This Week in Energy News – February 8, 2013
German PV Installations Set New Record
The Federal Network Agency of Germany (Bundesnetzagentur) photovoltaic solar (PV) installation counts that set new records at 7.6 GW of PV power plants installed and connected to the grid.
First Solar Acquires New Mexico Solar Power Project
The 50-megawatt solar power project First Solar has acquired from the solar division of Element Power is billed as the state’s largest and raises questions about solar energy as a commodity.
Siemens Energy Launches New Offshore Wind Turbine
With a generating capacity of four megawatts and a rotor diameter of 130, the new design was launched at at the annual conference of the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) in Vienna.
NRG Solar Starts Operation of Alpine Solar Generating Station
NRG Energy, Inc. announced its 66-megawatt (AC) photovoltaic facility has started commercial operation, which is now California’s largest fully operational solar plant.
New Australian Proposal for Solar Use on Public Housing
Western Australia Greens have announced their $68 million plan for the installation of solar PV panels on roofs of public housing homes and apartments
Scotland to Invest in Low Carbon Action Plan
The Scottish Government announced plans to invest over $1.8 billion in the next three years on climate change strategies with goals to “cut carbon emissions from electricity generation by more than four-fifths by 2030.”
Spain Breaks Wind Farm Energy Record
The Spanish Wind Energy Association says that Spain’s wind farms produced more electricity than other power sources, delivering over 6 terawatt hours during January.
Minnesota Utilities to Phase Out Coal Plants
Minnesota Power, the state’s second-largest utility, will be phasing out coal production at two facilities and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ordered Otter Tail Power to stoop burning coal at one of their plants.
UK Investing in Wind Farms
The UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is investing £50m on six wind farms through a stake in a renewable energy fund.
