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Ubiquitous Energy’s Transparent Solar Tech to be displayed at BMW Stores

In mid-April, the BMW Brand Store in Paris displayed a new form of transparent solar technology from Ubiquitous Energy, a technology company from Silicon Valley, California that specializes in transparent photovoltaics. UE’s latest technology is called ClearView, which is a lightweight film only 1/1000th of a millimeter thick and is 90 percent transparent but is capable of generating electricity by absorbing ultraviolet and infrared light.

This new ClearView technology will be put on display in BMW Brand Stores throughout the world, including London, Shanghai, Brussels, Seoul and Munich, as part of BMW’s i Exhibition. The ClearView coating will be displayed on 6-inch glass panels and available for BMW customers and partners to see.  “We’re delighted that BMW chose Ubiquitous Energy to participate in this global tour for innovative new technologies,” said Ubiquitous Energy CEO, Miles Barr. “The automotive industry has shown great interest in using our lightweight, transparent solar materials in next-generation vehicles.”

The idea behind this coating is that, because it’s 90 percent transparent, it can be put on nearly any surface and generate electricity by absorbing light. So this can, in theory, be placed on nearly any glass window, sunroof or even body panel of an electric or hybrid car and generate electricity for the batteries. How much electricity it generates has yet to be seen, but every little bit counts these days. Plus, if it can effectively replace solar panels, it would make the solar panels roofs of Tesla’s obsolete, as those are big, heavy and replace sunroofs. This could be a huge innovation for BMW to be partnered with.

While the ClearView isn’t 100 percent transparent, it could be used on tinted windows very well, as most tinted windows have far less transparency than 90 percent. This would allow an electric car owner to tint their windowsa bit with this ClearView and gain a bit of extra electricity. It would work great on sunroofs and could even work across the entire roof, as it’s so thin an transparent that is has virtually no negative aesthetic impact. And, using it on a car like the BMW i3 would still allow for BMW to claim that it’s the most environmentally-friendly car on the road, thanks to the fact that ClearView only uses low-cost, non-toxic materials.

While this technology is still in its infancy and will most likely not solve range anxiety anytime soon, it’s certainly a big help and a very impressive technology that will only get better in the future. BMW is the first automotive company to be dealing with this sort of technology and it has the potential to seriously help the BMW i Brand as well as any BMW eDrive vehicle.

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According to a survey from Consumer Reports, 76% of Americans believe that expanding renewable energy is a worthwhile goal. People are interested in renewable energy, but finding those people and turning them into customers is challenging. That’s where lead generation for renewable energy can help. You need smart lead generation strategies to grow your business and get customers access to renewable energy. To discover the top strategies for lead generation for renewable energy companies, keep reading! WebFX is a top lead generation agency, and our team of more than 200 digital marketing experts has generated more than 6.3 million leads for our clients over the past five years. Contact us online or at 888-601-5359 to learn more about our lead generation services.

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These low prices put enormous pressure on EPC companies and Module suppliers to deliver at these rock bottom prices. These bids take into account the low prices of Chinese imports, now with BCD (Basic custom duty) in force from April 2022 it will be challenging for power producers to continue executing projects at such low prices. Another concern is the delay in signing PPA’s (Power purchase agreements) by Discoms. PPA’s once signed are valid for the entire term of PPA which is usually 25 years. But given the tender tariffs falling every few months, Discoms prefer to wait and delay the signing or renegotiate the existing PPA, dampening the investor confidence and threatening the viability of the Projects. In these circumstances the role of regulatory oversight increases to protect the interests of all the stakeholders. However, in the coming years technology improvements with addition of energy storage and better forecasting techniques, Solar would become the major source and also the cheapest source. So sunny days ahead of solar. The decentralized solar and innovative business models and financing? In the current system of centralized power system, a large power plant produces power, transmits, and distributes it among industries and homes. This process is inefficient as some of the electricity is lost in transmission and distribution. A De-centralized solar is more efficient to generate and consume power locally. It also helps create small businesses and technicians to build and maintain these solar plants. Also as Solar and battery systems increase and become more economical Peer to Peer energy trading is possible where consumers become prosumers (both producers and consumers) and sell their excess power to their peers. This next generation Energy Management and Peer-to-Peer Energy trading facilitates buy and sell orders just like share trading stock exchange. The Energy trading platform maps the buyers and sellers as per their bids and settles the trades. By introducing Block chain technology for energy trading further reduces the transaction costs. The possible business models would be Community based Solar plants where rooftops and open spaces could be used to generate power and trade. All of this result in less losses and brings the much needed dynamism in the distribution of energy. Role of AI and data analytics in the energy sector? The Power sector generates large amounts of data from various nodes on the grid and unfortunately most of this data go unanalysed due to lack of infrastructure and domain expertise. 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AI/ML has the potential to cut energy waste, lower energy costs, and bring more operation efficiencies for the utilities. Strategies in EV charging and integration with smart grid? EV’s are promising solution to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the cost of transportation and improving the health of citizens. The emerging business models are Public charging stations, third party owned operated charging station, and owner operated charging station. However, the ground reality is far fewer EV’s are running on road due to higher cost, Range anxiety, and long charging times. So, there is need to work closely with all the stakeholders right from utilities, Regulatory bodies, Car manufacturers, charging station operators to expedite the process of EV related infrastructure and incentivize customers to adapt to EV’s rather than convention vehicles. In your question you asked about integration with smart grid and this is a term that captures the shift from basic to smart charging. A smart grid is key to smart EV charging as large number of EV charging at same time can degrade grid performance causing voltage and frequency fluctuations and cause peak power demand or sudden drop in demand. With smart grid in place it is possible to do load balancing, adjust charging patterns and avoid peaking of power. Also one more challenge is there are 3 competing standards and India should define its own standards and enable charging of any vehicle at any charging station. This interoperability is possible by developing standards for front–end and back-end communication and signalling process between Electric vehicles and charging stations and the grid that supplies the power. Smart grid is essential for large deployments of EV’s. Investment opportunities and job creation in this transformation to clean power? Covid has changed the entire investment paradigm and made all of us Environmentally conscious. 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Similarly, Smart cities, Green buildings, greening of enterprises can be achieved by training the work force on these new concepts and driving investments towards job creation and sustainability. In summary, power sector is in for a major transformation and utilities, industries need to tap the right talent to deal with this disruption and reap immense benefits.

Read More
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Read More
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HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR ENERGY

Article | December 23, 2021

UTILIZING SOLAR ENERGY You want the world to be a better place for your children and your children’s children. So how do you go about making changes in order to ensure that it will be? There are only so many things you can do, but you know it would be a good start to change the way you use energy. There’s so much waste and, in reality, only so much energy to go around. You’ve heard that solar energy is the energy source of the future and you can get behind that. After all, the sun is bright and hot and always around. It’s not going to run out of energy anytime soon and it makes sense to use its energy to power things. But how do you take advantage of that? Here are a few ideas. START SMALL WITH SOLAR ENERGY You might want to test out how solar energy works by using it in small ways. First, get some solar powered landscape lights and other small items that can help you get used to how solar power works. You’ll see that those lights glow on a nightly basis from the sun’s power that they stored during the day and you’ll realize that solar power can work well in other areas. GO BIG WITH SOLAR PANELS You can also do your research and go all out with solar panels on your roof. They’re costly to install, but they cost a lot less now than they did in the past. Plus, they’ll pay you back over the years in energy savings. If you really want to make an impact and you have the money to do so, solar panels are a great way to take advantage of the solar energy beating down on your house. GET IN TOUCH WITH A CLEAN ENERGY PROVIDER If you go with solar panels yourself, more power to you (literally, in some ways!) but not every homeowner has the funds or inclination to go that route. If you want something easier, but you still want solar power, it’s best to contact a clean energy provider for help. Your clean energy provider will harness solar power for you (along with wind energy and other renewable sources) and add it to the grid. You can then use energy as needed and know that it comes from the sun and other clean sources. SOLAR ENERGY IS THE FUTURE With natural resources dwindling, it makes sense for more people to jump over to solar power. It definitely has enough power to go around and it doesn’t cause harmful gases and pollution to be released into the atmosphere. You may as well jump on board early with Star Energy Partners. You’ll not only have peace of mind about where your energy comes from, but you’ll also pay a fixed rate, which is lower than what your bills are now. We can even call your current company for you and get you switched over with ease.

Read More
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Eletopia Revolutionizes Energy Storage Solutions in the US

PR Newswire | January 15, 2024

Eletopia, a leading provider of smart energy storage solutions, is transforming the energy storage market with innovative technology. Integrating advanced battery management, energy conversion, and intelligent energy operation, Eletopia offers comprehensive solutions, redefining home energy management. In an era prioritizing energy reliability and sustainability, Eletopia's whole-house backup power solution will impact the power plans for U.S. homeowners. Providing security during outages, the H2 series Hybrid Inverter efficiently convert solar energy during low consumption periods. Through the B2 series High Voltage Battery and the mobile storage unit S36 series Portable Power Station, they stored electricity ensures uninterrupted power for essential household appliances, electronics, and systems. Eletopia's Smart Backup Unit (SBU) seamlessly switches between solar, grid, and generator power sources, ensuring continuous functionality. Eletopia's solution guarantees reliable backup power, keeping households operational. At the core of Eletopia's offering is the All-in-one Smart Energy Management System (EMS), empowering homeowners with complete control of their energy usage. Offering features like power station monitoring, AI diagnostics, AI Saving, and more, this system provides efficient energy management for every home. Eletopia prioritizes safety, efficiency, and profitability. Their solutions integrate power generation, energy storage, consumption, and operational services, amplifying the value of energy storage. Leveraging advanced battery management, energy conversion, and smart storage technology, Eletopia enables homeowners to optimize resources for a greener, sustainable future. Eletopia credits its success to a diverse team of American and global experts in the energy sector. From battery technologists to marketing specialists, their collective expertise ensures cutting-edge solutions tailored for American homeowners. Beyond innovation, Eletopia focuses on customer-centricity. Collaborating closely with clients, they address specific requirements, ensuring project success and seamless operation. This commitment, coupled with exceptional service, has established Eletopia as a trusted industry partner. About Eletopia: Eletopia specializes in comprehensive, smart energy storage solutions merging power generation, energy storage, consumption, and operational services. Our suite of cutting-edge technologies—advanced battery management, energy conversion, equipment integration, smart storage management, and operational expertise—aims to increase the value of energy storage. Committed to becoming a global leader, we serve partners and end-users seeking professional, innovative brands in smart energy management.

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Energy

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI)-Led Joint Initiative with Ocean Man First Nation to Build One of the Largest Solar Projects in Canada

PR Newswire | January 25, 2024

Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure LLC (GSI), one of the renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, announced that Iyuhána Solar (Iyuhána), a GSI-led partnership with Saturn Power Inc. and Ocean Man First Nation, has been awarded a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to construct and operate a 100-megawatt (MWac) utility-scale solar facility in Saskatchewan, Canada. Developed in partnership with Ocean Man First Nation, the project will be one of Canada's top 10 solar facilities by size. Under an exclusive PPA, the largest with a utility in Canada since 2015, Iyuhána plans to invest approximately $200 million (CDN) to construct the solar facility, which it will operate, supplying generated power to the principal municipal utility company, SaskPower, for 25 years. Located in the Rural Municipality of Estevan in southeast Saskatchewan, this emissions-free solar facility will produce enough power for the equivalent of approximately 25,000 homes. "We are proud to bring the transformative power of solar energy to Saskatchewan by working with partners such as Ocean Man First Nation," said Mazen Turk, CEO of GSI. "This unique collaboration shows the power of renewable energy to harness resources and empower communities responsibly. This work is core to our ethos as a Libra company, and we look forward to continuing to help support a clean energy future across Canada and beyond." As a founding partner, Ocean Man First Nation will have an ownership stake in Iyuhána Solar. Band members will also receive specialized training to maintain the solar facilities and employment opportunities with the project. Additionally, partnering with two of Saskatchewan's leading post-secondary academic institutions, Iyuhána will provide scholarships, internships, and direct research projects in clean energy to benefit the community. "Our partnership with GSI and SaskPower will bring great opportunities for Ocean Man First Nation, including employment and revenue that will provide stability and sustainability for our Band," said Chief Connie Big Eagle, Ocean Man First Nation. "We are proud that this project, which is able to generate clean power, will be known as Iyuhána Solar, which, in Nakotah translates to 'everyone' or 'all of us.' This is derived from our Nakotah belief that everyone and everything is related and therefore we must care for each other." While investment in renewable energy grows across Canada, Saskatchewan's clean power supply mix has predominantly consisted of hydro and wind. This is the first of many planned solar projects in the province; by 2035, SaskPower plans to support approximately 3000 MW of new renewable energy capacity in the region. "This new solar facility will play an important role in our path to net-zero by 2050 or sooner," said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. "We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with Indigenous peoples and the critical role they are playing in the successful expansion of renewable energy in our province." GSI is one of four renewable energy subsidiaries of Libra Group, a privately owned, global business group that encompasses 20 businesses in six sectors, including renewable energy, maritime, aerospace and more. The Group's renewable energy portfolio encompasses approximately 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of projects owned, developed, or pending development in 10 countries, including solar, wind, battery storage, and waste-to energy projects. This is the second partnership with an indigenous community led by a Libra Group subsidiary. "Libra Group is proud of this novel partnership, which has come together through shared values and a commitment to driving economic growth and positive outcomes for communities," said Libra Group's CEO Manos Kouligkas. "Sustainability is core to our global business, and we look forward to continuing to leverage synergies across our six sectors in 60 countries with agility and impact." Last year, GSI acquired Saturn Power Inc.'s solar and battery development portfolios, including its team of seasoned developers and an approximate 1.4-gigawatt (GW) pipeline of early- to late-stage solar and energy storage projects. Today, GSI has a footprint across Canada and in 12 U.S. states. About Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI) is one of the clean energy subsidiaries of Libra Group. GSI is a renewable energy company focused on the development, construction, and operation of distributed generation and utility-scale solar energy and battery storage projects in North America. As of January 2024, the company developed approximately 388 MW DC across 71 renewable energy projects, many of which are still owned or operated by GSI and have an additional project pipeline of 1.6 GW. GSI's seasoned team has a proven track record of investing in power assets and partnering with multiple top-tiered investors. For more information on Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), visit: http://www.greenwoodinfra.com/ About Ocean Man First Nation The Ocean Man First Nation is a Nakota, Cree, and Saulteaux Band Government in southeast Saskatchewan. OMFN is led by Chief Connie Big Eagle & Council and features a population of 565 members. Ocean Man First Nation created a renewable energy company in 2019 called Second Wind Power. The name Second Wind Power reflects Ocean Man First Nation's history of relocating, re-establishing and starting over as a new community since 1989. About Libra Group Libra Group is a privately owned, global business group encompassing 20 businesses predominately focused on aerospace, renewable energy, maritime, real estate, hospitality, and diversified investments. With assets and operations in nearly 60 countries, the Group applies the strength of its global network and capabilities to deliver cross-sector insights and growth at scale.

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Energy

ACE Green completes successful handover of emissions-free lead recycling facility to ACME

PR Newswire | January 16, 2024

ACE Green Recycling (ACE) has successfully delivered the first of three phases of its proprietary zero-emissions modular lead battery recycling technology to ACME Metal Enterprise's facility in Keelung City, Taiwan. As part of the agreement, ACE will provide equipment and proprietary chemicals to enable ACME to produce "GreenLead™" in a safe, sustainable and economical way. This marks the second successful deployment of ACE's pioneering lead battery recycling technology. ACME is Taiwan's leading lead recycler, with over 40 years of successful operation. Through its partnership with ACE, ACME will become one of the largest producers of emissions-free lead, with a capacity to recycle 20,000 metric tonnes per year of lead batteries to produce about 12,000 metric tonnes of environmentally friendly "GreenLead™", generating nearly USD 24 million in annual revenue for the Taiwanese company. Of the deal, Linus P. Lu, Managing Director of ACME, said: "We are excited and pleased to have successfully completed the installation of ACE's lead battery recycling technology at our facility. This marks an important milestone for ACME as we build our capacity to provide sustainable lead recycling capabilities – not just for our company but for the entire lead battery ecosystem as well." Lead batteries are a key element in the automotive and telecoms industries, while also playing a crucial role in the energy transition for renewable power storage. Traditionally, lead batteries are recycled via a smelting process which involves operating temperatures of over 1,000°C, producing significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, plus toxic solid waste that must go to landfill. ACE's room temperature recycling technology replaces the smelting furnace, is electrically powered, has zero Scope 1 GHG emissions and reduces solid waste by over 85%. The process will greatly enhance ACME's profitability and minimize their operator and environmental risks. Phase I of the agreement for 2,400 metric tons per annum was successfully handed over to ACME in December 2023, with Phases II and III to increase annual capacity to around 20,000 metric tonnes, which will proceed later this year. During the 10-year contractual duration of 10 years, these facilities will enable the recycling of over 14 million scrap batteries. This will prevent the emission of nearly 120 million kilograms of CO2e, stop 18 million kilograms of solid waste from going into landfill and enable recycling of more than 14 million kilograms of plastics, while providing high-paying, sustainable green jobs for the community. This collaboration with ACME demonstrates ACE's deep commitment to the battery market. Sales of GreenLead™ from ACME's facility will reach the key markets of Taiwan and Japan, including leading battery OEMs across Asia. "It is our goal as a battery recycling technology platform to provide all players in the ecosystem a way to meet not just their commercial goals but their environmental ones as well," said ACE Green CEO Nishchay Chadha. "We develop our carbon-free recycling technologies to meet the industry's global aspirations to be responsible stakeholders in the mission of meeting net-zero targets." Lead batteries remain an essential component of global electrification. By successfully deploying its green solutions, ACE will continue to support and champion the lead industry and provide not just a profitable solution, but a sustainable one for all secondary lead producers. ACE is a market leader in both lead and lithium-ion battery recycling technologies and is partnering with companies worldwide to help them set up environmentally friendly battery recycling facilities. The company has a team of over 70 people and is dual headquartered in the US and Singapore. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements regarding ACE's technological capabilities and future business aspirations. All statements are based upon current ACE expectations and involve a number of business and technical risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement, including, without limitation, regulatory approvals, unexpected changes in technologies, uncertainties inherent in technological development, scaling and roll out, intellectual property protection, and sources and availability of third-party financing.

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Energy

Eletopia Revolutionizes Energy Storage Solutions in the US

PR Newswire | January 15, 2024

Eletopia, a leading provider of smart energy storage solutions, is transforming the energy storage market with innovative technology. Integrating advanced battery management, energy conversion, and intelligent energy operation, Eletopia offers comprehensive solutions, redefining home energy management. In an era prioritizing energy reliability and sustainability, Eletopia's whole-house backup power solution will impact the power plans for U.S. homeowners. Providing security during outages, the H2 series Hybrid Inverter efficiently convert solar energy during low consumption periods. Through the B2 series High Voltage Battery and the mobile storage unit S36 series Portable Power Station, they stored electricity ensures uninterrupted power for essential household appliances, electronics, and systems. Eletopia's Smart Backup Unit (SBU) seamlessly switches between solar, grid, and generator power sources, ensuring continuous functionality. Eletopia's solution guarantees reliable backup power, keeping households operational. At the core of Eletopia's offering is the All-in-one Smart Energy Management System (EMS), empowering homeowners with complete control of their energy usage. Offering features like power station monitoring, AI diagnostics, AI Saving, and more, this system provides efficient energy management for every home. Eletopia prioritizes safety, efficiency, and profitability. Their solutions integrate power generation, energy storage, consumption, and operational services, amplifying the value of energy storage. Leveraging advanced battery management, energy conversion, and smart storage technology, Eletopia enables homeowners to optimize resources for a greener, sustainable future. Eletopia credits its success to a diverse team of American and global experts in the energy sector. From battery technologists to marketing specialists, their collective expertise ensures cutting-edge solutions tailored for American homeowners. Beyond innovation, Eletopia focuses on customer-centricity. Collaborating closely with clients, they address specific requirements, ensuring project success and seamless operation. This commitment, coupled with exceptional service, has established Eletopia as a trusted industry partner. About Eletopia: Eletopia specializes in comprehensive, smart energy storage solutions merging power generation, energy storage, consumption, and operational services. Our suite of cutting-edge technologies—advanced battery management, energy conversion, equipment integration, smart storage management, and operational expertise—aims to increase the value of energy storage. Committed to becoming a global leader, we serve partners and end-users seeking professional, innovative brands in smart energy management.

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