ability to negotiate reductions in prior debt obligations while remaining current on our existing vendor accounts speaks of the new management team's commitment to fiscal discipline and creating a growth platform. Debt in itself is not a bad thing so long as it is responsibly managed. Increased sales and continued fiscal discipline are two main areas of focus for the Company in 2012. These latest improvements in our debt position will significantly improve our opportunities for success."

Wheatley continued, "Recent developments such as the California Air Resources Board's unanimous decision to mandate that one in seven new vehicles sold in California by 2025 be electric and zero emissions point to an incredible growth opportunity for our company. We build the renewable energy infrastructure to make that sort of commitment possible and our recent deployments with a Utility and a Governmental organization demonstrate that we have a proven product to get it done."

For more information about Envision Solar, visit www.envisionsolar.com.

About Envision Solar International, Inc.

Envision Solar, www.envisionsolar.com, is a leading sustainable infrastructure product designer, and integrator deploying clean energy systems globally. The solar design firm provides strategic long-term solutions and includes comprehensive sustainability planning and design optimization for its solar array structures. The company is a leader in the invention and construction of solar structures that address unused millions of acres of parking spaces. Its innovative systems include products for commercial and institutional projects, such as EnvisionTrak™, CleanCharge™, Solar Tree®, Solar Grove®, Solar Row™, LifePort®, LifePod™, LifeVillage™ solar systems and others. Envision Solar is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol [OTCBB: EVSI]. For more information on the company, contact 1-866-746-0514.

This Report ("press release" if on a press release) may contain forward looking statements regarding future events or our expected future results that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements in this Report other than statements of historical facts are forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as "estimate," "project," "predict," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "plan," "intend," "seek," "goal," "will," "should," "may," or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. Statements contemplating or making assumptions regarding actual or potential sales, market size and demand, prospective business contracts, customer orders, trends or operating results also constitute forward looking statements. Our actual results may differ substantially from those indicated in forward looking statements because our business is subject to significant economic, competitive, regulatory, business and industry risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Our operating results, financial condition and business performance may be adversely affected by a general decline in the economy, unavailability of capital or financing for our prospective customers to purchase products and services from us, competition, changes in regulations, a decline in the demand for solar energy, a lack of profitability, a decline in our stock price, and other risks. We may not have adequate capital, financing or cash flow to sustain our business or implement our business plans. Current results and trends are not necessarily indicative of future results that we may achieve.

Media contact:
Coleen Lassegard
Envision Solar International
(858) 799-4583
Coleen.lassegard@envisionsolar.com

SOURCE Envision Solar International, Inc.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:57:55 +0000

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0769027/Concentrating-Solar-Power-CSP.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Renewable_energy

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) slipped from an all-time high in production of 885 GWh in 2008 to 862 GWh in 2009. New capacity becoming operational in 2010 pushed production to 1121 GWh and an estimated 1475 GWh in 2011. The wholesale value from this technology, also known as Solar Thermal power, generated $68 USD million in 2008, $102 million in 2009, to $362 million in 2010. 2011 sales should top a half billion dollars at an estimated $545 million.

The cost of the installed base of CSP at the end of 2011 is estimated at $9.5 billion. Of that roughly 93% of the installed base value is in parabolic trough technology. By 2015, that percentage is forecast to drop to 70% as power tower, also called central receiving station technology, becomes more common. The other two CSP technologies, linear Fresnel reflector and the Stirling engine/dish design are decidedly lacking although there are a few small projects going forward.

The seemingly smooth upward curve of CSP productions hides some facts that will impinge future growth. At least 2,250 MW of planned CSP capacity was suddenly switched to PV due to the lower installation costs of PV, among other reasons. Also hidden by the high Spanish feed-in tariff is the somewhat low capacity of the plants in Spain due to less than ideal solar resources. Due to the global debt crisis, Spain had considered cutting its artificially high feed-in tariff, but to preserve investor confidence, has chosen to delay bringing some plants online and limiting the output of others.

Thermal energy storage (TES) became a big topic in 2011 with demonstrations of 24 hour generation at a plant in Spain less than four months after startup. Seven to eight hours' storage appears to be the norm for parabolic trough plants at a cost of roughly an additional 10-11 % of the plant cost but can yield capacity factors over 50%, a key to profitability. Power towers operating at higher temperatures can achieve 10- 15 hours storage at a slightly less cost penalty.

New development and construction activities will intensify in 2012 in Australia, India, and China. China has licensed technology from eSolar and plans to build 2 GW of combined CSP/biomass plants in the next decade. India too has created a 20 GW by 2020 solar wish list. Australia continues to study the technology and is building a world study center of power tower technology.

As 2011 ends, the global capacity of utility-scale CSP will be right at 2 GW with approximately another 2500 to 3500 MW to be operational in 2012, depending on several factors. While some forecasters believe the US concentrating solar power capacity alone will reach 6 GW by 2015, SBI Energy analysis points to factors that suggest an installation rate that while consistent with the opportunities CSP represents, is more indicative of the current global economic and political realities. These factors include the events known as the Islamic Spring, the overall lingering economic doldrums, and current photovoltaic pricing wars as well as utility concerns regarding implementation of renewables on a large scale. While these concerns are not permanent, they will retard implementation of CSP for a few years.

CSP Energy tends to be CSP installation has been directly linked to government interest in the technology. CSP Global Markets provides insight into the current and future utility scale electrical generation CSP markets at both the plant and component level, with particular attention to the solar field elements which represent over 50% of the plant's cost. For every major component, global market size is provided and forecast through 2020 based on the SBI Energy's evaluation of the factors affecting the market growth as a whole.

Chapter 1 Executive Summary

Chapter 2 Background to CSP Markets

Scope and Methodology of Report

Market Definition and History

General CSP Process Description for electricity generation

Figure 2-1 CSP process schematic

Market Categories

Parabolic troughs

Figure 2-2 Parabolic trough design

Figure 2-3 Parabolic trough mirror/receiver detail

Power Towers

Figure 2-4 Power tower design

Figure 2-5 Power tower mirror/receiver detail

Dish/Engine Systems

Figure 2-6 Dish/Engine design

Figure 2-7 Dish/engine concentration system detail

Linear Fresnel Reflectors

Figure 2-8 Fresnel lens optics

Figure 2-9 Linear Fresnel reflector detail

Thermal Storage

Figure 2-10 Thermal storage schematic detail

Hybrid Plants

Figure 2-11 Hybrid Plant Schematic

Figure 2-12 Hybrid plant power source by hour of the day

Concentrating Solar for Heat Generation

Industrial uses of solar heat

Figure 2-13 CSP -Solar Heat schematic

Figure 2-14 CSP -Global Industrial use

Residential uses of solar heat

Figure 2-15 CSP -US Residential installations

Comparison of Market Categories

Table 2-1 Features of CSP Categories

Table 2-2 Power Generation efficiency by CSP category

CSP Market Factors

Climatic Factors

Table 2-3 Climatic factors vs. Solar Energy Process

Figure 2-16 Geographic distribution of climatic factors

Power Distribution Factors

Table 2-4 Comparison of HVAC vs. HVDC

Table 2-5 Power generation factors vs. distance to market

Figure 2-17 Contribution to power grid by CSP category

Cooling Process Factors

Table 2-6 Cooling Options

Figure 2-18 Water cooling schematic

Figure 2-19 Dry cooling schematic

The Renewable Power Industry

Value of Electricity from Renewable Sources

Public policies affect on Renewable Power Generation

Policies to Promote Renewable Energy Sources

Production Tax Credits

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Renewable Power Direct Marketing

Renewable Feed-in-Tariff

Fossil Fuel Emissions Caps

Table 2-7 Pros and Cons of public policy use to promote renewable energy generation

Table 2-8 International public policies

Research investments in Renewable Energy

Table 2-9 US government investment in Renewable Energy through 2010

Table 2-10 Global public investment in Renewable Energy through 2010

Research Efforts in Solar Power

Table 2-11 US government investment in Solar Power through 2010

Table 2-12 US government investment in Solar Power currently allocated

Table 2-13 Global public investment in Solar Power through 2010

Table 2-14 Global public investment in Solar Power currently allocated

Figure 2-20 Public Investments vs. Solar power delivered though 2010

Figure 2-21 Public Investments vs. Solar power projected 2011- 2020

Research Efforts in CSP

Table 2-15 US government investment in CSP Technologies through 2010

Table 2-16 US government investment in CSP Technologies currently allocated

Table 2-17 Global public investment in CSP Technologies through 2010

Table 2-18 Global public investment in CSP Technologies currently allocated

Figure 2-22 Public Investments vs. CSP power delivered though 2010

Figure 2-23 Public Investments vs. CSP power projected 2011- 2020

Renewable Energy Market Size and Growth

Basis of Forecasts

Figure 2-24 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-25 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-26 US ROI on PV Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-27 US PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-28 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-29 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-30 Global PV Market 2012-2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Geothermal power

Figure 2-31 US Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-32 US Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-33 US ROI on Geothermal power Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-34 US Geothermal power Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-35 Global Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-36 Global Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-37 Global Geothermal power Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Biopower

Figure 2-38 US Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-39 US Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-40 US ROI on Biopower Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-41 US Biopower Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-42 Global Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-43 Global Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-44 Global Biopower Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Photovoltaics

Figure 2-45 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-46 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-47 US ROI on PV Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-48 US PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-49 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-50 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-51 Global PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Concentrating Solar Power

Figure 2-52 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-53 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output

Figure 2-54 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-55 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-56 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Figure 2-57 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-58 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-59 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-60 Global CSP Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-61 Global CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Concentrating Solar Process Heat

Figure 2-62 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Installations and Capacity

Figure 2-63 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Savings

Figure 2-64 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-65 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-66 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Figure 2-67 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Planned installations and capacity

Figure 2-68 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Planned Power Savings

Figure 2-69 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-70 Global CSP Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-71 Global CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Chapter 3 Regional and National Markets

CSP Global Market Initiative (CSP- GMI)

Table 3-1 Goals of the CSP-GMI

Figure 3-1 CSP-GMI Regions

Middle East --North Africa (MENA)

MENA Regional issues

Desertec Industrial Initiative

Dii GmbH

Table 3-2 Desertec Supporting Organizations

Figure 3-2 Desertec claims regarding CSP potential

Figure 3-3 Desertec vision of MENA power generation and distribution

Figure 3-4 MENA Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

Figure 3-5 MENA Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

Southwest United States-Mexico (USMEX)

USMEX Regional issues

Figure 3-6 USMEX Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

USMEX Regional markets

Figure 3-7 USMEX Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

Southern Europe (SoEur)

SoEur Regional issues

Figure 3-8 SoEur Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

SoEur Regional markets

Figure 3-9 SoEur Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

National Markets

Algeria

Algerian development activities to date

Table 3-3 Algerian development efforts through 2011

Algerian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-4 Algerian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Algerian-specific issues

Algerian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-10 Algerian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Australia

Australian development activities to date

Table 3-5 Australian development efforts through 2011

Australian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-6 Australian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Australian-specific issues

Australian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-11 Australian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Brazil

Brazilian development activities to date

Table 3-7 Brazilian development efforts through 2011

Brazilian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-8 Brazilian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Brazilian-specific issues

Brazilian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-12 Brazilian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-13 Chilean CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

China

Chinese development activities to date

Table 3-9 Chinese development efforts through 2011

Chinese installed and planned capacities

Table 3-10 Chinese installed and planned capacities through 2011

Chinese-specific issues

Chinese CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-14 Chinese CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Egypt

Egyptian development activities to date

Table 3-11 Egyptian development efforts through 2011

Egyptian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-12 Egyptian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Egyptian-specific issues

Egyptian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-15 Egyptian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Greece

Grecian development activities to date

Table 3-13 Grecian development efforts through 2011

Grecian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-14 Grecian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Grecian-specific issues

Grecian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-16 Grecian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

India

Indian development activities to date

Table 3-15 Indian development efforts through 2011

Indian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-16 Indian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Indian-specific issues

Indian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-17 Indian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Iran

Iranian development activities to date

Table 3-17 Iranian development efforts through 2011

Iranian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-18 Iranian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Iranian-specific issues

Iranian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-18 Iranian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Israel

Israeli development activities to date

Table 3-19 Israeli development efforts through 2011

Israeli installed and planned capacities

Table 3-20 Israeli installed and planned capacities through 2011

Israeli-specific issues

Israeli CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-19 Israeli CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Italy

Italian development activities to date

Table 3-21 Italian development efforts through 2011

Italian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-22 Italian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Italian-specific issues

Italian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-20 Italian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Jordan

Jordanian development activities to date

Table 3-23 Jordanian development efforts through 2011

Jordanian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-24 Jordanian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Jordanian-specific issues

Jordanian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-21 Jordanian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Mexico

Mexican development activities to date

Table 3-25 Mexican development efforts through 2011

Mexican installed and planned capacities

Table 3-26 Mexican installed and planned capacities through 2011

Mexican-specific issues

Mexican CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-22 Mexican CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Morocco

Moroccan development activities to date

Table 3-27 Moroccan development efforts through 2011

Moroccan installed and planned capacities

Table 3-28 Moroccan installed and planned capacities through 2011

Moroccan-specific issues

Moroccan CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-23 Moroccan CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

South Africa

South African development activities to date

Table 3-29 South African development efforts through 2011

South African installed and planned capacities

Table 3-30 South African installed and planned capacities through 2011

South African-specific issues

South African CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-24 South African CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Spain

Spanish development activities to date

Table 3-31 Spanish development efforts through 2011

Spanish installed and planned capacities

Table 3-32 Spanish installed and planned capacities through 2011

Spanish-specific issues

Spanish CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-25 Spanish CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

United States

US development activities to date

Table 3-33 US development efforts through 2011

US installed and planned capacities

Table 3-34 US installed and planned capacities through 2011

US-specific issues

US CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-26 US CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

African Nation's Activities

Other African national development activities to date

Table 3-35 Other African national development efforts through 2011

Other African nation's installed and planned capacities

Table 3-36 Other African nation's installed and planned capacities through 2011

Other-African national specific issues

Other National Activities

Other national development activities to date

Table 3-37 Other national development efforts through 2011

Other nation's installed and planned capacities

Table 3-38 Other nation's installed and planned capacities through 2011

Other national specific issues

Chapter 4 CSP Components: Description, Use, and Markets

Basis of Forecasts

Figure 4-1 Components as a percentage of plant costs

Engineering, Construction, and Procurement Companies

Table 4-1 ECP firms for installed and planned CSP facilities

Figure 4-2 Market share by EPC firm

High Tech Components

Mirrors, Frames and Cleaning Systems

Desired properties of CSP mirrors

Mirrors: Glass, plastic film. or polished metal

Table 4-2 Feature comparison between mirror materials

Research in material choice

Table 4-3 Global research in mirror materials

Table 4-4 Research in CSP mirrors

Installed and planned installations of mirrors

Table 4-5 Installed mirrors by material options

Table 4-6 Planned installations of mirrors by material options

Mirrors Producers

Table 4-7 Global mirror manufacturers, installed and planned

Mirror Market and Forecasts

Figure 4-3 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-4 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2012 - 2016

Figure 4-5 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2016 - 2020

Frame systems

Table 4-8 Global CSP Frames manufacturers, installed and planned

Figure 4-6 US and Global CSP Frames Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-7 US and Global CSP Frames Market: 2012 - 2016

Cleaning Systems

Table 4-9 Cleaning system manufacturers, installed and planned

Figure 4-8 US and Global CSP Cleaning System Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-9 US and Global CSP Cleaning System Market: 2012 - 2016

Receivers and Heat Flow Systems

Receiver, receiver support and interconnections

Desirable properties in receivers

Table 4-10 Feature comparison between Receiver designs

Research in Receiver Design

Table 4-11 Research in receiver design and materials

Installed and planned installations of mirrors

Table 4-12 Installed receivers by design

Table 4-13 Planned installations of receivers by design

Current Receiver Producers

Table 4-14 Manufacturers of receiver components

Receiver Market and Forecasts

Figure 4-10 US and Global CSP Receiver Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-11 US and Global CSP Receiver Market: 2012 - 2016

Collection, piping, valves and traps

Issues unique to CSP

Operating temperature range

Environmental conditions

Length of service

Longevity of service

Accessibility for preventative maintenance and performance issues

Table 4-15 Collection and piping issues unique to CSP

Companies with installed piping systems and experience

Table 4-16 Companies with installed piping systems and experience

Collection as a function of plant parameters

Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF)

Desirable properties in HTF

Table 4-17 Feature comparison between HTF systems

Research in heat transfer fluids

Table 4-18 Research in heat transfer fluids

Installed and planned installations of HTF

Table 4-19 Heat transfer fluids in installed CSP plants

Table 4-20 Heat transfer fluids selected for planned CSP plants

HTF Market and Forecast

Figure 4-12 US and Global CSP HTF Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-13 US and Global CSP HTF Market: 2012 - 2016

Established Components

Steam Generation Plant

Table 4-21 Unique CSP Steam Plant Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-14 US and Global CSP Steam Plant Installations

Figure 4-15 US and Global CSP Steam Plant Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Cooling

Table 4-22 Unique CSP Cooling Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-16 US and Global CSP Cooling Installations

Figure 4-17 US and Global CSP Cooling Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Thermal Storage by Molten Salts

Table 4-23 Unique CSP Thermal Storage Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-18 US and Global CSP Thermal Storage Installations

Figure 4-19 US and Global CSP Thermal Storage Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Sun Tracking Systems

Table 4-24 Unique CSP Sun Tracking Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-20 US and Global CSP Sun Tracking Installations

Figure 4-21 US and Global CSP Sun Tracking Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Materials of Construction

Figure 4-22 Percentage of cost of CSP installations by material of construction

Significant issues concerning materials of construction: availability, cost

Steel

Table 4-25 Steel usage in CSP

Figure 4-23 US and Global steel market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Copper

Table 4-26 Copper usage in CSP

Figure 4-24 US and Global copper market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Brass

Table 4-27 Brass usage in CSP

Figure 4-25 US and Global brass market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Aluminum

Table 4-28 Aluminum usage in CSP

Figure 4-26 US and Global aluminum market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Concrete

Table 4-29 Concrete usage in CSP

Figure 4-27 US and Global concrete market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Molten Salts

Table 4-30 Molten salts usage in CSP

Figure 4-28 US and Global molten salts market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Silica

Table 4-31 Silica usage in CSP

Figure 4-29 US and Global silica market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Chapter 5 Market Promotion, Distribution, and Trends

Promotion of CSP Market

General environmental movement

Figure 5-1 Growth in public demand for renewable energy sourcing

Desire for energy independence

Table 5-1 History of energy independence efforts in the US

Fear of lack of access to oil

Table 5-2 Relationship between the "Islamic Spring" uprisings, oil resources, and CSP investments

Fear of nuclear power

Table 5-3 Shifts in perception of nuclear power after 2010 Japanese tsunami

Electrical Distribution by Region

Figure 5-2 Schematic of generic electric grid

North America

US electric grid

Table 5-4 Role of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),

Figure 5-3 Major distribution lines of continental US electric grid

Electricity generation in Hawaii and Alaska

Figure 5-4 Major distribution lines of Hawaiian and Alaskan electric grids

Table 5-5 Role of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),

Table 5-6 Upgrades to US electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Canadian electric grid

Figure 5-5 Major distribution lines of Canadian electric grid

Mexican and Central American electric grid

Table 5-7 Status of Mexican and Central American electric grids

Figure 5-6 Major distribution lines within Central America

Table 5-8 Upgrades to Central American electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

South America

Table 5-9 Status of South America's electric grid

Figure 5-7 Major distribution lines within South America

Table 5-10 Upgrades to South American electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Europe and Russia

Electrical Distribution within Europe

Table 5-11 Status of European electric grid

Figure 5-8 Major distribution lines within Europe

Table 5-12 Upgrades to European electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within Russia

Table 5-13 Status of Russian electric grid

Figure 5-9 Major distribution lines within Russia

Table 5-14 Upgrades to Russian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Asia, India, and China

Electrical Distribution within Asia

Table 5-15 Status of Asia's electric grids

Figure 5-10 Major distribution lines within Asia

Table 5-16 Upgrades to Asian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within India

Table 5-17 Status of India's electric grids

Figure 5-11 Major distribution lines within India

Table 5-18 Upgrades to Indian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within China

Table 5-19 Status of China's electric grids

Figure 5-12 Major distribution lines within China

Table 5-20 Upgrades to Chinese electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Australia

Electrical Distribution within Australia

Table 5-21 Status of Australia's electric grids

Figure 5-13 Major distribution lines within Australia

Table 5-22 Upgrades to Australian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Africa

Electrical Distribution within Africa

Table 5-23 Status of Africa's electric grids

Figure 5-14 Major distribution lines within Africa

Table 5-24 Upgrades to African electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

CSP Market Trends

Investment Climate

Figure 5-15 Investments over time and world events

Public opinion

Figure 5-16 Public demand for solar energy

Proliferation of demonstration plants

Table 5-25 Recent demonstration plants

Ease of entry compared to other renewable energies

Table 5-26 New construction costs as a function of location and energy source

Continued need for premium pricing

Figure 5-17 Relative declines in power generation by energy type

Chapter 6 Competitive Profiles [selected from list]

Abengoa USA/ Abengoa Spain

ACCIONA Solar Power/ACCIONA Energia

Alanod

Albiasa Solar

Ausra

Beacon Solar

Boeing

Bright Source Energy

Carrizo Energy

Cristaleria Espanola

Dow chemical

DuPont

Ener-T Global

Epuron

Eskom

E-solar

EuroTrough

Flabeg

Florida Power and Light

Grupo Enhol

HelioDynamics

Industrial Solar Technology Corp

Inland Energy

Naugatuck Glass

Paneltec Corp

Pilkington

Radco Industries

ReflecTech

Samca

SCHOTT Solar

Sener Group

Siemens

Sinoy Mirror

Sky Fuel

SoquiMich

Solar Millennium AG

Solar Power Group

Solel Solar Systems

Solargenix Energy

Sopogy

Stirling Energy Systems

Chapter 7 End Users

Public End Users

Utility Companies

Table 7-1 US Utilities operating CSP

Public perception of renewable energy

Figure 7-1 Changes in public perception over time

Perception of CSP vs. other renewable energy sources

Trends in public perception

Public willingness to pay premium pricing for renewable energy

Figure 7-2 Distribution of premium price options and acceptance

Industrial End Users

Uses by industry

Table 7-2 CSP Industrial Applications

Motivation factors for industrial users

Table 7-3 Leading motivators for industrial CSP use

Implementation Trends of industrial users

Table 7-4 Implementation Trends of Industrial CSP Applications

Appendices

List of Abbreviations

Selected marketers contact information

Selected Organizations, Research Institutes, and Universities- contact information

Installed and Planned CSP Facilities

Selected CSP Facilities: Profiles and contact information

To order this report:Renewable energy Industry: Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Market Research Report

Check our

Industry Analysis and Insights

CONTACT
Nicolas Bombourg
Reportlinker
Email: nbo@reportlinker.com
US: (805)652-2626
Intl: +1 805-652-2626

SOURCE Reportlinker

AUO's US-Made Solar Solutions Ready, with 9 MW Solar Power Project in Pennsylvania School District Successfully Acquired

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:26:00 +0000

AUO's US-Made Solar Solutions Ready, with 9 MW Solar Power Project in Pennsylvania School District Successfully Acquired

PR Newswire

HSINCHU, Taiwan, February 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

AU Optronics ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), the global leading display and solar solutions provider, today announced that it is ready to provide its customers with US-made solar solutions. The progress enriches AUO's global solar module capacity to span across Europe, America, and Asia. It also makes AUO one of the few international suppliers capable of offering US-made solar solutions. Further development in the US market has been marked by the acquisition of a 9 MW Solar Power Project in the Pennsylvania School District, which will be the largest solar power plant in Pennsylvania as well as one of the largest school district projects nationwide. AUO will continue to provide top-notch customized solar solutions to the U.S. customers.

"The US market is a very important solar market. AUO's high-efficiency and high-quality solar modules are not only widely acclaimed for their performance in the residential and commercial markets but have also successfully acquired large utility and government projects." said James Chen, Vice President of AUO Solar Business Group. "We continue to develop advanced technology and leverage our local services to provide US-made solar modules for utility, commercial and residential customers who expect the best high-efficiency solar products."

AUO adopts the strategy of "Global Operation, Local Delivery" and is currently the Taiwanese PV player with the highest solar module capacity worldwide^[^(*)^]. Having achieved full capacity in its Czech plant, AUO utilized its exceptional skills in global operation and turned to the US market to provide its customers with US-made solar modules and customized services. AUO's solar modules have met American Federal Acquisition Regulation's BAA (Buy American Act) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act). AUO's high-efficiency and high-quality solar modules have been also listed in CEC (California Energy Commission). By offering its stable and reliable solar products, AUO will engage itself actively in the US solar market for even greater presence.

The area of the Pennsylvanian solar power project AUO obtained recently is around 62 acres, equivalent to 87 football fields. The project is the largest solar power plant in Pennsylvania and also one of the largest among American school districts. By using AUO's 37,500 pieces of high-efficiency solar modules, the solar power plant is expected to be completed in September, 2012. The power plant will generate 10,880,000 kWh of electricity annually for the daily use of approximately 5,000 students in 5 schools nearby. Approximately 6,663 tons of CO2 emissions could be reduced.

*Based on available market research information as of Feb. 7, 2012.

ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) is one of the world's leading providers of display and solar total solutions. AUO offers a full range of panel sizes and comprehensive applications ranging from 1.2 inches to 71 inches. Based on its profound R&D and manufacturing experience, AUO continues to develop advanced display technologies of the next generation. AUO extended its market to the green energy industry in 2008. By building a vertically integrated high-efficiency solar value chain, AUO provides its customers with high-efficiency solar solutions. AUO now houses a staff of more than 43,000 employees, with global operations in Taiwan, Mainland China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Czech and Slovakia. Additionally, AUO is the first pure TFT-LCD manufacturer to be successfully listed at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). AUO has also been named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for two consecutive years from 2010 to 2011. AUO generated NT$379.7 billion (US$ 12.54 billion) in sales revenue in 2011. For more information, please visit AUO.com.

* 2011 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD30.27:USD1.

ABOUT AUO Solar Business

AUO Solar Business combined M.Setek, AUO crystal, and AUO SunPower to form a high-efficiency vertical solar value chain from polysilicon, ingot, wafer, solar cell, PV module and Project business. AUO has successfully accomplished many large solar power plants projects in Europe, Asia and Africa. The company has three PV factories in Taiwan, China and Czech Republic and adopts "global operation, local delivery" model to provide worldwide customers total solar solutions. Website: AUOSOLAR.com

SafeHarbour Notice

AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3rd, 2011.

AUO's US-Made Solar Solutions Ready, with 9 MW Solar Power Project in Pennsylvania School District Successfully Acquired

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:06:54 +0000

AUO's US-Made Solar Solutions Ready, with 9 MW Solar Power Project in Pennsylvania School District Successfully Acquired

PR Newswire

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- AU Optronics ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), the global leading display and solar solutions provider, today announced that it is ready to provide its customers with US-made solar solutions. The progress enriches AUO's global solar module capacity to span across Europe, America, and Asia. It also makes AUO one of the few international suppliers capable of offering US-made solar solutions. Further development in the US market has been marked by the acquisition of a 9 MW Solar Power Project in the Pennsylvania School District, which will be the largest solar power plant in Pennsylvania as well as one of the largest school district projects nationwide. AUO will continue to provide top-notch customized solar solutions to the U.S. customers.

AUO adopts the strategy of "Global Operation, Local Delivery" and is currently the Taiwanese PV player with the highest solar module capacity worldwide^(*). Having achieved full capacity in its Czech plant, AUO utilized its exceptional skills in global operation and turned to the US market to provide its customers with US-made solar modules and customized services. AUO's solar modules have met American Federal Acquisition Regulation's BAA (Buy American Act) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act). AUO's high-efficiency and high-quality solar modules have been also listed in CEC (California Energy Commission). By offering its stable and reliable solar products, AUO will engage itself actively in the US solar market for even greater presence.

*Based on available market research information as of Feb. 7, 2012.

ABOUT AU OPTRONICS

* 2011 year end revenue converted at an exchange rate of NTD30.27:USD1.

ABOUT AUO Solar Business

Safe Harbour Notice

AU Optronics Corp. ("AUO" or the "Company") (TAIEX: 2409; NYSE: AUO), a global leader of TFT-LCD panels, today announced the above news. Except for statements in respect of historical matters, the statements contained in this Release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements were based on our management's expectations, projections and beliefs at the time regarding matters including, among other things, future revenues and costs, financial performance, technology changes, capacity, utilization rates, yields, process and geographical diversification, future expansion plans and business strategy. Such forward looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including risks related to the flat panel display industry, the TFT-LCD market, acceptance of and demand for our products, technological and development risks, competitive factors, and other risks described in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on May 3rd, 2011.

SOURCE AU Optronics Corporation

Lawsuit Filed To Halt Riverside County Sun Tax

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:19:11 +0000

Lawsuit Filed To Halt Riverside County Sun Tax

Solar industry associations call county solar policy illegal

PR Newswire

INDIO, Calif., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Independent Energy Producers Association (IEP) and the Large-scale Solar Association (LSA) have filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court asking the court to invalidate the county's Board Policy B-29, commonly known as the "Sun Tax." The lawsuit, which was filed on Friday in Riverside County's Desert Judicial District, alleges that the Sun Tax is illegal in that it violates California Proposition 26 and fails to conform to the California Mitigation Fee Act.

"In order for California to meet its renewable energy objectives and take real strides toward energy independence, the solar industry needs to be nurtured, not attacked by illegal county policies," said Jan Smutny-Jones, executive director of the IEP.

"The Sun Tax not only discourages the development of solar energy projects in Riverside County – it does so by violating the California Constitution," said Shannon Eddy, executive director of the LSA.

The Sun Tax is a charge of $450 per acre imposed annually by Riverside County on large-scale solar projects. The lawsuit challenges the imposition of this charge based upon a number of key issues. According to the plaintiffs the charge is actually a tax, as evidenced by the Board of Supervisors' instructions (in its June 28, 2011 meeting) to "prepare a policy of revenue generating agreements pertaining to renewable energy projects."

"Because this charge has no relationship with impacts on or services provided by the county, it must be considered a tax," said Smutny-Jones. "According to Proposition 26, taxes cannot masquerade as 'fees' or 'charges,' and this tax cannot be imposed without voter approval."

In the past, Riverside County has attempted to differentiate its policy from a tax by characterizing it as a payment designed to compensate the county for the impacts of solar development. However, the California Mitigation Fee Act prevents the county from charging a development fee unless there is a connection to actual impacts. "The county has never shown a connection between the fee and actual impacts," said Eddy. "Furthermore, the money raised would go directly to its general fund rather than to mitigating any alleged impact. This is a Sun Tax, not a development fee."

Other issues raised in the suit involve a property tax exemption granted by California to solar providers, which the IEP and LSA allege the county is trying to replace with its charge, and a guarantee of sales tax revenue, which has never before been requested of any industry and is therefore in violation of the California Constitution.

"This is a straightforward case challenging the constitutionality of a county action," said Smutny-Jones, who does not anticipate a lengthy trial process. Because these concerns were brought to the county's attention in writing in June, he said, they should come as no surprise now. "At this critical moment for the future of Riverside County's solar industry, we need to do all we can to protect jobs, economic growth and an industry that represents the region's future. This is no time for additional – and illegal – burdens that will drive projects and jobs out of Riverside County for good."

For more information on the Sun Tax, and to view a copy of the lawsuit, visit NoSunTax.com.

About the Independent Energy Producers Association (IEP)
The Independent Energy Producers Association (IEP) is California's oldest and leading nonprofit trade association, representing developers and operators of independent energy facilities and independent power marketers with the goal of proposing open and fair competition and market opportunities in the power supply industry. IEP members collectively own and operate approximately one-third of California installed generating capacity, including renewable products derived from biomass, geothermal, small hydro, solar, and wind, as well as producers of cogeneration and owners/operators of gas-fired merchant facilities.

About the Large-scale Solar Association (LSA)
The Large-scale Solar Association (LSA) is a non-partisan, solar advocacy association whose purpose is to support market growth of utility-scale solar technologies through appropriate policy mechanisms. Member companies in the LSA represent leaders in the utility-scale solar industry, and share a common understanding of and concern for the issues facing development of the solar industry.

SOURCE The Independent Energy Producers Association

MiaSole Appoints Rich Hossfeld as Vice President of Global Business Development and Sales

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0000

MiaSole Appoints Rich Hossfeld as Vice President of Global Business Development and Sales

PR Newswire

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MiaSole, the leading manufacturer of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, today announced the appointment of Richard (Rich) Hossfeld as Vice President of Global Business Development and Sales. He will also be part of the company's executive management team. This appointment underscores MiaSole's continued strategy to expand its business model globally and to execute on strategic partnerships.

Hossfeld has a deep knowledge of the energy and solar industries, having previously served as vice president of business development at both First Solar and Fluidic Energy. Hossfeld also has proven experience in developing and leading market entry and go-to-market strategies in North America, Asia and Latin America. During his tenure at First Solar, the company entered the North America market, compiled a 2.2 GW pipeline of contracted projects, acquired project development and EPC businesses and launched operations in Asia. Prior to joining First Solar, Hossfeld practiced corporate law at Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP.

"MiaSole's proprietary CIGS technology produces the highest efficiency thin film solar panels in the world at low cost, and we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible," said John Carrington, CEO of MiaSole. "Rich's experience will be invaluable in driving further growth of our company, as well as enhancing the value proposition we offer our customers. I look forward to working with Rich again to open new markets and drive our sales execution."

MiaSole recently announced that it has launched production of its 14 percent efficiency panels at its facility in Silicon Valley, California, representing a greater than 30 percent increase year over year. The company has also achieved a 17.3 percent champion CIGS solar device.

About MiaSole
MiaSole is a pioneer and leading developer of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film photovoltaic solar panels, one of the lowest-cost, highest efficiency solar panels in the world. MiaSole's primary mission is to advance the extraordinary potential for harnessing solar power as a competitive, sustainable energy source. MiaSole operates its manufacturing facilities in California.

Contact:
Matt Marcus
mmarcus@webershandwick.com
Phone: 212-537-8742
MiaSole
http://www.MiaSole.com

SOURCE MiaSole

Green Power EMC Adds 150 kW Solar Facility to Growing Renewable Generation Portfolio

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Green Power EMC Adds 150 kW Solar Facility to Growing Renewable Generation Portfolio

Middle Georgia Is Home to New Energy Resource

PR Newswire

TUCKER, Ga., Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Green Power EMC, the largest renewable energy provider in Georgia, continues to grow its energy portfolio with the addition of a 150 kilowatt solar facility in Warner Robins, Ga. The facility will bring Green Power EMC's total renewable generation to almost 28 MW.

(A photo of the facility is available at http://www.greenpoweremc.com/Files/Clean-Control-Solar-Panels.jpg.)

Green Power EMC joined forces with odor elimination manufacturer Clean Control Corp. and solar project developer First Century Energy to build the solar project. Located on approximately one acre at the headquarters of Clean Control Corp., the facility will be one of the largest solar photovoltaic arrays in the state, providing 4.7 million kWh of solar energy to the power grid over its projected 25-year lifetime.

"We're very proud to be involved in the Clean Control solar project," said George Mori, executive vice president at First Century Energy. "The array speaks volumes about Clean Control's commitment to sustainability and demonstrates the economic development potential for solar in Georgia, as most of the system components and all labor was sourced in the state."

The Warner Robins project and associated power purchase agreement is the second joint project of First Century and Green Power EMC under a pilot program aimed at deploying solar installations in EMC service areas throughout Georgia.

"Green Power EMC is actively pursuing efficient approaches to increasing the supply of renewable energy to Georgia's EMC members," said Jeff Pratt, president of Green Power EMC. "Distributed solar power generation can help supply a customer's energy needs with little on-going maintenance and no fuel expense."

Currently, approximately 4.4 million EMC-member households across Georgia will have more than 28 thousand kilowatts of renewable energy available to them through Green Power EMC's mix of biomass, solar, and low-impact hydro generation.

About Green Power EMC

Green Power EMC is a not-for-profit cooperative founded in August 2001 to support EMCs in their search for Georgia renewable resources. The primary efforts of Green Power EMC have been to find, screen, analyze and negotiate power purchase agreements with Georgia-based renewable resource providers. Green Power EMC was the first green power program in the state with green power resources online and operational in October 2003.

Participating EMCs include Altamaha EMC, Amicalola EMC, Canoochee EMC, Carroll EMC, Central Georgia EMC, Coastal Electric, Cobb EMC, Colquitt EMC, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Diverse Power, Excelsior EMC, Flint Energies, Grady EMC, GreyStone Power, Habersham EMC, Hart EMC, Irwin EMC, Jackson EMC, Jefferson Energy Cooperative, Little Ocmulgee EMC, Middle Georgia EMC, Mitchell EMC, Ocmulgee EMC, Oconee EMC, Okefenoke Rural EMC, Pataula EMC, Planters EMC, Rayle EMC, Sawnee EMC, Slash Pine EMC, Snapping Shoals EMC, Southern Rivers Energy, Sumter EMC, Three Notch EMC, Tri-County EMC, Upson EMC, Walton EMC, and Washington EMC.

For more information, visit www.greenpoweremc.com.

About Clean Control Corporation

Clean Control Corp. is a market-leading manufacturer of cleaning and odor elimination products, such as OdoBan® and Lethal®. Environmental leadership has been a cornerstone principle for Clean Control, as its products are formulated without toxic solvents and fragrances suspected of having adverse environmental effects.

About First Century Energy

First Century Energy is a leading developer and integrator of solar PV and solar hot water projects for commercial, industrial and government clients. FCE is based in Atlanta and operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries SolAmerica Energy, LLC and First Century Energy Services, LLC.

SOURCE Green Power EMC

Jumpstart development for renewable energy applications with TI's new C2000™ MCU solar kits

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Jumpstart development for renewable energy applications with TI's new C2000™ MCU solar kits

Ease solar design with high-voltage, string-ready, isolated inverter kit or low-voltage emulation kit, both with schematics and comprehensive library of software algorithms

PR Newswire

HOUSTON, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping make the world greener, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) announces two new solar kits based on its C2000™ 32-bit Piccolo™ and Concerto™ microcontrollers (MCUs). These new solar kits bring advanced peripherals, application-targeted development hardware, schematics, comprehensive software libraries of algorithms and an industry-leading development environment to the renewable energy market, allowing designers to easily create solar inverter designs while evaluating various solar algorithms and topologies.

C2000 high-voltage Solar Developer's Kit features and benefits:

The C2000 Solar Developer's Kit is TI's first complete, high-voltage, string-ready, isolated MCU-controlled solar solution to help power designers create high-voltage solar applications.
Comprised of two separate development boards, the Solar Developer's Kit provides a dual-controller design allowing developers to work with high-voltage power stages and inter-processor communications systems.
The primary board features a 300VDC compatible input stage supporting up to 500W with an interleaved boost stage for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and a resonant LLC stage for isolation, with both stages controlled by a single Piccolo MCU. The secondary board features a full bridge DC/AC inverter supporting 120/220VAC output with grid-matching, and can be controlled by a Concerto or Piccolo MCU, offering both control and connectivity in one processor.

C2000 low-voltage Solar Explorer Kit features and benefits:

Supporting both Piccolo and Concerto C2000 MCUs, the Solar Explorer Kit provides a complete, non-isolated design and features multiple power stages controlled with a single low-cost digital controller – all perfect for designing solar and renewable energy applications.
The Solar Explorer Kit includes multiple DC/DC conversions, as well as a DC/AC stage that supports 12VDC/100W input stage for a safe, low-cost architecture that can be used in desktop or low-voltage bench top experimentation lab situations for learning digitally controlled power stages or use in non-grid-tied applications. These stages are all controlled by a single Piccolo MCU.
Featuring a single-switch DC/DC boost for MPPT, DC/DC SEPIC for battery charging and a full bridge DC/AC inverter capable of driving 24VAC, the Solar Explorer Kit enables flexibility for low-voltage solar designs. Also included on this kit is a secondary processor controlling a solar panel emulator circuit, featuring a photo-diode for light sensing.
Providing optional support for the C2000 Concerto MCU adds connectivity functions to the digital controller through an included Ethernet-connected graphical user interface (GUI).

Software for Solar Explorer and Developer's Kits

Integral to making solar development easy, TI provides complete open source software and tools to ease development. As part of the C2000 family of MCU devices, both solar development boards are fully supported in the controlSUITE™ software offering. With controlSUITE, designers can quickly find all the necessary tools and documentation for the solar development kits, including both general purpose algorithm libraries, as well as renewable energy-specific functions.

Pricing and availability

The new solar development kits are available for order now. The high-voltage Solar Developer's Kit (TMDSHVMPPTKIT) is available for $550 USD, and the accompanying Concerto or Piccolo inverter board (TMDSHV1PHINVKIT) is available for $450 USD. The low-voltage Solar Explorer Kit is available for order now. It comes in two versions – a Piccolo MCU-based version (TMDSSOLARPEXPKIT) for $425 USD and a Concerto MCU-based version (TMDSSOLARCEXPKIT) for $575 USD.

Learn more about TI's solar solutions:

Solar Developer's Kit primary Piccolo board: http://www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-dev-pf
Solar Developer Piccolo or Concerto board: http://www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-dev-pf2
Solar Explorer Kit Piccolo: http://www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-expl-pf
Solar Explorer Kit Concerto: http://www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-expl-pf2
Solar kits product bulletin: www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-mc
Solar kits video: www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-v
TI Smart Grid: www.ti.com/c2000-solar-sg-lp
TI estore: www.ti.com/c2000-solar-pr-es
TI microcontrollers: www.ti.com/c2000-solar-mcu-lp

TI's broad portfolio of microcontrollers (MCUs) and software

From general purpose, ultra-low power MSP430™ MCUs, to Stellaris® Cortex™-M MCUs to real-time control C2000™ MCUs, and Hercules™ safety MCUs, TI offers the broadest range of microcontroller solutions. Designers can accelerate time to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third-party offerings and technical support.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments semiconductor innovations help 80,000 customers unlock the possibilities of the world as it could be – smarter, safer, greener, healthier and more fun. Our commitment to building a better future is ingrained in everything we do – from the responsible manufacturing of our semiconductors, to caring for our employees, to giving back inside our communities. This is just the beginning of our story. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

C2000, Piccolo, Concerto and controlSUITE are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated

Opportunities for Funding U.S.-Israel Cooperation for Renewable Energy and Efficiency

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:57:00 +0000

Opportunities for Funding U.S.-Israel Cooperation for Renewable Energy and Efficiency

New Call for Proposals issued by BIRD Energy, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Israel Ministry of Energy and Water Resources

PR Newswire

TEL AVIV, Israel, February 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The current call for proposals announced by BIRD Energy is in its fourth funding cycle for U.S.-Israel joint Project Proposals with a focus on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

To be considered, a project proposal must include R&D cooperation between two companies or cooperation between a company and a university/research institution (one from the U.S. and one from Israel). The proposal should have significant commercial potential and the project outcome should lead to commercialization.

The following areas of research and development themes are within the scope of this call: Solar Power, Alternative Fuels, Advanced Vehicle Technologies, Smart Grid, Wind Energy or any other Renewable Energy or Energy Efficiency technology.

The conditional grant per project is up to 50% of the R&D costs associated with the joint project, and up to a maximum of $1 million per project.

The application process is web-based and requires prior discussion with the BIRD Foundation. Initial concept submissions are due by May 3, 2012, and full proposals are due by June 28, 2012. Decisions on projects selected for funding will be made by September 6, 2012. Please refer to BIRD's website for submission details - http://www.birdf.com.

BIRD Energy was established following an agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy/EERE and the Israel Ministry of Energy and Water Resources to promote and support joint research and collaborations in the field of Alternative Energy and Energy Efficiency. BIRD Energy is administered by the BIRD Foundation which has been promoting cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies in various technology areas since 1977.

In addition to BIRD Energy, on December 13, 2011, the BIRD Foundation awarded funding for two additional Alternative Energy and Efficiency projects:

EnVerid Systems (Israel) and Johnson Controls (Milwaukee, WI) will jointly develop a novel air handling technology for reducing energy consumption of HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning).
RAFAEL (Israel) and Covanta Energy (Morristown, NJ) will develop and demonstrates a biomass-to-fuel mobile system.

For more information please contact Ms. Limor Nakar-Vincent, Director, U.S. Business Development & BIRD Energy, BIRD Foundation, Tel: +972-3-698-8315, or Ms. Andrea Yonah, East Coast Representative, Tel: +1-609-356-0305, http://www.birdf.com

SOURCE The BIRD Foundation

Enviva, E.ON Sign Multi-Year Biomass Supply Contract

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Enviva, E.ON Sign Multi-Year Biomass Supply Contract

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, February 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Enviva LP ("Enviva"), a leading manufacturer of processed biomass fuel in the United States and Europe, and E.ON, one of the world's largest investor-owned utilities, today announced a multi-year 240,000 metric ton per year wood pellet supply agreement.

"Demand for clean, renewable resources like our sustainably produced wood pellets continues to grow as energy generators invest in alternatives to traditional fossil fuels," said John Keppler, chairman and CEO of Enviva. "Our partnership with E.ON reinforces the economic and environmental benefits achievable from renewable biomass resources in energy production."

"Strong agreements with companies like Enviva that are focused on growing biomass supply and share our views on the importance of promoting sustainability are essential for us to invest in biomass generation," said Jan Groeneveld, manager biomass sourcing at E.ON. "Biomass is one of the lowest-cost renewable solutions available and is a key part of helping us ensure that the lights stay on at a price that is affordable while helping to protect the climate."

The contract begins in early 2013. Enviva will supply the wood pellets from its facilities in the Southeastern U.S., home to some of the world's most abundant and sustainably managed wood baskets.

About Enviva

Enviva's mission is to become the preferred partner and supplier of sustainably sourced wood pellets and other processed biomass to serve power generation and industrial customers seeking to decrease their dependence on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint. Enviva has been supplying wood chips and wood pellets to customers in the United States and Europe since 2007. Enviva's operating facilities represent more than 750,000 metric tons of annual production capacity, and the company has announced plans to build an additional one million metric tons of capacity in the mid-Atlantic region. For more information about Enviva, including job opportunities, go to http://www.envivabiomass.com.

About E.ON

E.ON is one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies, with annual sales of more than 92 billion Euros and about 85,000 employees. E.ON plays a leading role in the development of the renewable industry worldwide and is already active in onshore and offshore wind technology, concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaic and biomass. E.ON currently operates over 8 GW of renewable capacity including large hydro and will invest another 7 billion Euros in renewable generation and climate protection projects over the next five years. E.ON has been named Green Energy Generator of the Year at the 2011 Platts Global Energy Awards. For more information about E.ON, go to http://www.eon.com.

Enviva Contact: Elizabeth Woodworth
+1-301-657-5560 x 170
elizabeth.woodworth@envivabiomass.com

E.ON Contact: Scott Somerville
+44-(2476)-183-438
scott.somerville@eon-uk.com

Enviva, E.ON Sign Multi-Year Biomass Supply Contract

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Enviva, E.ON Sign Multi-Year Biomass Supply Contract

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Enviva LP ("Enviva"), a leading manufacturer of processed biomass fuel in the United States and Europe, and E.ON, one of the world's largest investor-owned utilities, today announced a multi-year 240,000 metric ton per year wood pellet supply agreement.

The contract begins in early 2013. Enviva will supply the wood pellets from its facilities in the Southeastern U.S., home to some of the world's most abundant and sustainably managed wood baskets.

About Enviva

About E.ON

Enviva Contact: Elizabeth Woodworth
+1 (301) 657 5560 x 170
elizabeth.woodworth@envivabiomass.com

E.ON Contact: Scott Somerville
+44 (2476) 183 438
scott.somerville@eon-uk.com

SOURCE Enviva LP

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:14:06 +0000

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0769027/Concentrating-Solar-Power-CSP.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Renewable_energy

Chapter 1 Executive Summary

Chapter 2 Background to CSP Markets

Scope and Methodology of Report

Market Definition and History

General CSP Process Description for electricity generation

Figure 2-1 CSP process schematic

Market Categories

Parabolic troughs

Figure 2-2 Parabolic trough design

Figure 2-3 Parabolic trough mirror/receiver detail

Power Towers

Figure 2-4 Power tower design

Figure 2-5 Power tower mirror/receiver detail

Dish/Engine Systems

Figure 2-6 Dish/Engine design

Figure 2-7 Dish/engine concentration system detail

Linear Fresnel Reflectors

Figure 2-8 Fresnel lens optics

Figure 2-9 Linear Fresnel reflector detail

Thermal Storage

Figure 2-10 Thermal storage schematic detail

Hybrid Plants

Figure 2-11 Hybrid Plant Schematic

Figure 2-12 Hybrid plant power source by hour of the day

Concentrating Solar for Heat Generation

Industrial uses of solar heat

Figure 2-13 CSP -Solar Heat schematic

Figure 2-14 CSP -Global Industrial use

Residential uses of solar heat

Figure 2-15 CSP -US Residential installations

Comparison of Market Categories

Table 2-1 Features of CSP Categories

Table 2-2 Power Generation efficiency by CSP category

CSP Market Factors

Climatic Factors

Table 2-3 Climatic factors vs. Solar Energy Process

Figure 2-16 Geographic distribution of climatic factors

Power Distribution Factors

Table 2-4 Comparison of HVAC vs. HVDC

Table 2-5 Power generation factors vs. distance to market

Figure 2-17 Contribution to power grid by CSP category

Cooling Process Factors

Table 2-6 Cooling Options

Figure 2-18 Water cooling schematic

Figure 2-19 Dry cooling schematic

The Renewable Power Industry

Value of Electricity from Renewable Sources

Public policies affect on Renewable Power Generation

Policies to Promote Renewable Energy Sources

Production Tax Credits

Renewable Portfolio Standards

Renewable Power Direct Marketing

Renewable Feed-in-Tariff

Fossil Fuel Emissions Caps

Table 2-7 Pros and Cons of public policy use to promote renewable energy generation

Table 2-8 International public policies

Research investments in Renewable Energy

Table 2-9 US government investment in Renewable Energy through 2010

Table 2-10 Global public investment in Renewable Energy through 2010

Research Efforts in Solar Power

Table 2-11 US government investment in Solar Power through 2010

Table 2-12 US government investment in Solar Power currently allocated

Table 2-13 Global public investment in Solar Power through 2010

Table 2-14 Global public investment in Solar Power currently allocated

Figure 2-20 Public Investments vs. Solar power delivered though 2010

Figure 2-21 Public Investments vs. Solar power projected 2011- 2020

Research Efforts in CSP

Table 2-15 US government investment in CSP Technologies through 2010

Table 2-16 US government investment in CSP Technologies currently allocated

Table 2-17 Global public investment in CSP Technologies through 2010

Table 2-18 Global public investment in CSP Technologies currently allocated

Figure 2-22 Public Investments vs. CSP power delivered though 2010

Figure 2-23 Public Investments vs. CSP power projected 2011- 2020

Renewable Energy Market Size and Growth

Basis of Forecasts

Figure 2-24 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-25 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-26 US ROI on PV Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-27 US PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-28 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-29 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-30 Global PV Market 2012-2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Geothermal power

Figure 2-31 US Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-32 US Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-33 US ROI on Geothermal power Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-34 US Geothermal power Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-35 Global Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-36 Global Geothermal power Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-37 Global Geothermal power Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Biopower

Figure 2-38 US Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-39 US Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-40 US ROI on Biopower Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-41 US Biopower Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-42 Global Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-43 Global Biopower Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-44 Global Biopower Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Photovoltaics

Figure 2-45 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-46 US PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-47 US ROI on PV Investments 2007 - 2011

Figure 2-48 US PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-49 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-50 Global PV Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-51 Global PV Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Concentrating Solar Power

Figure 2-52 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-53 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output

Figure 2-54 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-55 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-56 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Figure 2-57 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Nameplate MW Installed

Figure 2-58 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Output, MW

Figure 2-59 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-60 Global CSP Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-61 Global CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Concentrating Solar Process Heat

Figure 2-62 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Installations and Capacity

Figure 2-63 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Power Savings

Figure 2-64 US CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-65 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-66 US CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Figure 2-67 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Planned installations and capacity

Figure 2-68 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Planned Power Savings

Figure 2-69 Global CSP Market 2007 - 2011, Cost per Unit Installed

Figure 2-70 Global CSP Market 2012 - 2016, Nameplate MW Planned

Figure 2-71 Global CSP Market 2012, 2016, Cost per Unit Planned

Chapter 3 Regional and National Markets

CSP Global Market Initiative (CSP- GMI)

Table 3-1 Goals of the CSP-GMI

Figure 3-1 CSP-GMI Regions

Middle East --North Africa (MENA)

MENA Regional issues

Desertec Industrial Initiative

Dii GmbH

Table 3-2 Desertec Supporting Organizations

Figure 3-2 Desertec claims regarding CSP potential

Figure 3-3 Desertec vision of MENA power generation and distribution

Figure 3-4 MENA Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

Figure 3-5 MENA Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

Southwest United States-Mexico (USMEX)

USMEX Regional issues

Figure 3-6 USMEX Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

USMEX Regional markets

Figure 3-7 USMEX Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

Southern Europe (SoEur)

SoEur Regional issues

Figure 3-8 SoEur Regions suitable for CSP vs. implementation issues

SoEur Regional markets

Figure 3-9 SoEur Regions suitable for CSP vs. market demand

National Markets

Algeria

Algerian development activities to date

Table 3-3 Algerian development efforts through 2011

Algerian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-4 Algerian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Algerian-specific issues

Algerian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-10 Algerian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Australia

Australian development activities to date

Table 3-5 Australian development efforts through 2011

Australian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-6 Australian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Australian-specific issues

Australian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-11 Australian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Brazil

Brazilian development activities to date

Table 3-7 Brazilian development efforts through 2011

Brazilian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-8 Brazilian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Brazilian-specific issues

Brazilian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-12 Brazilian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-13 Chilean CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

China

Chinese development activities to date

Table 3-9 Chinese development efforts through 2011

Chinese installed and planned capacities

Table 3-10 Chinese installed and planned capacities through 2011

Chinese-specific issues

Chinese CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-14 Chinese CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Egypt

Egyptian development activities to date

Table 3-11 Egyptian development efforts through 2011

Egyptian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-12 Egyptian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Egyptian-specific issues

Egyptian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-15 Egyptian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Greece

Grecian development activities to date

Table 3-13 Grecian development efforts through 2011

Grecian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-14 Grecian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Grecian-specific issues

Grecian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-16 Grecian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

India

Indian development activities to date

Table 3-15 Indian development efforts through 2011

Indian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-16 Indian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Indian-specific issues

Indian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-17 Indian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Iran

Iranian development activities to date

Table 3-17 Iranian development efforts through 2011

Iranian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-18 Iranian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Iranian-specific issues

Iranian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-18 Iranian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Israel

Israeli development activities to date

Table 3-19 Israeli development efforts through 2011

Israeli installed and planned capacities

Table 3-20 Israeli installed and planned capacities through 2011

Israeli-specific issues

Israeli CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-19 Israeli CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Italy

Italian development activities to date

Table 3-21 Italian development efforts through 2011

Italian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-22 Italian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Italian-specific issues

Italian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-20 Italian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Jordan

Jordanian development activities to date

Table 3-23 Jordanian development efforts through 2011

Jordanian installed and planned capacities

Table 3-24 Jordanian installed and planned capacities through 2011

Jordanian-specific issues

Jordanian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-21 Jordanian CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Mexico

Mexican development activities to date

Table 3-25 Mexican development efforts through 2011

Mexican installed and planned capacities

Table 3-26 Mexican installed and planned capacities through 2011

Mexican-specific issues

Mexican CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-22 Mexican CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Morocco

Moroccan development activities to date

Table 3-27 Moroccan development efforts through 2011

Moroccan installed and planned capacities

Table 3-28 Moroccan installed and planned capacities through 2011

Moroccan-specific issues

Moroccan CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-23 Moroccan CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

South Africa

South African development activities to date

Table 3-29 South African development efforts through 2011

South African installed and planned capacities

Table 3-30 South African installed and planned capacities through 2011

South African-specific issues

South African CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-24 South African CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Spain

Spanish development activities to date

Table 3-31 Spanish development efforts through 2011

Spanish installed and planned capacities

Table 3-32 Spanish installed and planned capacities through 2011

Spanish-specific issues

Spanish CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-25 Spanish CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

United States

US development activities to date

Table 3-33 US development efforts through 2011

US installed and planned capacities

Table 3-34 US installed and planned capacities through 2011

US-specific issues

US CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

Figure 3-26 US CSP market forecast 2012 - 2016

African Nation's Activities

Other African national development activities to date

Table 3-35 Other African national development efforts through 2011

Other African nation's installed and planned capacities

Table 3-36 Other African nation's installed and planned capacities through 2011

Other-African national specific issues

Other National Activities

Other national development activities to date

Table 3-37 Other national development efforts through 2011

Other nation's installed and planned capacities

Table 3-38 Other nation's installed and planned capacities through 2011

Other national specific issues

Chapter 4 CSP Components: Description, Use, and Markets

Basis of Forecasts

Figure 4-1 Components as a percentage of plant costs

Engineering, Construction, and Procurement Companies

Table 4-1 ECP firms for installed and planned CSP facilities

Figure 4-2 Market share by EPC firm

High Tech Components

Mirrors, Frames and Cleaning Systems

Desired properties of CSP mirrors

Mirrors: Glass, plastic film. or polished metal

Table 4-2 Feature comparison between mirror materials

Research in material choice

Table 4-3 Global research in mirror materials

Table 4-4 Research in CSP mirrors

Installed and planned installations of mirrors

Table 4-5 Installed mirrors by material options

Table 4-6 Planned installations of mirrors by material options

Mirrors Producers

Table 4-7 Global mirror manufacturers, installed and planned

Mirror Market and Forecasts

Figure 4-3 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-4 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2012 - 2016

Figure 4-5 US and Global CSP Mirror Market: 2016 - 2020

Frame systems

Table 4-8 Global CSP Frames manufacturers, installed and planned

Figure 4-6 US and Global CSP Frames Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-7 US and Global CSP Frames Market: 2012 - 2016

Cleaning Systems

Table 4-9 Cleaning system manufacturers, installed and planned

Figure 4-8 US and Global CSP Cleaning System Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-9 US and Global CSP Cleaning System Market: 2012 - 2016

Receivers and Heat Flow Systems

Receiver, receiver support and interconnections

Desirable properties in receivers

Table 4-10 Feature comparison between Receiver designs

Research in Receiver Design

Table 4-11 Research in receiver design and materials

Installed and planned installations of mirrors

Table 4-12 Installed receivers by design

Table 4-13 Planned installations of receivers by design

Current Receiver Producers

Table 4-14 Manufacturers of receiver components

Receiver Market and Forecasts

Figure 4-10 US and Global CSP Receiver Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-11 US and Global CSP Receiver Market: 2012 - 2016

Collection, piping, valves and traps

Issues unique to CSP

Operating temperature range

Environmental conditions

Length of service

Longevity of service

Accessibility for preventative maintenance and performance issues

Table 4-15 Collection and piping issues unique to CSP

Companies with installed piping systems and experience

Table 4-16 Companies with installed piping systems and experience

Collection as a function of plant parameters

Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF)

Desirable properties in HTF

Table 4-17 Feature comparison between HTF systems

Research in heat transfer fluids

Table 4-18 Research in heat transfer fluids

Installed and planned installations of HTF

Table 4-19 Heat transfer fluids in installed CSP plants

Table 4-20 Heat transfer fluids selected for planned CSP plants

HTF Market and Forecast

Figure 4-12 US and Global CSP HTF Market: 2007 - 2011

Figure 4-13 US and Global CSP HTF Market: 2012 - 2016

Established Components

Steam Generation Plant

Table 4-21 Unique CSP Steam Plant Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-14 US and Global CSP Steam Plant Installations

Figure 4-15 US and Global CSP Steam Plant Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Cooling

Table 4-22 Unique CSP Cooling Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-16 US and Global CSP Cooling Installations

Figure 4-17 US and Global CSP Cooling Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Thermal Storage by Molten Salts

Table 4-23 Unique CSP Thermal Storage Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-18 US and Global CSP Thermal Storage Installations

Figure 4-19 US and Global CSP Thermal Storage Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Sun Tracking Systems

Table 4-24 Unique CSP Sun Tracking Requirements/ Opportunities

Figure 4-20 US and Global CSP Sun Tracking Installations

Figure 4-21 US and Global CSP Sun Tracking Market Forecast 2012 - 2017

Materials of Construction

Figure 4-22 Percentage of cost of CSP installations by material of construction

Significant issues concerning materials of construction: availability, cost

Steel

Table 4-25 Steel usage in CSP

Figure 4-23 US and Global steel market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Copper

Table 4-26 Copper usage in CSP

Figure 4-24 US and Global copper market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Brass

Table 4-27 Brass usage in CSP

Figure 4-25 US and Global brass market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Aluminum

Table 4-28 Aluminum usage in CSP

Figure 4-26 US and Global aluminum market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Concrete

Table 4-29 Concrete usage in CSP

Figure 4-27 US and Global concrete market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Molten Salts

Table 4-30 Molten salts usage in CSP

Figure 4-28 US and Global molten salts market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Silica

Table 4-31 Silica usage in CSP

Figure 4-29 US and Global silica market forecast in CSP, 2012 -2016

Chapter 5 Market Promotion, Distribution, and Trends

Promotion of CSP Market

General environmental movement

Figure 5-1 Growth in public demand for renewable energy sourcing

Desire for energy independence

Table 5-1 History of energy independence efforts in the US

Fear of lack of access to oil

Table 5-2 Relationship between the "Islamic Spring" uprisings, oil resources, and CSP investments

Fear of nuclear power

Table 5-3 Shifts in perception of nuclear power after 2010 Japanese tsunami

Electrical Distribution by Region

Figure 5-2 Schematic of generic electric grid

North America

US electric grid

Table 5-4 Role of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),

Figure 5-3 Major distribution lines of continental US electric grid

Electricity generation in Hawaii and Alaska

Figure 5-4 Major distribution lines of Hawaiian and Alaskan electric grids

Table 5-5 Role of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC),

Table 5-6 Upgrades to US electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Canadian electric grid

Figure 5-5 Major distribution lines of Canadian electric grid

Mexican and Central American electric grid

Table 5-7 Status of Mexican and Central American electric grids

Figure 5-6 Major distribution lines within Central America

Table 5-8 Upgrades to Central American electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

South America

Table 5-9 Status of South America's electric grid

Figure 5-7 Major distribution lines within South America

Table 5-10 Upgrades to South American electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Europe and Russia

Electrical Distribution within Europe

Table 5-11 Status of European electric grid

Figure 5-8 Major distribution lines within Europe

Table 5-12 Upgrades to European electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within Russia

Table 5-13 Status of Russian electric grid

Figure 5-9 Major distribution lines within Russia

Table 5-14 Upgrades to Russian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Asia, India, and China

Electrical Distribution within Asia

Table 5-15 Status of Asia's electric grids

Figure 5-10 Major distribution lines within Asia

Table 5-16 Upgrades to Asian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within India

Table 5-17 Status of India's electric grids

Figure 5-11 Major distribution lines within India

Table 5-18 Upgrades to Indian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Electrical Distribution within China

Table 5-19 Status of China's electric grids

Figure 5-12 Major distribution lines within China

Table 5-20 Upgrades to Chinese electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Australia

Electrical Distribution within Australia

Table 5-21 Status of Australia's electric grids

Figure 5-13 Major distribution lines within Australia

Table 5-22 Upgrades to Australian electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

Africa

Electrical Distribution within Africa

Table 5-23 Status of Africa's electric grids

Figure 5-14 Major distribution lines within Africa

Table 5-24 Upgrades to African electric grid to handle full CSP production by 2030

CSP Market Trends

Investment Climate

Figure 5-15 Investments over time and world events

Public opinion

Figure 5-16 Public demand for solar energy

Proliferation of demonstration plants

Table 5-25 Recent demonstration plants

Ease of entry compared to other renewable energies

Table 5-26 New construction costs as a function of location and energy source

Continued need for premium pricing

Figure 5-17 Relative declines in power generation by energy type

Chapter 6 Competitive Profiles [selected from list]

Abengoa USA/ Abengoa Spain

ACCIONA Solar Power/ACCIONA Energia

Alanod

Albiasa Solar

Ausra

Beacon Solar

Boeing

Bright Source Energy

Carrizo Energy

Cristaleria Espanola

Dow chemical

DuPont

Ener-T Global

Epuron

Eskom

E-solar

EuroTrough

Flabeg

Florida Power and Light

Grupo Enhol

HelioDynamics

Industrial Solar Technology Corp

Inland Energy

Naugatuck Glass

Paneltec Corp

Pilkington

Radco Industries

ReflecTech

Samca

SCHOTT Solar

Sener Group

Siemens

Sinoy Mirror

Sky Fuel

SoquiMich

Solar Millennium AG

Solar Power Group

Solel Solar Systems

Solargenix Energy

Sopogy

Stirling Energy Systems

Chapter 7 End Users

Public End Users

Utility Companies

Table 7-1 US Utilities operating CSP

Public perception of renewable energy

Figure 7-1 Changes in public perception over time

Perception of CSP vs. other renewable energy sources

Trends in public perception

Public willingness to pay premium pricing for renewable energy

Figure 7-2 Distribution of premium price options and acceptance

Industrial End Users

Uses by industry

Table 7-2 CSP Industrial Applications

Motivation factors for industrial users

Table 7-3 Leading motivators for industrial CSP use

Implementation Trends of industrial users

Table 7-4 Implementation Trends of Industrial CSP Applications

Appendices

List of Abbreviations

Selected marketers contact information

Selected Organizations, Research Institutes, and Universities- contact information

Installed and Planned CSP Facilities

Selected CSP Facilities: Profiles and contact information

To order this report:Renewable energy Industry: Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Market Research Report

Check our

Industry Analysis and Insights

CONTACT
Nicolas Bombourg
Reportlinker
Email: nbo@reportlinker.com
US: (805)652-2626
Intl: +1 805-652-2626

SOURCE Reportlinker

Chadbourne Closes More Than $20 Billion in Project Finance Deals for Clients in 2011

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:16:18 +0000

Chadbourne Closes More Than $20 Billion in Project Finance Deals for Clients in 2011

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chadbourne & Parke lawyers closed more than $20 billion in project finance deals in 2011, including the world's largest IPP project being built in Saudi Arabia.

Other highlights in 2011 included working with developers and lenders on the first expansion in nuclear power in the U.S. in 30 years and work for major developers and banks across the entire range of solar power technologies.

"I am very proud of our versatile team of more than 70 project finance lawyers situated in major money centers in the world -- this past year, we represented clients in some of the largest and most complex deals across the renewable energy, conventional power, transmission, nuclear and oil and gas sectors," said Chadbourne project finance group co-head Rohit Chaudhry. "We continue to be one of the most sought-after law firms by clients active in the acquisition, development and financing of large-scale power and other infrastructure projects throughout the world."

Added project finance practice co-head Keith Martin, "2011 was our best year yet and 2012 has started off strong as well."

Chadbourne's lawyers played leading roles in many of the largest and highest profile solar and wind project financings closed in the past year.

On the solar power side, Chadbourne acted for the developer group in acquiring and financing what will be the world's largest photovoltaic power project, estimated to produce over 550MW of capacity when fully built. Another mega deal involved Chadbourne's representation of the lender group in the financing of a 250MW solar thermal project in California, among the largest such projects built anywhere in the world.

Chadbourne lawyers were also tapped by the sponsors of the Alamosa project for the financing of the first high-concentration photovoltaic energy generation facility in the United States, as well as acting for SolarCity, Sungevity and Sunpower on major residential solar projects throughout the United States.

Just like solar, wind energy is on the upswing. Chadbourne worked for many of the top wind developers in 2011, including EDP Renewables North America LLC in both Oklahoma and Ohio, and Gestamp Eolica, S.L. in Maryland. Among the significant deals in this sector, was a cross-border M&A deal in which a leading Canadian energy and services company made a jump into wind by agreeing to purchase a major stake in a new operating wind company. In this deal, Chadbourne represented First Wind in structuring a joint venture enterprise with this Canadian company whereby the parties will each own interests in eight operating wind farms located in the northeast and develop and manage a pipeline of additional onshore wind projects in the region.

Notable biomass deals included Carlyle's first foray into renewable power when it financed the Plainfield waste-to-energy power plant in Connecticut. Chadbourne also worked on many top conventional power deals. Internationally, this is highlighted by work for the sponsors, led by ACWA Power, on the approximately $2 billion debt financing of the 3,927MW Qurayyah independent power project in Saudi Arabia, the largest independent power project in the world. In the U.S., Chadbourne represented lead lenders and banks in the approximately $617 million construction and term loan financing of the Walnut Creek Energy Facility, a 479MW natural gas-fired peaker project located in City of Industry, CA. The deal is the first Greenfield thermal plant financed with debt at the project and holding company levels in the U.S. since the economy collapsed in late 2008.

Chadbourne's new Brazil office was also busy doing project deals last year. Among the most notable deals in this rapidly expanding market were acting for a Brazilian oil and gas company in relation to the project financing of a deepwater drilling rig and representing Grupo ACS on the securitization of Peruvian government guaranteed receivables used to finance the construction of the Taboada wastewater treatment plant in Lima, Peru.

Summarizing the deal landscape, Chadbourne partner Eli Katz, who works closely with many wind and solar clients, says: "The future in clean-tech is happening right now, and Chadbourne's lawyers are playing a big part in making this all happen."

For 2012, the outlook is mixed in the U.S with the expiration of the Treasury cash grant program and a scaling back of European bank participation in the market. However, the U.S. renewables sector is expected to remain busy as the market looks for new financing strategies to replace cash grants and the solar sector consolidates further. Chadbourne also expects to do more overseas work and sees a lot of potential in Turkey, where the firm opened an office in September 2011, as well as in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, where the firm also has offices and a long history.

SOURCE Chadbourne & Parke LLP