ISSUE 88 | JUNE 15
Super-efficient solar
PROF. NICK ROWLEY BATTLE OF THE PHANTOM HEALTH ON DECEMBER’S BATTERIES: LITHIUM-ION EFFECTS OF WIND 60 PARIS TALKS 18 VS LEAD-ACID 54 TURBINES EXPLAINED EcoGeneration layout 02.2015_high res.pdf 1 2/12/2014 11:37 am
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5/2 Railway Parade, Lidcombe, NSW 2141 Tel: +61 1300 134 793; +61 (0) 2 9643 7788 Email: [email protected] www.samilpower.com CONTENTS ISSUE 88 | JUNE 2015 REGULARS 12 From the Editor...... 6 News in brief...... 8 Clean energy market wrap...... 10 Advertisers’ Index/Coming in future editions...... 80 Calendar of events...... 80 STORAGE DeGrussa Solar Project to transform hybrid power generation...... 12 Battle of the batteries: lithium-ion vs lead-acid...... 18 A roadmap for the future of storage...... 22 SOLAR 18 Perfect focus: RayGen’s world-beating CSPV...... 26 Global logistics company chooses solar ...... 34 SMART GRIDS The smart grid revolution ...... 40 Smart grid developments in Europe...... 44 WIND Yesterday’s permit, today’s technology ...... 46 Stay engaged and informed to progress wind projects...... 50 Phantom health effects of wind turbines explained ...... 54 CEC Wind Industry Forum hailed a “roaring success”...... 58
ISSUE 88 | JUNE 15
Super-efficient solar COVER IMAGE: Melbourne’s RayGen Resources has opened a pilot facility in Newbridge, central Victoria, demonstrating its high-efficiency concentrated solar PV technology. Turn
PROF. NICK ROWLEY BATTLE OF THE PHANTOM HEALTH ON DECEMBER’S BATTERIES: LITHIUM-ION EFFECTS OF WIND 60 PARIS TALKS 18 VS LEAD-ACID 54 TURBINES EXPLAINED to page 26.
Published by Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, by providing editorial material to Great Southern Press Pty Ltd Great Southern Press (GSP), including text and images, you are providing ACN: 005 716 825 | ABN: 28 096 872 004 permission for that material to be subsequently used by GSP, whole or in part, GPO Box 4967, VIC 3001, Australia edited or unchanged, alone or in combination with other material in any Tel: +61 3 9248 5100 | Fax: +61 3 9602 2708 publication or format in print or online or howsoever distributed, whether Email: [email protected] produced by GSP and its agents and associates or another party to whom GSP Website: www.ecogeneration.com.au has provided permission. ISSN: 1447-2309 This magazine is available to interested parties throughout Australia and overseas. The magazine is also available by subscription. The publisher welcomes editorial contributions from interested parties, however, the publisher and the Average Net Distribution 6,926 Editorial Board accept no responsibility for the content of these contributions Period ending September 2014 and the views contained therein are not necessarily those of the publisher or of the Editorial Board. The publisher and the Editorial Board do not accept responsibility for any claims made by advertisers. www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 3 / Perfect Welding / Solar Energy / Perfect Charging continued 26 CONTENTS
INDUSTRY UPDATE The Road to Paris...... 60 EVENTS All-Energy Australia set to be bigger than ever in 2015...... 64 Leading the energy transformation...... 66 COMPANY NEWS Senvion’s solutions for the wind market...... 68 Solar storage: a commercial imperative?...... 72 34 SolaX Power delivers for PGK Distribution...... 74 JA Solar modules pass industry’s toughest corrosion test...... 75 Disruptive technology, guaranteed...... 76 APS YC1000 microinverter enters the Australian market...... 77 JinkoSolar looks to grow ...... 78 Yingli Solar tackles awkward angles on Australian rooftops...... 79
Editor Lucy Rochlin Associate Editor Sonia Nair Senior Journalist Anthony Holden Access the Journalist Emma McDonald Sales Manager Tim Thompson digital edition of Senior Account Managers Brett Thompson Michael Villanti EcoGeneration Design Managers Bianca Botter Katrina Rolfe Access EcoGeneration in our new Data Manager/Analyst Gareth Weaver digital format, as well as in print. Go to Publisher Zelda Tupicoff ecogeneration.com.au/magazines Follow us on Twitter @EcoGenMag MORE PROFIT IS POSSIBLE.
ISSUE 88 | JUNE 15 NOW THAT WE‘ VE LAUNCHED
EcoGeneration is printed on BehaviouR paper. BehaviouR Super-efficient paper is 30–55 per cent recycled, is elemental chlorine solar THE SNAPINVERTER GENERATION. free and is manufactured in an ISO 14001 and PEFC- certified mill. BehaviouR paper also contains premium white waste paper, reducing matter going into landfill.
PROF. NICK ROWLEY BATTLE OF THE PHANTOM HEALTH Be different. Be profitable. With the Fronius SnapINverter generation we are setting new standards in ON DECEMBER’S BATTERIES: LITHIUM-ION EFFECTS OF WIND 60 PARIS TALKS 18 VS LEAD-ACID 54 TURBINES EXPLAINED securing system uptime, optimising the cost of solar energy and providing flexible, future proof platforms. Available now: Fronius Galvo - Manage your energy (1.5 - 3.1 kW, 1-phase), Fronius Symo - Smarter, lighter, more flexible (3.0 - 20.0 kW, 3-phase),
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Inserat_Technologie_NEU_A4_EN.indd 1 11.06.2014 08:36:06 EDITORIAL FROM THE EDITOR
s Tesla’s founder Elon Musk speaks of his actually achieve its purpose of curbing Avision to use affordable storage to take emissions growth. “a critical step in [the] mission to enable zero In the absence of leadership at the emission power generation”, Australian Federal level, Australia’s states and renewable energy policy is taking a step in the territories have agreed to work together on opposite direction. climate change. Representatives from seven After an 18 month saga, the original jurisdictions met in Adelaide in May to EcoGeneration Editor Lucy renewable energy target of 41,000 GWh is set discuss collaboration, and large-scale Rochlin. to be cut by one third. While any deal will be renewable energy projects in particular. better than the continuation of a multi-billion- They also received a briefing from the dollar investment freeze, the cut to the RET Executive Secretary of the United Nations makes Australia not just the only country in Framework Convention on Climate Change, the world to repeal a price on carbon, but also Christiana Figueres, who highlighted that both the only country that is reducing rather than OECD and developing countries are committing increasing its renewable energy ambitions. to ambitious emissions reductions targets Meanwhile, the first Emissions Reduction ahead of the Paris Climate Conference in 2015. Fund auction has taken place. As the Climate The Government is expected to submit its Institute’s John Connor observed, the auction proposed target in July. Will it take on the represents a decision to shift the Climate Change Authority’s recommendation responsibility for emissions reduction from to commit to a 2025 target of 30 per cent the polluter to the taxpayer. The auction below 2000 emissions levels, or continue to spent more than a quarter of the fund’s buck the global trend? The renewable energy $2.55 billion budget on 47 million tonnes of industry will not be holding its breath. carbon abatement, and it’s unclear what will happen if the fund is exhausted before its emissions goals are met. It’s also unclear if the scheme’s Safeguard Mechanism – designed to set a baseline Lucy Rochlin for polluters – will be robust enough to Editor
THE ECOGENERATION EDITORIAL BOARD
Peter Castellas Kane Thornton Simon Troman Rob Murray-Leach Ric Brazzale Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, IT Chief Executive Officer, President, REC Agents Carbon Market Institute Clean Energy Council Power Australia Energy Efficiency Council Association Peter Castellas leads the Kane Thornton is the Chief Simon Troman’s Rob Murray-Leach is the In addition to his REC Agents Carbon Market Institute in its Executive of the Clean comprehensive experience in founding Chief Executive of Association role, Ric Brazzale role in catalysing and driving Energy Council. Kane has clean energy includes hands- the Energy Efficiency Council, is the Managing Director of the growth of the Australian over a decade’s experience in on construction, development the Australian peak body for Green Energy Trading and the carbon market. Throughout energy policy and leadership and research work through to energy efficiency, demand Director of Green Energy his 20-year career, Mr in the development of the government programs and management and Markets, and has more than Castellas has worked at the clean energy industry. He has aid projects. Mr Troman is cogeneration. He has worked 30 years’ experience in the leading edge of the advocated for and helped Chair of the Ocean Energy in energy, climate change and energy sector. Mr Brazzale sustainable development design the policies that have Industry Association, and was behaviour for over a decade, was previously the Executive agenda and in an advisory been critical to the clean previously on the boards of and was formerly part of the Director of the Business capacity for leading energy industry’s growth, and the Australian Solar Council Garnaut Climate Change Council for Sustainable corporations, governments continues to be an active and Frontier Solar. Review and the Prime Energy following his role as a and financial institutions. political advocate, public Minister’s Task Group on founding EcoGeneration presenter and spokesperson Energy Efficiency. Editor with the Australian for the clean energy industry. EcoGeneration Association.
6 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au NEWS IN BRIEF NEWS IN BRIEF
CCA RECOMMENDS TESLA ENTERS THE WIND FARMS FOR 30 PER CENT STORAGE MARKET QUEENSLAND, SOUTH EMISSIONS TARGET AUSTRALIA AND lectric car maker Tesla has made a bold foray into the Eenergy storage market, unveiling a range of batteries for VICTORIA he Climate Change Authority (CCA) has released the first homes, businesses, and utilities that it says will “help wean the Tdraft of its Special Review report, Australia’s Future world off fossil fuels”. Emissions Reduction Targets, recommending a national 2025 The products, which include a low-cost domestic system proposed wind farm in the Atherton target of 30 per cent below 2000 emissions levels. called Powerwall, were launched by company founder and tech ATablelands in Far North Queensland The Special Review was requested by the Minister for the mogul Elon Musk in California on April 30. has received state government approval, Environment to advise the Federal Government’s emissions The Powerwall is a lithium-ion battery designed to be following more than four years of delays RET NEGOTIATIONS reduction target negotiations. The Government is expected mounted inside a garage or an outside wall, and is available in and dispute. to announce Australia’s targets by mid-2015, in preparation both a 7 kWh model (optimised for daily use applications) and a The 225 megawatt (MW) Mount Emerald Wind Farm near for international climate change discussions in Paris in 10 kWh model (optimised for backup applications). Mareeba would be the biggest wind farm in the state, with the FREEZE RENEWABLES December 2015. Both models can be ‘stacked’ in a series of up to eight units potential to power around 75,000 homes for over 20 years. Countries that have already announced their emissions for those with greater power needs, and come with a guarantee The 63-turbine development is a joint venture between RATCH INVESTMENT reductions targets are the United States (28 per cent of ten years. Australia and Port Bajool Pty Ltd. reduction at 2025, relative to 2005) and the European Union A 100 kWh product for utility scale systems called ‘Powerpack’ While the project remains subject to further approval, including (40 per cent reduction 2030, relative to 1990). China has was also announced. Designed to help utilities smooth out their from Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt, the Palaszczuk loomberg New Energy Finance’s analysis revealed that new also announced its target – that emissions will stop increasing supply of renewable energy, as well as create a more efficient, Government is confident it will deliver benefits for the state. Binvestment in Australian large-scale renewable energy by 2030. resilient energy grid, Tesla said that the system can be grouped Meanwhile, three new wind farms will be built in Victoria and projects has remained at a stand-still due to the unresolved RET, to scale from 500 kWh to 10 MWh or more. South Australia as a result of the ACT Government’s wind energy reporting that large-scale investment has decreased 90 per reverse auction. cent in the 12 months to 31 March 2015. The three winning projects were: The battle over Australia’s Renewable Energy Target (RET) • The Ararat Wind Farm, an 80.5 MW wind farm to be developed inched closer to a resolution in the first half of 2015. FIRST EMISSIONS REDUCTION FUND by RES Australia west of Ballarat, Victoria At the time or writing, the two major parties had agreed to a • The Coonooer Bridge Wind Farm, a 19.4 MW wind farm to be 33,000 GWh target, but Labor had rejected the Government’s REVERSE AUCTION developed by Canberra company Windlab Limited west of conditions of continuing a biennial review of the target, and Bendigo, Victoria including wood waste from native forests. • The Hornsdale Wind Farm, a 100 MW wind farm to be For up to date information on the RET negotiations and developed by Neoen south-east of Port Augusta in the impacts for the renewable energy industry, go to he first Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) auction for Carbon Abatement Contracts was held on Wednesday 15 and Thursday South Australia. www.ecogeneration.com.au T16 April 2015. 107 Carbon Abatement Contracts were awarded, committing to deliver a total of over 47 million tonnes of abatement. The total value of contracts awarded was $660 million, representing over a quarter of the ERF’s $2.55 billion budget. The average price per tonne of abatement was $13.95. The Carbon Abatement Contracts were awarded to 43 contractors covering 144 projects. The majority applied under sequestration ARENA ANNOUNCES R&D GRANTS methods, and landfill and alternative waste treatment methods.
n April, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) announced up to $20 million for a new research and development (R&D) Iround dedicated to industry-partnered projects that seek to develop and commercialise renewable energy technologies. GOVERNMENT RELEASES ENERGY WHITE “This round will support industry and research partnerships to deliver R&D projects with practical applications and commercially-oriented outcomes that integrate renewable energy into networks, buildings and industrial processes,” Mr Frischknecht said. PAPER; INDUSTRY RESPONDS Projects must address one or more of the following four key technology focus areas: • Balance of System (BoS) cost reduction (either on-grid or off-grid) • Integration and high penetration of renewables into networks (either on-grid, off-grid or mini-grids) • Integration of renewable energy for industrial process (excluding electricity generation) ndustry groups have responded to the release of the Australian Government’s Energy White Paper. • Integration of renewable energy into buildings or building materials. The White Paper outlines the Government’s National Energy Productivity Plan, which it says will deliver up to 40 per cent improvement in I Up to $20 million is available, and grants are typically $500,000 – $5 million, with no individual grant to exceed $10 million. Expressions energy productivity, reduce household and business energy costs and encourage economic growth, as well as helping to reduce emissions. of interest are open until 3 July 2015. While the Energy Efficiency Council welcomed Government’s decision to make energy productivity a priority, the Climate Institute responded to the release, expressing disappointment in the Energy White Paper. John Connor, CEO of the Climate Institute, said, “There’s an extraordinary gap between the government’s rhetoric on improving investment in energy and wilfully ignoring the biggest deterrent to investment – uncertainty about Australia’s long-term plan to decarbonise.” CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT EDITION OF ECOGENERATION? »» The latest in policy The Energy Supply Association of Australia (esaa) considers the White Paper incomplete as it does not tackle climate change policy. »» project updates Matthew Warren, esaa Chief Executive, said “the impact of climate change policy is integral to shaping the strategic direction and Sign up for the FREE weekly newsletter at ecogeneration.com.au/newsletter »» industry news bankability of the [energy] industry.” and check out our new website at ecogeneration.com.au
8 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 9 INDUSTRY UPDATE INDUSTRY UPDATE
CLEAN ENERGY MARKET WRAP
Marco Stella is Senior Broker, Environmental Markets at TFS Green Australia. The TFS Green Australia team provides project and transactional environmental market brokerage and data services across all domestic and international renewable energy, energy efficiency and carbon markets. This information has been provided by TFS Green and relates, unless otherwise indicated, to the spot prices in New South Wales’ Energy Savings Certificate market also received some Australian dollars, as of 27 April 2015. much anticipated news, with the release of the Baird Government’s Marco Stella, scheme review. Senior Broker TFS Green Australia.
DOMESTIC
Creation Spot Price ($AU) that point the market lost ground steadily to 1 YEAR DAILY CLOSING SPOT LGC PRICE fall below the $46 level late in April. LGC - Large-scale Generation Certificates 150,499,006 45.65 The softening spot price came as the $/MWh major parties failed to conclude a deal to 51.00 STC - Small-scale Technology Certificates 132,841,358 39.95 48.00 reduce the scheme’s target. Across April the 45.00 Coalition refused to move off its position of VEEC - Victorian Energy Efficient Certificates 26,035,544 19.20 42.00 32,000 GWh, while Labor confirmed that it 39.00 ESC - NSW Energy Savings Certificates 11,564,897 17.55 would abide by the renewable industry 36.00 body’s 33,500 GWh target. Despite being the 33.00 equivalent of one major project apart, a deal 27.00 INTERNATIONAL had not been reached by late April. 24.00 21.00 Dec 2015 Price (€) Dec 2015 Price ($AU) 27 Apr 14 27 Jun 14 27 Aug 14 27 Oct 14 27 Dec 14 27 Feb 15 27 Apr 15 ENERGY EFFICIENCY MARKET EUA - European Emission Allowances 7.32 10.45 Across March and April in the Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificate (VEEC) market, a pricing differential for 2014 and 2015 VEECs was present in the spot market, with ENERGY EFFICIENCY DAILY CLOSING SPOT PRICE SMALL-SCALE TECHNOLOGY 1 YEAR DAILY CLOSING SPOT STC PRICE the 2014 vintage generally attracting circa CERTIFICATE (STC) MARKET $0.50 more than the 2015 certificates, until $/tCO2-e
In the STC market the list of pundits that had $/MWh 2014 buyers disappeared in mid-April. With 24.00 ESC predicted the clearing of the Clearing House 40.00 surrender for 2014 underway, the scheme 22.00 VEEC is long, with several having incorrectly done 39.50 administrator further outlined its plans for 20.00 so on close to half a dozen times over the 39.00 consultation on the expansion of the scheme 18.00 years. Yet April 2015 finally saw the event 38.50 beyond 2015. As part of this process it 16.00 take place in the lead up to Q1 2015 38.00 modelled several target scenarios including 14.00 37.50 compliance. By month’s end, not only had the 5.8m for the period 2014–2018, 6.2m for the 12.00 37.00 immensely patient (or perhaps forgetful) period 2016–18 and 5.8m for the period 10.00 36.50 legion of individuals waiting in the queue 2016–20. While it remains unclear whether 8.00 36.00 27 Apr 14 27 Jun 14 27 Aug 14 27 Oct 14 27 Dec 14 27 Feb 15 27 Apr 15 been cleared, the Clearing House moved into 27 Apr 14 27 Jun 14 27 Aug 14 27 Oct 14 27 Dec 14 27 Feb 15 27 Apr 15 any of the above targets will be adopted, the deficit by over 1m STCs. scenarios were viewed as a generally The extent of the Clearing House outcome positive sign for the future of the industry in 2015 WEEKLY STC SUBMISSIONS in Q1 surprised many, given that a surplus of Victoria. By late April, the spot VEEC market . circa 1m STCs still remains. The 1m deficit 000s STCs sat at $19.20. annum out to 2018. An increase to the number meant that by late April, there were 600 New South Wales’ Energy Savings scheme’s shortfall penalty to just shy of $30 Weekly Submisisons still circa 2m STCs being held by scheme 500 Certificate (ESC) market also received some was also proposed. Participants had less than participants that were not surrendered. Subs required by 2015 STP to avoid reduction of current surplus much anticipated news, with the release of a month to respond to the options paper, 400 the Baird Government’s scheme review, as with the government to hand down LARGE-SCALE GENERATION 300 well as an options paper that outlines a its final position by midyear. The ESC market CERTIFICATE (LGC) MARKET preferred position for the expansion of the traded sporadically across March and April, 200 The glorious start to the year in the LGC scheme. Grabbing most of the attention was generally confined to the $17.00-$17.50 market continued across March with the spot 100 the target, which is proposed to increase range. By late April, with the final date for market surpassing the $50 mark in intra-day 0 from 5 per cent in 2015 to 7 per cent in 2016, 2014 compliance looming, the market sat trade in the middle of the month. Yet from 05 Jan 15 05 Mar 15 05 May 15 05 Jul 15 05 Sep 15 05 Nov 15 with a further 0.5 per cent increase per at $17.55.
10 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 11 final sky with crop.pdf 1 8/05/2015 10:37 am
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Once completed, the DeGrussa Solar Project will be one of the largest integrated off-grid solar power systems in the world. EcoGeneration talks to juwi Managing Director Andrew Drager about the challenges of constructing a remote hybrid energy system in Australia.
arlier this year, juwi Australia signed an that track the sun and a 6 MW battery. It will Eagreement with Sandfire Resources to be constructed on 20 hectares of land near construct a 10.6 MW solar power station at the site of the current underground mine and a Sandfire’s DeGrussa Copper Mine in Western 1.5 MMt/a concentrator. Australia. The agreement will be structured Additionally, it will be fully integrated with to maximise the consumption of lower cost the existing 20 MW diesel-fired power station solar power, and therefore reduce reliance at DeGrussa, meaning the diesel power on diesel. station will continue to provide base-load The innovative $40 million project – which power to the DeGrussa mine, so it has will involve construction of the largest sufficient minimum load to ensure it can integrated off-grid solar power system in respond quickly to meet the power Australia and the world – has the potential to requirements of the process plant and establish DeGrussa as an industry leader in underground mine. the use of renewable power for mining and Mr Drager says juwi Australia is excited to processing operations. work with Sandfire Resources NL and
IMAGE: The open pit at The solar power station will utilise a 10.6 MW Kalgoorlie Power Systems to supply low-cost the DeGrussa Mine. solar array, comprising 34,080 solar PV panels renewable energy to the mine.
12 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au STORAGE The S lar Warehouse
A Matrix Solar 250w Poly (0.68c/w) – SILVER FRAME PANEL
Matrix Solar Onyx 250w Mono (0.74c/w) – ALL BLACK PANEL
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“Sandfire Resources is an innovative although there are a few obstacles that have company in its approach to the discovery, hindered its widespread adoption in Australia. production and sale of copper. Fortunately for According to him, these issues include: the industry, it is also focused on minimising • Equipment costs – batteries, solar panels, its environmental impact, which makes the and inverters “Sandfire Resources is project a prime candidate for such an • Installation costs – construction procedures an innovative company innovative renewable energy system,” and processes Mr Drager says. • Low-cost financing – non-recourse debt in its approach to the Matrix SolarBean Inverters He explains that the two key aspects of • Fossil fuel subsidies – diesel ($0.38/kWh discovery, production project negotiations were to ensure there was fuel tax rebate) versus renewable energy 2kw $549 3kw $599 no risk to the mine operation and to provide a (taxed equipment and labour) and sale of copper.” sufficient commercial benefit to Sandfire. • Sustainability focus – CO emissions and 2 4kw $$749 5kw $849 “juwi will undertake the construction and social responsibility. – ANDREW DRAGER, JUWI operation of the 10.6 MW solar plus 6 MW “Many of these aspects are now improving, battery facility, allowing Sandfire to remain thereby making renewable off-grid solar *All prices excluding GST. focused on their core business of developing power systems more commercially and and operating high-quality resource assets. environmentally viable,” Mr Drager says. The solar PV system will provide the majority of daytime electricity to substantially reduce PROJECT CONSIDERATIONS the mine’s dependence on imported diesel.” With construction on Degrussa due to A: An artist’s impression commence shortly, juwi faced many of solar panels next to the 19 MW diesel power CHALLENGES OF HYBRID ENERGY technical challenges that were unique to station SYSTEMS designing a utility scale renewable energy Mr Drager says Australia has always been a system with a full diesel-off mode capability B: 19 MW diesel power station at the DeGrussa world leader in hybrid energy systems, for a remote mine. Mine. phone: 02 8798 9263 email: [email protected] 14 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au
The_Solar_Warehouse_A4_ad.indd 1 31/03/2015 2:03 pm STORAGE
Mr Drager says juwi had to take into account the following considerations: • A short-term power purchase agreement to Commercial match the minimum mine life • High installation and logistical costs for a Solar that means site 150 km from the nearest town • 20 per cent fall in the Australian dollar since the process began business • The fact that a high portion of solar production is curtailed to ensure grid
stability challenge of reducing CO2 emissions and • Extremely hard soil and rock throughout potentially reducing our operating costs in the project site. the long run. Superior project economics. “It has the capacity to significantly reduce SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP our medium and long-term power costs, “This project is entirely Increased energy harvest. Higher BETWEEN RENEWABLE ENERGY especially with further extensions of the system availability. Lower material AND RESOURCES mine life of the DeGrussa Project.” consistent with our and labour costs. All in all, the DeGrussa Solar Project is an The project is expected to achieve ongoing efforts to important milestone in the integration of significant savings of five million litres of renewable energy and the resources industry, diesel fuel per annum and reduce the optimise and enhance particularly in remote locations such as the DeGrussa Cooper Mine’s CO2 emissions by DeGrussa Coper Mine, which is located some an estimated 12,000 tonnes per year. our operations at 900 km north east of Perth. Mr Simich is confident the project will help Sandfire Managing Director Karl Simich to promote the use of renewable energy in DeGrussa and reduce said the company had been working on the the resources industry, and potentially costs wherever solar power initiative since 2013, with the streamline and improve the technology to project representing an attractive opportunity make a bigger contribution to powering mine possible.” to participate in a low-risk renewable energy sites in the future. project with a minimal capital requirement. “This project is entirely consistent with – KARL SIMICH, SANDFIRE Funding is being coordinated by juwi, which our ongoing efforts to optimise and enhance RESOURCES will own and operate the facility, with our operations at DeGrussa and reduce costs Sandfire’s cash contribution to the project wherever possible.” totaling less than $1 million. Construction of the project will “It is a very manageable project which, commence in the second quarter of the importantly, will not impact on the 2015 calendar year, with completion efficiency or safety of our existing expected by the end of 2015 and IMAGE: 19 MW diesel operations, while allowing Sandfire to commissioning in the first quarter of the power station at the make a solid contribution to the broader 2016 calendar year. DeGrussa Mine.
Consulting Engineering Implementation
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See Enphase present Innovations in Customer-Sited Smart Energy Storage and Management Systems, 16 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au in the Main Theatre at the Australian Energy Storage Conference, 11:50am, 4th June 2015 STORAGE
BATTLE OF THE BATTERIES: LITHIUM-ION VS LEAD-ACID
A three year battery trial aimed at improving investor confidence in new battery technologies will compare the performance of lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries, explains IT Power Managing Director and EcoGeneration Editorial Board Member Simon Troman.
T Power (ITP) has been using battery energy A significant barrier, however, is that Istorage to optimise the design of remote PV energy system designers and end users are diesel hybrid mini grids for many years. reluctant to transition to new technologies, The central objective These batteries are used for a range of especially for remote applications where of the battery test is purposes. Small installations are used for reliability is critical. In part, this reticence is maintaining power quality, while larger due to a long-history of over-stated to create critical systems are used for peak shaving and bulk manufacturers’ claims, which are often energy storage. underpinned largely by lab-based tests knowledge for future For decades lead-acid technology has been lacking independent verification. energy storage the industry standard, however, competing Our project, therefore, aims to provide technologies are appearing on the market, investor confidence by independently investors. especially lithium-ion batteries. testing the performance of six major Given recent reductions in the cost of lithium-ion battery brands, an ‘advanced’ lithium-ion batteries and the significant lead-acid battery and a conventional advantages the technology offers (according lead-acid battery side by side. The testing IMAGE: New battery technologies are to the manufacturers, at least), we believe will include hot daytime and cool expected to supersede now may be the time to transition to this overnight temperatures, similar to older lead-acid batteries pictured. new storage technology. real-world conditions.
18 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au STORAGE
Several battery types have already been shortlisted on the basis that they are both THE BENEFITS OF LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES commercially available and cover a spectrum of Lithium-ion battery manufacturers claim the prices and battery chemistry variants within the technology has a number of benefits compared to lead-acid batteries. These include: lithium-ion family. • Higher efficiency – a typical lead-acid battery will deliver 75–80 per cent of the energy that was input during charging, compared to around 95 per cent for a there are very significant barriers detailed analysis of the data every six lithium-ion battery impeding the up-take of the technology. months over the three years of the test. The • They can be more completely These barriers include: detailed analysis reports will address: discharged; lead-acid batteries should • A lack of reference projects and • The technical performance and cost- not be regularly discharged more than independent performance trials. effectiveness of each battery type/brand about 30 per cent, compared to • A high degree of trust in conventional lead- compared to each other and the 80 per cent for lithium-ion batteries acid technology (despite its limitations) conventional lead-acid batteries. • Longer lifetimes (measured in because of its very long (more than 100 • How actual performance compares to the charge/discharge cycles) year) track-record. manufacturers’ claims. • Higher tolerance to high temperatures • The relatively high upfront capital cost • Why some batteries may be performing • Lower risk of gas explosions, since no compared to lead-acid technology. better or worse than expected and hydrogen is produced • A lack of standardisation of lithium-ion whether this may or may not be expected • Lighter and more compact for the same batteries (at this time), meaning that in real world applications. energy capacity (a feature that is highly batteries must be carefully matched with • Lessons that can be drawn about the relevant for remote installations). chargers/inverters. hypothetical investment for a range of While lithium-ion batteries currently have a • A lack of standards for installation and use. on-grid and off-grid applications. higher upfront capital cost than lead-acid If the battery trial successfully technology, our analysis indicates that the THE BATTERY TEST demonstrates that lithium-ion and or longer battery lifetime and better The battery test will take place at the advanced lead-acid technology is both performance in hot conditions can result in Sustainable Training Hub at the Canberra reliable and cost-effective compared to lower overall project costs, and therefore, a Institute of Technology, and is supported by a traditional lead-acid batteries, then there will The ideal inverter for less-than-ideal roofs. lower system levelised cost of energy (LCOE). $450,000 Australian Renewable Energy be three outcomes. It is also notable that the capital cost of Agency Emerging Renewables Program grant. First, future off-grid systems that would lithium-ion technology is likely to decrease as Several battery types have already been have used conventional lead-acid battery production volume increases. Lead-acid shortlisted on the basis that they are both storage may use lithium-ion or advance battery technology, by contrast, is a mature commercially available and cover a spectrum lead-acid technology instead. Depending on technology with stable prices. of prices and battery chemistry variants how much cheaper the new storage within the lithium-ion family. technology proves to be, the amount of ADVANCED LEAD-ACID BATTERIES Each battery will be cycled (charged and storage will be increased. This in turn will We also plan to include an ‘advanced’ lead-acid discharged) several times per day, albeit within facilitate the installation of larger renewable battery in the trial. These refer mainly to lead- the manufacturer’s specifications, in order to energy systems and ensure that renewable carbon batteries, a technology that retains the produce informative test results within three energy makes a larger contribution to the working principles and components of years. This will be achieved by using a battery system’s total energy output. traditional lead-acid batteries, but incorporates management system (BMS) that ensures that Second, some off-grid systems that would an ultracapacitor to improve performance. battery cells are being evenly charged and not have used any conventional lead-acid Your most challenging roof installs don’t have to be. With dual MPPT and a wide DC voltage, the ABB PVI 5000-6000 inverters bring a flexibility that is earning the loyalty of Though energy density remains the same, discharged. The BMS also controls the charge battery storage will instead opt for some a growing number of installers. And new this year, easy-to install WIFI cards will enable developers claim the addition of the rates and target levels to prevent overheating battery storage, again facilitating an users to track PV performance from their favorite mobile device. So even if you don’t ultracapacitor allows for high-rate capability, and damaging the batteries. increase in the reliance on renewable energy. always get the perfect roof, you should always be able to achieve the perfect install. reduced sulfation, and tolerance of partial The main objective of the testing is to Finally, network utilities operating For more information call us at 1800-769-663 or visit: www.abb.com/solarinverters state of charge operation, with little increase measure the batteries’ decrease in storage loss-making sections of the main grid in manufacturing cost. These features could capacity over time. As the batteries are cycled will seriously consider renewable make the technology well suited to stationary they lose the ability to store as much energy energy-based hybrid mini-grids, supported storage applications, including high- as when they are new. by battery storage. penetration renewable integration. All cases will have the effect of increasing INFORMATION TO BE PUBLISHED the overall contribution that renewable A LACK OF INVESTOR CONFIDENCE The central objective of the battery test is to energy makes to a remote mini-grid, and/or Despite the claimed benefits of both create critical knowledge for future energy reducing the LCOE of the renewable energy lithium-ion and advanced lead-acid batteries, storage investors. ITP will therefore publish component of the system.
20 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au
ABB-6555-Aus-rd3.indd 1 23/04/2015 9:12 am STORAGE A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE OF STORAGE
A new storage industry roadmap launched by the Clean Energy Council aims to help unlock the opportunities that energy storage technology presents for both electricity consumers and the renewable energy industry.
he Australian Storage Industry The CEC is also establishing a new Storage TRoadmap will help develop the Advisory Group, and is inviting leading foundation to deliver the technology’s full companies interested in storage to join. The potential through collaboration with work of the Advisory Group will complement industry, regulators and careful strategic the Council’s ongoing work on technical planning, said CEC CEO Kane Thornton. standards and safety issues. In addition to the road map, the CEC is Mr Thornton said that the roadmap brings inviting stakeholders who are active or to light work that the CEC has been doing looking to learn more about the Australian behind the scenes on energy storage, and storage industry to sign up to the new sets the course for the hard work that still Energy Storage Network, so that they needs to be done on standards, regulations can be kept up-to-date on the latest and removing barriers. industry developments and progress on “Energy storage technologies are a the roadmap. game changer for the Australian energy
AUSTRALIAN STORAGE INDUSTRY ROADMAP CLEAN ENERGY COUNCIL
CE Analyse and monitor C NE BA WS TTE the growth of the TEC RY A H 1 storage sector GO! BAT TER GIVE IES TH N TH UMB E S UP Promote storage technology and 5 its potential to consumers, Ensure the policy makers development of and regulators 2 standards and the integrity of the storage sector Coordinate the emerging sector, Ensure eective 4 raising awareness regulation and about best practice 3 policy to support implementation, and the uptake and engagement in policy implementation and regulatory issues of storage technology
To download the roadmap and sign up to receive updates through the Energy Storage Network, visit cleanenergycouncil.org.au/storage.
22 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au Choose Solar_ECO_OCT2014_FP.pdf 1 28/08/2014 5:08 pm STORAGE CHOOSE SOLAR market – they offer greatly increased flexibility, reliability and efficiency when it The CEC is establishing a new Storage Advisory Distributors Of comes to the way we generate and use electricity. This translates to lower costs Group, and is inviting leading companies and inevitable big changes to our energy interested in storage to join. system,” Mr Thornton said. “The Clean Energy Council is excited by the opportunities that energy storage presents, and we hope this roadmap will help the To download the roadmap, visit www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/storage series industry navigate the path towards sustained To join the Energy Storage Network, or express interest in joining the growth and high standards of safety and Storage Advisory Group, contact [email protected] integrity in the Australian market.” Renewable Energy Storage Batteries
Narada’s REX Battery is designed for Renewable The roadmap focuses on five key objectives for the sector, and outlines actions that the CEC intends to undertake to Energy Sources such as Solar and Wind Power. REX address these objectives. protects our environment using Green Technology and Objective 1: Analyse and monitor the growth of the storage sector. benefits the World’s Urban and Rural Population by Action: The CEC will undertake an annual Australian storage industry survey to gauge actual levels of deployment in 2014 and expectations for 2015. It will also work with key regulators and utilities to seek new ways to gather key data on storage Generating Power Economically from a Clean Source deployment and monitor the sector’s development. of Energy. REX is a product developed by Narada’s Objective 2: Ensure the development of standards and integrity of the storage sector. R&D with an “eXtra” in Performance and Life Span. Action: Complete a comprehensive storage safety performance study which will advise on international best practice for C battery installations, maintenance and disposal. M Features & Benefits Action: Develop guidelines for the installation of residential- and commercial-scale storage technology, and establish a robust Y ·Single cell capacity from 2V200Ah to 2V2000Ah accreditation regime to ensure these guidelines are followed by Australian installers. CM ·Long life design for both cyclic and float Action: Work with Australian Battery Recycling Initiative to establish an agreed approach to the safe disposal of battery MY applications technology. CY ·Superb security and reliability Action: Work with Standards Australia to establish standards for storage technology and develop a listing of products CMY ·Robust design inside and out approved for installation in Australia. · K Excellent deep discharge recovery fast Objective 3: Ensure effective regulation and policy to support the Uptake and implementation of storage technology. recharge performance Action: The CEC will identify and advocate policy solutions that overcome the barriers to storage investment, through the ·Extra long back-up times ‘Future-Proofing in Australia’s Electricity Distribution Industry’ project. ·More cost effective than nearest equivalent Action: Ensure electricity tariffs don’t discriminate against the use of storage. Action: The CEC will continue its policy and advocacy work on indirect barriers to investment in storage systems, as well as Reduce install time with rack and connectors creating an enabling market environment for small-scale embedded generation. available for 24v and 48v Systems. Action: Complete an assessment of the direct and indirect policy measures that are available to support energy storage. Objective 4: Co-ordinate the emerging sector, raising awareness about best practice implementation and engagement New Product in policy and regulatory issues. REXC 6 & 12v batteries with lead carbon battery Action: Establish the Energy Storage Network to share information, host webinars, networking and other events to facilitate technology. Suitable for Stand Alone and Hybrid systems. local and international knowledge sharing and investment. Hybrid Systems Cabinets and Racking available. Action: Work with relevant international partners and countries and share best practice and international experience with the emerging Australian storage sector. In Stock Now! Objective 5: Promote storage technology and its potential to consumers, policy makers and regulators One Stop Shop for: Action: Develop and promote a Consumer Guide for Battery Storage Installations to build consumer awareness and demand Framing and ground mounts, PV Panels and Inverters for Hybrid and Off-Grid for energy storage. Action: Develop and promote a guide to improving electricity use for business – demand-side management solutions to build awareness among small-to-medium-sized enterprises about the range of options available – including storage. CHOOSE SOLAR C Action: Provide a strong voice for storage and promote the technology through the CEC’s extensive networks. This will 1/19 GATWICK ROAD BAYSWATER NTH VIC 3153 1 include industry reports, media outreach, storage events, including the Clean Energy Council Australian Clean Energy Summit in July, All-Energy Australia in partnership with the Clean Energy Council in October, and other key events. TEL: 03 9761 5371 FAX: 9720 7582 BAYS EMAIL: [email protected] TEL: 03 9
24 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.choosesolar.com.au Email: i www SOLAR
A B PERFECT FOCUS: RAYGEN’S WORLD- BEATING CSPV
Melbourne’s RayGen Resources is turning heads with its high-efficiency concentrated solar PV technology, which has the potential to significantly lower the cost of solar energy, writes Anthony Holden.
ven in the hyperbolic world of marketing Frischknecht, CEO of the Australian Eand PR, saying you have developed ‘the Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which world’s lowest-cost energy solution’ is no small provided $1.7 million funding for the assertion. And yet this is exactly the claim Newbridge project. “The receiver efficiently made by Melbourne-based tech company converts a high proportion of sunlight to RayGen Resources. The company specialises in power while an advanced cooling system Name: Newbridge CSPV facility highly efficient, utility-scale concentrated solar keeps it from overheating.” Location: Newbridge, central photovoltaic (CSPV) systems. And though it However, the real wizardry of RayGen’s Victoria may be too soon to make a call on the system lies in the receiver itself. Powered by Capacity: 200 kW promotional claims – the company only advanced semiconductor devices produced recently cut the ribbon on its pilot facility in in Melbourne, and based on technology Demographic: Rural Newbridge, central Victoria – the technology is originally designed to power spacecraft, Commenced: October 2013 certainly turning heads, with investors queuing RayGen’s receiver boasts some of the best Completed: March 2015 to get a piece of the action, and a $60 million efficiencies yet seen in solar PV. According to deal already in place to supply CSPV RayGen, their PV cells – which are composed Capital cost: $3.6 million technology into China. It’s impressive stuff for of several layers of gallium, each tuned to (including $1.7 million funding a five-year-old company. And as it turns out, capture a different part of the sun’s light Your business is the centre from ARENA) it’s all done with mirrors. spectrum – are twice as efficient as traditional Contractor: RayGen Resources As with other CSPV systems, RayGen’s silicon-based solar panels. In fact, the company Technical details: technology relies on an array of heliostat recently set a world record, in collaboration of our universe. (sun-tracking) mirrors that bounce sunlight with the UNSW, for the conversion of sunlight • A 200 kW ‘Dense Array’ CPV onto a central receiver tower. The computer- into electricity. At more than 40 per cent receiver controlled heliostats locate themselves and the system efficiency, the result put solar ahead of • 56 self-powered, self-aligning tower with GPS, automatically tracking the fossil fuels for the first time. heliostats sun’s progress and keeping the maximum • Wireless mesh network for amount of sunlight directed at the receiver. heliostat control The solar receiver then transfers both heat • Central inverter, with AC and electricity into a power centre on the A: RayGen’s system boasts twice the efficiency of its At Yingli, we’ve always moved heaven and earth to support our installers. ground, which provides a compressed air competitors. output feeding the farm So, it’s with great pride we now introduce our YINGLI 4 YOU Partner Program. network to displace mains grid storage system and power delivery on demand. B: RayGen CTO Dr John Lasich (left) and former “RayGen’s CSPV technology uses an array As a certified partner, we’ll work collaboratively with you to give your business PARTNER PROGRAM metered consumption Victorian Energy Minister Russell Northe at RayGen’s of 56 heliostat mirrors,” says Ivor test facility in Bayswater. a competitive edge and a stellar future. To find out more, call Andrew Percival on 1300 309 489 or go to www.yingli4you.com.au Official Premium Partner Program of Yingli 26 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au
YIN15741_Yingli4You_6.indd 1 27/02/2015 10:47 am SOLAR
A B
TOTAL CONCENTRATION facility in Bayswater, Melbourne (funded by For RayGen CEO Robert Cart, the result was the Victorian Government), where much of an exciting milestone in enabling utility-scale the testing and fine tuning took place. solar power to become a more viable The 200 kilowatt (kW), grid-connected CSPV alternative to fossil fuels. “It means we move station at Newbridge took 18 months to build, one step closer to a world where sunlight is at a cost of $3.6 million. It features 56 self- our primary form of electricity generation,” powered heliostats, a wireless mesh network RayGen recently set a he said. for heliostat control and a central inverter, with And it gets better. Dr John Lasich, RayGen’s AC output feeding the farm network to world record for the Chief Technology Officer and world-renowned displace mains grid metered consumption. conversion of sunlight solar technology innovator, said: “we expect The location in central Victoria was to achieve close to 45 per cent system considered ideal for the pilot facility, says into electricity, putting efficiency in the next few years”. Mr Cart, because “the Loddon shire area All this innovation has not gone unnoticed, offers substantially more sunlight over the solar ahead of fossil or unrewarded. Last September, RayGen won course of a year compared to Melbourne, yet fuels for the first time. the Energy Technology Award and the it’s only a 90-minute drive from our People’s Choice Award at the Australian Melbourne headquarters. In addition, we’ve Technology Competition. In December, it partnered with local agricultural business, scooped the Grand Prize in the 2014 Global Scato Plus, which is buying all the power CleanTech Cluster Association Awards in (behind the meter).” Switzerland, beating a field of more than 10,000 of the world’s most innovative clean- PROOF OF CONCEPT tech companies. For RayGen – and for its backers – Newbridge is The big money is also taking note. Last all about proving the technology, in April RayGen signed a $60 million preparation for the rollout of larger, utility- distribution deal with Intense Solar to supply scale CSPV stations across the globe. its technology into China, with a target to “The pilot plant is providing data on secure global exports beyond $1 billion by performance, reliability, operations and 2020. The deal included a $2 million maintenance that can be used for the investment in RayGen. At the launch of its development of a commercial scale CSPV pilot facility, the firm also signed an system,” says Mr Frischknecht. “These agreement with commercial partner Juye outcomes will be shared with the broader Solar for an additional capital investment of energy industry.” A: The CSPV technology $6 million, with a further $15 million So far, the project has been an unqualified significantly reduces the site area required for a promised for the development of RayGen’s success. There were no major delays during solar farm. offering in China. construction, and, since going online in However, while RayGen’s plans for world March, the station has hit all its targets for B: The heliostats automatically track the domination are evidently well advanced, so output and reliability. sun and keep the far its CSPV system has only been installed in “The project is supported by ARENA,” maximum amount of light directed at the receiver. one facility, in Newbridge, as well as at a test says Mr Cart, “and we have successfully
28 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au SOLAR
met all the technical milestones, including the Qinghai, China, made up of 40 heliostat power requirement, and we’re in the process arrays each rated at 250 kW (due for of delivering a final wrap-up report to completion in 2016–17). complete the program. The process of testing “RayGen is close to announcing a and optimising the system will take a further memorandum of understanding for a larger two to three months before an official project in China with a large state owned ‘handover’ from engineering to operations, enterprise to follow on from this,” adds Mr after which our focus will turn to uptime and Cart. “In addition, we’re in discussions with a the collection of ‘bankable’ data.” large Indian company for a similar arrangement to China and we’re developing a THINKING LOCAL ‘utility scale’ project in Australia.” Of course, supplying 200 kW to a single Clearly, these megawatt projects are in a compost farm in regional Victoria may not different league from Newbridge. The Qinghai The Newbridge project seem like a great stride towards solving the facility alone will boast 2,560 heliostats, is all about proving the world’s energy needs, but part of the beauty compared to the 56 deployed in Newbridge. of RayGen’s system is that it can be scaled That’s a lot of mirrors, and it raises the technology, in very rapidly. question of how much land area is required A key reason for this is that much of for such developments. But, Dr Lasich is quick preparation for the the manufacturing and assembly of the to point out, the amount of land mass rollout of larger, utility- system can be done locally. The main bulk required for RayGen’s technology is actually of a CSPV power station is the heliostat smaller than for other solar technologies. scale CSPV stations array, which is made primarily of steel and “The energy for RayGen’s CSPV output is mirrors. Unlike solar PV cells, these can be about 20 per cent higher than PV for a given across the globe. produced cheaply and easily almost land area,” he says, “and over 30 per cent anywhere in the world, and, because the higher in areas of high Direct Normal heliostats do not require any field electrical Irradiation (DNI).” Again, this is a factor that or controls trenching, installation is quick should drive down the cost of the technology, and easy. As a result, RayGen only has to especially at scale. provide the high-tech components and the software from Melbourne, while WHAT’S THE CATCH? everything else can be subcontracted to Predictably, it’s not all roses in the world of local partners. CSPV, and there are some barriers to the Scaling up is the obvious next step, and as development of the technology in Australia. part of its deal with Intense Solar, RayGen “The key barriers to utility-scale PV already has an order for a 1 MW projects in Australia are low wholesale prices demonstration power station in Zhangiakou, and uncertainty surrounding the RET that China, to be deployed early 2016. This will be makes project financing difficult,” says Mr followed by a 10 MW power station in Cart. “Given the cut to the RET proposed
THE RAYGEN SYSTEM
• Low-cost mirrors collect sunlight. • The mirrors are self-powered and track the sun to yield 30 per cent more power. • Solar energy is focused on a central receiver. • Ultra-high efficiency PV cells, the same as used on satellites and space applications, create electricity without noise, vibration or moving parts. • Standard inverters and electrical switchgear inject electricity into existing electrical network. • Fully automated controls manage the output to complement the operation of the entire network, providing security and seamless, unattended operation. • Energy storage can be integrated to store electricity and release it later to provide a smoothed output – highly suitable for peak loads or management of diesel generator load control.
30 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au SOLAR
by CEC and others, it is unlikely that there will cost energy technology solution. The pilot be significant utility-scale solar deployment in facility at Newbridge cost $3.6 million for Australia in the short term because wind 200 kW, and it’s yet to be seen how this price technology is more mature and presently will come down with scale. “The key barriers to lower cost than PV in Australia. As a result, it’s RayGen, however, remains bullish. utility-scale PV projects likely to dominate any reduced RET scenario.” “With scale, CSPV could be half the cost of Mr Frischknecht notes that there are PV,” says Mr Cart, “because it is 2.5 times in Australia are low inherent costs and risks associated with any more efficient, contains 50 per cent less mass wholesale prices and new technologies, including “higher interest (i.e. essentially uses 50 per cent less steel and rates, higher supply chain costs and big glass), has no collector field wiring and is uncertainty construction contingency margins.” He also cheaper to manufacture.” He adds that, points out that renewable energy systems like according to the best forecasts, the costs of surrounding the RET CSPV must be successfully tested in the grid concentrated PV systems will fall faster than that makes project to prove that they can operate reliably traditional PV, thanks to ongoing cell without causing network disruptions. efficiency improvements and – in particular – financing difficult.” He adds, significantly, that “CSPV is reductions in heliostat cost. an emerging technology and is not yet Time will tell if such factors make CSPV – RAYGEN CEO ROBERT CART cost competitive with other sources of viable for wider deployment in Australia. power generation.” But if you can believe the hype, and plans And this, ultimately, is the catch (for now at for a global rollout of CSPV do come to least). Because, while RayGen’s technology is fruition, this little company from Melbourne undeniably impressive, it has yet to prove its could soon be at the centre of something claim that it can provide the world’s lowest- very big indeed.
I LIKE TO MOVE IT
There’s another, less obvious, advantage to RayGen’s technology, one that the company has been pitching to the Australian mining industry. That is, because of the modular nature of the system, you can actually pick it up and relocate it if required. This could be particularly appealing for remote, off-grid mining operations or other remote applications where circumstances are highly changeable.
32 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au SOLAR ELECTRIC AND GAS BOOSTED A B Solar Hot Water
GLOBAL LOGISTICS COMPANY CHOOSES SOLAR
For global logistics company DB Schenker, solar power makes a lot of sense – both for the company’s bottom line, and its commitment to sustainability. EcoGeneration spoke with DB Schenker Australia CEO Ron Koehler and Epho Managing Director Oliver Hartley about two commercial scale projects in New South Wales and Queensland.
lobally, DB Schenker is the world’s specialist company Epho to complete two SAA101410EA Gsecond largest transportation and commercial-scale installations: 51.75 kW logistics services provider (based on revenues at a warehouse facility in Eagle Farm, and performance), and has a presence in near Brisbane Airport, and 100 kW at its some 140 countries around the world. Australian Head Office in Alexandria, Driven by an ambition to become the eastern Sydney. / High effiminacy evacuated tubes collector with ultra-selective coating enabling high world’s most environmentally sustainable absorbtion and low emission logistics provider, DB Schenker’s commitment THE TARGETS to sustainability is part of the company’s Currently, approximately 15 per cent of all / Enamelled storage tank provides superior corrosion resistance overall business strategy. energy consumed worldwide by DB Schenker’s / Smart controller with multi-sensors enabling featuring controls and intelligent controls DB Schenker Australia provides a range of stations and warehouses is derived from international air and sea freight forwarding renewable energy. It plans to increase that / CER registered and WaterMark, AS/NZ-2712 certified and logistics services from its 18 logistics and percentage in order to reach its 2020 / High STC & incentives available freight forwarding sites in Australia. The large emissions reduction target of 20 per cent. amount of roof space available to the Other strategies include using fuel efficient A: The 100 kW project company, coupled with its energy profile, vehicles, smarter route planning, and at DB Schenker’s head office in Alexandria, mean that solar presents a valuable increasing the rail component of full eastern Sydney. opportunity. container load freight (rail can be up to Last year the Australian arm of the 70 per cent more efficient than a semitrailer Distributors welcome B: The 51.75 kW Brisbane Call 1300 301 594 project. company engaged commercial solar power for distance trips).
34 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.cma-solar-wind.com.au
CMA_ECO_Oct14_FP.indd 1 25/08/2014 5:05 pm SOLAR
Project name: DB Schenker Alexandria Location: Alexandria, Sydney Electricity generation from solar power is Mr Koehler attributes Epho’s success in also part of the emissions target reduction winning the tenders to strong Demographic: Urban game plan. communication, competitive pricing, system Owner: DB Schenker “Solar energy is an extremely viable way to quality and technical expertise. Installer: Epho achieve lower consumption because of the “Epho works closely and flexibly with us to Capacity: 100 kW vast and unobstructed roof spaces available to enhance the value of our solar installations Commissioned: December 2014 warehousing facilities. The business case is and demonstrate our commitment to simple as there are very few variables involved. sustainability,” says Mr Koehler. Panels: 400 x Renesola Vitrus II For us it means an investment with almost zero “Satisfying our clients’ sustainability Inverters: risk and very few internal resources required needs is equally as important as our 2020 3 x ABB TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD to set it up,” says Mr Koehler. target. This is a key reason why we value 1 x ABB TRIO-10.0-TL-OUTD According to DB Schenker, solar PV can Epho as a supplier. Innovative features account for 12 per cent and 20 per cent, such as a monitor that displays real time depending on the facility location and energy production help to demonstrate the whether it is cooled or contains testing labs impact we are making and educates the for the electronics vertical market. broader community. This involvement, “The newest PV system installed in together with a strong technical base, have Alexandria accounts for 16 per cent of the enabled us to form a valuable and total consumption, producing 135,000 kWh of collaborative relationship.” Project name: electricity over a year.” DB Schenker Eagle Farm THE PROPOSAL THE TENDER For Epho, the solar business case for the Location: Eagle Farm, Brisbane When engaging a partner for the installation Alexandria project was reasonably Demographic: Urban of the two PV projects, DB Schenker straightforward, as electricity rates and Owner: DB Schenker Australia’s followed its standard tendering interval data were readily available for Installer: Epho process for medium to large investments, modelling purposes. Epho was able to Capacity: 51.75 kW requiring a minimum of three proposals. forecast the detailed power output “In fact, a larger number of proposals were predictions and translate the kWh produced Commissioned: May 2014 sought for this project. We wanted to get a into actual predictions of dollar savings. Panels: 203 x Q CELLS Q.PRO-G3 feel for the market, an understanding of the 255 W players out there, the quality of the systems Inverters: and workmanship. Our national 1 x ABB TRIO-20.0-TL-OUTD environmental lead is a PV engineer, which was a great advantage in steering us in the 1 x ABB TRIO-27.6-TL-OUTD IMAGE: The 52 kW project at DB Schenker’s new Eagle right direction,” says Mr Koehler. Farm site, near Brisbane Airport.
36 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au SOLAR
OLIVER HARTLEY’S ADVICE ON WINNING COMMERCIAL TENDERS
Be an advisor, not just a quote-giver Clients sometimes know what they want, but in many cases there is still some limitation to their knowledge. A typical example is system size. A customer often wants a larger system than will fit on their roof, or than their consumption will accommodate, so sometimes there is a fine line between answering a tender’s request for information, and agreeing with what’s been requested. Credibility matters Epho is a highly technically focused company, and while this may seem geeky to some, it serves customers. There are a lot of factors that come into play with larger solar systems, and many companies just wing it. We need to explain why our focus on engineering matters. Many The Brisbane project required a more was used for materials and personnel, and customers focus on payback complex set of calculations, because the ample roof space meant there were few period and return on investment, installation was to be located on a brand design constraints. but if you consider the lifespan of new site. The Alexandria location posed more of a the system and what is needed in “While the power output of the system challenge, due to access restrictions and could be accurately predicted, the electricity electrical upgrade requirements. order to have it working at year rates and usage patterns were not yet “Crane access was required, and there five or 10 or 25, often the lowest established, so we needed to make some was also narrow road access for that crane. price is no longer credible. assumptions,” explains Mr Hartley. While there was ample roof space, the The challenge is to make clients Drawing on its expertise in these types building had very wide purlin spacing, realise that we focus on these of projects, Epho was able to prove a valid meaning there was only really one rail things because we share a business case and payback period, system that was suitable from an common goal: the long term “without just being hopeful on the figures,” engineering perspective,” Mr Hartley notes. financial performance of the says Mr Hartley. Epho was also required to obtain system. Epho has just been independent structural engineering signoff, as accredited for ISO 9001, ISO 4801 THE INSTALLATION part of the Compliant Development and ISO 14001, which Each project posed its own challenges Certificate process, which is mandatory in duration installation. NSW for any systems over 10 kW. demonstrates our level of The Brisbane system was installed on a Due to the long distance between the seriousness in relation to quality newly constructed building, located on a inverters and the main switchboard, a sub results for the customer. construction site that was still active. Mr board was used, which necessitated a major Pick your battles Hartley says that fitting in with the timings of upgrade to the main switch board. There are many opportunities to the builder meant planning had to be spot on. Last but not least, being in an Ausgrid area tender. It is important to choose “In addition, the document specifying the meant that network protection was required, work, health and safety requirements was as a hardware/software solution requiring those that match your skillset and thick as a book. Luckily, Epho has a great focus independent testing. area of expertise. Considering the on process and project management, and all time and expense involved in the necessary documentation was available.” responding to a tender, it is The installation was otherwise important to be selective. straightforward, says Mr Hartley. A scissor lift IMAGE: A crane was used for the Alexandria project.
38 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au SMART GRIDS SMART GRIDS
he idea of a modernised electricity electricity usage every 15 or 30 minutes, and Tgrid – or so-called ‘smart grid’, which send this information back to the supplier. communicates and gathers information as The advantages to the supplier are many, well as just transmitting power – is one that says Mr Budde. Smart meters can be read seems obvious in retrospect. While all around remotely, thus doing away with the us other technologies have changed beyond operational costs of manual meter reading. recognition, including monolithic They allow suppliers to detect outages more infrastructures like telephony, the electricity promptly and accurately, allowing faster grid still works much the way it did 50 or 100 restoration of service. And they register years ago. But a major transformation is the time of day that electricity is being used, THE SMART GRID underway. In many parts of the world, not enabling the development of new tariffs least Australia, the grid is being upgraded to a that offer financial incentives for people smarter, less centralised and more dynamic to avoid non-essential electricity use during REVOLUTION electrical grid. And while there are many peak periods. compelling reasons for this shift, one of the “With the introduction of smart meters, main drivers is the inexorable rise of consumers can play a larger role in reducing renewable power. peak usage,” says Mr Budde, “while also The transition to a smarter, more data-driven electricity grid is considered essential for the According to Paul Budde, founder and CEO minimising their electricity bill.” “The electricity of industry body Smart Grid Australia (SGA), This last point, which comes under the smooth integration of renewables. The revolution is well underway in Australia – and it goes way industry has finally the global push towards renewables is creating general heading of ‘demand side management’ beyond smart meters. massive upheaval in the electricity sector. “A (DSM), has been emphasised more strongly in woken up to the fundamental shift has taken place in other countries than it has so far in Australia. environmental policies since 2007, and this is In the UK, where more than a million smart challenges ahead of having a huge effect on the market,” says Mr meters have been installed, every domestic them.” Budde. “Smart grids, smart meters, electric smart meter comes with a handheld display vehicles and solar panels now are all well and unit that allows householders to monitor and truly part of new government policies and manage their energy usage. This is not the industry initiatives, all aimed at saving energy case in Australia, but Mr Budde insists that the and moving to cleaner energy sources.” future of customer interaction lies in apps (for The old grid was not designed with such mobile phones and tablets), rather than technologies in mind. It was built for display-based customer interfaces. centralised, one-way distribution, whereas Either way, the aim is to empower the small-scale solar and other ‘distributed’ power customer to reduce their energy usage, technologies are moving us towards a more especially at times of peak demand. “The goal dynamic, internet-like system. Equally, where of DSM is to encourage the consumer to use the old grid was built on predictable, less energy during peak hours, or to move the controllable energy sources, renewables like time of energy use to off-peak times such as solar and wind are by nature intermittent and night-time and weekends,” says Mr Budde. unpredictable, meaning more control is “Peak demand management does not required to integrate them smoothly. necessarily decrease total energy Clearly, the old grid is no longer up to consumption, but could be expected to reduce the task. the need for investment in networks and/or “The electricity industry has finally woken power plants.” up to the challenges ahead of them,” says Mr Budde. “And they’ve realised that the old PLAYING CATCH-UP infrastructure is no longer able to cope with Initially, Australia was slow on the uptake these changes. Massive investment projects with smart energy technologies. have since been commenced, with much more Developments in the area have been going to come.” on “for decades” says Mr Budde, but the first Globally, he puts the cost of retooling major Australian rollout – which took place in the grid at a colossal $200 billion over Victoria – only got underway in 2009. 20 years, adding that “an essential element “Initially there were problems, but in 2012 of this transformation will be the use of the project turned the corner and Victoria is smart technologies”. now seen as one of the global leaders in smart grid/smart meter developments.” GETTING SMART The Victorian project is now approaching So what are these technologies? So far, the completion, with almost 2.8 million meters main example to be rolled out is smart installed across the state. There has been meters – domestic and commercial resistance in some quarters, with fear electricity meters that measure and record campaigns such as Stop Smart Meters
40 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 41 Exide_Tech_ECODec14_FP.pdf 1 28/10/2014 10:27 am
SMART GRIDS
extremely wasteful and it would be far better It’s power on... Globally, Mr Budde puts the cost of retooling the to spend half the money to get smart and grid at a colossal $200 billion over 20 years. control the air-conditioning load. Sophisticated communications and controller technology is needed for this, since it is not simply a matter of, say, turning off the air-conditioning for 30 Australia citing a variety of health, privacy, and fires and injury across the grid. “Wide minutes. A national standard has been safety issues. However, as of 1 April 2015, coverage [of smart meters] allows problems developed and smart air-conditioning is anyone in Victoria who still refuses to have a to be accurately located and addressed currently being tested by Ergon.” smart meter installed may be charged a so- quickly,” says Ms Anderson, “and in some Again, the industry is likely to face called ‘manual meter fee’ – a penalty payment cases, automatically.” resistance to this, more intrusive, version of by which “electricity distributors will be able to DSM. It would require customers to cede some recover the costs associated with running a THE NEXT PHASE control over their domestic appliances to separate meter reading service” (details at However, smart meters are just the first step in energy companies – not the most trusted www.smartmeters.vic.gov.au). The Victorian creating a truly ‘smart’ grid – which Mr Budde institutions in the world. Already, in the UK, a Government has not specified a level for the describes as “the principle of using lots of survey published in the journal Nature Climate fee, only that it must “reflect the cost of sensors, together with information and Change has suggested that close to 50 per continuing to provide manual meter reading communications technology (ICT), to deliver cent of respondents reject the idea of network services”. The efficacy of this fee is yet to be improved real-time visibility and control of the operators switching off their fridge for short seen, but it shows that shifting to the smart electricity network.” periods during peak times, even if fridge grid is no longer optional. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he says. temperature remained within a specified With the installation phase effectively “The real advances will occur with the next range. Around 40 per cent said the idea of and on... and on... complete, the Victorian Government is now generation of smart appliances and energy having their water heater remotely controlled and on... reviewing the benefits of the smart meter management systems in the home. These will was unacceptable. C network (known as Advanced Metering allow rules to be set for energy use. The rest Despite such resistance, these kinds of M Infrastructure or AMI). SGA was invited to can then happen automatically – responding smart controls are going to become more Y contribute to the AMI review, and it found a with energy-saving measures when the grid prominent as we continue the shift towards CM range of benefits that went far beyond mere comes under pressure, and utilising more renewables. DSM technologies, in conjunction Rely only on the proven performance automated meter reading. These included available energy when there is a surplus.” with distributed storage, will not only allow us MY some unexpected safety benefits arising from There are all sorts of possible examples of to cut down on unnecessary domestic usage, CY of Sonnenschein and Energystore mass of data flowing back to suppliers. SGA this, but one of the main ones being trialled in but will allow us to use renewable energy as it’s CMY president Judy Anderson explains that by Australia is smart air-conditioning control. created, expending it when it’s needed and Solar Batteries. K analysing changes and anomalies in voltage “The benefits of the smart network are just storing it when it’s not. and current readings in different parts of the mind-boggling,” enthuses Mr Budde. “One of As Mr Budde puts it: “What is at stake is the When it comes to Remote Area Power Systems, reliability grid, it is possible to detect events such as our biggest problems [in Australia] is air- quality, reliability and security of our power is critical. Power loss in remote areas can be costly and theft (a growing problem in the industry), conditioning load. Utilities have to build supply, the smooth integration of renewables inconvenient. downed wires, faulty assets and deteriorating networks capable of sustaining peak loads that and electric vehicles, and, of course, the price cables and fittings. The result is a decline in occur on maybe five days of the year. This is we all pay for electricity!” The vulnerable component in RAPS systems is often the battery. It doesn’t need to be! The Sonnenschein and Energystore range of batteries from Transformer solutions for a specialised world GNB Industrial Power have a proven track record in Australian RAPS systems. They have been performing in the remote and harsh areas of Australia for over 15 years.
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facilities in 2014. The main objective of the survey is to publish aggregated information on a regular basis in order to provide an overview of the current facilities, to highlight trends in research and investments and to identify existing gaps. 26 organisations completed the survey and the information provided has been analysed in an anonymous and aggregated way. View the survey results via ses.jrc.ec.europa. eu/smart-grid-laboratories-inventory
A SMART GRID FOR THE CITY OF individual players in the testing and ROME Cities such as Paris, development phase of new solutions for the In collaboration with one of Italy’s biggest London and Rome have SMART GRID generation and distribution of electrical energy. distribution system operators, ACEA, JCR Cities such as Paris, London and Rome have conducted a study that looked into the merits a high concentration of a high concentration of projects and of scaling up smart grid technologies from investments in smart grids, with total allocated pilot projects to the context of a big city like projects and DEVELOPMENTS IN resources that exceed €100 million. Rome, which hosts more than one million investments in smart Investments mainly focus on applications electricity users. like the integration of distributed generation The pilot project used in the study, the grids, with total into the grid, as well as the integration of large ‘Malagrotta ACEA Smart Grid Pilot Project’, allocated resources that EUROPE scale renewable energy and smart network tests novel automation, monitoring and remote management, with the goal of improving the control solutions on different sections and exceed €100 million. observability and controllability of the network voltage levels of the distribution grid. through substation automation, grid Scaling the project up to the city of Rome Smart grid investment in pilot projects has been booming over the last decade, exceeding monitoring and remote grid control. would entail expanding the impact area from €3 billion in Europe alone. However, key questions remain unanswered: who are the players the two high voltage/medium voltage (HV/ THE JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE’S MV) primary substations covered by the pilot conducting research into smart grids, and how will smart grid pilot projects translate to real-word SMART GRID INITIATIVES project to the whole set of 70 HV/MV scenarios? The European Union’s Joint Research Centre is conducting research to find out. The European Commission’s Joint Research primary substations operated by ACEA in the Centre (JRC) is an in-house science service city of Rome. employing scientists to carry out research to A cost-benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted, OVERVIEW OF SMART GRID All these capabilities are being tested in provide independent scientific advice and assessing the outcomes for both the private PROJECTS IN EUROPE smart grid pilot projects around the world, support to EU policy. Its latest work in smart investor and wider society. JRC also completed Smart electricity grids open the door to new shedding light on how to move forward in the grids seeks to better understand how a comprehensive sensitivity analysis to test the applications with far-reaching impacts: transition towards the electricity system of the research and innovation in this area can help robustness of the results to variations. providing the capacity to safely integrate more future. A significant number of such projects achieve the EU targets of secure, sustainable, JRC concluded that the study had “overall renewable energy sources, electric vehicles are situated within the European Union (EU), competitive and affordable energy. positve outcomes” for the extension of the and distributed generators into the network; probably making it the world’s most active A number of smart grid research projects smart grid project to the city of Rome, both in delivering power more efficiently and reliably area for smart grid testing and development. are underway, including: the private investor/financial CBA and the This is an edited excerpt from the through demand response and comprehensive Spread across the 28 EU member countries, societal/economic CBA, whereas the smart JRC’s Science and Policy Report: control and monitoring capabilities; using there are currently 459 different projects in SMART GRID LABORATORIES grid pilot alone faces the typical challenges of Costs and benefits of Smart Grid automatic grid reconfiguration to prevent or Europe, divided between research and INVENTORY a demonstrator leading to generating pilot installations and scalability restore outages; and enabling consumers to development; and demonstration and In order to obtain a better picture of the moderate losses. options, published in 2015. The full have greater control over their electricity deployment. About 63 per cent of these ongoing smart grid developments, JCR Details of the JCR’s comprehensive cost report can be accessed via the consumption and to actively participate in the projects are being developed in a single launched an online survey for organisations benefit analysis can be accessed via IMAGE: JRC website: ses.jrc.ec.europa.eu © Shchipkova Elena / Dollar Photo Club electricity market. country, which emphasises the importance of owning or running smart grid laboratory ses.jrc.ec.europa.eu/smart-grid-city-rome
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YESTERDAY’S PERMIT, TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY
As uncertainty in the policy environment hampers the progress of wind projects in Australia, EcoGeneration talks to Acciona Energy Business Development Manager Ben McInnes to chart the way forward for existing and new wind farm developments.
DISCONNECT BETWEEN PLANNING choice to models smaller than the dimensions RESTRICTIONS AND TECHNOLOGY prescribed in the permit.” Generally, state planning authorities require Mr McInnes says these prescriptive wind farm developers to demonstrate conditions are reasonable in the normal Acciona Energy compliance with conditions during the course of events, but become problematic Business Development planning process, well before the planning where planning approvals lag. Manager Ben permit is obtained and prior to the “When a developer expects to commence McInnes. construction of the wind farm. the construction of a project within one or two “This will often involve the developer years of receiving planning approval, the having to stipulate the key dimensions of the developer will select a wind turbine proposed wind turbine, such as the tower incorporating current technology and features. height, the blade length and the tip height – “In Australia however, where many projects or some combination of these three,” Mr have been held up in the planning phase for McInnes says. five or more years, the prescriptive planning As a consequence of this process, Mr permits are creating issues because they are McInnes says there are hardcoded conditions forcing developers to select wind turbines on in the permit that stipulate the dimensions of the basis of design dimensions that apply to the wind turbine. outdated wind turbine models.” Image: Acciona’s project “This effectively locks the developer into a Mr McInnes uses to the example of a in Chile using AW3000 turbines. particular choice of wind turbine, or limits the permit issued prior to 2010, which is likely
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Mr McInnes says restrictive permits are more pronounced in Victoria because of historical changes in the planning guidelines for wind farms in the state. “The anticipation of more restrictive planning laws inspired a rush of projects to reach consented status prior to 2010, followed by no planning approvals since, as the new guidelines took hold.” The pre-2010 wind farm projects are essentially “frozen in time”. Unfortunately however, Mr McInnes says there are few examples of authorities amending planning permits to allow projects to be upgraded. “There are no clear guidelines on assessing the size of wind turbines and it is commonly assumed that bigger turbines equate to more impact. This incorrect assumption leads to uncertainty as to whether the upgrade will be approved and reluctance to incur costs in testing this ROTOR SIZE EVOLUTION through the planning amendment process.”
LESSONS FOR NEW WIND FARM DEVELOPERS Mr McInnes says new wind farm developers can learn from lessons of the past by anticipating the direction of future wind turbine technology, and then incorporating 70 m 77 m 82 m 116 m 125 m 132 m this into their planning permits, rather than referring to the existing generation of wind turbines. to insist that the maximum wind turbine However, new technology can be a “Whilst there remains uncertainty in the tower height should be between 80 m and frustrating aspect for wind farm proponents Australian large-scale renewables sector, and 100 m, with the prescribed maximum when they are prevented from upgrading due developers are forced to continually delay blade length between 40 m and 50 m. to the prescriptive conditions in their permits. construction commencement, changing He contrasts this to wind turbine models “This also precludes access to other technology will be a constant trend.” now, which have tower heights between technology improvements because they are Wind farm developers can then embrace 100 m and 120 m, and blades over 60 m generally only incorporated into the latest, the change and focus on the innumerable in length. larger wind turbine models,” Mr McInnes says. benefits new wind farm technology provides, instead of its many inherent challenges. BENEFITS OF NEW WIND TURBINE LUCK OF THE DRAW TECHNOLOGY According to Mr McInnes, the ease of a Mr McInnes says the newer, larger wind project being updated to capitalise on new turbines generate more energy per installed technology depends on the wording in its MW at a lower cost of energy generation – original planning permit. giving developers a commercial incentive “Acciona has experience in dealing with both to upgrade a site by using a larger wind flexible and constraining permit conditions. For turbine design. its Mount Gellibrand project in Victoria, IMAGE: Acciona’s latest wind turbine technology. In most cases, this will involve reducing Acciona was able to reduce the footprint of the the total number of turbines to project from 115 wind turbines to 63. accommodate the larger blade diameter. “It was also able to increase the energy In his role at Acciona, Mr McInnes “The end result is a more economical yield of the project by 21 per cent, because investigates and develops project, but with fewer wind turbines. In turn, the permit only specified a blade tip height opportunities for the company’s this means less vegetation disturbance, limit and fortunately this limit was set well renewable energy business in reduced construction timeframes, and a beyond the typical wind turbine sizes at the Australia and Asia Pacific. Prior to decrease in sound power levels.” time of the planning approval.” that, he worked within a sales The cumulative effect is a change that In contrast, he says the permit conditions team responsible for Vestas’ wind benefits both developers and stakeholders for Mortlake Project in Victoria prescribe farm projects in Australian and concerned with the impact of wind farms on maximum tower height and blade lengths at South East Asian markets. its surrounds. values that are now well outdated.
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A
STAY ENGAGED AND INFORMED TO PROGRESS WIND PROJECTS B
The wind energy regulatory environment has been constrictive in the past few years, not least of “As such, the Minister of Planning is now the responsible authority for determining all in Victoria. EcoGeneration gets the lowdown from Jacobs Groups’ Phillip Burn on tips wind wind energy projects, with local government energy proponents should follow to advance wind energy projects in the state – advice that can having an opportunity to input into the be extrapolated to other jurisdictions across the country. assessment processes and retaining the responsibility for enforcing the conditions of approvals.” CURRENT WIND ENERGY These commitments were met in early Although state government is often better LANDSCAPE IN VICTORIA April 2015, and Victoria Planning Provisions resourced to consider complex project According to Mr Burn, all but four of Victoria’s were changed. approvals, Mr Burn says that local permitted wind energy projects were approved government remains a critical stakeholder in before 2010. With operating wind farms in APPROVAL AUTHORITY CHANGE the assessment of wind projects. Jacobs Group Senior Consultant – Victoria, on the other hand, all but Chepstowe “The implications of the former Victorian Approvals and Wind Farm were approved before 2010. Coalition Government’s decision to make local CURRENT ISSUES Land Use Planning “Between 2011 and 2014, the development councils the approval authority for all wind Despite recent planning changes signalling a Phillip Burn. of wind energy projects came to a standstill projects was not great. This is mainly because spot of good news for the wind energy sector with the notable exceptions of the the planning restrictions also introduced were in Victoria, there are a number of issues that Chepstowe, Coonooer Bridge and Cherry so restrictive that only three wind energy continue to threaten the future development Tree wind farms. projects ended up being considered by a of wind energy projects. As part of his role as a Senior Consultant “The policy changes introduced in August council,” Mr Burn says. Mr Burn says many of the problems in approvals and land use planning at global engineering consultancy Jacobs 2011 terminated a number of projects in the These were the Coonooer Bridge Wind currently experienced by proponents are the Group, Mr Burn works with a range of development pipeline that had not secured Farm (approved by Buloke Shire), the Cherry direct result of the policy environment over public and private sector clients to approvals and made the process of developing Tree Wind Farm (assessed by Mitchell Shire the last five years. many projects being unable to move from A: Rotor lift at wind tower manage complex development and wind energy projects, or making changes to and approved by the Victorian Civil and “In addition to restrictive land use planning approval into the construction phase. 05 at the Mount Mercer Wind Farm. infrastructure approvals. existing approvals, extremely difficult.” Administrative Tribunal), and the Bulgana controls, the policy environment for wind “Accordingly, many proponents had to This, coupled with his experience in the As a 2014 pre-election commitment, the Wind Farm (approved by the Northern energy has also been characterised by falling seek to extend the life of their existing B: Rotor assembly at renewable energy sector and past Victorian Labor Government said it was Grampians Shire). electricity demand and renewable energy approvals at a time when land use planning wind tower 05 at the Mount Mercer Wind Farm planning and policy roles in state committed to “leading the world in wind Mr Burn says the Labor Government’s target (RET) issues – lag from phantom controls were hostile.” in Western Victoria. government, has informed Mr Burn’s energy” – promising to reduce the mandatory decision to make the Minister of Planning renewable energy certificates (RECs) – According to Mr Burn, the difficulty in knowledge of wind farm approvals, wind turbine setbacks to dwellings from 2 km the new approval authority underlines bi-annual review cycle and current uncertainty.” extending permits resulted in a number of project due diligence and the policy to 1 km, and to reinstate the Minister for the fact that renewable energy is a matter Mr Burn says this has led to difficulties in projects commencing early works in order to environment. Planning as the approval authority for all of state significance that requires a securing power offtake agreements and keep their projects alive until more favourable wind energy projects. state-wide approach. finance, which has subsequently resulted in investment conditions occur.
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Lighting However, as highlighted by Acciona and regulatory environment – from a Business Development Manager Ben McInnes Commonwealth, state and local perspective. on page 46, wind turbine technology “Often, seemingly unrelated planning or regularly outpaces the rigid conditions of regulatory changes may have significant wind farm planning permits. impacts on a specific project or potential “Significant advancements have occurred projects,” Mr Burn says. “Proponents and their to wind turbine technology since the majority “It is also critical to monitor developments of Victoria’s wind farms were approved,” Mr with Commonwealth policies, such as consultants should aim Burn concurs. continuing deliberations around revising the to develop working Solar While 3 MW turbines with tip heights of renewable energy target,” he adds. around 160 m are now common worldwide, Apart from that, information about the relationships early, not 1.5–2 MW turbines with a height of 130 m were issues associated with wind projects should the norm when many planning permits in be front-of-mind for wind energy proponents. just when there’s a Victoria were issued. Equally important, according to Mr Burn, is statutory requirement “As many wind farm approvals remain for wind energy proponents to contribute to dormant, encroachment from rural policy and regulatory outcomes through or if something goes ReneSola LED’s – Made for Australia dwellings adjacent to approved – but yet periodic discussions with governments and • Globes, Downlights & T8 Tubes • Local Technical Support to be constructed – wind farm sites has by submitting to reviews or inquiries. wrong. “ also occurred. This can create compliance • Dedicated Account Managers • Certified to Australian Standards Air-Conditioning Treatment and incompatibility problems if such WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS matters can’t be resolved by the time the Mr Burn expects to see proponents try to project is operational.” extend the expiry dates on their approvals and seek approval for the larger, more ENGAGING AND STAYING INFORMED modern turbines in the next year or so. IS CRUCIAL Meanwhile, projects that were successful in by short permit expiries, conditions Early engagement with regulators is vital, ACT’s 200 MW wind auction – Ararat and restricting the application of latest in turbine according to Mr Burn. Coonooer Bridge wind farms, among others technology, or other impediments.” “Proponents and their consultants should – will soon progress to the construction phase. While it is important to understand the Energy aim to develop working relationships early, Ultimately, Mr Burn says it is the outcome details of each state’s planning system, Mr Storage not just when there’s a statutory requirement of policy deliberations that will drive the next Burn says the fundamental strategy to or if something goes wrong. wave of wind farm construction. advance wind farm projects remains the same “They should strive to create regulatory “The construction of wind projects will regardless of where one is located. ‘ownership’ and their early work with regulators be largely determined by the outcome of “Ensure that you focus on stakeholder and should lead to a shared view of success.” RET deliberations. relationship management, understand what is Mr Burn says it is also critical for wind “This is why it is so important for required for efficient and profitable wind energy proponents to continually review and proponents to have the approvals for their energy projects, and employ excellent project remain up-to-date with the dynamic policy projects ready to go and not be encumbered management skills.”
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52 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au FOLLOW US @Renesola @RenesolaAus Renesola Renesola Pty Ltd #RallyForRenewables #SaveSolar NYSE: SOL WIND
PHANTOM HEALTH EFFECTS OF WIND TURBINES EXPLAINED
Amid opposition towards wind farms and the much-talked about symptoms of ‘wind turbine syndrome’, EcoGeneration talks to acoustics specialist Dr Renzo Tonin about the absence of a scientifically proven link between wind turbine infrasound and reported health issues.
he phenomenon known as ‘wind turbine He says a majority of academics conclude Tsyndrome’, where people living near wind that there is no direct psychological link turbines experience deleterious effects to their between wind turbine infrasound and health, has gained currency in recent years. health issues. The alleged condition was coined by Dr Rather, health concerns expressed in Nina Pierpont in 2009 in a self-published response to wind turbines are better explained Renzo Tonin, Managing Director book by the same name. Health problems by what is known as the ‘nocebo’ effect. of Renzo Tonin & purportedly caused by wind turbines include Associates. sleep disturbance, headaches, nausea, THE NOCEBO EFFECT tinnitus, ear pressure, vertigo or dizziness, In contrast to a placebo, Dr Tonin says a visual blurring, irritability, memory and nocebo is a negative reaction from exposure concentration problems, panic episodes, to an innocuous substance due to tachycardia and body vibration. expectations of harm. Dr Renzo Tonin is the Managing Director “The nocebo effect is psychogenic in of Renzo Tonin & Associates, a group of nature and is a reaction to a patient’s consulting engineers specialising in expectation and perceptions of how exposure acoustics, vibration and structural dynamics, to a substance will affect them.” and was recently appointed by the NSW Dr Tonin draws upon the research of Department of Planning to conduct an Professor of Public Health at the independent audit of wind farms at Capital, University of Sydney, Simon Chapman, Cullerin Range and Woodlawn. who said wind turbine syndrome is a
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“communicated disease” and found a strong correlation between anti-wind farm groups’ campaigning and reported symptoms. In Australia, Dr Tonin says the syndrome has become the central focus of anti-wind farm organisations such as the Waubra Foundation, a prominent anti-wind farm lobby association. However, biomedical and acoustic engineer Professor Peter Seligman and acoustics consultant Geoff Leventhall claim that the “In my opinion, the solution will be recently reduced to 1 km in Victoria – is an infrasound generated by normal bodily resolved in time, provided there is adequate important criterion. functions, such as heartbeat and breathing, funding of good quality studies and the “I believe the buffer will serve to minimise generate more infrasound in the ear than results of those studies are communicated complaints from landowners who would wind turbines do – thereby meaning wind to stakeholders.” otherwise not be compensated for loss of turbines are unlikely to have any effect. Parallels can be drawn between the wind their amenities. If I were a landowner Similarly, Dr Tonin adds: “A more recent turbine industry and the telecommunications neighbouring a wind farm, I would naturally study at the Waterloo Wind Farm in South industry, where cancer scare campaigns feel offended that my neighbour is reaping Australia found that whilst a number of associated with mobile towers’ radiation rewards at my expense.” nearby residents had complained of subsided in the face of scientific evidence that He says wind energy proponents should symptoms including dizziness, nausea and showed that the effects were insignificant. accept that the 2 km buffer is simply a cost of headaches, which they attributed to wind Dr Tonin advises policymakers to be doing business, and says it will reduce the turbines, the sound level of the infrasound sceptical of evidence presented to them groundswell of opposition that wind farms blade pass frequency component was found which has not been peer-reviewed. face in certain parts. to be at a level significantly below the “They must remember that experts can Dr Tonin says it is only a matter of time accepted perception threshold of 85 dB(G).” present biased or erroneous conclusions before the wind energy industry gains a irrespective of their assertion that they widely sanctioned social licence to operate. INFORMATION IS KEY present an independent view.” “High-quality scientific studies are The lack of scientific studies corroborating imminent. The National Health and Medical the safety of wind turbines is a problem, THE WAY FORWARD Research Council has allocated $2.5 million to according to Dr Tonin. While high-quality research will ensure that a Targeted Cell for Research into Wind Farms “Over time, the Waubra Foundation has infrasound is not the cause of widely and Human Health. The findings should be been successful in convincing landowners reported health symptoms, Dr Tonin says the available in the next three years. It is only a living near wind farms that infrasound is the 2 km wind farming buffer zones – currently matter of time for the community to be cause of their health problems.” being proposed in NSW but which was appraised of high-quality information.”
CASE STUDY: CRICHTON EXPERIMENT
Fiona Crichton, PhD candidate in psychological medicine at University of Auckland, was the first to test the nocebo hypothesis in the wind energy sphere by subjecting a group of 54 participants to either real or ‘sham’ infrasound. She made half of the participants watch a video on the health effects of wind turbine noise, with the video designed to increase their expectations of harm, while the other half were made to watch a video designed to play down their expectations of harm. The experiment found that participants exposed to material designed to increase their concern about the effects of wind turbine infrasound were more likely to report symptoms, even when in the ‘sham’ group. The results were consistent with the nocebo hypothesis. Dr Tonin repeated the experiment with 72 participants in Sydney, using a purpose-made pneumatic headphone apparatus to generate the infrasound at a frequency of 0.8 Hz with harmonics and at a level of 92 dB peak, higher than any measured level reported in literature. His conclusions were consistent with those of Crichton.
56 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au JUNE2015ALLENERGY_Adjusted.pdf 1 8/05/2015 3:55 pm
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WIND AUSTRALIA A B
Australia’s most comprehensive clean & renewable CEC WIND INDUSTRY energy event
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FORUM HAILED A M
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“ROARING SUCCESS” MY
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Held in Melbourne on 26 March 2015, the Clean Energy Council’s (CEC) second annual Wind K Industry Forum was a sold-out event, attracting 160 industry specialists who came together to share their knowledge and work towards technical excellence in the Australian wind industry. 7-8 October 2015 ith more than 30 speakers and eight Although Australia’s wind industry has Wtechnical sessions, the event gave been through a rocky period in the last 12 industry professionals the chance to months due to the political uncertainty Melbourne Convention update their knowledge and expertise, surrounding the Federal Government’s review network with industry peers and hear the of the Renewable Energy Target (RET), CEC & Exhibition Centre latest technological innovations and policy Chief Executive Kane Thornton expressed developments in wind – both in Australia confidence in his welcome address that the and overseas. industry will emerge on the other side ready The event covered multiple wind industry to start building for the future. disciplines, from planning, grid connection “Wind energy is already playing a vital role and maintenance to acoustics and wind in energy matters right across the world, and monitoring innovations. there is no doubt that it has a bright future A: David Hodson from Senvion looking at the Speakers included the likes of Acciona here in Australia.” FREE aggregation of wind Energy Business Development Manager Ben In the meantime, he called upon wind turbines when modelling a wind farm. McInnes, who spoke on the constraints industry professionals to keep themselves planning permits place on the adoption of up-to-date with the world’s best practice in CPD B: (L-R): Clean Energy new wind technology (turn to page 46 to technical areas; from grid integration and Council Policy Director Russell Marsh, Victorian read more about this), and acoustics noise to operation and maintenance. Minister for Energy and specialist Renzo Tonin, who spoke on the lack “This will ensure that Australia’s wind SESSIONS Resources Hon Lily D’Ambrosio and Clean of scientific evidence to corroborate the farms can continue to be built to the highest Energy Council Senior widely-contested ‘wind turbine syndrome’ possible standards of quality, efficiency and REGISTER AT Policy Advisor Alicia (turn to page 54 to learn more). safety, and at the lowest cost.” Webb. ALL-ENERGY.COM.AU 58 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au INDUSTRY UPDATE INDUSTRY UPDATE
A: Past climate change summits have been beset by frustration and inaction. Credit: UNclimatechange.
B: Behind closed doors: climate negotiations have already been running for A B more than 20 years. Credit: UNclimatechange.
(either you advocate climate action, or you electricity will, at best, remain unchanged. To challenges to using renewables for more than don’t), it isn’t. The world has never had to the end-user, the electricity created by solar electricity generation (such as in making address a problem of this magnitude – one cells or wind doesn’t feel, work, smell or look concrete, steel and aluminium), and that knows no boundaries and has causes better than that generated by coal. notwithstanding the appeal of electric that are closely linked to the post-industrial If it were just about agreeing to ever more vehicles, the shift away from oil as the infrastructure that has done so much to drive ambitious targets and replacing ‘evil’ fossil primary fuel for transport requires a lot more economic growth and human betterment. fuels with nice clean ones, success would be than changes to the private car fleet. THE ROAD TO PARIS Let’s be grown-up about the magnitude of easy. But it’s not. Transport isn’t just about moving people; the task: we need to change our energy, Effective climate policies have to do more everything on the table in front of you was electricity and transport systems at an than just price carbon: they have to change made somewhere else and fossil fuels were unprecedented scale and with unprecedented the way we develop our cities and land; burned to get it to you. This December, world leaders will descend on Paris for the latest round of UN climate talks. Many speed, globally. ensure we value and preserve forests; and are predicting another exercise in frustration, but former climate advisor Nick Rowley is The change required in electricity allow us to generate clean electricity and MYTH 3: WE JUST NEED COUNTRIES convinced this time will be different. generation, distribution and use is very much transport ourselves and all the things we buy TO ‘SEE THE LIGHT’ like the transformation in digital and enjoy, in ways that no longer involve the There remains a misplaced hope among communications over the past 20 years. But combustion of fossil fuels. many advocates of ambitious climate policy ith only six months to go before the Kyoto Protocol, fashioning one of the most there is one important difference. Unlike the Some countries are going to have to that there will come a point when shards of Wmost important international meeting ambitious agreements in international law – world of possibilities opened up by the digital continue using coal for a considerable time truth and light and wisdom suddenly begin to on climate change since Copenhagen in none of this would have happened without revolution, the amenity most of us enjoy from yet; there remain significant technological cascade through a major international 2009, what are the chances of success at the negotiating process provided by the this year’s Paris talks? What might ‘success’ United Nations Framework Convention on mean? And can the mistakes and challenges Climate Change (UNFCCC). that have befallen previous meetings be Although the 1997 Kyoto agreement proved Professor avoided and tackled? flawed, it led directly to multi-state policy Nick Rowley. To help address these questions, let’s responses such as the European emissions first dispense with three pervasive myths trading scheme and to national carbon- that continue to make the task of achieving budgeting legislation such as Britain’s Climate Grid Connect Design and Install an adequate global response to climate Change Act, not to mention a plethora of Accreditation Course Professor Nick Rowley is the former change harder. policies and incentives to promote renewable »» Sydney»15-18»June advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair on technologies and infrastructure. »» Adelaide»2-5»July climate and sustainability, and a former » Darwin»6-9»August MYTH 1: THE INTERNATIONAL The frustration is not that the international » Strategic Director of the Copenhagen »» Perth»25-27»September Climate Council. He is currently a CLIMATE NEGOTIATIONS HAVE process has failed, so much as that the professor at the Sydney Democracy FAILED success so far has been only partial, and Stand Alone Design and Install Accreditation Course Network at the University of Sydney. There is a widespread belief that more than nowhere near what is needed to reduce the 20 years of international climate negotiations risks of climate change effectively. »» Sydney»11-14/19-21»June » Canberra»3-6/11-13»September have been a waste of time. They haven’t. » »» Perth»17-20/25-27»September Developing methods to account for MYTH 2: IT’S MAINLY ABOUT JUST »» Adelaide»6-9/13-15»November atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions, GETTING COUNTRIES TO SIGN UP awarding funding for taking these Despite the climate problem having been P: 1800 059 170 measurements, reporting and verifying defined by the media and many W: www.skillbuild.edu.au emissions reductions, and, in the case of the environmental groups as essentially binary
60 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 61 INDUSTRY UPDATE INDUSTRY UPDATE
when an international agreement is clearer from exploited tropical forests unthinkable on the ‘how do we do it’ question that policy for any company. makers, businesses and investors will truly Third, the degree of commitment to accept that it is serious. addressing the climate problem will be Paris has the potential to shape a new, communicated through climate finance. The unequivocal politics of climate change – one Green Climate Fund already has more than in which political leaders take full account of US$10 billion to spend on new low-emissions the implications for their own domestic technology and infrastructure in developing policies. Any agreement can only reduce the economies. These, and any extra funds risks of climate change if it helps leaders to agreed in Paris, need to be used creatively: see investment in new coal-fired electricity helping reduce emissions and achieve human generation (for example) as utterly irrational betterment through new infrastructure in – not at some point in the future, but from the rapidly developing cities of Africa and the moment the deal is struck in Paris. Southeast Asia. There is little or no chance of keeping These specific projects won’t be warming to below 2C if we don’t deal with the announced in Paris, but the meeting needs world’s ageing coal-fired power stations. The to be clear about the sort of improvements
LEFT: International Energy Agency estimates that we that this money can help to deliver. The UN talks can become need to close around a quarter of all the We face a transformational, not a endurance events, as this Copenhagen negotiator world’s least efficient coal-fired power stations transactional problem: the headlines and can attest. Credit: Nick over the coming five years. It is perfectly political statements coming out of Paris need Rowley possible to do this through internationally to be clear about what is going to change as monitored domestic policy. It is here that the a result of them. meeting. These hopes were first pinned on the It is continuous. Last year was the world’s Pentagon’s positioning of the issue of it before. Policies have been tried, their divestment movement is particularly helpful, in The world simply cannot afford another Kyoto summit, then it was Montreal, then Bali, hottest on record, and the past month has emissions reductions as crucial to future success has been mixed, and the debate – building the impetus required to make these perceived fiasco like Copenhagen. Success then famously Copenhagen, and now Paris. brought us Cyclone Pam, one of the strongest health and security greatly enhances the certainly in Australia – is either nasty, or tired, policy decisions more palatable. in Paris will be hard to achieve, but the I’ve described this view as a myth, but cyclones ever recorded, and seen California likelihood of a global diplomatic agreement. or both. outcome of the meeting must, and I believe really it is a woefully naïve understanding of spend another US$1 billion on trying to tackle A third reason for optimism is one man: the Paris is different. It truly has the capacity SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES can, be a driver to further tangible business, how political power operates and its drought. President of the United States. It isn’t to be novel. Without getting too technical The second real chance of a breakthrough in investment and policy decisions that will international agreements are secured. Given China, Brazil, Indonesia and other rapidly fashionable to fete our politicians, but Obama, about how exactly they will be achieved, here Paris hinges on forests. Globally, the pace of reduce emissions – and with it, the potentially the complexity of the challenge – and developing countries no longer need in the months leading up to the meeting in are three outcomes that I believe the summit forest destruction, both for agriculture and catastrophic risks of climate change. frustrating as it is, given the risks posed to convincing of the need to make big emissions Paris, is a real source of hope. In his second can deliver. for timber, pulp and paper, is staggering. The our climate – progressive incremental change cuts. They all see the benefits in a global deal term, he has already expended a huge amount First, any agreement needs to be explicit World Resources Institute estimates that This is an edited version of a series of is all that can be achieved. that they can contribute to through adopting of political capital on the climate problem. about the relationship between the broad almost 13 million hectares of forest – an area articles that originally appeared on The It didn’t feel like it at the time, but I was a low-carbon growth path. Through his lobbying of other leaders and the emissions targets that are agreed, and their roughly the size of England – was lost every Conversation. Read the full original articles fortunate to observe US President Barack The Stern Review on the Economics of bilateral agreements with China and India, the implications in the real world of policy, year between 2000 and 2010. at www.theconversation.com/profiles/nick- Obama in Copenhagen. His performance as a Climate Change showed that the trade-offs President and his negotiating team have investment and business decisions on energy, With trees playing such a vital role in the rowley-10185/articles. negotiator trying to salvage some modicum between high- and low-carbon economic effectively been working on a Paris outcome transport, infrastructure and forestry. global carbon cycle, we need to keep all the of agreement out of what others had let growth paths are meaningless: to be for more than a year. Targets may answer the question of ‘what forests we have. Paris could help make become a train wreck, was almost chilling in sustainable, economic growth must be low- One shouldn’t be cynical about legacy do we do’ about climate policy, but it is only sourcing any paper, packaging or tissue its effectiveness. This was hard work, and carbon. Nine years after the review, and with being a powerful driver for a leader. The doubly so when all that he could achieve was abundant work revealing the tangible benefits Paris meeting represents a moment when avoiding complete failure. of transforming the global economy while the US president has the potential to make Much has changed in the five years since weaning ourselves off fossils fuels, the an international climate agreement one of Copenhagen. The toxic confusion of domestic debates are now less about the need to his lasting achievements. SOLAR PV PROJECT PARTNERS YOUR POST SALE OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS climate policy in countries such as Australia reduce emissions at scale, and more about Of course, none of these factors guarantee should not blind us to these important, and how to do it most effectively. a successful outcome in Paris. But I believe largely positive, developments. The second reason for optimism is that, each makes it more likely. The crucial Bluestream is a National Turnkey Solar PV Installations Subcontractor. Our multi tiered So while I firmly believe it is wrong to unlike at Copenhagen, many countries see an question now is what an adequate climate due diligence process means we only work with the best installers in the business expect a singular triumph or an outright effective climate agreement as more than an agreement actually looks like, and how with Quality, Reliability, Customer Service and WH&S in mind. disaster in Paris, there are reasons why I end in itself. It is also a vital means to address history will judge the Paris summit’s ability » Solar PV installations: SPS / Grid Connect » Project Management Services believe that this year’s outcome can be both other global challenges. There is a growing, to deliver it. » Component Procurement » Metro and Regional Australia, Asia Pacific significant and positive. pragmatic appreciation of the relationship » Operations and Maintenance » Secure Storage Nationally between effective climate policy and efforts A GLOBAL DEAL THAT DRIVES » PV Engineering » Residential, Commercial and Industrial, Utility WHY PARIS WON’T BE ANOTHER to reduce further long-term environmental, GOOD DECISIONS » Grid Connection applications » Project Recruitment and Executive Search COPENHAGEN societal, economic and security risks. Much like the internet, climate change is here, First, there is now an awareness (born of US president Barack Obama’s new and as each day passes, it only gets bigger. » Metering Services » Labour Hire: Trades and Labour experience more than analysis) that the National Security Strategy has listed climate Another year passes, greenhouse gas problem is not some future risk, but a real change as a security risk on a par with concentrations rise, and the warming and +61 2 8332 6131 and present danger. No longer does one have factors like a catastrophic attack on the severe weather events intensify. Industry associations [email protected] and partnerships: to undertake much research to put forward United States, or the proliferation of It is the relentlessness of the problem that www.bluestreamaustralia.com evidence of a more unstable, warmer climate. weapons of mass destruction. The can drive fatigue. People feel they have heard
62 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 63 EVENTS EVENTS
A ALL-ENERGY AUSTRALIA SET TO BE BIGGER B impress with sessions headed by industry unparalleled opportunity for members of the experts and leading businesses including Greg industry to meet suppliers and facilitate the THAN EVER IN 2015 Steele, Enphase Senior Vice President for business that will help the renewable energy Engineering; Raghu Belur, Enphase Co- sector of Australia move towards a bigger Headlining the founder; Westinghouse Plasma Corporation; and brighter future. conference this year Krannich Solar, and DNV GL. “All-Energy Australia prides itself on The All-Energy Australia Exhibition and Conference is set to return to Melbourne in 2015 bigger All-Energy has also confirmed that this gathering the largest number of clean energy and better than ever before. will be the Right Hon. year’s show will mark the return of the legal professionals and investors in Australia. This and contractual session, last featured in combined industry conference and exhibition John Gummer, Lord 2013, which will help attendees explore the will continue to help the industry grow and hanks to an important strategic specific needs and interests of attendees. Deben, the UK’s basics of power purchase agreements and develop. Together with the Clean Energy Tpartnership with the Clean Energy This includes free solar sessions that will other financing models. New sessions this Council, we want to support the industry by Council, the 2015 show will provide the contribute to continual professional longest serving year will include The internet of things, a providing all the benefits of both events in Australian renewable energy sector with the development (CPD) for solar installers, stream that will look at the latest technology one,” said Mr Reed. EcoGeneration scale and quality information it needs during provided by the Clean Energy Council. These Secretary of State for in big data and how it is expected to The industry couldn’t agree more. “It is is a proud media uncertain times with the renewable energy sessions will allow attendees to earn up to the Environment. revolutionise the industry. exciting to join forces with All-Energy to partner for target (RET) under fire. 100 points towards their CPD. Running alongside the conference deliver the sector’s largest event, and we All-Energy 2015. “As the industry faces uncertainty with the Headlining the conference this year will be sessions will be an impressive exhibition are committed to helping the 2015 event to RET review, a partnership seemed the obvious the Right Hon. John Gummer, Lord Deben, showcasing renewable energy, clean be a massive success. This will allow the way forward to ensure the same business the UK’s longest serving Secretary of State energy, sustainable transport and energy industry to do business and celebrate their opportunities are available without the for the Environment. His experience as an efficiency. With over 100 exhibitors expected successes in one place,” said CEC Chief pressure on the industry,” said All-Energy international negotiator has earned him to be on display, this provides an Executive Kane Thornton. Australia Director Anthony Reed. worldwide respect both in the business After a strong showing in 2014, with community and among environmentalists. A: The All Energy visitors attending from over 1,850 companies With such a big name speaker on the cards All-Energy Australia 2015 will be running from the 7-8 October 2015 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Exhibition in 2014. across 22 countries, the expo has taken on and more to be announced soon, All-Energy alongside Waste Expo as a part of Australian Sustainability Week. Registration opens in June. industry feedback in order to provide a sets a high standard for the quality of its B: The All Energy For more information visit www.all-energy.com.au Conference in 2014. specialised conference that caters to the conference program, and continues to
64 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 65 EVENTS LEADING THE ENERGY Renew your EcoGeneration TRANSFORMATION subscription today THE CLEAN ENERGY COUNCIL’S AUSTRALIAN CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT
EcoGeneration ISSUE 88 | JUNE 15 The Clean Energy Council will host its premier industry event, is a proud media partner for the the Australian Clean Energy Summit 2015, at the Hilton Sydney Clean Energy from 15 – 16 July. Summit 2015. Super-efficient solar his year’s Summit, themed Leading the Market trends TEnergy Transformation, will gather Policy New business models industry decision-makers and key players to discuss the latest political, financial, business Storage and technology developments in the Inspiration renewable energy sector. “The Australian Clean Energy Summit will be Australia’s largest gathering of major Wind Market players in the clean energy market this year, analysis and I am excited about the discussions we will have and the progress we will make in Sydney in July,” said CEC CEO Kane Thornton. Debate Solar PROF. NICK ROWLEY BATTLE OF THE PHANTOM HEALTH “For more than a year the clean energy ON DECEMBER’S BATTERIES: LITHIUM-ION EFFECTS OF WIND 60 PARIS TALKS 18 VS LEAD-ACID 54 TURBINES EXPLAINED industry has been impacted by the review of the Renewable Energy Target, with investment in large-scale projects plummeting Networking Grid 90 cent over the last 12 months. “With global investment in renewable energy continuing to climb year-on-year, that’s a trend Innovation Future that can’t continue. The Australian Clean Energy Summit will allow the industry to get Finance Global lessons An overview of what will be covered at the Summit. together and discuss our shared vision for a strong future for renewables, as well as how to As well as the digital edition, you subscription to EcoGeneration includes: leap over the significant hurdles we will of the renewable energy industry, as well as including the ATRAA national solar encounter along the way.” manufacturers and distributors, bankers, conference. Solar installers will be able » 6 editions of Australia’s leading clean energy business magazine per year power generators, service providers and to get their CPD points for the year at WHAT’S ON THE AGENDA? many others. no cost by attending sessions at the » Company listing in the online Australian Clean Energy Directory The 2015 Summit will include technology More than 400 delegates from All-Energy event. briefings and streamed sessions focusing on approximately 300 organisations are For more information visit all-energy.com.au » Invitations and offers on clean energy industry networking functions, training innovation, new funding models, enhanced expected to attend. seminars and clean energy conferences technology and emerging business models INDUSTRY AWARDS as the nation transitions to a renewable LOOKING FOR ATRAA AND PD DAY? The Clean Energy Council Industry Awards, » Access to the online archives of EcoGeneration magazine – including hundreds of energy economy. Those who came to love the ATRAA Solar PV Australia’s peak awards for the renewable articles from industry experts There will be ample networking events of Clean Energy Week will find them energy and energy efficiency industry, will be » Industry guides. opportunities at the Senvion Welcome for free this year at All-Energy, at the announced at the Gala Dinner. Reception, VIP Drinks, as well as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, prestigious Gala Dinner. from 7–8 October 2015. This year, the Clean Energy Council For more information and Subscribe or renew today and receive EcoGeneration in our digital edition WHO WILL BE THERE? has formed a strategic partnership with to register visit The event attracts senior-level decision All-Energy Australia to bring you Australia’s www.cleanenergysummit.com.au format, as well as in print. Go to ecogeneration.com.au/shop makers and key players from diverse sectors most highly anticipated clean energy event,
66 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au COMPANY NEWS
SENVION’S SOLUTIONS FOR THE WIND MARKET
In what has been a tough year for the clean energy industry, Senvion Australia has been hard at work delivering over 290 megawatts of new power-generating capacity across four wind farms in Victoria.
hese projects range from small projects, range of different wind farm regimes around energy output, while electrical engineers Tlike the three-turbine wind farm in the world. The product range includes provide specific design advice about Chepstowe, Western Victoria, to large turbines specifically designed to perform in connecting the wind farm to the network. commercial power plants, such as the the temperature extremes that can be found In the construction phase, Senvion 23-turbine Portland Wind Energy Project (Stage in Australia. Australia provides key project management, 4), the 52-turbine Bald Hills Wind Farm in South Senvion Australia is much more than just procurement and engineering skills and Gippsland, and the 64-turbine Mt Mercer Wind an equipment provider, and selecting the right expertise to deliver wind farms under various Farm, which will produce enough electricity to turbine is just one component of the commercial models according to customer power every home in nearby Ballarat. company’s full life-cycle approach to needs. The company prides itself on its Underpinning Senvion Australia’s approach delivering projects. proven capability to deliver complete turnkey to each of these projects is a firm In Australia, there are over 90 highly solutions for clean power plants. commitment to developing tailored solutions trained employees who each have a critical that meet the particular needs of each client. role to play in delivering and operating wind As a starting point, Senvion Australia has power plants. IMAGE: With an eye to the future, Senvion has made a broad suite of technologies that In the design phase, wind and site engineers significant investments to ensure it has the capacity to utilise proven German technology and suit a develop wind farm solutions to maximise operate in an evolving energy market.
68 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au COMPANY NEWS Advertise in
BALD HILLS WIND FARM The voice for Australia’s Contract type – Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) In the operations phase, local and considerations are at the centre of Senvion Location of project – 10 km south clean energy industry dedicated service teams are established at Australia’s mindset and approach. east of Tarwin Lower in South each site, supported by an operations and The importance of effective community Gippsland, Victoria control centre at the company’s head office engagement is well understood within the Capacity – 106.6 MW in Melbourne. company, and activities are designed to Number of turbines – 52 x MM92 Senvion Australia Chief Executive and take into account the perspectives of Owner – Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd Managing Director Chris Judd is proud that the local communities. company has achieved a unique combination of Senvion Australia is committed to building CHEPSTOWE WIND FARM advanced technology and capabilities to build capability in the clean energy sector. For and operate wind farms in Australia. example, a partnership with RMIT to train Contract type – Supply & Install Be seen in EcoGeneration by “We have been operating in the Australian Australia’s first windfarm-specific, electrical Location of project – 35 km west of market for over a decade, and our people can apprentices has supported the skills Ballarat, Victoria more than professionals draw on the experience of delivering around a development of a new generation of wind 24,000 Capacity – 6.15 MW third of the wind generating capacity installed farm technicians. Number of turbines – 3 x MM92 nationwide to date,” Mr Judd says. There is also a strong focus on employing Owner – Chepstowe Wind Farm who want to know more about He adds that Senvion Australia has a very local people, and using local products and Pty Ltd effective team of people with a detailed services where possible. understanding of what is needed to deliver In addition to servicing the local market, clean energy, in print and online. high-quality power plants. Senvion Australia is ideally placed to realise MT MERCER WIND FARM “Our approach is customer-focused in emerging opportunities across Asia. The Contract type – Supply & Install that we work with wind farm owners from company is responsible for developing the To learn more contact Lisa Hesketh via Location of project – 30 km south of a very early stage to tailor our solutions to Japanese wind market where it has supplied email: [email protected] or call 03 9248 5100. get the best out of each project, and and maintains 115 MW of installed capacity Ballarat, Victoria continue to apply our knowledge and across 16 wind farms. Capacity – 131.2 MW expertise throughout the life of a wind farm,” With the climate negotiations in Paris Number of turbines – 64 x MM92 Mr Judd says. scheduled for later this year, there is renewed Owner – Meridian Energy Ltd Senvion Australia remains well-positioned interest in the important role that renewable to efficiently and effectively deliver power energy will play in decarbonising our energy PORTLAND WIND ENERGY plants in the Australian wind energy market. systems. Wind energy is a mature and PROJECT – STAGE 4 With an eye to the future, Senvion Australia competitive technology that will make a has made significant investments to ensure significant contribution to greenhouse Contract type – Supply & Install that it has the capacity to operate in an abatement goals. Location of project – Across two evolving energy market. Senvion engineers Globally, the future for wind energy is bright, sites at Cape Nelson North and have a deep understanding of the regulatory and Senvion Australia is the right partner to Cape Sir William Grant, near environment, and ensure technical continue delivering high-performing power Portland, Victoria specifications meet requirements so that plants that are also good for the planet. Capacity – 47 MW clients can secure connection agreements. Number of turbines – 23 Established and accredited integrated IMAGE: The 52-turbine Bald Hills Wind Farm covers (10 x MM82, 13 x MM92) management systems ensure that health, approximately 1750 ha of largely cleared cattle and Owner – Pacific Hydro safety, quality and environmental sheep grazing farmland.
70 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au
ECO_Advertise_A4.indd 1 12/05/2015 4:39 pm COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS
SOLAR STORAGE: A COMMERCIAL IMPERATIVE?
Rob Campbell, head of storage manufacturer Vulcan Energy (owner of the Sun-Sink brand), talks about the future of solar storage, and why he thinks electric cars will drive the storage revolution.
HOW DO YOU SEE POWER networks will be webs rather than hub-and- HOW MUCH CAN SOLAR PLUS and give the networks more excuses to STORAGE DEVELOPING IN THE spoke and will be much smaller in size and STORAGE BE SCALED UP AND spend, spend, spend. To prevent this, solar NEXT FEW YEARS? higher in reliability. REMAIN COST-EFFECTIVE? and storage at the domestic and commercial I can see a time Storage will continue to deploy slowly. At Excitingly, storage is now a viable option for level will be imperative. present, grid connected solar returns COULD YOU EXPLAIN HOW THE large users paying demand tariffs, which are when energy will be approximately 12–14 per cent for an absentee SUN-SINK STORAGE SYSTEM one of the biggest barriers to the success of WHY ARE ELECTRIC CARS SUCH A bought from the owner (someone who locks up the house and WORKS? solar PV in commercial applications. Without BIG FACTOR AT THE COMMERCIAL goes to work each day). The addition of Our Sun-Sink unit is unique in that it takes Electric cars need a storage, the entire economic benefit of solar LEVEL? grid at fractions of a storage, while a great concept, reduces that power directly from the solar arrays. By using can be destroyed by the occurrence of the The logical demand for charging points will return on investment (ROI) down to 6–8 per its own maximum power point tracking gutsy electricity supply monthly demand peak when the sun is not be at our local shopping centres. Charging cent per kilowatt hour cent. However, the development of storage (MPPT) and buck-boost circuitry, it stores for fast charging, and shining. However, a large solar array coupled stations are rated at up to 100 kilowatts, so and collected by for the purposes of charging electric cars electricity at voltages identical to the with storage can provide energy when it’s the challenge is: how do we prevent these will lead to a consequential fast drop in modules, therefore is compatible with almost this is likely to have a needed most: not just replacing energy ad stations from blowing peak charges into the storage owners. storage prices and the ROI will swing back all existing PV systems. hoc, but focusing upon delivering energy to stratosphere? A single Tesla supercharger is into favour. A lot does depend on huge effect on power reduce demand peaks. In this way, we can likely to cost $3,000 per month in peak government policy though. WHAT ARE THE MAIN BARRIERS return an additional five per cent in a large demand charges alone, with at least FACING THE STORAGE INDUSTRY IN demand. installation by using solar and storage with a another $1,000 in energy charges. This WHAT ABOUT THE LONGER VIEW – AUSTRALIA? demand focus over ad hoc solar only. translates, in simplistic terms, to a WHAT TRENDS CAN YOU SEE Lack of forward planning and adaptation by $16 cost for each vehicle charged. EMERGING OVER THE NEXT the incumbents. Most utilities hide WHERE ELSE DO YOU SEE Even at lower charging rates, multiplicity DECADE OR SO? legitimately behind legislation that insists on POTENTIAL GROWTH FOR STORAGE will have an identical effect. The only way to Eventually, like most technologies, the take-up a certain level of reliability. The problem is, TECHNOLOGIES? deal with this situation is by storage of will overwhelm the resistors and policy will be they decide how that reliability is achieved, The biggest driver will be charging points electricity, which is not as simple or cheap Rob Campbell is the Managing Director forced upon the governments rather than and are guaranteed an income based on the for electric cars. Cars such as the GM Volt as storing thermal energy, but is getting of Vulcan Energy and its subsidiary controlled by them. I can see a time when amount they spend achieving that outcome. and Tesla S are ready to take over our there. Due to the reasonably short cycling of Australian Solar Systems. He has been energy will be bought from the grid at Naturally, if you are guaranteed to receive an streets and highways, and, like CDs and this type of storage, lithium batteries seem developing mass market storage fractions of a cent per kilowatt hour, ROI of about 15 per cent on whatever you mp3s, this evolution will occur at a the most cost effective at present, with the solutions since 2009, with a current dependent on instant demand, and collected spend, you are going to find ways to spend it, surprisingly fast rate. Each needs a gutsy equivalent of 100 KWh of storage available focus on the residential and commercial by storage owners – solar powered or not – and reducing the size of the network by electricity supply for fast charging, and this at around $60,000, with a five to six year PV markets. IMAGE: for use when prices might get higher. The encouraging storage isn’t one of them. © Katarzyna Leszczynsk/ Dollar Photo Club is likely to have a huge effect on demand useful lifespan.
72 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 73 COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS
SOLAX POWER DELIVERS JA SOLAR MODULES FOR PGK DISTRIBUTION PASS INDUSTRY’S
Tynan Coles is the General Manager at PGK Distribution, a wholesale distributor of PV panels, TOUGHEST CORROSION inverters and solar mounting systems. He explains why PGK have partnered with inverter manufacturer SolaX Power. TEST
WHAT LED TO YOUR PARTNERSHIP particularly important, as this is a WITH SOLAX POWER? requirement by Ergon and Energex in their After various years selling multiple inverter networks as of 30 September 2015. Solar PV manufacturer JA Solar has achieved an industry first, with its PV modules passing the brands, PGK Distribution decided that it The most exciting new feature of the most stringent salt mist corrosion test in the industry. needed to find a good, long term, quality second generation hybrid inverters is the inverter manufacturer. Last June, PGK visited emergency power supply (EPS). If there is a SolaX to discuss an exclusive partnership for grid outage, the EPS enables the system to he company announced in March that its and lifespan of solar PV modules are their single and three phase inverters. After still supply power to some important Tsalt mist resistance PV modules had challenged by the sometimes severe many meetings and negotiations, we were appliances with only a brief interruption to passed the Double Standard IEC 61701 Salt weather conditions in coastal areas. able to come up with an agreement that both the supply. This has already generated Solar modules located Mist Corrosion Test (Severity Level 6), Achieving certification in this test again parties were happy with. This exclusive significant interest to our Northern in coastal areas are at conducted by certification service provider demonstrates the durability and high quality arrangement allowed PGK to manage the Queensland customers, who have previously TÜV Nord. of JA Solar products.” supply channels of these inverters in the been hit severely by cyclones and have had greater risk of JA Solar PV modules are the first to pass Solar modules located in coastal areas are Australian market. Since then, we have been no power for their necessary appliances for this specific test. at greater risk of performance degradation able to sell a considerable number of the X1 multiple days, even weeks. performance The Double Standard IEC 61701 Salt Mist and shorter lifespan due to the effect of salt and X3 inverters to our customers with an degradation and Corrosion Test (Severity Level 6) test mist, which can obscure glass and corrode extremely low failure rate to date. WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE features eight cycles of tests within 56 days. components such as frames and junction AVAILABLE FOR USERS OF SOLAX shorter lifespan due to The Double Standard Class 6 test is twice as boxes. JA Solar’s line of modules is TELL US ABOUT THE COMPANY’S PRODUCTS IN THE AUSTRALIAN difficult, because it extends the duration to ruggedised to withstand harsh coastal LATEST PRODUCTS FOR THE MARKET? the effect of salt mist. 112 days. weather and minimise power loss. In the TÜV AUSTRALIAN MARKET. SolaX have multiple support services available Mr Jian Xie, President of JA Solar, Nord testing, JA modules demonstrated After gaining significant presence in the depending on the user’s requirements. The commented, “The reliability, power output power loss of less than 2 per cent. Australian market due to its hybrid inverter, company have a local manager based in SolaX has been able to consolidate its position Melbourne who deals with all SolaX related The SolaX single phase inverter. with a high performing and reliable inverter tasks on a daily basis. Secondly they have a range. The company is now in the final stages 1300 support number that can handle all user 70 kW over the last 9 months with its X3 of its second generation inverters for its 3 kW queries instantly. This support center is able to inverters. Just recently, one of our customers to 5 kW string and hybrid inverter range. Many relay information immediately to the R&D completed a 90 kW solar system for an of the features of these inverters are quite department to continually improve the quality engineering company in Boronia, Victoria. unique, giving SolaX a point of difference to of the product. Finally, if any units are They were able to commission this system with other inverters in the Australian market. This confirmed to be faulty, there are a network of six SolaX 15 kW X3 inverters. Throughout the highlights the amount of money SolaX has technicians that can replace the faulty unit no application and approval process with the invested in research and development (R&D) to matter where in Australia it is. This is electricity network provider, SolaX had to make sure the company is consistently ahead particularly important, because for many of our supply all the required information to satisfy of the competitors in product development. customers in remote areas who have had faulty the network requirements. After several units installed, the standard $150 compensation months, the inverters were approved for this WHAT MAKES THESE PRODUCTS provided by other manufacturers did not cover commercial sized system, allowing our UNIQUE? the total cost incurred. customer to complete the installation. The Among various additional features, the string results have been extremely impressive, inverters will now have reactive power control COULD YOU GIVE US ANY leaving our customer and their client excited (RPC) and export limiting capability. This EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC PROJECTS about the financial savings from this system. It gives the customer more flexibility when YOU’VE WORKED ON WITH SOLAX? has also led to a couple of referrals for our restrictions are put on their solar system by SolaX have been actively involved in many customers wanting the same quality system the electricity network providers. The RPC is commercial projects ranging from 15 kW to they provided for this engineering company.
74 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 75 COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY, APS YC1000 GUARANTEED MICROINVERTER ENTERS THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET The emergence of solar power system leases is set to shake up the industry and provide the benefits of solar electricity to a new wave of budget conscious consumers. The new APS YC1000 microinverter is certified and available for the Australian market, after raditionally, those lucky enough to have successful rollout in China and the USA. Taccess to the required cash resources have installed a solar power system to reduce their demand on the electricity grid and to ccording to manufacturer APS, the shadow or leaf on one module cuts output potentially save money over the long term. AYC1000 is the world’s first true 3-phase across the whole array. The YC1000 offers While outright purchase provides full microinverter (balanced AC output), and offers module-level maximum power point tracking, ownership of the system, it isn’t without a proven solution for commercial-scale PV increasing the array performance. By Jeremy Rich, Managing Director, some issues. Owners are liable for any systems. The 1:4 microinverter-to-module ratio “Using the YC1000 simplifies system SunEdison. maintenance and, should a component fail significantly lowers balance of system costs. design, increases system flexibility, saves the after the initial warranty period, they could “Unlike other microinverter products cost of installation and maintenance, and
be liable for its replacement. A: The new YC1000 entering the commercial segment, the also shortens setup time. It is the best System owners are also responsible for That’s an incentive most solar installers microinverter from APS. YC1000 line requires no step-up or step-down solution for 3-phase residential and B: The APS energy their own monitoring, ensuring that the cannot offer. monitoring and analysis transformer to operate,” says APS. commercial systems for the Australian system is working as intended and that This same performance guarantee software interface. “Add-on transformers reduce system market,” says APS. savings are being realised as initially also ensures you’re receiving the most efficiency and add thousands of dollars in Through the APS Energy Communication expected. How many actually conduct this reliable products on the market. With balance-of-system costs – issues the Unit and Energy Monitoring and Analysis monitoring would be an interesting study. SunEdison, homeowners can expect proven A YC1000 microinverter are specifically (EMA) software, the user can follow the I’m a fan of disruptive technology and technology and brands that have proven designed to avoid.” performance of their array in real time and innovations that improve existing practice, reliable over time. The YC1000 microinverter connects directly also see historical output data. Precise and this is the reason why I believe that solar A SunEdison Energy Plan generally to low-voltage DC modules, eliminating the monitoring lets the user pinpoint the location leasing is set to herald a new dawn in the requires $0 outlay up-front*. Instead, possibility of arc fires from high-voltage arrays. and nature of any system issues and get uptake of solar PV. consumers make a monthly lease payment The unit also offers revolutionary trunk precise guidance for necessary maintenance, I might be biased, however the SunEdison that can be less than what they would have cabling, eliminating the need for branch cables all within a user-friendly graphic interface. Energy Plan looks to be the forerunner for paid for comparable electricity from the grid. and resolving ‘landscape versus portrait’ APS now offers the EMA 2.0 with even The details provided in this article leases of residential PV systems. These lease payments are predetermined configuration issues. more detailed system tracking. Coming soon: regarding the SunEdison Energy The reason is simple: SunEdison provides a and stated in the solar rental agreement for Conventional string systems only operate the EMA App for handheld devices, bringing Plan are for general information performance guarantee* on all systems sold the entire term, providing the consumer with as efficiently as the lowest-performing even more convenient monitoring to APS under the SunEdison Energy Plan and will price certainty. With the future of electricity module, meaning reduced output from a microinverter end users. only. SunEdison does not guarantee compensate consumers if their system fails pricing uncertain, this is a huge benefit. that customers participating in the to perform in accordance with the The SunEdison Energy Plan provides a ABOUT APS SunEdison Energy Plan will save performance guarantee. performance guarantee, high quality B APS is proud to be first among money on their electricity bills (for How can SunEdison offer this? components, price certainty and worry-free microinverter suppliers in the Australian example, in a scenario where the The company monitors all systems 24 operation. This is disruptive technology at its market, providing the best and most customer’s electricity consumption hours a day, 7 days a week. If something does best and is set to expand the uptake of economical products available. varies), that any such savings will go wrong with a system, SunEdison will often residential PV across Australia. Visit APS was founded in Silicon Valley in 2009, be realised immediately after know about it before the homeowner even www.sunedison.com.au for more information. and is now a global leader in the completion of system installation or realises there is a problem. The issue is then development, manufacturing and marketing that there are no costs (up-front or either fixed remotely, or a technician is * To take advantage of the performance of microinverters based on its own otherwise) associated with rapidly dispatched to work on-site. guarantee, customers are required to enter into proprietary, leading-edge solar technology. a fixed term solar rental agreement with participation in the SunEdison This rapid resolution is in SunEdison’s best APS was ranked No. 2 in 2013 for global interests, as every day that your system isn’t SunEdison, which sets out the terms upon market share of microinverters by shipment Energy Plan. which the performance guarantee applies. performing it’s costing a customer money. by GTM Research.
76 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 77 COMPANY NEWS COMPANY NEWS
JINKOSOLAR LOOKS YINGLI SOLAR TACKLES TO GROW AWKWARD ANGLES ON
In 2014, JinkoSolar shipped nearly 3 GW of solar products, making it the world’s third AUSTRALIAN ROOFTOPS largest shipper of solar modules. JinkoSolar Chairman Li Xiande explains the secrets to the company’s success. Yingli Solar has launched its latest product, the PANDA Compact solar panel, specifically designed to use every single square metre of roof space to maximise energy production. JINKOSOLAR’S 2014 FINANCIAL JinkoSolar is also dramatically deepening RESULTS SHOWED STEADY its finance pool and lowering its cost of PERFORMANCE IN MARGINS AND capital, which should give us a huge he PANDA Compact solar panels were SHARP GROWTH IN SOLAR PANEL competitive edge moving forward. Tlaunched at Solar 2015 and utilise Yingli’s SHIPMENTS, GENERATING MORE advanced PANDA® n-type silicon technology, The PANDA Compact THAN $100 MILLION IN NET CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE DETAIL which is optimised for terrestrial light. This solar panel is a 54 cell JinkoSolar PROFITS. WHAT ENABLED THIS ON THESE FINANCING allows panels to produce high energy yields in Chairman Li GROWTH? ARRANGEMENTS? low light conditions such as mornings, module designed for Xiande. The key factors are: vertical integration, We recently secured $479 million in evenings, cloudy days and winter months. costs advantage, industry leading financing from Minsheng Banking The PANDA Compact solar panel is a roofs where traditional technology, proven quality and a wide Corporation, which should be a huge help to 54 cell module, which is designed for roofs geographic footprint. further develop JinkoSolar’s manufacturing where traditional module sizes may not fit, module sizes may We have established a strong presence, and downstream ambitions. making this the perfect solar panel for not fit. not only in the major markets of China, USA, This follows Minsheng Bank’s agreement maximising performance in constrained areas. Europe and Japan, but also in the smaller to a $161 million deal with JinkoSolar in 2014, The new size also means that installers are and faster growing markets of Chile and which indicates that financial institutions are now able to mount a combination of India. During 2014, the company made sales more than willing to continue increasing horizontal and vertical panels with the length delivering larger and higher watt modules, We recently secured to 59 countries as well. investments into solar PV. As financial of two vertical panels equivalent to that of the PANDA Compact has been specifically $479 million in In addition to expanding sales operations, institutions continue to have positive three horizontal panels. designed for system designers who want JinkoSolar has increased production capacity experiences partnering with solar PV Yingli’s PANDA Compact With a smaller footprint and lighter weight, more flexibility in delivering greater yields solar panel. financing from not only in China, but other countries. companies, our finance pool will continue installers are able to design a more efficient for their customers.” We have now established five production to widen. rooftop system with the flexibility of dealing Yingli are committed to providing Minsheng Banking facilities in China, South Africa, Portugal and with amenities such as chimneys, aerials, air consumers and installers with confidence in Corporation, which Southeast Asia in order to better serve local WHAT ARE THE COMPANY’S LATEST conditioning units or windows. The 250 W knowing they are purchasing a quality customers to fulfill their demand and their PRODUCTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN power rating also facilitates easy system product that has a focus on high should be a huge help specific product requirements. MARKET? design for installers. manufacturing and operational standards As JinkoSolar also continues to strengthen Our Eagle Series solar panels are the latest Daman Cole, Managing Director for Yingli and have recently launched the YINGLI 4 to further develop its pipeline of projects, the company products available for the Australian market. Green Energy in Australia, New Zealand and YOU Partnership Program for installers. This JinkoSolar’s anticipates transferring project assets to a Their commercial level maximum output the Pacific said, “The Yingli Solar PANDA comes as part of Yingli Solar’s ongoing yieldco. SunEdison has been extremely reach up to 280 Watts. Compact panel has been designed using initiative to raise quality standards within manufacturing and successful with its yieldco model. The Eagle Series offers the best combined Yingli’s extensive global experience to Australia’s solar PV industry. power and product warranty over 25 years. address Australia’s unique installation needs. Yingli Solar is a founding member of the downstream ambitions. JINKOSOLAR’S REVENUE FOR THE The panels are designed to deliver consistent, “Roof designs on Australian homes tend to Australian Solar Council’s Positive Quality™ FULL YEAR WAS $1.61 BILLION, trouble-free energy over a very long lifetime. be highly variable and a smaller module Program and the first solar PV manufacturer WHICH WAS AN INCREASE OF 41 provides greater flexibility to home owners to receive the Positive Quality certification. PER CENT FROM THE LAST YEAR. WHAT SUPPORT SERVICES ARE who are looking to optimise the use of their As one of the world’s leading solar panel HOW WAS THIS ACHIEVED? AVAILABLE FOR USERS OF YOUR rooftops for solar power. The PANDA manufacturers, Yingli Solar has delivered We have an industry-leading cost PRODUCT IN THE AUSTRALIAN Compact panels also open up rooftop spaces more than 40 million panels or the structure, and a strong financial outlook – MARKET? that would have otherwise struggled to equivalent of over 10 GW of solar energy to we estimate a year on year growth between Our sales and service team are located in accommodate solar panels.” homes, businesses and utilities worldwide. approximately 10 per cent and 26.6 per cent Melbourne. We are now looking to widen our “While the solar photovoltaic panel The PANDA Compact, 250 W will be in 2015. distribution channels in Australia. industry has generally focused on available through authorised partners.
78 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au www.ecogeneration.com.au ecogeneration June 2015 / 79 WHERE CAN YOU FIND CALENDAR OF EVENTS ECOGENERATION?
DATE / VENUE EVENT WEBSITE
MEDIA PARTNER 7-8 OCTOBER 2015 All Energy and ATRAA all-energy.com.au BOOTH Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre DISTRIBUTION
3-4 JUNE 2015 Australian Energy Storage Conference MEDIA PARTNER australianenergystorage.com.au Australian Technology Park, Sydney & Exhibition DISTRIBUTION
14-15 JULY 2015 MEDIA PARTNER Australian Clean Energy Summit cleanenergyweek.com.au Hilton Hotel Sydney DISTRIBUTION
ADVERTISERS’ INDEX
ABB 21 Phoenix Contact 75 All Energy 59 R & J Batteries 23 Altenergy Power Systems 29 ReneSola 53 Bluestream Australia 63 RF Industries Pty Ltd 33 Canadian Solar 13 Risen Solar Technology 49 Choose Solar 25 Samil Power Ausco Pty Ltd 1 CMA Solar 35 Senvion Australia 69 EcoGeneration 67, 71 Skillbuild Training 61 Enphase Energy 17 Solar Juice Pty Ltd IFC Exide Technologies 43 Solax Power Co. Ltd. 55 Fronius Australia Pty Ltd 5 Solpac 37 Go Energy 39 SunEdison 2 Growatt New Energy Co., Ltd IBC Sunning Australia Pty Ltd 47 IT Power Australia 16 The Solar Warehouse 15 JA Solar 57 Trina Solar Australia OBC Jinko Solar 7 Wilson Transformer Company 42 LG Electronics Australia 31 Yingli Solar 27 Perlight 19
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80 / ecogeneration June 2015 www.ecogeneration.com.au Everything included
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Trinasmart combines our award-winning high performance panels with new power conditioning technology that continuously maximises the DC power output from each panel. In addition, Trinasmart provides panel-level diagnostics, giving system owners unprecedented visibility into panel performance. You can easily monitor your system remotely from your smartphone or tablet at any time. Trinasmart is the rst high quality panel with an integrated “smart” junction box solution. This greatly reduces the complexity and labour costs associated with adding standalone optimisers or microinverters onto a solar panel in the eld.
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