Solar+Storage

Summit Ridge Energy Holds Ribbon Cutting for Nation's Largest Rooftop Community Solar Array

Summit Ridge Energy | December 01, 2021

Solar Projects
Summit Ridge Energy held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate completion of the nation's largest rooftop community solar project.

The 9.2 MW solar project, operated by SRE and jointly owned with Annapolis-based climate investment firm Hannon Armstrong, is located in Carroll County, Maryland on a large commercial warehouse owned by STAG Industrial. Black Bear Energy facilitated the partnership between SRE and STAG while Powerflex provided engineering, procurement and construction services for the project.

Once operational, the community solar project will provide monthly energy savings to approximately 1,300 residential and small commercial customers located across the state.

This is a marquee project for Summit Ridge, our capital partners at Hannon Armstrong and the entire community solar industry. Leveraging 23 acres of largely unused roof space to generate energy savings for thousands of Marylanders is precisely the direction our nation's energy generation strategy needs to head."

Steve Raeder, CEO, Summit Ridge

"This solar project resulting from the partnership of Summit Ridge Energy and STAG Industrial is an excellent example in alignment with Governor Hogan's roadmap of deploying renewable energy on available rooftop or brownfield space," said Dr. Mary Beth Tung, Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "Clean energy from this installation will benefit the local economy and create opportunities for a wide variety of organizations and residents."

SRE's rooftop community solar portfolio across the state has grown to over 75 MW's, enough to power nearly 11,000 homes. Nearly one-third of the projects will serve low-to-moderate income ("LMI") customers, highlighting the industry's unique ability to provide renewable energy savings to Americans of all socioeconomic backgrounds. 

The recent expansion of Maryland's Community Solar Pilot Program is evidence of community solar's rapid growth within the broader renewable energy space, as is Department of Energy's October announcement of a National Community Solar Partnership target of 26 GW by 2025, enough to power the equivalent of five million homes and create $1 billion in annual energy savings.

About Summit Ridge Energy
Summit Ridge Energy is the country's leading owner-operator of community solar assets. Through dedicated funding platforms, the team acquires pre-operational projects within the rapidly growing solar energy and battery storage sectors.

Spotlight

This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the status of solar development in the state of Pennsylvania. Beginning with a brief background of potential benefits to individuals and communities from residential and utility scale solar, barriers to realizing these opportunities are then discussed.


Other News
Solar+Storage, Energy

Mitsubishi Power Marks Successful Validation, Installation and Operation of Large-Scale Electrolyzers

businesswire | September 29, 2023

Underscoring its commitment to advancing hydrogen technology in the energy industry, Mitsubishi Power has successfully completed the permanent installation of its large-scale electrolyzer at the company’s state-of-the-art Takasago Hydrogen Park in Japan. The unit now operates at full load and in real-world conditions as the long-term validation begins. The large-scale 5.5 MW single stack pressurized alkaline electrolyzer is being validated in two stages. First, a single unit was installed and tested at the Herøya Industrial Park in Norway; extensive operational parameters were tested and the short-term validation culminated in a 96-hour baseload run of safe and reliable operation. From there the technology is now undergoing long-term validation at a permanent installation in the Takasago Hydrogen Park. Takasago Hydrogen Park is the world’s first center dedicated to the validation of hydrogen-related technologies. It is designed for the long-term operation of these electrolyzers at one location and under the same conditions as they would operate commercially. Full-scale validation of a technology is a method championed by Mitsubishi Power for more than 30 years and aims to minimize technology risk for customers. The objectives include performance, operations, start-ups, shutdowns, gas quality, safety, and digital control integration. While this disciplined validation process extends the overall product development schedule, Mitsubishi Power’s philosophy is to invest time to achieve high reliability which translates to fewer troubleshooting issues once the product is commercial, and it helps reduce unplanned downtime for the owner - saving costs, minimizing forced outages, and increasing unit availability. This electrolyzer design will be used in the production of green hydrogen at North America’s largest hydrogen energy project under construction, the Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES Delta) project in Delta, Utah, a joint venture between Chevron and Mitsubishi Power Americas, with equipment arriving on-site starting in fall 2023. ACES Delta is a utility-scale energy project that will produce, store, and deliver green hydrogen. Scheduled to begin operations in 2025, the ACES Delta project will use renewable energy-powered electrolyzers to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The green hydrogen produced using electrolysis will be stored in two massive salt caverns, each the size of the Empire State Building, and each capable of storing 150-gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy for dispatch back to the grid when it is needed. Kent Rockaway, Vice President, Hydrogen Production, Mitsubishi Power Americas, said These validation units are significant milestones for our electrolyzer technology and a testament to how we approach the development of our products for our customers. The electrolyzers will soon arrive at the ACES Delta project, a benchmark project that will help decarbonize the western U.S., and we are excited to watch its progress. [Source – Business Wire] Additional Press Releases Mitsubishi Power Signs Purchase Contract with HydrogenPro for Large Scale Electrolyzer System US DOE Closes $504.4 Million Loan to Advanced Clean Energy Storage Project for Hydrogen Production and Storage Takasago Hydrogen Park, the World's First Integrated Validation Facility for Technologies from Hydrogen Production to Power Generation, Enters Full-Scale Operation -- Electrolysis Hydrogen Production Begins About Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. Mitsubishi Power Americas, Inc. (Mitsubishi Power) headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, employs more than 2,700 power generation, energy storage, and digital solutions experts and professionals. Our employees are focused on empowering customers to affordably and reliably combat climate change while also advancing human prosperity throughout North, Central, and South America. Mitsubishi Power’s power generation solutions include gas, steam, and aero-derivative turbines; power trains and power islands; geothermal systems; PV solar project development; environmental controls; and services. Energy storage solutions include green hydrogen, battery energy storage systems, and services. Mitsubishi Power also offers intelligent solutions that use artificial intelligence to enable autonomous operation of power plants. Mitsubishi Power is a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, MHI is one of the world’s leading heavy machinery manufacturers with engineering and manufacturing businesses spanning energy, infrastructure, transport, aerospace, and defense

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Industry Updates

Greenworks Introduces First Electric Transportation Portfolio

Greenworks | September 07, 2023

On September 6, 2023, Greenworks, a leader in battery technology for over two decades, announced, the launch plan for an innovative lineup of battery-powered transportation options, including an electric minibike, go-kart, three e-bikes, a UTV and a scooter. This comprehensive portfolio marks the first extensive range of e-transportation vehicles running on widely adopted lithium-ion battery platforms, aligned with Greenworks' commitment to advancing clean energy solutions. The Greenworks electric Go-Kart and Minibike are currently available at select Tractor Supply stores, TractorSupply.com, and greenworkstools.com. The three E-Bikes, Scooter, and UTV will become accessible online and in select retailers in early 2024. Greenworks introduces the following innovative transportation options: Electric Go-Kart: Featuring dual rear hub motors, this go-kart reaches speeds of up to 25 MPH and offers a range of up to 20 miles on a single charge. Electric Minibike: Providing more power and speed than a comparable gas minibike, it delivers speeds of up to 25 MPH and a range of up to 20 miles. Electric Utility Bikes: Including two models - one with fat tires and another designed for off-road adventures - offering a maximum speed of 20 MPH and ranges up to 50 minutes or 20 miles. Electric Commuter Bike: Designed for urban travel, it reaches speeds of up to 20 MPH and offers a range of up to 22 miles. Electric Scooter: With a max speed of 18 MPH and a range of up to 14 miles, it provides an efficient and enjoyable mode of transportation. Electric UTV: A two-seat UTV designed for adventure, with a range of up to 20 miles and a maximum speed of 15 MPH. Greenworks' lithium-ion battery platforms power over 75 indoor and outdoor products for the 60V and 80V platforms and over 125 products for the 24V platform, encompassing a wide range of tools and appliances. These sporty battery-powered products offer users a cost-effective and eco-friendly means of travel. They eliminate the need for gas, reduce noise, enhance convenience, and promise enjoyable adventures. The products cater to various transportation needs, whether it's daily commuting, leisure rides, or outdoor exploration. These electric transportation options align with Greenworks' vision of a cleaner and more powerful future driven by clean energy solutions. They provide cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient transportation alternatives. About Greenworks Greenworks, a pioneer in battery technology for over two decades, is dedicated to championing a cleaner energy future. The company specializes in creating, producing, and marketing a broad range of high-quality, cost-effective battery-powered products tailored to the needs of modern consumers, whether they are at home, in the workplace, or on the move. Greenworks offers a versatile selection of five distinct battery platforms, ranging from 24-volt to 82-volt, each compatible with a wide range of power tools, outdoor equipment, and lifestyle products.

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Solar+Storage

Enfinity Accelerates US Expansion with 546 MW Solar Asset Acquisition

Enfinity Global | September 25, 2023

Enfinity Global Inc., a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has announced its acquisition of 546 MW of solar assets currently under development from CS Energy in the State of Colorado. This strategic move represents a significant step forward in Enfinity's ongoing efforts to execute its long-term business strategy within the United States. Moreover, this acquisition exemplifies the value Enfinity brings to developers, who regard the company as a trusted partner capable of aligning capital and accessing the global supply chain, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in terms of cost efficiency and reliability. The acquired portfolio comprises three solar projects in Colorado, a highly appealing solar market that has mandated 100% renewable energy generation by 2050. This portfolio complements Enfinity's existing development footprint within the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) and will be seamlessly integrated into the company's in-house development processes and team. It is anticipated to yield an annual recurring EBITDA of approximately $59 million with investment-grade counterparties. Construction of these projects is slated to commence within the next two years, and once operational, they will generate 1,054 GWh of clean electricity annually—enough to power up to 57,000 US households and equivalent to removing 101,500 cars from the road. Enfinity Global stands as one of the fastest-growing independent renewable energy power producers, boasting a global portfolio exceeding 17 GW, which includes 7.3 GW of energy storage assets and 1 GW of operational assets. Within the United States, Enfinity Global manages a portfolio of 400 MW and operates 28 solar PV power plants across California, Idaho, and North Carolina. Furthermore, the company possesses 6 GW of solar and storage assets in various stages of development throughout the country. Over the past year, Enfinity has successfully secured $380 million of capital in the United States, further solidifying its market position. Enfinity continues to fortify its presence in the market by leveraging its fully integrated platform, deploying operational expertise across the entire renewable energy value chain, and extending its international footprint. About Enfinity Global Enfinity Global Inc. is a leading US-based renewable energy and sustainability services firm established in 2018. The company has a portfolio of 17 GW of renewable energy production and storage projects, encompassing operational assets, projects under construction, and those in various stages of development. With a global presence spanning the United States, Europe, and Asia, Enfinity aims to play a substantial role in the transition to a net-zero carbon-sustainable economy. Enfinity's leadership team, recognized as one of the most experienced in renewables globally, brings over $37 billion of financing experience within the renewable energy sector and a track record of developing and acquiring over 15 GW of solar and wind assets. About CS Energy CS Energy is an industry-leading engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm specializing in renewable energy. The company designs and builds optimized projects in solar, energy storage, and emerging energy industries. With a successful track record of designing and installing over 1.5 GW of solar and 470 MWh of energy storage projects across the United States, CS Energy is a trusted partner for solar developers, independent power producers (IPPs), utilities, off-takers, suppliers, and landowners. As part of American Securities, a leading US private equity firm, CS Energy leverages strong industry relationships to streamline project development, reduce costs, and create value for all stakeholders in the long term.

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Solar+Storage

Cubico Sustainable Investments acquires 121 MW of wind and solar in Uruguay

prnewswire | September 27, 2023

Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico), one of the world's largest privately-owned renewable energy companies, has completed the acquisition of three operational projects in Uruguay from Brookfield. The transaction comprises two wind farms, 52 MW Carape I and 43 MW Carape II in Maldonado; and one solar PV plant, 26 MW Alto Cielo in Artigas. This significant acquisition pushes Cubico's renewables capacity in Uruguay to over 320 MW, further consolidating the company's position as the largest individual private owner of renewable assets in the country. Javier Areitio, Head of Origination and Development at Cubico, said: "This deal aligns with one of the pillars of our global growth strategy: increasing and diversifying our installed capacity in each of our existing markets, rather than expanding our geographical footprint. As we build our clean energy portfolio, we are prioritising the pursuit of synergies and a 24/7 generation profile in each country where we operate." Javier Pérez del Castillo, Country Manager for Uruguay at Cubico, added: "This is another important milestone for Cubico, significantly strengthening our position as the largest private owner of renewables in Uruguay and one of the largest in the world. Through this acquisition, we are very pleased to have diversified our Uruguayan asset base and expanded our local team, enhancing our technical and financial capabilities." About Cubico Founded in May 2015, Cubico Sustainable Investments is one of the world's largest privately-owned renewable energy companies. The company is backed by the resources of Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, Canada's largest single-profession pension plan, and PSP Investments, one of Canada's largest pension investment managers. Cubico's global portfolio in 11 countries has an installed gross capacity of more than 2.8 GW, with nearly 700 MW in construction and a 4.8 GW development pipeline. Cubico is headquartered in London and has offices in São Paulo (Brazil), Athens (Greece), Milan (Italy), Austin and New York (US), Mexico City (Mexico), Madrid (Spain), Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Australia), Montevideo (Uruguay) and Bogotá (Colombia).

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Spotlight

This paper offers a comprehensive overview of the status of solar development in the state of Pennsylvania. Beginning with a brief background of potential benefits to individuals and communities from residential and utility scale solar, barriers to realizing these opportunities are then discussed.

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