Canadian Terrestrial Energy has formed an alliance with Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester in UK to develop its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR).

The firm intends to accelerate work on the development in order to make it ready for the construction and licensing phase, which has been scheduled for early 2017.

The reactor represents a Generation IV nuclear reactor system, which can ensure high standards of nuclear safety, waste, proliferation and cost competitiveness.

Terrestrial Energy chief executive Simon Irish said: “We are exceedingly pleased to be working with the Dalton Nuclear Institute and adding a European dimension to what is already an international project involving complementary work by universities and national laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee in the USA, and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Once developed, IMSR will be able to deliver stable, carbon-free, high-quality heat and power for industrial customers at a cost which can be at par with the power generation costs from fossil fuels, including coal.

The technology can offer the advantages of being grid- and water-independent, scalability, and convenience if fossil fuels are used for energy production.

It will be ideal to be used across small-to-medium power markets, industrial facilities, remote or otherwise, and remote communities.

University of Manchester professor Tim Abram said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with Terrestrial Energy and look forward to helping them take forward this promising molten salt reactor technology.”

Sun is one of the largest renewable energy developers in the world. SunEdison develops, designs, finances, installs, owns and operates renewable power plants around the world, with 2.8 GW installed and nearly 5.3 GW of assets under management and  6.0 GW pipeline & 3.8 GW backlog.

Since March, we are developing and commercializing a new solar generator, the SunEdison Outdoor Microstation, which provides electricity to a variety of applications in off-grid areas. We invite you to take a look at the attached brochure and the short video below – you can also find more details at http://www.sunedisonemea.com/rural/outdoor-microstation.html.

“SunEdison Outdoor Microstation 650” will be exposed in INTERSOLAR 2015 at “München Trade Fair Center” 10^th to 12^nd of June 2015, Hall B.1 Stand 784, and we are so glad if you will be able to visit and speak with us during the exhibition days.

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KEY ADVANTAGES OF SUNEDISON OUTDOOR MICROSTATION

ECONOMICS

• Full lifetime electricity cost is front-loaded
  • Free energy from the Sun
• No running or operating costs
  • No fuel required
  • No maintenance needed (e.g. fungibles, spare-parts, labor)
• Plug & Play: installed in 4-6 hours (depending on model)
  • Installed by 2‐3 people
  • No skilled labor required
  • All parts and components are included
  • No need for electrical tools

• No need for civil works or build concrete foundations

• Electricity cost comparable to diesel generators
  • For remote areas on an LCOE basis
• Manufactured and tested in Europe
  • Studer power electronics made in Switzerland
  • BAE batteries made in Germany
  • Assembled and pretested in Spain

OPERATION

• Easy operation
  • Simple switch on/off process
  • Easy-to-follow, visual operation manual
• Maintenance free
  • Maintenance-free VRLA gel batteries (no water refill required)
  • No need for any supplies (e.g. fuel, oil, replacement parts)
• Safe to operate

• All exposed parts are grounded
• Protection against electric shocks

• 24/7 online monitoring
  • Monitored and controlled remotely
  • Free access to SunEdison’s proprietary “Rural Monitoring Platform”

• Can be combined with diesel generators or the grid
  • Can automatically manage input power from the grid or a generator
  • Can be used as a backup power source for the grid or for fuel saving
• Automated control for smart energy supply
  • Performance controlled by power electronics (configurable)
  • System configuration controlled remotely

• Modular and scalable
  • Up to 3 units can be connected in a single-phase configuration
  • Up to 9 units can be connected in a three-phase configuration

RELIABILITY

• Long lifetime / duration
  • Batteries have at least 1,500 cycles è 10+ years duration*
  • Cabinet is ventilated to extend battery lifetime
  • Top quality components and materials
  • SunEdison modules guarantied for 25 years
• Durable under any weather conditions
  • System designed to withstand any weather conditions
  • IP54 cabinet protection rating
  • Withstand winds up to 110 km/h
  • Cabinet walls made of 35 mm sandwich panel for increased thermal insulation
• High-quality, stable and reliable power supply
  • No power outages (if used according specs)
  • Provides 24 h power (limited to battery capacity)
  • Stable output voltage: pure sine wave 230 V_AC ± 2%
  • Stable output frequency: 50 Hz ± 0.05% (can be adjusted)
• SunEdison warranty
  • 2 year product and workmanship warranty

RENEWABLE

• Environmental friendly
  • No gas emissions, no water usage
  • Fully recyclable components
• Free energy from the Sun
  • Unlimited, renewable, reliable, clean

• Generates no noise

• Optimal for residential areas (especially at night time)

SECURITY

• Robust cabinet hosts key components

• Cabinet door uses anti-vandalism hinges
• Cabinet securely closed with two door lockers
• Cabinet walls made of strong metallic materials

• Solar panels are secured

• Anti-theft bolts secure solar PV modules (included in spare parts package)

• Remote monitoring ensures vigilance

• Online remote monitoring allow constant system control

OTHER

• Allows for customization and branding

• Exterior sunshade design can be fully customized

• Can be relocated and reinstalled easily
  • Easy and cost-free installation
  • Compact design makes it easy to transport

US-based General Electric has launched Digital Wind Farm, a new technology system for the wind power generation industry, which can boost a facility’s production capacity by up to 20%.

Digital Wind Farm is claimed to be a dynamic and adaptable ecosystem that connects wind turbines with digital infrastructure.

Digital Wind Farm involves the use of interconnected digital technology, popularly known as Industrial Internet, in order to address the need for flexible renewable power.

By enabling efficient integration of renewable energy into existing power grids, it can help in generating an estimated value of up to $50bn for the wind industry.

GE Power & Water president and CEO Steve Bolze said: “Every business, including our own at GE, and every industry is being transformed by smarter digital technologies, and the greatest opportunity lies in energy.”

The technology, which is presently installed across 4,000 units, has been found to increase turbine efficiency by up to 5%, which offers up to 20% profitability boost for each turbine.

GE has already developed a new 2-megawatt wind turbine platform, which uses a digital twin modelling system to develop various types of 20 different turbines at every pad location.

They can generate power with higher efficiency based on the surrounding location, GE said.

Each of the turbines is connected to advanced networks to facilitate real time analysis of turbine operations and make necessary adjustments to increase operational efficiencies.

Connecting the embedded sensors in the turbines enables real time data collection, which is then analysed with GE’s Predix software.

The software can assist operators in monitoring performance from data across turbines, farms or entire industry fleets. Data can be collected to find out about temperature, turbine misalignments or vibrations that can affect performance.

This can help the operators to predict the anomalies in functioning and avoid maintenance issues for ageing turbines in time.

US-based Invenergy president and CEO Michael Polsky said: “GE’s focus on lifecycle operations is consistent with the way we operate our wind farms.

“We look forward to working together with GE’s Digital Wind Farm to unlock even more long-term value across our fleet.”

UK-based energy firm SSE has decided to close its coal-fired Ferrybridge Power Station by March next year.

The 48-year old facility is situated on the West and North Yorkshire border. The power station has been costing the firm millions due its aging infrastructure and environmental compliance.

Over the following five years, the facility is expected to cost SSE another £100m, which prompted the firm to mark it ‘unsustainable’.

SSE Generation managing director Paul Smith said: “It’s been known for many years that the UK would have to phase out coal as it moves towards a more sustainable energy mix.

The firm intends to move staff from the facility across other parts of the SSE group, which includes their engagement in the nearby Keadby power station or across the wider business.

Keadby is a gas-fired power station located near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, which is likely to be returned to service.

SSE intends to reopen the Keadby power plant by the end of October this year, reports BBC.

WWF generation specialist Rebecca Williams said: “Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels you can burn and it has no place in the future of electricity generation.

“Ferrybridge C, like other coal power stations, cannot stay open if we are to meet the UK’s carbon emission targets which are essential in tackling climate change.

“David Cameron has already pledged to phase out unabated coal for power generation.

“In June, WWF supporters will be joining thousands of people to remind the Prime Minister of his promise and to ask their MPs what they will be doing to tackle climate change.”

Sustainable Energy Awards 2015 Open For Ambitious Energy Projects

Organisations from multinationals to SMEs & community organisations

driving culture of change in energy efficiency

22^nd May 2015 – Close to €1billion in energy savings have been achieved by organisations who have taken part in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s annual Sustainable Energy Awards. Now in its 12^th year, the Awards reward individuals, businesses or communities who adapt their energy management practices to deliver cost savings and energy efficiencies in their business or communities.

This year SEAI, along with main sponsors Electric Ireland and Enprova, are looking for innovative solutions to energy saving that have a strong replication potential across all sectors. Entries are invited in eight categories including: large and small business, community, public sector, innovation, research, leadership and collaboration.

Brian Motherway, Chief Executive SEAI, said: “We have seen strong leadership in recent years with public and private organisations driving the sustainable energy agenda in Ireland. This has been reflected in the Awards with very impressive entries and greater collaboration as communities and other sectors work together to deliver energy savings. This year’s Awards will expand on these developments and I encourage those who are making sustainable energy achievements to enter and be part of our €1 billion energy saving club!”

Last year’s winners, Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árainn Teo (Aran Islands Renewable Energy Ltd) delivered a range of energy projects to develop the islands as energy self-sustaining and carbon neutral.  Residents on the three Aran Islands collaborated to establish a co-operative to reduce the islands’ dependence on imported fossil fuels and deliver energy independence by 2022.

Further information on the 2015 Sustainable Energy Awards can be found on SEAI’s website www.seai.ie/energyawards. Closing date for entries is Friday 26th June 2015. Overall winners will be announced at a gala event in Dublin in November 2015.

US-based General Electric has launched Digital Wind Farm, a new technology system for the wind power generation industry, which can boost a facility’s production capacity by up to 20%.

Digital Wind Farm is claimed to be a dynamic and adaptable ecosystem that connects wind turbines with digital infrastructure.

Digital Wind Farm involves the use of interconnected digital technology, popularly known as Industrial Internet, in order to address the need for flexible renewable power.

By enabling efficient integration of renewable energy into existing power grids, it can help in generating an estimated value of up to $50bn for the wind industry.

GE Power & Water president and CEO Steve Bolze said: “Every business, including our own at GE, and every industry is being transformed by smarter digital technologies, and the greatest opportunity lies in energy.”

The technology, which is presently installed across 4,000 units, has been found to increase turbine efficiency by up to 5%, which offers up to 20% profitability boost for each turbine.

GE has already developed a new 2-megawatt wind turbine platform, which uses a digital twin modelling system to develop various types of 20 different turbines at every pad location.

They can generate power with higher efficiency based on the surrounding location, GE said.

Each of the turbines is connected to advanced networks to facilitate real time analysis of turbine operations and make necessary adjustments to increase operational efficiencies.

Connecting the embedded sensors in the turbines enables real time data collection, which is then analysed with GE’s Predix software.

The software can assist operators in monitoring performance from data across turbines, farms or entire industry fleets. Data can be collected to find out about temperature, turbine misalignments or vibrations that can affect performance.

This can help the operators to predict the anomalies in functioning and avoid maintenance issues for ageing turbines in time.

US-based Invenergy president and CEO Michael Polsky said: “GE’s focus on lifecycle operations is consistent with the way we operate our wind farms.

“We look forward to working together with GE’s Digital Wind Farm to unlock even more long-term value across our fleet.”

UK-based energy firm SSE has decided to close its coal-fired Ferrybridge Power Station by March next year.

The 48-year old facility is situated on the West and North Yorkshire border. The power station has been costing the firm millions due its aging infrastructure and environmental compliance.

Over the following five years, the facility is expected to cost SSE another £100m, which prompted the firm to mark it ‘unsustainable’.

SSE Generation managing director Paul Smith said: “It’s been known for many years that the UK would have to phase out coal as it moves towards a more sustainable energy mix.

The firm intends to move staff from the facility across other parts of the SSE group, which includes their engagement in the nearby Keadby power station or across the wider business.

Keadby is a gas-fired power station located near Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, which is likely to be returned to service.

SSE intends to reopen the Keadby power plant by the end of October this year, reports BBC.

WWF generation specialist Rebecca Williams said: “Coal is one of the dirtiest fossil fuels you can burn and it has no place in the future of electricity generation.

“Ferrybridge C, like other coal power stations, cannot stay open if we are to meet the UK’s carbon emission targets which are essential in tackling climate change.

“David Cameron has already pledged to phase out unabated coal for power generation.

“In June, WWF supporters will be joining thousands of people to remind the Prime Minister of his promise and to ask their MPs what they will be doing to tackle climate change.”

Rampion offshore wind farm in the UK will be developed by German utility firm E.ON with an investment of around £1.3bn.

The renewable energy development will also receive support from the UK Green Investment Bank, which will provide €327m for the construction of the project.

The facility is planned to be built 13km from the Sussex coast, south of Brighton. It will house 116 of 3.45MW wind turbines with a power generation capacity of 400MW.

Once operational, the farm will be able to generate 1,300GWh of renewable power every year, which is enough to meet the power requirement of up to 300,000 homes.

As well as the wind turbines, the project scope also included construction of associated foundations, an offshore substation and cabling.

The firm intends to sell these offshore transmission assets in the future under a regulated sales process.

E.ON board member Mike Winkel said: “Our Rampion project starts from a strong position. Technically, the project is an optimised evolution of our four most recent offshore wind projects. We rely on proven technology and installation processes.

“With these preconditions E.ON will demonstrate its top-class competencies that we have developed in managing the construction and operation of offshore wind farms.”

Germany is planning to soften the 2020 reduction targets for CO2 emissions by coal power plants, after opposition to the plan.

As per the previous plan, the coal-based power plants need to cut down their emissions by 22 million tonnes by 2020, but the revised plan could bring it down to 16 million tonne, Reuters reported.

The country’s plans to impose a levy on the ancient and polluting energy generating facilities didn’t go well with the industry.

“Thousands of workers in coal-fired plants protested in Berlin last month, as they believe that the step will affect their jobs.”

Germany has imposed the new regulations, as it intends to meet its target to bring down greenhouse gas emissions by 40% within five years, as compared to the 1990 levels.

German power developer RWE has however warned that enforcement of the levy would lead to immediate shut down of their lignite-fired power units.

The original rule would require power plants aged 20 years or more to pay a penalty on CO2 emitted above a limit of seven million tonnes per GW of installed capacity. The oldest facilities would receive an even harsher penalty.

The new proposal aims to increase the limit for older power stations by almost a third in order to push their profitability.

Reuters cited government sources as saying that the country will now support the use of combined heat and power plants since they are considerably more environmentally friendly.

The proposal, which is yet to be approved by the authorities, is likely to help the country in achieving the remaining six million tonnes of CO2 emission cuts from the energy sector.

German company Siemens has completed first firing of its H-class gas turbines at 595MW Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP) in Lausward, Germany.

The first firing at the facility is in line with the scheduled plan for the project, which is expected to be commissioned within this year.

The upgraded facility is located on the existing site of Stadtwerke Düsseldorf combined heat and power plant at Düsseldorf port.

Stadtwerke Düsseldorf managing board chairman Udo Brockmeier said: “The cooperation with Siemens is outstanding, and the costs and timing within the time frame.”

Siemens claimed the combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) at the facility maintains a level of more than 61%.

The single power plant unit at the facility allows extraction of up to 300 MWh of district heating capacity, which raises the overall efficiency of the natural gas fuel to nearly 85%.

Siemens Power and Gas Division project management head Lothar Balling said: “This power plant is a very challenging project. Construction of the plant is progressing right on schedule, thanks to the excellent collaboration with the Düsseldorf municipal utilities and to our experience in the erection of turn-key power plants.

“Without any reportable accidents after 1.8 million working hours over a period of more than 700 days, construction work at this plant is also a showcase project when it comes to occupational health and safety.”