Category Archives: Clean Energy

Pilot Energy and Electriq Global Partner to Bring Innovative Hydrogen Powder Technology to Off-Grid Regions in Western Australia

Electriq’s patented solution is circular, in which the only consumables are energy and hydrogen

TIRAT CARMEL, Israel, 6-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Pilot Energy Limited and Electriq Global Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the deployment of Electriq’s proprietary hydrogen powder technology—Electriq Powder and Electriq Release—in off-grid areas of Western Australia, specifically targeting the Mid-West and Gascoyne regions. Electriq Global, an innovator in solid hydrogen carriers, has developed these technologies to enable efficient hydrogen storage, transport, and power generation in ambient, non-pressurized conditions, marking a transformative advancement in energy solutions.

Through this collaboration, Pilot and Electriq aim to evaluate how Electriq’s technologies can facilitate hydrogen transport, storage, and power generation for off-grid energy users in Western Australia, leveraging clean hydrogen produced by Pilot’s Mid-West Clean Energy Project. This partnership opens up new possibilities for distributing Pilot’s hydrogen production to a broader domestic market.

Pilot’s Chairman, Brad Lingo, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, describing Electriq’s hydrogen powder solution as “a perfect fit” for addressing the energy needs of remote, off-grid users. “Our Mid-West Clean Energy Project is ideally positioned to supply clean hydrogen to these regions, and Electriq’s technology greatly enhances the efficiency and accessibility of hydrogen storage and delivery,” Lingo said.

Baruch Halpert, CEO of Electriq Global, noted the synergy between the companies’ goals, emphasizing the potential for Electriq Powder to support low-carbon hydrogen initiatives. “This collaboration offers a unique chance to partner with like-minded innovators to advance the energy transition across Australia,” Halpert remarked.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Vestel and Eneco eMobility partner to bring ultra-efficient EV charging solution to Europe

BERKSHIRE, UK, 15-Mar-2022 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Vestel and Eneco eMobility have announced a new partnership, that is set to make it easier for more drivers across Europe to switch to electric vehicles. Through the installation of Vestel EVC04 Electric Vehicle Chargers in the Benelux region, and Germany, Eneco eMobility can offer its customers a convenient, user-friendly, and ultra-efficient EV charging solution.

While the Vestel EVC04 model simplifies installation and boosts efficiency, Eneco eMobility ensures that every customer can charge on 100% renewable energy.

Offering a safe, fast, and easy way to charge electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug in hybrids (PHEVs), the Vestel EVC04 EV Charger overcomes the usual challenges of installation for homes and small businesses. As well as offering compatibility with three-phase and single-phase power supplies, the 22kW model comes with adjustable power settings between 3,7- 22 kW to suit more installation sites.

When connected to the Eneco OCP management system, the standard EVC04 MID-certified smart charger further maximises energy and cost efficiency, ensuring customers are only ever billed for precisely the amount of electricity used.

IK10 and IP54-rated, both the entry and standard versions are shock-resistant and weather-proof, and safely balance the power consumption, thanks to their dynamic load management feature.

Recently rated highly in a review conducted by the ADAC, Germany’s largest motoring association, the RFID reader-enabled EVC04 model has quickly established global multi-sector technology company, Vestel, as a driving force in electromobility.

The partnership with Eneco eMobility is, according to Turan Erdoğan, Vestel Chief Executive Officer, the next step in realising the company’s ambitious plans to facilitate large scale vehicle electrification: “With Eneco as a partner, we not only have the opportunity to scale up and fulfil demand for a simplified mainstream EV charging solution, but also to further the sustainability goals of individuals and small businesses alike. When installed with Eneco, the EVC04 EV Charger greatly reduces carbon emissions, enabling every customer to support a circular economy through the use of renewable wind and solar energy.”

Leonie Baneke, Eneco eMobility Chief Executive Officer, adds: “Vestel shares our passion for making the transition to electric vehicles seamless and easy, making it a great international partner for us. With the Vestel roll-out of a uniform, adaptable and user-friendly EV charger that is simpler to install, Eneco can support a wider range of small businesses and households, reducing the cost, and complexity of EV charging.”

-ENDS-

Editor’s Notes:

Vestel

Comprised of 28 companies, Vestel Group is a multi-industry manufacturer that operates in consumer electronics, major domestic appliances, professional displays, automotive and battery solutions, and EV Chargers. Testimony to the global importance of Zorlu Holding across multiple technology sectors, Vestel is not only thriving at home in Turkey, but also through a further 10 subsidiaries that have been set up in various other parts of the world. Thanks to its renowned manufacturing and R&D complex, Vestel exports to 158 countries and keeps its position as a global player.

For more information: www.vestelinternational.com

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Chemical hydrogen carriers such as Electriq Fuel are typical circular economy products

AMSTERDAM, 4-Jan-2021 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Electriq Global, a provider of Hydrogen-Rich, Zero-Emissions energy storage and transportation technologies, and GVG Oil Trade B.V., Benelux-wide Petroleum & Petroleum specialty products wholesalers, announced today their plans to develop and implement Electriq Fuel’s Storage, Distribution, and Return Flow logistics. The parties plan to work with Dutch and EU authorities to obtain all the required regulatory approvals and permits to start commercial distribution in early 2022.

Ernst van Gelder, co-founder of GVG, said: “in recent years we have increased our business with low-emissions and environmentally friendly fuels and lubricants. Partnering with Electriq Global will makes us pioneers in zero-emission fuels, and we are excited at the prospects represented by this business”.

Mr. Baruch Halpert, Executive Chairman of Electriq Global, said “GVG Oliehandel BV will provide us with ready access to the entire Benelux markets. Their logistics solutions are a perfect fit with our fuel requirements and give us the ready-made logistics infrastructure that is required for rapid market development.”

The recent recipient of the Dutch Hydrogen Prize 2020 – Erik Middelman Award, Mr. Jan Piet van der Meer, explained “chemical hydrogen carriers such as Electriq Fuel are typical circular-economy products, requiring logistics both for the fresh fuel delivery and for the return of the spent fuel to the hydrogenation plant. GVG is one of the few wholesalers who handle both streams, so this partnership is expected to be very synergetic to both parties.”

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Electriq Global to equip the Staets boats with an Electriq PowerPack using Electriq Fuel

AMSTERDAM, 21-Dec-2020 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Electriq Global, a provider of Hydrogen-Rich, Zero-Emissions energy storage and transportation technologies, and BOOT10 Amsterdam BV, an operator of passenger canal boats, announced today their collaboration plans to equip the Staets boats with an Electriq PowerPack using Electriq Fuel. The technology will be demonstrated in January 2021 on the Staets-I boat.

Mr. Jan Piet van der Meer, the hydrogen economy pioneer who was recently awarded the Dutch Hydrogen Prize 2020 – Erik Middelman Award, commented: “Electriq Global recognized the excellent match between its energy storage technology and the inland navigation sector’s need for a green on-board energy solution, and this application could well become an ice-breaker for the broader adoption of hydrogen and fuel cells in our region and beyond.”

Mr. Baruch Halpert, Executive Chairman of Electriq Global, said “this is a defining event for Electriq – our first footstep in the market – and a very meaningful one for the entire energy transition effort, and for the hydrogen economy in particular. We are developing a robust eco system with the Netherlands at its hub, and we are thrilled to closely collaborate with BOOT10’s innovative and ground-breaking team.”

Casper Wulfers, co-founder of BOOT10, pointed out the energy challenge: “we set out to electrify our Staets boats with solar cells and batteries already in 2014, but that energy is insufficient and we still need a diesel generator for range extending. With Electriq’s PowerPack, we expect to operate our boats with the same freedom and flexibility that we enjoy when using diesel – while operating 100% green.”

SOURCE: EuropaWire

SCEU and NORCE partner over renewable energy and carbon reduction

LONDON, UK / BERGEN, Norway, 21-Oct-2020 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited (SCEU) and the Norwegian research institute, NORCE, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which strengthens the two organisations’ commitment to ongoing collaboration in the fields of renewable energy and carbon reduction. Both organisations have extensive knowledge, resources, expertise and technology in these areas and have identified further opportunities within these fields, which may be mutually beneficial for both parties.

The areas of potential future collaboration include:

  • Environmental, social and corporate governance
  • Hydrogen & energy production and storage
  • Geothermal energy
  • Carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS)
  • Production optimisation
  • Plug and abandonment (P&A)
  • Instrumentation and sensing technologies

Elisabeth Maråk Støle, Chief Executive Officer, NORCE commented: “The areas of collaboration covered by this agreement fit very well with NORCE’s strategy. Furthermore, this agreement with a major international player strengthens the opportunities both in Norway, and also towards the EU. Together we can contribute to the green conversion and to the development of new industries. We became acquainted with SCEU and Sumitomo Corporation through the acquisition of Sekal in 2019, and are very pleased to now expand our collaboration through this agreement on renewable energy and reduced carbon footprint.”

Takashi Yamana, Chief Executive Officer, Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited said, “This MoU is an important development for SCEU and Sumitomo Corporation and I look forward to exploring these exciting opportunities with NORCE in the coming months and years. We are committed to achieving sustainable growth with society and this agreement will further enable us to pursue many of the aims set out in our six material issues, in particular ‘achieving harmony with the global environment’. I very much hope that this agreement represents the beginning of many years of fruitful cooperation with NORCE and leads to many tangible benefits to society.”

SOURCE: EuropaWire

ADVENTURE KINGS SOLAR PANEL RANGE – HOW MUCH POWER DO I NEED?

Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2018-Jan-15 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — When you need to recharge yourself and your 12V system, look no further than an Adventure Kings Solar charging system.

We have pioneered a range that starts from a simple 10W USB solar charger to a fully fledged 250W output array with MPPT Regulation for absolute maximum output to give you the options to power your setup no matter what you take camping with you.

All Adventure Kings Solar panels use Monocrystalline silicone cell construction which is the most efficient panel design available remaining lightweight and compact whilst still outputting effective power for use at home or in the bush.

We have fully standalone systems that include a solar regulator in both hard framed designs or the more flexible folding solar blankets which are excellent for space saving in the back of your vehicle or for emergency use.

We even have a fully customisable 110W Hard mounted system that includes fittings so you can easily and permanently mount it to your vehicle, camper trailer, campervan, caravan or boat with your choice of solar regulator.

We stock both the easy to operate low cost PWM style of regulator that has become the standard across the industry, or you can upgrade to one of our high efficiency, high output MPPT style regulators which gives you up to 30% more efficiency in cloudy or overcast conditions ensuring you get the most out of your solar setup no matter what the weather conditions.

Adventure Kings maintains its reputation for supplying functional camping setups whilst also still offering some of the most affordable solar setups available to the Australian market!

Whatever your 12V setup, Adventure Kings has a Solar charging system to efficiently top up your batteries and run accessories, with zero running costs and zero noise, whilst you kick back and relax and enjoy your favorite campsite in peace and quiet….When you are looking for a solar panel setup, you can’t look past an Adventure Kings Solar setup.

When you’re building a tourer or planning a campsite in your head, solar panels should always be a consideration – they are a source of free, limitless power after all – but how do you know what panel to choose!?

Luckily Adventure Kings has a wide range of panels, that won’t break the bank.

There are two main considerations to make when choosing a solar panel – how much power you use and how much space you have to pack your panel/s.

First, to calculate your requirements, consider how many 12 volt accessories you use at camp.

Generally all electrical products will have a wattage listed (check for a sticker near the power cord) you can use this wattage to calculate the real-time amps the product will use while it’s on. Some products may also list an Amp/Hour rating which simply gives an average on the total amount of amps used per hour the product is turned on. For example, the Adventure Kings 60L fridge/freezer is rated to use less than 1 amp/hour when the interior is set at 5°C and the outside temperature is 32°C.

So let’s work through an example:

You arrive at camp at 6pm on Friday, and it’s 32°C – your fridge is down to temperature at 5°C thanks to being plugged in while you drive and you’re ready for an icy cold beverage while you light the campfire, roll out your swag and set up the awning. Then you set up an Illuminator Strip Light and as the sun sets you turn it on and wind it down for ambient light.

As the temperature drops into the night your fridge will use less power, but every time you open it for a bevvy it has to work to cool back down again, so we’ll assume the fridge is using the rated 0.83Amp/Hours all night and into the morning. 6pm to 8am the fridge has used around 12 amp hours. The Illuminator strip light was on for 5 hours total and uses 0.4A at its low level for a total of 2A

So between 6pm and 8am you used 14 Amps total – whether you have a 98AH or 115AH deep cycle battery you’ve still got plenty of juice.

But throughout the next day your fridge will continue to use power. Between 8am Saturday and 8am Sunday it will use another 24 Amps. Add another 5 hours of strip light use for 2Amps and add in a phone charge using a cig socket USB adapter rated at 12W – that’s another Amp per hour your phone is on charge. In this case your phone is charged in 2 hours so that’s another 2Amps. Plus you use your Thumper to inflate some inner tubes to relax and float in the river – you use your Thumper for 15 minutes. To calculate the amps used per hour, you find the instantaneous power listed on the sticker (45Amps) and because you’ve used it for a quarter of an hour, calculate one quarter of 45. For this example we’ll call it 12Amp/Hours.

So Saturday to Sunday morning 8am you’ve used 40Amp/Hours – combine this with the Friday night total 14Amps and you’re looking at 54Amp/Hours – at this point your Deep cycle battery has used over 55% capacity if you’ve got the 98AH battery, and over 46% capacity if you’re using a 115AH battery.

You’re planning to leave camp at 4pm so the fridge still needs to be powered by your battery for a further eight hours. That’s another 8Amp/Hours, bringing the total weekend use up to 62Amp/Hours. 63% of your 98AH battery and 53% of your 115AH battery – you should definitely add a solar panel to keep those batteries charged!

Now you can look at the output of the different solar panels available.

4WD Supacentre offers a 110W fixed solar panel, a 120W Folding Solar blanket (with PWM regulator) a 160W Folding solar kit (with PWM regulator) and a 250W folding solar panel kit (with PWM regulator). The table below shows their maximum charging amperage (assuming the same PWM regulator for all panels) as well as the estimated total Amp/Hours after 6,8 and 10 hours of sun light.

So even six hours of sunlight on the Saturday and Sunday and your battery will have recharged at least 72A/H with a 110W Fixed Solar Panel (with added PWM regulator.) This would cover your power usage and keep your batteries charged. Of course, this is only a guide and your actual consumption may vary depending on many factors including, but not limited to, the outside temperature, fridge temperature, battery condition, wiring size and condition, solar panel angle and position etc etc.

The second consideration is the amount of space you have in your vehicle – for smaller vehicles, a 120W portable Solar blanket is perfect as it packs down to a compact size and still packs a punch.

For permanent mounting solar panels, the choice is obvious – a 110W fixed solar panel (or two!) These feature a thicker aluminium frame and don’t come with a regulator so you can connect your own, use a DC to DC charger and even connect multiple.

For bigger vehicle where space is less of a priority a 160 or 250 watt folding solar panel is ideal. You can set these at varying angles to catch the sun, and they mean you can park in the shade and have your panel in the sun doing the hard work! They also provide plenty of power for bigger camp setups or hotter conditions where your fridge is working more to keep your drinks cool.

Via EPR Network
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Legislation Currently Being Debated in the 2017 Virginia Assembly Seeks to Correct Federal Injustice and Save Virginia Jobs

Richmond, Virginia, 2017-Jan-19 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — Two Bills introduced into the Virginia General assembly last week raise the hopes of many. Hundreds of Virginians will lose their jobs over the coming months due to inaction on the federal level.

Virginia HB 1891 and SB 1392 seek to remedy the situation.

For years geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and wind turbines were treated as a triad and equally endorsed and supported by the government’s 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. When the Tax Credit was extended in late 2015 for solar and wind it left out Geothermal. Nancy Pelosi and other leaders immediately stated it was a drafting error that would be corrected ASAP. That never happened and we are left wondering, why?

“The government shouldn’t be in the business of picking winners and losers” Virginia Geothermal Heat Pump Association Director Richard Lay said recently. “We compete for the same consumers dollars. When the long standing Federal tax credit was extended last year for solar and wind and geothermal was omitted, we were left with an unfair playing field. Geothermal works better for Virginia than solar or wind. The return on investment is not even close. Side by side we beat them every time, but now our product is $1.00 and theirs is 70¢ and hundreds of people in the VA geothermal industry will lose their jobs because of it.”

Candidates for VA governor in 2017 Republican Senator Frank Wagner (7th district) and Republican Delegate Timothy Hugo (40th district) introduced bills last week to remedy this situation. Whether current state budget deficits keep them from being successful remains to be seen.

Contact-Details:

Virginia Geothermal Heat Pump Association,
12210 Fairfax Town Center Suite 500, Fairfax VA 22033
877-GET-GEO1 (438-4361)
Richard.L@virginiageothermalHPA.org
VirginiaGeothermalHPA.org

Via EPR Network
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TS EMEA to present its propane and LP gas distribution Android app at the 29th World LPG Forum

ts-emea_propane-lp-gas-distribution_europawire

TULSA, OK, 03-Nov-2016 — /EPR ENERGY NEWS/ — TS EMEA, a provider of logistics and mobility software solutions, announced that it will present its NextGen enterprise software at the 29th World LPG Forum & AEGPL Congress on 15-17 November in Florence, Italy. The World LPG Forum serves as both a platform to discuss issues relevant to the LPG industry and as an arena for companies to showcase their latest innovations for a global audience.

TS EMEA, who will be situated in Stand #K8, will be one of roughly 150 propane and LPG vendors exhibiting at the World LPG Forum, a show that will welcome more than 2,000 attendees from 60+ countries. TS EMEA will highlight TouchStar’s propane and LP gas distribution Android application, TransPac LPG, and the company’s integrated telematics and fleet tracking solution, TS FleetWatch.

“TS EMEA is proud to be a part of the World LPG Forum,” said TS EMEA’s General Manager, Robert Pabeschitz, about attending the event. “LPG plays a very significant role as a clean energy source in Europe. TS EMEA is happy to support that role with solutions that are keyed directly to its safe and reliable transport.”

TS EMEA’s goal at the show is to deepen its relationships with the members of the global propane and LP gas distribution industry and to provide increased insight into its propane and LP gas enterprise solutions at the event. At press time, TouchStar’s integrations fleet software is utilized by over 500 companies internationally.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Renewable Home Energy.org Educates and Connects

Renewable energy – if you haven’t noticed, it’s the buzz around the world. We are using an alarming amount of fossil fuels every day; fossil fuels that won’t last forever. Some experts say we will be known as the generation that destroys the earth unless we change our energy behavior now.

“Renewable Energy makes sense from both a financial and a green responsibility” says Todd Sachs, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of www.renewablehomeenergy.org.

“We are committed in educating consumers on how to turn their homes into Renewable Energy Homes. We help by connecting consumers with qualified installers throughout the United States so they can save money on their fast rising energy bills, create more value in their home investment, and join together in reducing dependency on fossil fuels; together reducing the carbon footprint.” Sachs says.

A recent press release from the whitehouse.gov states the following:
“President Obama is committed to an “all-of-the-above” approach that develops all American energy sources in a safe and responsible way and builds a clean and secure energy future. That’s why the President’s plan:

Challenges Americans to double renewable electricity generation again by 2020. In order to double generation from wind, solar, and geothermal sources by 2020, relative to 2012 levels, the President called on Congress to make the renewable energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable, which will provide incentive and certainty for investments in new clean energy. Instead of continuing century-old subsidies to oil companies, the President believes that we need to invest in the energy of the future. During the President’s first term, clean energy tax incentives attracted billions of dollars in private investment in almost 50,000 clean energy projects, creating tens of thousands of jobs. Permanent extension keeps the momentum building, while creating new jobs in clean energy.”

Once Americans realize just how possible it is to remove their home from the grid completely and/or partially, many will turn to clean energy sources such as wind, solar and geothermal for home energy systems. Renewable Home Energy (www.renewablehomeenergy.org) just launched last week and is serving-up a great way to connect homeowners with qualified renewable energy installers throughout the entire United States.

Renewable Home Energy is committed to working with local governments, manufactures and installers to help develop affordable ways for consumers to save money with Renewable Energy to remove them from the grid and reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the usage of the finite fossil fuels.

The process is easy. Just click on www.renewablehomeenergy.org and learn about Renewable Energy for your home. You can also complete a form to connect with a Renewable Energy Installer. You will be contacted by qualified installers in your immediate area. They will review your current energy consumption and suggest the best Renewable Energy alternatives for your home.

There are great tax incentives for you to install renewable energy in your home, and great finance options with 4% or less interest rates for up to 10 year terms for qualified buyers.

Via EPR Network
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Engineering Firm ENERCON Expands U.S. Operations To San Clemente

Enercon Services, Inc. (ENERCON) has added a San Clemente office located at 1201 Puerta Del Sol, to serve Southern California Edison’s (SCE) San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station bringing the total number of ENERCON offices to 25, nationally and internationally.

ENERCON, specializing in environmental, engineering, licensing, technical and management services will be adding additional resources to support its nuclear utility clients as a result of this expansion.

ENERCON President John Richardson said, “Our Power Generation Division is opening an office in San Clemente to support a recently awarded Engineering Services Contract from Southern California Edison Company for its San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. Under this contract, ENERCON will be providing Design Engineering Services in the Civil, Structural, Electrical, Instrument and Control, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering disciplines. The opening of the San Clemente office is our third one in California.  Delivery of high-value services to our clients has continued to facilitate job growth and market expansion.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Reveals Opportunity to Save for SMEs Shutting Down Over Christmas

npower research has revealed more than half (55%) of the nation’s small and medium-sized businesses will be taking an extended break over Christmas by shutting down completely from Christmas Eve until the New Year.

However, more than one quarter (28%) of those planning to shut down have no measures in place to avoid unnecessary energy wastage during the holidays, reveals new research released today from npower.

A significant amount (59%) of SMEs also say they will be reducing their operating hours, but nearly one third (31%) will not be adjusting their building systems to reflect these changes, meaning they could miss out on potential savings.

The research undertaken among more than 300 SMEs across the UK also revealed energy efficiency will increase as a business priority in 2013 for nearly one third (30%) of businesses.

Phil Scholes, SME Markets Director at npower, commented: “We undertook research among SMEs just before Christmas to highlight the opportunities for businesses to save energy. There are some simple measures such as ensuring lights and equipment are switched off and that heating systems are set to reflect the changes in opening hours, which can really make a big difference.

“We’d encourage those SMEs looking to take a break this year to fully embrace this great opportunity to make some savings, and with our research revealing energy efficiency is set to increase as a business priority in 2013, why not get the year off to a good start?”

While a significant number of SMEs do not have plans in place to manage energy waste over the shut down period, some businesses have planned ahead and the research shows that switching off equipment and lights are the most popular energy saving measures for forward-thinking companies. In addition, more than two thirds (69%) of those who will be reducing their operating hours over Christmas said they will change the settings on their building systems such as heating and lighting to reflect these changes, ensuring they will be able to use energy as efficiently as possible.

Phil Scholes continued: “It is great to see some businesses are ensuring they don’t waste energy over the Christmas break. Most organisations can save up to 20 per cent on their fuel bills by better managing their energy use and investing in cost-effective measures, so there is a real opportunity for more SMEs to save in 2013.”

Via EPR Network
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npower Installs Solar Power To Save Carbon

A large-scale project to install solar panels across eight of its key UK sites was completed by npower between April – July 2012.

Approximately 200 photovoltaic panels, which generate a total of 50kW of electricity, were installed at each site by npower’s Business Energy Services division, while battling the wet and windy weather this summer. The installations ensure that the range of buildings, from one of npower’s power stations at Little Barford in St Neots, to one of its main call centres in Houghton-le-Spring, just outside Sunderland, will benefit from reduced carbon emissions.

As solar PV is an ideal renewable energy technology for most buildings, it suited the npower premises which differed in age and location types from urban to rural surroundings and featured varying roof styles.

The new technology will help npower achieve its target of reducing the carbon emissions from its offices by 38% by 2014. It will also allow npower to generate electricity during daylight hours and export any that is unused back to the Grid, thereby saving both energy and costs. The solar PV is already having an impact on the amount of electricity the offices are taking from the Grid for power. Birch House, an npower office in Oldbury in the West Midlands, which houses around 500 employees has already seen a 16% reduction in power used from the Grid when compared to the previous year thanks to the solar PV and other measures implemented across the site.

The installation of solar PV technology is part of the company’s wider commitment toenergy efficiency. Other measures have included the installation of energy efficient air conditioning units, motion sensor lighting and new recycling facilities.

Dave Horton, property sustainability and capital investment manager from npower, commented: “npower is committed to reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint of our sites. This project is designed to help us meet these aims. It is great to see the significant results achieved already at Birch House and across our other sites.

“The comprehensive planning that went into the project was really important to make sure it was completed on time and as efficiently as possible. It was particularly essential as not only did we have to install the solar PV on a variety of buildings and roof styles, we also had to contend with all the elements the great British summer weather threw at us. The project was completed swiftly in less than two weeks and it was crucial disruption was kept to a minimum as the sites were fully operational throughout.”

Via EPR Network
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Columbia Business School Energy Club and the School of International and Public Affairs Energy Association Host the 8th Annual Energy Symposium on Nov. 30th Featuring National and International Energy Experts

The Columbia Business School Energy Club and the School of International and Public Affairs Energy Association will host the 8th Annual Energy Symposium on Nov. 30, 2012. The event brings together industry professionals, students and faculty at Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus in New York City for a day of learning, discussions and networking.

The Symposium will take place at Lerner Hall and features four panel discussions. This year’s panels explore several pertinent industry topics including: how natural gas is shifting energy policy, the financing of energy in a changing regulatory environment, innovation in energy and how China’s emergence is impacting global energy resources. Panelists include representatives from companies such as Schlumberger Business Consulting, A.T. Kearney, GE Energy Financial Services, PFC Energy, McKinsey & Co., Deutsche Bank, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Worldwatch Institute, General Motors and many others.

Keynote speeches will be delivered by Robert Catell, Executive Director and Deputy Chairman of National Grid; Ed Morse, Global Head of Commodities Research of Citigroup, Inc.; as well as Jason Bordoff, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director, Energy and Climate Change for the National Security Council. Following the symposium, a reception will be held at the historic Low Memorial Library. The reception is sponsored by Roland Berger Strategy Consultants. The Columbia University Energy Symposium is proud to partner with Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, GE Energy Financial Services, ConEdison, A.T. Kearney, The Earth Institute, Schlumberger Business Consulting, PFC Energy, the Columbia Business School and Columbia’s School for International and Public Affairs.

Via EPR Network
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npower Reports A £330bn Investment Needed In UK Energy Infrastructure By 2030

The urgent need for up to £330bn of investment in the UK’s energy infrastructure to ensure a secure energy supply, meet carbon emissions reduction targets and protect the UK economy by 2030, is highlighted in a new report from The London School of Economics and Political Science.

The npower Future Report – ‘Energy and the economy: The 2030 outlook for UK businesses’ – reflects upon the need for a balanced focus on economic growth and investment in the energy infrastructure to deliver a low carbon and strong UK economy. It also calls on businesses to act now to ensure they are protected for the future.

Three potential scenarios for the 2030 energy and economic landscape and the implications for UK business are examined in the report; from continued austerity to a sidelining of carbon emissions reduction targets in favour of cheaper energy sources to power the UK and businesses. The report shows how a number of factors will shape what 2030 will mean for UK plc.

Professor Samuel Fankhauser, author of the npower Future Report, Co-Director of the Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at The London School of Economics and Political Science and a member of the Committee on Climate Change, commented: “This report shows how fragile and delicate the equilibrium of factors is for protecting the future of the UK energy industry. A slight change of emphasis in policy, a weakening economic picture or a preference for cheaper energy sources over low carbon energy generation could result in very different operating environments for UK businesses. It is crucial UK businesses take action now to overcome the potential challenges they may face.”

Volker Beckers, CEO of RWE npower, commented: “£200bn by 2020 has been the long-held figure recognised as being key to a secure energy future. However, this report shows that almost the same amount again is needed just 10 years later to provide the right environment to balance cost, carbon and continuity of supply. It is therefore crucial that the UK energy industry, Government and businesses work collaboratively to ensure this level of investment is secured and foundations are set for economic and environmental prosperity by 2030.”

Via EPR Network
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Local Museum Gets Juiced Up With Help From npower

Staff from npower and Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery are celebrating the installation of a new £300,000 biomass boiler; replacing the museums two old, inefficient, oil fired boilers, which had come to the end of their useful life after 20 years of service.

The new biomass boiler is expected to give the museum at least 30 more years of heat and power, as well as saving energy and money.

The new boiler has been jointly financed by the npower Juice fund and Doncaster Council with npower financing over two-thirds of the overall cost. The project has been managed throughout by Doncaster MBC Construction Services Team.

Since the npower Juice fund was launched in 2001, it has raised more than £2 million and the money has helped to support renewable energy and community based projects all over the country. The Juice fund also helped three other community based projects over the summer holidays by installing renewable technologies which include solar panels and another biomass boiler.

To help with the celebrations, npower has invited Woodfield Primary School to the museum for a Climate Cops Academy day and a mini energy treasure hunt. Installing the new biomass boiler will help keep the museum warm and safe for many years, keeping Doncaster’s treasures safe for generations to come.

Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Of the two boilers that were in the museum, one had broken and the other was beyond the end of its economic life, so we are delighted with our new biomass boiler.

“It will help keep the museum powered for many more years to come and enable future generations to enjoy its fantastic exhibitions in warm and comfortable surroundings.”

Matthew Cole, npower’s Project Manager, added: “It’s fantastic that we were able to help Doncaster Museum as it’s a real asset to the community here. Not only will it enable the museum to stay open for at least another 30 years, but it will also save them money.”

Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central said: “It’s fantastic to see Doncaster Museum, npower and the council working together on this project. The new energy-saving measures will provide the museum with years of heat and power using renewable energy.”

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npower Has ‘Grand Designs’ On Saving Energy

Consumers looking to take control of their energy costs will be able to get the latest energy efficiency advice from npower at this year’s Grand Designs Live.

Visitors to Grand Designs will be able to meet with npower’s energy experts, receive energy efficiency advice, discuss what renewable technologies are available to them and sign up to receive more information about the Government’s new Green Deal initiative, as it progresses.

npower is inviting visitors to the stand to learn more about how to create a warmer home, including how the Green Deal might help them to achieve this. The aim of Green Deal is to revolutionise the energy efficiency of British properties and reduce carbon emissions. With the Green Deal, households will be able to receive finance in the form of a loan, to help pay for energy efficiency improvements, such as loft, cavity or solid wall insulation. It works on a ‘pay as you save’ principle allowing consumers to repay the loan in instalments via their energy bill. As well as avoiding potentially large up front costs, which can be a massive barrier, consumers can take comfort in the knowledge that repayments should not exceed the estimated savings on their energy bills – the so called ‘Golden Rule’.

Visitor’s who sign up to receive more information about the Green Deal and request an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their home from npower, will automatically be entered into a free prize draw for up to £5,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements.

David Titterton, npower’s Director of ECO and Green Deal Delivery said: “Saving energy for consumers is key to running a successful energy services business. There are significant changes to government legislation taking place which, in principle, should make access to key energy saving improvements easier for everyone. The Green Deal is a fundamental shift in the way that people can finance energy efficiency improvements for their home.

“While the final details are still being worked on, we want to encourage as many people as possible to find out more about the Green Deal and energy efficiency. So why not come down to Grand Designs and visit us at our stand.”

Grand Designs Live is taking place until October 14th at the NEC and is the UK’s leading home show. The event will have over 500 exhibitors, across six different sections, covering interiors, gardens, home improvement, renovations and technology. Visit npower on stand B550.

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RWE npower announces opening of Pembroke Power Station

RWE npower has announced that its 2000MW flagship power station in Pembroke is now fully commercially available. RWE now operates the largest and most efficient gas-fired power station fleet, as well as the largest renewable energy portfolio, in Britain

A group of officials and industry leaders joined John Hayes MP, Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Peter Terium, Chief Executive Officer, RWE AG,and Stephen Crabb MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales to open the new Pembroke Power Station at a ceremony at the site.

The £1 billion state-of-the-art station is one of Europe’s largest and most efficient combined cycle gas turbine plants. At 2000MW, it will have an important role to play in the UK’s energy supply, able to respond quickly to the market to provide a highly flexible and reliable source of energy to over 3.5 million households.

Volker Beckers, Group Chief Executive Officer, RWE npower, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Pembroke Power Station into our portfolio of operational plants. This addition means RWE npower now has the largest and most efficient gas portfolio as well as the largest fleet of renewable energy technologies in the country.”

Minister of State for Energy, John Hayes MP, said: “The opening of Pembroke Power Station is great news for our energy security.

“Every new power station built is a real strategic asset for our economy. This billion-pound investment will play a vital role in our energy mix, providing a flexible, reliable energy supply for homes and businesses across the country.”

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb said: “As a Pembrokeshire resident and MP, I have been fortunate enough to see first-hand how the strong collaboration of RWE npower, local businesses and the wider community has led us to where we are today. I am delighted to be here to see all that hard work come to fruition.

“Apart from the long-term jobs this state-of-the-art facility will create, it will also play a significant role in promoting the wider economic development of the local community – and Wales as a whole – for generations to come.

“With the ever-increasing demand for energy production, the UK needs new sources of power generation. I have no doubt that this facility will play a vital role in maintaining the UK’s energy supplies for the future and make its own contribution to creating economic prosperity for Wales.”

Control of the final unit of Pembroke was handed over to the station team last week, marking the end of over three years of construction, in which over 10,000 contractors worked 7.4 million man hours to complete the state-of-the-art facility. The opening ceremony was also a chance to thank all of the people have been involved in the successful construction of the plant for their commitment and hard work.

RWE has invested over £1 billion a year into the UK over the past few years. As well as the £1 billion Pembroke station and the £650 million gas-fired Staythorpe power station which opened last year, RWE is also the UK’s leading investor in renewable technologies, with more installed renewable capacity and more investment than any other major energy company in the past five years.

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npower Urges Businesses To Plan Ahead For Winter Energy Management

npower is advising large energy users to start planning their winter energy management strategy now to ensure they are well prepared to take control of their energy costs.

One key step businesses can take is to put systems in place to better manage Triads and the transmission fees that result from them.

Each year, three half-hour periods of peak energy demand, known as Triads, are called by the National Grid, and the demand in these periods is used to set transmission fees (TNUoS), which can be part of energy bills. Triads fall between November and February, usually between 5-6pm during cold weather spells, when industrial demand coincides with the high domestic tea-time period.

However, businesses that have TNUoS as a pass-through charge on their bill can actively manage their consumption, and therefore their costs, during these times as part of anbusiness energy management strategy. npower offers a Triad warning service for customers, issuing a prediction of when a Triad period is likely to occur a day in advance so that businesses can make an informed choice on how to manage their consumption and reduce the impact of National Grid fees. Businesses can estimate how much they could save by responding to Triad warnings using npower’s free Triad savings calculator tool athttp://bit.ly/TriadCalculator.

Wayne Mitchell, npower’s industrial and commercial markets director, added:
“We’re always working to help businesses take control of their energy costs, and planning to manage Triads is a key part of an integrated energy strategy. npower not only issues Triad warnings a day in advance, to enable businesses to incorporate any measures into their usual energy management plans, but our online savings calculator can also help businesses work out the cost benefits of signing up to the warning service.

“npower has offered a triad warning service for over 15 years and has an excellent track record for accuracy. We would urge businesses to sign up as soon as possible, so they have the alerts in place before the cold weather begins. Only then they will be able to take full advantage of the benefits offered.”

For more information on npower’s Triad warning service and how your organisation can save money visit www.npower.com/triad.

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npower Reveals iPod Generation Makes Up 40% Of All UK Volunteers

Npower has released new research which reveals 18-24 year olds are the most likely age group to give up their free time to help in their community with 85% willing to commit time to voluntary projects.

The study of 2,000 people, carried out by one of Britain’s leading energy providers, npower, shows that the iPod generation is holding up David Cameron’s vision for the Big Society, as 40% of people in this age group say they have volunteered recently compared to just one in six older adults. 41% of Brits who claim to have volunteered did so when they were under 24.

The research reveals Britain’s youth are charity champions with half of all 18-24 year olds saying that everyone should volunteer at least once in their lifetime, compared to just 38% of other ages. Putting their elders to shame, 42% of over 55s, the age group most associated with voluntary work, have never volunteered.

Despite a perceived desire to help, with 60% of all Brits saying that volunteering is important, more than one in four people aged 25-65 say they have no interest in volunteering.

This lack of action is perhaps not surprising as more than half (56%) of those questioned think people in full time employment have busier lives than those of previous generations. A staggering 60% of Brits say work commitments, their employer, or lack of time, is preventing them from getting involved in their community, whilst a third (36%) are holding off until they retire.

Bev Frain from UK volunteering charity, CSV, explained: “npower’s survey highlights that Britain’s youth are not worthy of their bad reputation and actually need to be applauded for the work they are doing. However, the research also highlights a gap in Britain’s voluntary sector, where people of working age haven’t volunteered since they were younger, citing ‘lack of time’ as the main obstacle for not getting involved.

“There is a significant appetite for volunteering in the UK and that’s why it’s important that businesses like npower encourage volunteering through the workplace and get other age groups involved. In fact, grouping together with colleagues can be the easiest way to make a big difference without committing a huge amount of time.

“Spending just one day a year supporting a local community group, or half an hour a week mentoring young people or helping primary school children improve their literacy and numeracy skills makes a huge difference to the lives of others without taking up too much time. There’s a tremendous reservoir of skill, talent and energy out there, and we want to empower people and businesses to maximise these skills to help others.”

A survey of npower volunteers in 2011 revealed that 96% of those who had taken part said they felt they had made a difference and 83% felt more positive about working for the company. Meanwhile, 74% said they’d feel more motivated at work in the future.

For more about volunteering, visit www.csv.org.uk

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npower Reveals UK Homes Turning Up The Heat This Summer

Npower research has revealed that many homes across the UK resorted to switching their heating on to deal with this summer’s unseasonal weather.

Findings from energy company npower reveal that 50% of UK homes had used some form of heating in the last four weeks, and this figure rose to 58% for residents over 55 years of age. With the summer weather yet to make an appearance and boiler systems usually switched off in spring still in operation, npower is encouraging Brits to ensure their boilers are operating efficiently and safely.

To help homeowners keep their heating systems in good working order, npower has launched a combined energy tariff and central heating care package, meaning that new customers signing up to the Bill Saver energy tariff can take advantage of discounted central heating care.

Npower’s new offer combines the Bill Saver tariff, which offers annual charges discounted at 7%* until August 2013, with an exclusive central heating care offer, only available to new dual fuel customers taking this tariff.

Npower’s central heating care includes unlimited callouts as well as parts and labour**. The service also includes an annual boiler service and safety check giving homeowners peace of mind that everything is operating efficiently and safely. An additional bonus is that npower’s central heating care has no call out charges.

David Bond, Customer Marketing Manager at npower, commented: “The weather over the last couple of months has seen many people in the UK reaching for the heating controls and so it’s important that heating systems are well maintained so they are ready to spring into action when needed.

“Signing up to a central heating care product now will keep systems protected over the summer and, crucially, ensures that come winter residents have access to a team of qualified engineers and a 24/7 helpline should anything go wrong. This is a limited offer so we’re encouraging homeowners to sign up now to take advantage of our Bill Saver tariff and our cheapest central heating care together.”

Npower’s central heating care offer is available until 30th July 2012. For more information please contact 0800 229 999 or visit www.npower.com.

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