Overall, this brings the installed capacity to 93,957 MW, or 6.3% of the supply of electricity in the European Union. With 21.4% of new power capacity in 2011, the share of wind reached almost the same proportion as in 2010 (+ 9,648 MW).

“Despite the economic crisis in Europe, the wind industry has installed a solid foundation towards new capabilities,” said Justin Wilkes, director of regulatory affairs at the EWEA. “But to achieve the long-term goals of the EU, we still need strong growth in the coming years. It is important to send positive signals to investors throughout the European governments to maintain stable policies to support renewable energy and for the EU to continue to move towards the target of 30% renewable energy by 2030. ”

Development of onshore facilities in Germany and Sweden, as well as those carried off the UK (Offshore) offset the drop in facilities called mature markets such as France and Spain.

Overall, Germany is the EU country which has the largest installed wind capacity, followed by Spain, France, Italy and the UK.

EWEA says that Europe has installed more than 2011 renewable capacity than any other year. Renewable energy and represented 71.3% of new installations: 32,043 MW. Oil and nuclear energy have been contrary to a decrease last year, with more capacity divested.

In the European Union, the net installed capacity increased in 2011 from 35,468 MW to 895,878 MW, with a share of wind energy up 10.5%, while the share of renewable reached a rate of 31.1%.

See the full report EWEA 2011 (. PDF) >>> HERE

The financial vice president of the Balearic Government has released the new call for public aid to renewable energy development, with funds from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDEA), divided 2,275,000 euros between Islands.

The sector, one of the few to rise during the economic crisis, welcomes this new line of grants as an opportunity to convince people of the need to install renewable energy equipment in their own homes in order to overcome the progressive increase in the cost of light , already has gone up to 75% in the last five years and promises to continue to rise in the future.

Assistance organized by the economic department of the Bauzà Government granted to either solar, wind, mixed, biogas or thermal biomass teams. The resolution of Vice President Josep Ignasi Aguiló makes it clear that it will subsidize up to 30% of the cost of installation and the maximum injection of public money will be € 200,000 per applicant.

The official deadline for eligibility for support will end on Sunday 22 January. To be awarded some of the grants, you only have to prove that is has undertaken any renewable installation of its kind between the August 14, 2010 and August 15 this year. Installation companies can also seek help from the administration.

The organization explained that different standards are currently used for recharging plug-in electric vehicles, resulting in a fragmentation of the market for such vehicles. The members of ACEA, which is headquartered in Brussels, agreed on a series of recommendations that relate to both slow and fast loads and the use of AC or DC.

Standardization of systems connecting to the network “provides predictability to investors, allows considerable savings and reduce costs,” said Hodac. ACEA says that the recommended system meets all safety requirements and is easy to use.

European car manufacturers estimate that plug-in electric cars will involve between 3% and 10% of new cars market in Europe between 2020-2025, and that this penetration will depend in part on how to solve the challenges facing this type of electric vehicle.

The costs of the measure will range between 2,600 and 11,000 million euros, according to Brussels. However, the EU executive argues that the benefits from the standpoint of public health is encrypted between 15,000 and 34,000 million.

“This proposal represents a major step forward in reducing air emissions from the shipping industry that is growing rapidly. Help to solve the persistent problems of air quality that continues to affect millions of Europeans,” said European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik said in a statement.

The legislation revises the policy regarding the sulfur content of certain liquid fuels and incorporates new standards of the International Maritime Organization to EU law to ensure proper compliance and harmonized by all Member States.

Under the proposals, the authorized maximum sulfur content in fuels used in shipping in vulnerable areas like the Baltic Sea, North Sea and English Channel will be reduced from the previous rate of 1.5% to 0.1% from January 1, 2015. Other areas will need to register even greater reductions from 4.5% to 0.5%, no later than January 1, 2020.

Vessels may use equivalent technologies, purification systems such as exhaust gas as an alternative to fuels with low sulfur content. Other proposed changes are a more unified reporting and verification provisions on sampling and adjusted to international standards. The proposal will be implemented progressively from 2015 to 2020.

The EU executive has admitted that “the new rules represent a challenge for the sectors concerned.” However, he argued that “the use of alternative technologies to reduce significantly will lower compliance costs and encourage innovation and efficiency in the use of resources.”

Italian voters have discouraged the nuclear revival planned by referendum, approving a moratorium of one year with a 94.05% vote against nuclear power and a 54.79% stake.

At present, Italy imports electricity generated by French nuclear power company and Italian utility Enel SpA was in talks to build power the latest generation (Evolutionary Power Reactor), one of which, with a capacity of 1,650 MW would be built in Normandy.

The anti-nuclear referendum of 1987 and led to a real nuclear blackout in Italy after the Chernobyl disaster, but the Italian nuclear program resumed in 2009 at the behest of the French government, in response to the high cost of oil and natural gas.

The impact of yesterday’s referendum will not be immediate. The Berlusconi government has planned a 25% share of nuclear power by 2030, will build 10 new reactors. However, long term, “the portion of renewable generation will be much higher,” admitted Finance Minister Paolo Romani.

The current Italian plan for renewable energy by 2020 relies heavily on hydropower, followed by wind and biomass, all with a similar stake in the mix. The solar and geothermal have less prominence.

The current program will put Italy as the fifth largest European producer of renewable energy, according to a report of the European Wind Energy Association in March

According to a statement from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA), last year there were installed nine offshore wind farms, 308 new turbines that produce electricity at a value of 2,600 million euros

In total, all wind power plants offshore, as well as the facilities are named in the sea, the EU added 1,136 turbines that generate from 11.5 terawatt hours (TWh).

In addition, these plants have sufficient capacity to supply electricity to about 2.9 million households, an amount equivalent to the cities of Berlin and Brussels together.

For 2011, the EWEA fully expected to be connected between 1,000 and 1,500 MW new renewables such throughout the EU.

Currently under construction are also ten new facilities with 3,000 MW in the future will double the current installed capacity of 45 plants in operation, which must be added a number of projects approved but not yet started and that could add other 19,000 MW.

The UK is the EU country that produces more offshore wind energy, with approximately 45% of the total, followed by Denmark (29%), Netherlands (8%) and Belgium (6%), according to the EWEA .

Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Ireland also have plants of this kind, although their generating capacity is much lower.

At present, Spain has no plant offshore, while, according to EWEA, we have had projects pending approval study and together reach 6,700 MW.

In addition, in 2010, 21 companies presented 29 new models of turbines in Europe and is expected in the next two years 33 more companies to launch 44 models.

Ten European countries in Brussels signed on December 4th a cooperation agreement to create a network of wind power in the North Sea, the Channel, the Irish Sea and Celtic at the margins of the Council of European Ministers of Energy.

Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, Luxembourg, France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway and Belgium will now cooperate to interconnect this network that covers an area of 760,000 square kilometers.

“This memorandum is an important step in the rise of renewable energy,” recalled the Belgian presidency of the EU shift in a statement, in which he recalled that the capacity of the Twenty-energy offshore is greater than oil in the Middle East.

These ten countries now work together in coordinating investments to develop interconnections and attempt to resolve the technical and administrative difficulties presented by the wind project.

Have organized three working groups, comprising representatives of governments, regulators, transmission system operators and the EC, who will report progress twice a year to the Energy Ministers of the EU.

Belgian Energy Minister Paul Magnette, behind the project said today “indispensable” to secure investments to develop interconnections.

The European Association of Wind Energy Association (EWEA) considered the agreement “an essential step to create a grid offshore critical to the development of a single European market for energy.”

The Belgian Presidency is estimated that the establishment of this network could be created between 2020 and 2030 as 150,000 jobs and an installed capacity of 150 GW in 2030, producing 563 TWh, equivalent to 16% of electricity consumption in Europe. A figure in 2050 could rise to 46%.

Electric vehicle with lithium batteries do not emit CO2 or damage the environment if the electricity comes from renewables such as wind, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal or thermal. Wind turbines can supply electricity to electric vehicles in the future will also serve to store and regulate the electricity intermittent wind energy sector.

Interconnections in southwestern Europe are necessary because the Iberian Peninsula is not sufficiently connected with the rest of Europe, summarized in a statement the EU executive.

In the words of European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, the main challenge will be to ensure that “a line that goes beyond the Pyrenees” and allow the Spanish energy production, particularly solar and wind, and other countries such as Morocco, can be transported to central Europe. Will have to wait until 2012 to have a specific list of projects, but thanks to yesterday’s decision proposals Gallo-Spanish border head start to get European funds.

“Interconnections in southwestern Europe are necessary because the Iberian Peninsula is not sufficiently connected with the rest of Europe”, outlined in a statement the EU executive. In the words of European Commissioner for Energy, Günther Oettinger, the main challenge will be to ensure that “a line that goes beyond the Pyrenees” and allow the Spanish energy production, particularly solar and wind, and other countries such as Morocco, can be transported to central Europe.

Oettinger, who announced the measure, highlighted the importance of network integration in Europe and suggested that communications in the case of Franco-Spanish track are not limited to land but to explore ways through the Mediterranean and even the Atlantic.

In particular, Brussels considers the interconnection between Spain and France should be extended from the current 1,400 megawatts to 4,000 in 2020.

In addition to the interconnections of southwestern Europe with the rest of the EU, which include the passage between Spain and France, Brussels wants to improve a line that allows to bring wind energy produced offshore in the north of Europe member states plants.

The Commission estimates that it will take about 200,000 million euros investment to strengthen the electric and gas infrastructure until 2020. Half of this amount generated by the market itself, but the remaining $ 100,000 will require public and private support. The EC will provide a first step in this direction next June, when they propose a new financial instrument to support energy infrastructure projects of European interest in view of the new financial perspectives after 2013.

Oettinger announced that expects to have about 800 million euros from the EU budget for the next five years. Among the ideas proposed today in Brussels appears also to expedite the granting of construction permits, creating “smart networks” that allow real energy savings, increased efficiency and better integration of renewable sources.

The European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has expressed its satisfaction with the measure, but says he is kept waiting to see whether the legislative measures proposed by Brussels next year keep the same level of ambition.

Electric vehicle with lithium batteries do not emit CO2 or damage the environment if the electricity comes from renewables such as wind, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal or thermal. Wind turbines can supply electricity to electric vehicles in the future will also serve to store and regulate the electricity intermittent wind energy sector.

The objective of this program is to encourage private companies and Member States to invest in renewable energy.

“This may give the necessary impetus for the EU to remain at the forefront of climate-friendly technologies. Europe has the expertise, ability and ambition to lead the global development of technologies necessary to address climate change, “said the commissioner responsible for Climate Change, Connie Hedegaard.

The initiative will be financed through the sale of 300 million allowances found in the allocation of emissions trading system in the EU. The European Investment Bank (EIB) will be responsible for selling these permits before January 1, 2013.

At current market price, the amount of the initiative is about 4,500 million euros, making it the largest program of its kind in the world. Brussels finance half of each project and the sponsoring company and the home Member State shall provide the remaining 50%, bringing total funding is placed at 9,000 million.

In particular, will be funded at least eight projects with carbon capture and storage (CCS) and thirty-four projects, at least, related to innovative technologies in the field of renewable energy.

Companies interested in submitting proposals have three months to submit tenders at national level. Be funded from a minimum of a project and a maximum of three per Member State.

Electric vehicle with lithium batteries do not emit CO2 or damage the environment if the electricity comes from renewables such as wind, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal or thermal. Wind turbines can supply electricity to electric vehicles in the future will also serve to store and regulate the electricity intermittent wind energy sector.

The European Commission has published on October 29, 2010 a series of guidelines to clarify certain aspects with regard to wind energy development in protected natural areas. These guidelines apply to the Natura 2000 network, one of the cornerstones of biodiversity policy in the EU and a key instrument for achieving the EU target of halting and reversing the loss of biodiversity by 2020.

Wind power is undoubtedly an important role to play in achieving the objective of the European Union that involves renewable energy by 20% in total energy consumption in Europe by 2020. In this context, although its presence in areas belonging to the Natura 2000 network is not automatically excluded, the Commission has noted that its implementation be evaluated case by case basis.

The guidelines published by the European Commission aimed at avoiding conflict between the development of wind energy and conservation of biodiversity in protected areas, Natura 2000, highlights the importance of strategic planning and the need for adequate evaluation, quality of new projects. The guidelines include a number of examples of good practice and demonstrate how wind energy projects can prevent damage to sensitive natural areas.

Planning for the implementation of wind farms strategically in large geographical areas is one of the most effective means to minimize the impact of these parks in nature and the flora and fauna from the beginning of the planning process. Not only enables a more integrated development framework, but also reduce the risk of delays and difficulties arise in the later stages of the projects.

Electric vehicle with lithium batteries do not emit CO2 or damage the environment if the electricity comes from renewables such as wind, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal or thermal. Wind turbines can supply electricity to electric vehicles in the future will also serve to store and regulate the electricity intermittent wind energy sector.

“The wind has an important role to play in achieving the EU target for renewable energy involves 20% of Europe’s total energy consumption by 2020, its implementation in Natura 2000 areas is not excluded automatically although it must be evaluated case by case. ” In those terms today said the European Commission, which recognizes that “although in general terms, wind energy poses no threat to wildlife, the situation or inadequate design of wind farms can have a negative impact vulnerable species and habitats. ” Hence it has decided to develop the guidelines document that launched today.

According to EU Environment Commissioner, Janez Potočnik, “These new guidelines provide Member States and industry with clear information on the development of activities relating to wind energy in accordance with the requirements of Natura 2000.” The European Commissioner has explained further that “it is not changing the law or policy, but simply provide guidance on current legislation. Our purpose is to ensure that they meet the goals relating to renewable energy and that while fully respecting the EU legislation on the protection of the species. ” According to the EC today published guidelines include “a number of examples of good practice and demonstrate how wind projects may prevent damage to sensitive natural areas.”

According to the Commission, wind energy production in 2009 represented about 4.8% of total EU electricity, a percentage that is expected to triple by 2020. The EC defines the network as a Natura 2000 ecological network of nearly 26,000 locations in 27 EU countries, established under the 1992 Habitats Directive, which covers almost 18% of EU territory. Its aim is “to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of areas of great value in terms of biodiversity and long-term survival of species and habitats most valuable and threatened in Europe.”

The 25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 will be chaired by Giovanni Federico De Santi, director of the Institute for Energy (IE), Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, Makoto Konagai, the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan), Robert Walters, U.S. Naval Research Lab (Washington, USA).

Federigo De Santi explained that “the event will bring together the three world conferences of photovoltaic science ofmore important strategic level: the 25th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition, the U.S. 36th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference and the 20th Asia / Pacific PV Science & Engineering Conference “. HE adds, that it is “the best platform to present the latest advances in the development and manufacturing of photovoltaic energy sector. It explains the visions of how PV systems to be massively deployed within 10 years.”

More than 1,600 papers
25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 has a large program, 154 had participated as representatives of the global scientific community under the leadership of Heinz Ossenbrink, European Commission, DG JRC, Ispra (Italy). There will be 76 sessions, 31 plenary sessions, 312 oral presentations and 1300 visual presentations (visual poster presentations), which “elevates the international leaders in photovoltaics to a new level,” say the organizers.

The program includes presentations on advanced photovoltaic, new concepts and high-efficiency solar cells based on silicon wafers and materials technology, thin film cells, photovoltaic systems and components, as well as large-scale development of this technology.

The opening session will be held by Bertrand Piccard, Initiator and President of Solar Impulse project, whose speech has a promising title: “Spirit pioneering inventions of the future – Around the World in a solar-powered aircraft.”

In parallel, the Photovoltaic Industry Fair will be distributed in eight major exhibition halls in the Feria Valencia, covering an exhibition area of 80,000 square meters. 943 exhibitors from around the world will present their new products, technical solutions and services to a global audience.

Back in Europe after 12 years
Peter Helm, CEO of EU PVSEC, said “the impressive conference program reflects the great interest of the global community of photovoltaics by present and discuss the latest scientific findings and technical developments.” Helm recalled that WCPEC- 5 returns to Europe after 12 years (Vienna hosted the second edition) and stressed that the event starts now “is the largest in history. We are convinced that the 25th EU PVSEC / WCPEC-5 will implement new ideas and give a strong impetus to meet the challenges of the photovoltaic industry and the scientific community. ”

This global PV event has the support of European and international organizations as the European Commission, UNESCO, the WCRE (World Council for Renewable Energy) and IPVEA (International Photovoltaic Equipment) and a close institutional cooperation with the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA).

So France is ahead of targets set by the Grenelle Environment: 1100 MW installed by end of 2012 and 5400 MW in 2020.

In just two years, the cumulative installed photovoltaic power installed in France has increased by 10, dropping from 81 MW in late 2008 to approximately 850 MW by the end of 2010 (projected).

These figures show that the boot of the French photovoltaic is now completed. And as the cost of materials follows a steady decline and structural, the Government has decided to adapt the system of support prices by buying in the new phase of development.

Thus, for professional projects and large facilities, rates are generally adjusted on 1 September 2010. Also according to the government, “the adjustment avoids windfall and speculative result of the decreased cost of photovoltaic equipment, which represents about half the cost of projects.”

In order not to destabilize the market and in particular sustain employment in this sector, the tariffs applicable to domestic installations with a capacity of less than 3 kWp (approximately 30 m2 of panels) will remain unchanged at 58 c € / kWh.

For other projects, “the adjustment corresponds to a decrease of 12%.

The tariff revision will come into force on 1 September, after publication in the Gazette Official of an Order sent on Aug 23 to advise the Commission of Energy Regulation and the Board of Energy.

Starting from a buyback lower than in France, Germany and Spain have also decided to lower their rates by more than 15%.

Important note: Every project has already been the subject of a complete connection with the transmission system will benefit from the fee schedule of January 12, 2010. The former feed-in tariff will be maintained for particular projects on agricultural building, currently under consideration in the prefectures under the decree of March 16, 2010, if they can not obtain the required certificate granting them benefit of the decree of July 10, 2006.

The Ministries of Finance and ecology together indicate that “the price evolution is the first step in a necessary adaptation of the regulatory system of feed-in tariffs, which must become more responsive to the development of the sector and better articulated with the growth target of 500 MW per year stipulated in the Grenelle Environment. This development, which should afford the industry outlook solid and sustainable development until 2020, will be prepared to fall in conjunction with all the stakeholders.

These 118 wind turbines with an installed capacity of 333MW – more than half of the 577 MW installed offshore last year – according to the EWEA said “a strong continued growth of wind energy despite the financial crisis.”

In addition, 151 additional turbines (440 MW) were installed but have not yet been connected to the network. In all, 16 offshore wind farms totaling 3,972 MW were under construction. Of these, four have become fully operational: Poseidon Denmark, Alpha Ventus in Germany, Gunfleet Sands and Robin Rigg in the United Kingdom.

In Europe, to date, there are 948 offshore wind turbines located on 43 fully operational wind farms offshore, making a total capacity of 2396 MW.

Among developers, E. ON Climate and Renewables 64% have developed the capacity of the offshore network connected during the first half of 2010, followed by Dong (21%) and Vattenfal (11%). Among manufacturers, Siemens is responsible for 55% of offshore capacity in network connected to the first half of 2010, Vestas 36% and 9% REpower.

“Despite the financial crisis, offshore wind continues to be an important developing area quickly,” said Justin Wilkes, director of policy at the EWEA. “The number of offshore wind turbines connected to the network established in the first half beyond half of total capacity installed last year and I am sure that this year will be historic.”

He added, “there is no doubt that this budding sector is constrained by a lack of funding.’s Projects its network operators are less affected by their ability to finance investments from their balance sheet but Independent developers are seriously limited. Loans from public institutions such as the European Investment Bank, are essential and have already helped a number of projects and support must still continue.”

“Europe is a world leader in offshore wind and continued growth – and the availability of funding is essential to European jobs and competitiveness and in order to reduce CO2 emissions.”

The figure rises to 2396 MW cumulative power in European waters, by multiplying the figure reached in late 2006. 40% of the total is located in British waters, the country has already surpassed the milestone of one gigawatt (megawatts). Also, in addition to the power running, there are 151 additional wind turbines already installed but still to networking. These machines combined capacity of 440 MW and will be connected in the coming months, which means that at least 773 MW will be put into service during 2010. This translates into a growth of 34% (in 2009 were 577 MW installed). However, the figure could grow even more, depending on the march carrying some parks that are already immersed in the latest phase of construction.

The parks that have been connected during the first half of 2010 are four: Poseidon (Denmark), Alpha Ventus (Germany) and Gunfleet Sands and Robin Rigg, in the UK. Together with the twelve parks that are in various stages of construction, power rises to 3972 MW. Among the promoters, the German utility E. On is behind 64% of the new marine power connected during the first half, according to European Wind Energy Association. Then would follow Dong (Denmark) and Vattenfall (Sweden), with 21 and 11% respectively. With regard to technologists, Siemens (Germany) has provided 55% of the new power, Vestas (Denmark) has provided a 36% and REpower (Germany) is behind another 30.9%.

Despite the good numbers, as the policy director of the European Wind Energy, Justin Wilkes, “the offshore wind industry, even being in a growing phase, also is being affected by the lack of funding.” Yes, Wilkes acknowledged that not all alike, “while the large power projects are being not so affected by the financial crisis, thanks to the internal capacity of these companies, independent promoters are facing serious restrictions.”

The Bundesrat (second chamber of German parliament) approved the amendments, paving the way of legislation. The changes leave the facility on cropland fields and increase the attractiveness of the premium on the consumption owner for facilities roofs of small and medium sizes.

Set up and becoming effective retroactively from July 1, rates will be reduced purchase rate of 13% for installations and roof will be waived for facilities on cropland fields. Simultaneously, the surfaces of conversion will be reduced by 8% and all other surfaces will be reduced by 12%. From 1 October, the rate will again be reduced by 3% extra. Nevertheless, the new rates will be very interesting, with forward rates ranging from 25.02 to 34.05 of EurCE / kWh for installations in places between July 1 and October 1, and 24.26 to 33.03 EurCE / kWh for installations connected during the remainder of the year. The new amendments are also more than double the federal goal of annual installed capacity of 2.5 to 3.5 GWP (global warming potential).

Established 10 years ago, the law requires electric companies, they are the purchase of renewable energy systems to homeowners at a rate corresponding redemption fee for 20 years, guaranteeing repayment attractive yields high. Higher incomes may also be provided using the “premium on consumption owner”, which is paid to owners of facilities with roofing systems under 500 kWp and who intend to use the energy that they generate.

In 2009, PV had multiple 3.8 GWp, which once again Germany’s largest PV market in the world. Germany was home to about half of newly installed modules worldwide. For 2010, some experts predict that the threshold obtained in 2009 could double that market.

A growing demand from private users

The changes in legislation on renewable energies represent a response to growing price competition of PV systems, including the recent fall in the price of solar panels and compounds. These developments have created a number of new market opportunities for PV companies. This change of position for the roofing segment is expected to further increase the demand represented by the facilities from private users who prefer unanimously systems of high quality. The changes also lead to a growing demand for energy storage systems and applications “smart grid” (intelligent networks) to take full advantage of the premium on the consumption owner. Declining system prices and rising electricity prices have allowed the German market to adopt a parity grid sooner than expected. By 2013, energy from renewable sources should be competitive with traditional energy sources on the electricity market private users.

A segment of quality that boosted the attractiveness of local production

In Germany, manufacturers not only have easy access to a vast and growing market, but they also enjoy a significant competitive advantage through the presence and reputation of local brands offering high quality products, which is popular with private users within the segment and roofs. The German PV industry also benefits from the density of R & D institutes of the highest in the industry. In addition, the country can boast of a well established industrial infrastructure, an extensive database of supply of equipment and a skilled workforce and experienced.

Confirming the confidence in the power of the entire photovoltaic German, international business and Avancis First Solar, as the German PV companies and Juwi SolarWorld, have announced major developments in Germany in recent weeks. All these new investments involve sites in East Germany, a center of activity for major manufacturers of photovoltaic German industry of world renown.

The third edition of the classic report [R] evolution for the EU Energy-study commissioned by Greenpeace and the European Renewables Energy Council (EREC) – ensures that “a target of 100% renewable energy and energy efficiency can help the Union (EU) to regain its competitive advantage over China and the United States, without coal or nuclear. ” According to Greenpeace, “even taking into account the cost of investment, the European economy on fossil fuels would save an average of 19 billion euros by 2050, while hundreds of thousands of new jobs also boost European economies.”

The findings, presented last week in Brussels, are, according to Greenpeace and EREC, that “clean energy can help Europe regain a competitive edge in the international technology race, while reducing the rising costs of fuels, create jobs and reduce CO2 emissions. ” The environmental group asked the Spanish government and the Popular Party, which “carefully consider these findings to take them into account in the negotiations on the Pact of State for Energy.” For Greenpeace, the pact should set a goal for Spain to provide a 100% renewable energy.

According to the Head of the Climate Change and Energy Campaign for Greenpeace Spain, Jose Luis Garcia Ortega, “move towards 100% renewable in 2050 is not only necessary to save the climate, it is also the smartest thing for the economy for 40 years, renewable seemed a dream, today is a reality within 40 years should be the norm. ” At the same time, Ortega said that while coal and nuclear are sidings for innovation “, the sources can provide” new technologies, employment and energy security. ”

So, Greenpeace is demanding that the European Commission to study the benefits and feasibility of a future 100% renewable energy within the analysis to be developed on the vision of energy and the economy in 2050. ” According to Greenpeace, “when compared with other energy scenarios that have occurred recently in the European Union by 2050, the [R] evolution Energy is ambitious, but is based on assumptions which can provide flexible energy, closer businesses and local communities. ”

Both Greenpeace and the EREC considered, and that “a balanced mix and secure energy sources for Europe’s energy system makes the [R] evolution Energy program more sustainable and credible for a revolution in the way we produce and use energy. Therefore, and to realize the [R] evolution Energy, “the EU must increase its commitment to combating climate change, stop the massive fossil fuel subsidies and actively support the creation of a strong economy and clean.”

The country currently produces 16% of its electricity from renewable sources by Jochen Flasbarth, the president of the German Federal Agency for the Environment cited in The Guardian, “a complete changeover is still possible as the technical point of view that environment.

The objectives are considered realistic based on current wind technology. Germany is also a world leader in solar power hopes to add more than 5000 MW of capacity this year to develop a total of 14,000 MW of solar power.

The government has also set targets for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases in the order of about 80-85% over the next four decades. A complete changeover to renewable energy would also mean that the country would be able to reduce up to 40% of its emissions come mainly from coal.

——————————————————————–

On May 5, during the Environmental Commission of the Bundestag, Chairman of the Scientific Committee for Environmental Issues (CCS) – Martin Faulstich – with stated that “Germany could supply in 2050 from 100% of renewable electricity.”

“The Federal Government should now pave the way for restructuring the energy system.” The SRU has presented various scenarios he prepared to demonstrate that a renewable electricity supply by 2050 exclusively at competitive costs is possible in Germany, with a security guarantee supply at all times of the year, and a policy of encouraging sustainable innovations. The scenarios are based on estimated models of the German Aerospace Research (DLR). The model ReMix among the best and most accurate in Europe and works with extremely high temporal resolution.

For its part, the Association of German Engineers (VDI) considers the unrealistic stance of the Scientific Committee for Environmental Issues (SRU) for a power supply to 100% renewables by 2050: “The position concerning energy supply of the SRU is difficult to apply in economic and technological,” says Prof. Hermann-Josef Wagner, chairman of the energy sector and environment of the VDI.

“Estimates of the most realistic scenarios, including those of the VDI, are forecasting a share of renewable energies between 40 and 50% by 2050.” The association considers that the cost estimates were too optimistic SRU. Moreover, the concept requires a high import of renewable energy and recovery storage methods do not exist yet.

This solar power plant consists of 30,000 square meters of parabolic mirrors that capture and reflect the sunlight onto 5,400 feet of tubes in which circulates a heat transfer fluid. The resulting heat energy produces steam to drive the turbines of combined cycle gas/steam when the solar power station is connected.

According to Enel, the Archimedes central is the first worldwide to use molten salt as heat transfer fluid also remains the world’s first to be integrated with a gas power plant to combined cycle.

The solar plant with a capacity of 5 megawatts will allow Enel to avoid the annual release of 3,250 tonnes of CO2 while reducing gas consumption required to power the turbines of combined cycle power plant, whose power is of 752 megawatts.

Archimedes was able to collect and store for several hours in the hot sun before using it to generate electricity at night or on cloudy days. With this method, the limit on this source of renewable energy is becoming obsolete: the fact of not being able to use it when nature makes it available.

The solar thermal technology that uses a series of parabolic mirrors in the objective of concentrating sunlight onto tubes of a fluid. The heat collected in special containers, can be used to power a steam turbine. The high temperature steam then exerts pressure on the turbine to produce electricity

The molten salt composed of a mixture of sodium and potassium have the capacity to store heat for prolonged periods.

The technology used in the Priolo plant has been developed by Enel.

Solar Decathlon Competition was introduced for the first time in 2002 by the Ministry of Energy in the United States in order to develop the transmission of knowledge and research in the field of renewable energies including the solar. The challenge offered to universities worldwide is to design and implement – in an academic setting – a house of 75 m2 using the sun as an energy source. Since that first edition, the competition is held every two years at the National Mall in Washington.

Each house is subject to a series of 10 tests that allow a jury to evaluate the architecture, energy efficiency, maintaining the comfort or quality of exchanges that each team has with the public received during visits. The winning project is one that accumulates, as in Olympic decathlon, the maximum points …

Some figures: in 2009, the Solar Decathlon was:
- 307,502 visitors in 10 days
- 32 workshops were held in the solar village, for the general public as well as specific workshops for professionals in industry and construction have been received by some 506 professionals
- Millions of readers and informed people around the world via various media

The next edition will take place in 2011 U.S.

Solar Decathlon Competition in Madrid

Following an agreement between the U.S. and Spanish governments, the Spanish Ministry of Housing has pledged to hold the competition Solar Decathlon Europe in 2010 and 2012, alternating with the American calendar. For the first time, Europe has embraced this challenge, held in Madrid from 17 to 27 June 2010. From a financial point of view, the organization of the Solar Decathlon in Madrid has cost 10 million Euro. The organizer gives 100,000 euros each participating team.

For the 2010 edition, 17 teams were in competition (2 teams originally planned could not move because of the economic crisis: a Mexican team and a Brazilian team):
- 2 from China
- 1 from Finland
- Two from France
- 4 from Germany
- 5 from Spain
- 1 from the United Kingdom
- 2 from U.S.

The 10 selection criteria globalizing a total of 1000 point are:

1. Architecture (120 points)
Architectural quality, consistency, flexibility of space, use of bioclimatic strategy

2. Construction & Engineering (80 points)
Evaluation of principles of construction with a special focus on functionality, performance, safety and technology

3. Solar System (80 points)
To evaluate the functionality, efficiency, soundness and economic viability of the system of solar water heaters.

4. Balance of Power (120 points)
Assess the part of energy self sufficiency in electricity and the actual production of solar energy.

5. Terms of comfort (120 points)
Evaluates the ability to make available a quality of indoor comfort through control of temperature, humidity, acoustics, lighting and the quality of indoor air.

6. Equipment and operation (120 points)
Evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of different applications by simulating everyday use normal household current.

7. Communication and Social Awareness (80 points)
Testify of the communication and public information on options and benefits of solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable construction and other issues related to the Solar Decathlon.

8. Industrialization and market viability (80 points)

9. Innovation (80 points)
Evaluates the innovative and revolutionary design of the house, its systems and components that increase the value of the house or improve its performance.

10. Sustainability (120 points)
Evaluate the environmental sensitivity of the team to design and build a house that has a low environmental impact on its life cycle.

The results of this first European edition:

1: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State university
2: University of Applied Sciences Rosenheim
3: Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences
4: Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture de Grenoble
5: Aalto University, Finland
6: Bergische Universität Wuppertal
7: Arts et Métiers Paris Tech
8: University of Florida
9: Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera
10: Fachhochschule fur Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin
11: Shanghai Tongji University
12: Universidad de Sevilla
13: Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña
14: Universidad de Valladolid
15: University of Nottingham
16: Tianjin University
17: Instituto de Arquitectura Avanzada de Cataluña

What’s new on the Solar Decathlon Europe in comparison with the American editions?

It is interesting to note a greater diversity of participants in the Solar Decathlon European, U.S. Solar Decathlon, consisting mainly of teams from the Americas.

There is also a different approach in building houses. A stronger emphasis was placed on sustainable development in the houses. Most teams have opted for a passive strategy with high overall energy performance of the house completed by solar panels to produce additional electricity. The fact that the competition takes place in Madrid, in a hot climate, has required participants to give prominence to passive strategies.

Participants of the Solar Decathlon Europe met and many wish to change the regulations for the European version of the competition. The U.S. rule is not necessarily adapted to the regulations in force in Europe and the values of these countries. To create a specific regulation in European editions several ideas are proposed for debate: how to promote the sustainable development aspect in scoring, what place should be given to teaching (a project driven by students or professionals?) Must limit Budget houses? How do if we want to continue to promote innovation? How to improve the academic contribution in promoting the event locations and times for exchange of information between the teams? Etc..

Future organization of Europe SD?

Contest Solar Decathlon Europe should continue to organize every two years in Europe, alternating with the American edition. In the idea, it would be interesting to change the host site and season, to make participants work in different climates and latitudes.

For 2012, Spain is the official organizer. The contest will take place in Madrid or Barcelona, the choice between the two cities has not yet been done. For 2014, Germany and France are interested to receive the assistance. Germany already several times winner of the contest in the United States and positioned this year in 2nd and 3rd place wishes to run the competition as did France, which was positioned for his first contest in 4th and 7th place. Spain has not yet ruled on his possible candidacy in 2014.

The nomination of France for 2014 was declared by Mr. Appeared, Secretary of State for Housing, during his visit to the solar village on June 21 Following this statement, Mrs. Baldwin, in charge of the Department of Ecology, Environment, Sustainable Development and the Sea came to Madrid to meet with organizers and American Spanish and to prepare the nomination of France .

In the meeting between Ms. Baldwin, Richard King, organizer of the competition and U.S. Javier Serra Maria Tome, as director of innovation and quality in construction in Spain, and representatives of the two French teams participating jurisdiction following main points:
- Richard King is sensitive to a European proposal for approval of the competition, the organizer and exchange among countries of the Union. He supported the candidacy of France, which already enjoys political support for his candidacy.
- To position themselves for 2014, France must send their applications through a letter of intent for the month of October 2010.
- To organize the contest, you must sign a memorandum with the U.S. Department of Energy.

- France, a novice on the contest will not be a candidate if she won the support of Spain to the organization (proposed joint committee of organization, including the Spanish players have gained experience).

Located Katharinenrieth, a village in Saxony-Anhalt, the plant was fully connected to the network managed by Envia Netz, a network operator in the region last June 24.

The German engineering of ET Solar has supplied all designs and managed the entire implementation of the project, while the production plant to China ET Solar has supplied solar modules.

In a planned lifetime of 30 years, the plant is expected to generate approximately 36 million kWh of electricity and reduction of almost 22 000 tonnes of carbon emissions on the subsidy period (20 years).

“After the power plant of 1.5 MW that we, as a contractor EPC Wattn have delivered last December, this project has solidified our record in providing our clients with turnkey solutions and confirms the bankability Our modular products, especially for projects funded by DKB. Besides outsourcing CPS, we strive to develop the scope of our services in arranging financing in the short and long term investors in choosing which range from front.” She said Dennis, the chairman of ET Solar.

Wattn AG is the sole investor in the project activities through its bottom SunAsset raised publicly.

REFER provides the latest news on energy, analysis, commentary on the various regional energy markets, energy efficiency, regional sustainability, security of energy supply and public policy throughout Europe. But far from being just a publication, the new blog will allow the exchange of views and ideas between politicians, companies, researchers and citizens.

“Global warming is the greatest challenge of our generation and solve it is an opportunity to build a healthy future, sustainable and prosperous. This regional approach and includes extensive discussion of the multiple stakeholders in climate change, making it easier to reach a consensual agenda”, said Michele Sabban, AER President. “I invite all the active forces, politicians, civil society and citizens to unite and enrich this blog to help us improve the implementation of sustainable energy, which will benefit both the regions economy and quality of lives of our citizens.”

“Our goal is to support Europe in fulfilling its ambitious 20-20-20. In addition to offering our extensive portfolio of more efficient energy technologies and environmental concerns, supporting initiatives like this blog seeks to promote the development, growth and creating networks in all areas of energy. We want to encourage debate and share different points of view to increase awareness of what we can do today to build a sustainable future,” said Ricardo Cordoba, president of GE Energy Western Europe and Northern Africa .

REFER is a new joint venture between GE Energy and AER, which in 2009 initiated an innovative collaboration between public and private sectors in the energy sector to combat climate change at regional level. By joining forces now again, AER and GE Energy have created a single gateway in the world of these characteristics.

EAR and GE Energy in April 2010 organized the Day of the Regions of Europe Energy, where regional authorities and European energy experts discussed the energy challenges facing European regions today and their possible solutions. The meeting will be held annually  in Brussels.

More

http://refer.blogactiv.eu

The Ministry of Development released some of the agreements reached at the European forum which had the goal of establishing “mechanisms and means to facilitate coordination and exchange of information on the development and use of alternative fuels and biofuels for aviation in Europe.” There were representatives of civil aviation of the 27 Member States of the European Union, Directorate of Transport of the European Commission, Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and of industry, airlines and manufacturers.

The most important initiative that came out of the forum was the creation of a network to ensure security of energy supply and the environmental improvement of air operations through “diversification of sources of aviation fuel in the field of biofuels” says the note of Development. Spain, through the Ministry of Public Works and EFSA, will lead the coordination of initiatives at European level of the network, by developing a forum to gather all available information and promotes the exchange and sharing between Member States and relevant players in the sector.

Spain has its “biokerosene”
The conclusions of the forum held Tuesday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Development and under the Spanish presidency of the EU, these agreements “will the first steps to address the need for greater coordination in the field European Community and national initiatives undertaken by States, thereby promoting the development and use of alternative fuels in the airline industry.”

In the presentation section of positions and initiatives of each State, the Agency, on behalf of Spain, announced its proposal to develop a national program that includes the production and consumption of “biokerosene” medium term “from a comprehensive view of the implementation of biofuels in aviation.” In addition, bilateral meetings were held with the Italian authorities in order to reach a collaborative agreement to develop biofuels for the same sector.

The Association of European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), in collaboration with Solar Design-Build held recently in Madrid, in the Ministry of Housing, under the framework of the Solar Decathlon, a day aimed at explaining the integration of PV in buildings, which have addressed both the latest market trends in this sector and the regulatory framework and economic force in Spain and other European countries. The day had more than 170 participants, among them architects, installers and representatives of the renewable energy industries and construction.

The integration of photovoltaic solar energy in buildings offers enormous potential for development, both the photovoltaic industry and the various sectors of the construction as well as photovoltaic systems to help improve the energy performance of the building and person electricity production, serve the same function as the traditional materials used in construction as thermal and noise insulation, protection against weather, change of light, etc.

During the day, Virgilio Navarro, Vice President and CEO of EPIA ATERSA, explained that “Spain has a unique opportunity to develop the market for building integrated photovoltaic systems, which also contribute to the achievement of the decentralized nature of the generation of Photovoltaics allow the stimulation of thousands of jobs secured, the local economy, which many would benefit from the construction industry.”

Adel El Gammal, EPIA General Secretary, explained that “it is necessary to introduce favorable conditions throughout Europe to support the widespread deployment of systems integration of photovoltaics in buildings and will have a major impact on the future development of the same in Europe. From 2012 onwards, the EU Member States have to transpose the recently adopted Directive on Energy Performance of Buildings which stipulates that by 2020 all new buildings will be energy consumption buildings near zero. Photovoltaic solar energy will be a key technology to achieve a goal so crucial and ambitious.”

The Britannia which includes three blades of more than 30 tons each should make its appearance in British waters during the next two years.

For Mr Grainger, the project manager at Clipper Windpower Marine, the 10-megawatt machine marks the beginning of a trend growing in the wind industry. “There are no technical constraints to exceed size limits. You just need to make some changes. To obtain more robust pale, for example, you need to incorporate more carbon, but we are still far from 100% carbon”.

However, the wear of metal caused by the stress imposed by the rotation of the blades remains one of the biggest engineering problems that will solve the Britannia team.

Clipper Windpower sea will swallow £ 44 million order to manufacture the turbine, incorporating also the cost of the plant in Newcastle in charge of designing the giant blades. The project will also receive funding of 5 million pounds of the regional development agency.

Another project for offshore wind scale (10 MW) was initiated by Norway in February. This is a concept of floating wind turbine developed by Sway.