HVDC Light system for major power transmission link in eastern Canada to facilitate integration of renewable energy and stabilization of electrical grid
Nova Scotia, Canada Photo credit: Jean Gagnon
Zurich, Switzerland – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth approximately $400 million from NSP Maritime Link Inc., a subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX: EMA), to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission solution creating the first electricity link between the island of Newfoundland and the North American power grid. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2014.
The Maritime Link Project is a 500 MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) connection that will enable clean, renewable electricity generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to the North American grid in Nova Scotia. The stabilizing features of ABB’s latest HVDC Light solution will also allow Nova Scotia to integrate additional renewables and contribute to Canada’s emission-reduction efforts.
“ABB pioneered HVDC and is a global leader in this key transmission technology which is being increasingly deployed across a range of applications” said ABB Chief Executive Officer Ulrich Spiesshofer. “Our innovative solution for this project will help integrate clean renewable energy, facilitate the efficient transmission of electricity, improve grid stability and enable power sharing.”
Newfoundland, Canada Photo credit: Rob Schmidt
The Maritime Link will deploy ABB’s HVDC Light Voltage Source Conversion (VSC) technology incorporating a full VSC bipolar configuration to further enhance system availability.
In addition to the two converter stations for the ±200 kilovolt (kV) HVDC link, the project scope also includes two 230 kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2017.
ABB’s HVDC Light solution leads the way in VSC technology and the company has delivered 13 of the 14 commissioned VSC links in the world. HVDC Light continues to be a preferred solution for long-distance underground and underwater power links and interconnections like the Maritime Link Project.
This technology is increasingly being deployed across a range of applications. These include integration of renewable energies from land-based and offshore wind farms, mainland power supply to islands and offshore oil and gas platforms, city center in-feeds where space is a major constraint and cross-border interconnections that often connect across the seas. Its ability to meet grid code compliance ensures robust network connections regardless of application.
ABB pioneered HVDC technology 60 years ago and has been awarded approximately 90 HVDC projects representing a total installed capacity of more than 95,000 MW, accounting for about half of the global installed base.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 150,000 people.
Courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency, The World Factbook
RenewableUK says new statistics published today (6-26-14) by the Department of Energy and Climate Change prove the case for wind power. The figures show that 19.4% of all the UK’s electricity mix in the first quarter of this year was generated from renewable energy sources, compared to 12.4% for the same period in the previous year. DECC says the primary reason for the increase was improved performance and greater capacity from onshore and offshore wind power.
Total renewable electricity generation was a record 18.1 terawatt hours in the first quarter of 2014, compared to 12.7 terawatt hours the previous year, an increase of 43%. This is enough to power 15.17 million homes for the quarter. Coal, gas and nuclear production all fell in the same period.
Onshore wind showed the highest absolute increase in generation, increasing by 62% to 6.6 terawatt hours, with offshore wind increasing by 53% to 4.4 terawatt hours. This made onshore wind the largest source of renewable electricity, with the technology providing 7.2% of all electricity across the UK. The combined total for onshore and offshore wind was nearly 12% of all electricity. The increase was partially due to increases in installed capacity, but also record high performance factors (load factors) of 40.4% for onshore wind and 54.3% for offshore wind. In addition, wave and tidal production increased 77%.
The paper also confirms previously released statistics for 2013, once again showing record performance for renewables across the year, led by onshore wind. However, the document does confirm that progress towards the overall energy target, including heat and transport, was below the interim target that the Government set out for 2013, highlighting the need to keep investing in renewable electricity – including onshore wind.
RenewableUK’s Director of External Affairs Jennifer Webber said: “Once again, wind delivered strongly for the UK in the first quarter of the year – when we need power most – providing nearly 12% of all our electricity. At a time when some politicians were finalising their plans to rule out any future support for onshore wind, it was quietly generating enough electricity for the equivalent of over 5 and a half million homes. Offshore wind also made a significant contribution to getting us off the hook of fossil fuels and reducing our dependence imported energy.
Onshore wind is delivering today, and it’s deeply illogical to talk about limiting its potential. Without the strong performance of wind last year, the Government would have been even further behind its energy targets. That’s why we need to ensure that there’s continued investment in both onshore and offshore wind moving forward.”
The statistics come the day after RenewableUK announced its 2015 General Election Manifesto which includes a pledge for onshore wind to be the cheapest form of new generation by 2020, with a lower price point than new gas, nuclear or other renewables – as long as the next Government is supportive. The Association announced the formation of a cost-cutting taskforce to highlight the initiatives needed to ensure this happens.
Commenting on this, Ms Webber said:
“We’ve shown this week that with the right policy support by 2020 the cheapest way to generate new electricity, to replace all the older power stations that are closing down, will be onshore wind. It’s time for all politicians to recognise the role that onshore wind is playing in our electricity provision and security of supply – and give it their support. Otherwise we’re signing up future consumers to a higher cost future, in hock to foreign powers for our electricity”.
Courtesy of EIA
This article is a repost (6-26-14), credit: RenewableUK.
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 10, 2013 3:00am EDT/12:00am PDT… Today at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled one of the most widely anticipated cars in its history – the BMW i8. On most levels, this plug-in hybrid 2+2 sports car is unlike any car ever introduced. It was also announced that the 2014 BMW i8 will have a manufacturer’s suggest retail price of $135,700 plus destination and handling when it arrives in US showrooms in spring of 2014. This is before any federal or state incentives for which the i8 may qualify.
The BMW i8 at a glance
First plug-in hybrid vehicle from the BMW Group and world’s most forward-looking sports car; revolutionary interpretation of BMW’s hallmark driving pleasure; groundbreaking premium character clearly defined in terms of sustainability.
2+2-seater with LifeDrive architecture developed specifically for BMW i, aerodynamically groundbreaking body design and visionary interior design deliver an intense driving experience; Life module passenger cell made from carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP); drive system technology, high-voltage battery, chassis, and crash and structural functions integrated into the aluminum Drive module; curb weight: 3,285 lbs (1,490 kg); Cd: 0.26; very low center of gravity (below 18 inches/460 millimeters); well-balanced weight distribution.
Image courtesy of BMW
Emotion-led visual impression based around established BMW i design language; classical sports car proportions and fresh interpretation of BMW design features; doors open upwards like wings; clean lines, plus surface design (external and internal) based on the layering principle; full-LED headlights as standard, innovative laser headlights – unique worldwide – available as an option where regulations allow.
Plug-in hybrid system developed and produced by the BMW Group represents the latest development stage of Efficient Dynamics; debut for three-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, displacement: 1.5 liters, output: 170 kW/231 hp, maximum torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft); power sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox; model-specific hybrid synchronous electric motor, output: 96 kW/131 hp, maximum torque: 250 Nm (184 lb-ft); power channeled through the front wheels via a two-stage automatic transmission; lithium-ion high-voltage battery with liquid cooling and usable capacity of 5 kWh.
First combination of BMW TwinPower Turbo and BMW eDrive technology plus intelligent energy management produce system output of 266 kW/362 hp (max. torque: 570 Nm / 420 lb-ft) and give the BMW i8 the performance characteristics of a pure-bred sports car (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.4 seconds) combined with fuel economy and emissions comparable to a small car – EU fuel consumption: 2.5 litres per 100 km / 94 mpg (US); “glued-to-the-road” AWD driving experience with torque distribution geared towards optimized dynamics.
Driving Experience Control switch and eDrive button allow driver to choose from five driving modes; range of up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) on electric power alone and a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph); COMFORT mode offers optimum balance between dynamics and efficiency; combined range in everyday conditions: over 500 kilometers (310 miles); SPORT mode with ultra-intense boost function provided by the electric motor; ECO PRO mode can be used in both all-electric mode and hybrid mode.
Sophisticated chassis technology featuring a double-wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle; Electric Power Steering; Dynamic Damper Control comes as standard; 20-inch light-alloy wheels are standard.
Intelligent lightweight construction with elements including a CFRP passenger cell, doors with a CFRP-aluminum structure, an instrument panel with magnesium support, an aluminum chassis and a partition between the passenger compartment and boot made from thin glass; comprehensive safety concept and an ultra-torsionally stiff passenger cell.
Extensive standard equipment includes the Navigation system Professional with proactive drive system for all-electric driving, fully-digital instrument display, BMW iDrive with freestanding Control Display and leather sports seats; choice of four exterior paint finishes and four interior equipment variants.
Image courtesy of BMW
Wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive features: Park Distance Control, cruise control system with braking function, rain sensor and Intelligent Emergency Call function, optional driver assistance package with High Beam Assistant, a rear view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display, and Collision Warning with pedestrian recognition and braking function; also available are the Head-Up Display, BMW Online Entertainment, Concierge Services, Real Time Traffic Information and mobility services developed specifically for BMW i, e.g. intermodal route guidance as standard.
Services specifically developed for BMW i as part of the 360° ELECTRIC program: BMW i Charging Station for convenient battery charging at home, ChargeNow card giving customers a cash-free payment option at public charging stations as well as innovative mobility services such as MyCityWay and ParkatmyHouse; flexible sales concept enables made-to-measure mobility solutions.
All-embracing sustainability concept running like a thread through the value chain; carbon fiber production and vehicle assembly using 100-per cent renewable electricity; high proportion of recycled materials; use of materials manufactured and treated in an environmentally friendly manner.
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 139 BMW motorcycle retailers, 119 MINI passenger car dealers, and 34 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
This article is a repost, credit: BMW, http://www.bmw.com/com/en/.
Joint venture project of RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München and Siemens making good progress
Complete commissioning planned for 2014
Photo courtesy of RWE
Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm has officially generated and exported its first electricity, on track to become the second largest operational offshore wind farm in the world. 58 out of a total of 160 wind turbines are already installed, with the first turbine now feeding electricity into the grid. The wind farm is situated about twelve kilometres off the coast of North Wales and is currently RWE Innogy’s largest offshore wind farm under construction. Gwynt y Môr represents a total investment of more than € 2 billion, shared between RWE Innogy (60%); Stadtwerke München (Munich Municipal Utilities) (30%); and Siemens (10%). Completion of the project is expected in late 2014. Following completion, the wind farm will have an installed capacity of 576 megawatts (MW), enough power to supply some 400,000 residential households with renewable electricity per year.
”This is a remarkable day. Gwynt y Môr has celebrated a number of significant achievements within the industry throughout its construction to date but this tops them all,” said Paul Coffey, COO of RWE Innogy. “We’ve gathered a lot of experience in the offshore sector in recent years which has helped us to deal with the challenges of increased water depths, unpredictable weather and increasing distances to shore. We’re delighted to have reached this milestone and we are in great shape to achieve full operation in 2014.”
Dr. Florian Bieberbach, CEO of Stadtwerke München, added: “Generation of the first ever kilowatt hour of energy from offshore wind is an important milestone both for Gwynt y Môr and for ourselves. The green energy generated by offshore wind farms is an important part of the Renewable Growth Strategy of Stadtwerke München.”
The wind farm extends over an area of some 80 square kilometres. The Siemens turbines with a capacity of 3.6 MW each are erected by means of installation vessels at water depths of up to 28 meters. Each turbine rises 150 meters above the mean sea level.
Clark MacFarlane, Siemens Managing Director, UK Offshore Wind Power, explained: “Siemens plays an important role in the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm: from its role as funding partner, to supply and installation of 160 3.6 MW turbines, the design and engineering of the offshore substations and long term Operations and Maintenance services. This is a key project for us and we are delighted to have played a part in helping this major wind farm achieve first power.”
Gwynt y Môr will make an important contribution towards the UK’s overall drive for power from domestic renewable sources, to offset the current reliance on imported fossil fuels, such as natural gas and oil.
This article is a repost (press release 8-30-13), credit: RWE Innogy, http://www.rwe.com/web/cms/en/8/rwe/.
Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe presented the decision on the appeal for Fosen and Snillfjord at NTNU Monday (Photo: HSI / OED). Courtesy of Norway Energy Department (Petroleum and Energy Ministry)
OilAnd Energy has today granted permission for 8 wind farms connected wires on Fosen and kind fjord area and a central power cord from Overhalla via Fosen and Trollheim in Surnadal.
There are consented to around 1,300 MW of wind power, which can provide approximately 3.7 TWh of renewable electricity generation. This corresponds to the annual consumption of about 185 000 households, or three times the annual consumption in Makati city. Overall, the eight wind power plants the world’s largest wind power projects. The total investment will be around 20 billion, one of the largest investments ever in mainland Norway.
– This is a historic day for Norwegian wind power production, and will constitute a significant part of Norway’s renewable initiatives.I think such a concentrated development is important to collect the disturbance rather than a scattered development, says Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe.
There are consented to SAE Vind DA, Sarepta Energi AS and Zephyr AS for the construction of wind power plants Sørmarkfjellet, Roan, Kvenndalsfjellet, Storheia, Mountain Goat, Mountain Remma, Svarthammaren / Pållifjellet and Freya. It is authorized the connection wires and Statnett has obtained a license to build a 420 kV power line from Namsos substation to substation Trollheim.
Ministry of the appeal made certain modifications in the interests of biodiversity. Objections from reindeer in Fosen has been the subject of a comprehensive treatment. This has led to changes in Roan wind farms while it is stipulated mitigation measures to reduce burdens on reindeer husbandry in Fosen.
This article is a repost (translation), credit: Government of Norway (Norway Energy Department), http://www.norway.org/.
Norwich, VT – King Arthur Flour and Green Mountain Power (GMP) have completed a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station at King Arthur Flour’s flagship campus location. The dual port charging station will be available with dedicated prime parking spots at the bakery, school, café, and store in Norwich.
“We are excited to partner with King Arthur Flour to make this new solar assisted EV charging station available to customers of King Arthur Flour,” said Steve Costello, Green Mountain Power’s vice president for generation and energy innovation. “Forty-seven percent of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. Increasing the number of cars that run on renewable electricity is one of many strategies that Vermont can employ to move away from fossil fuel-based transportation without jeopardizing reliability and cost. Making charging station infrastructure available is critical to the adoption of electric vehicles.”
“As a founding B-Corp and one of the first Vermont Benefit Corporations, King Arthur Flour is committed to high standards of corporate social and environmental responsibility,” says Steve Cochran, King Arthur Flour’s VP of Infrastructure. “This partnership plays a part in our commitment to our community and the planet.”
ChargePoint ct4021 Image courtesy of ChargePoint
This new Dual ChargePoint electric vehicle charging station is compatible with all electric vehicles on the market today. It includes customer-oriented features such as on-line and smartphone directions and reservations, driver notification of charge status, and effortless charging session initiation.
The station will be paired with a 9.54 kW net-metered solar array, all built by Same Sun of Vermont. “The three-pole, 36-module solar array will help demonstrate how renewable energy fits in with new technologies to displace the carbon emissions from transportation,” said Philip Allen of Same Sun of Vermont.
It is anticipated that the electric vehicle market will grow in the coming years. There are currently more than 100 plug-in electric or hybrid models on the market. The EV charging station will be different than the traditional gas station model, as fully charging a vehicle takes multiple hours, and will typically be done at home. However, it is expected that public charging stations will be used to “top off” electric vehicles to expand their range.
According to Karen Glitman, director of transportation efficiency at the Vermont Energy Investment Corp, there were 282 EVs registered in 104 Vermont communities as of July 1, 2013, up from just 88 EVs at this time last year. During that same period of time, the number of communities with EV registrations has nearly doubled.
The project cost $51,900 with a grant of $17,500 from GMP approved by the Vermont Public Service Board. GMP previously supported the installation of charging stations at Vermont Law School and Green Mountain College. There is another project under construction in Brattleboro, with three others in planning stages.
Nordic marine energy technology leader Minesto, with a marine power plant that is able to cost efficiently produce electricity from low velocity tidal and ocean currents, has appointed Dr. Heije Westberg as the company’s new Chief Technology Officer.
Dr. Heije Westberg has previously been Manager for the Department of Energy Conversion at Volvo Technology AB and Technology Advisor for Energy Efficiency & Environment within Advanced Technology & Research at Volvo Group Trucks Technology. She has also been the chairman of Volvo Key Technology Council for Emerging Technologies, and she is currently the Deputy Chairman and Member of Division IV of The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. Dr. Heije Westberg has a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.
At Minesto, Heije Westberg will be Chief Technology Officer, CTO, and responsible for the company’s research and product development. She will take a key role in the management group and as such also involved in operational decisions. Dr. Heije Westberg has pronounced strategic and organising abilities with a proven ability to build and manage highly skilled teams of researchers and engineers.
Minesto has developed a marine energy power plant called Deep Green for cost efficient electricity production from low velocity tidal and ocean currents. The power plant is currently undergoing offshore testing in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, as a part of the commercialisation of the technology.
“I look forward to working with Minesto and the company’s many talented employees,” said Dr. Heije Westberg. “It is exciting to work with new technology that can make a big difference in the transition to a greener world. Deep Green is a highly promising product that I believe will play a major role in future global renewable electricity production.”
Sweeping underwater kite
Deep Green resembles a sweeping underwater kite, comprised of a wing and a turbine, which is secured to the seabed with a tether and moves with high speed in an 8-shaped path in the tidal or ocean current. Deep Green produces 100% renewable tidal energy.
Compared to other traditional and renewable energy sources, tidal and ocean current energy is considerably more predictable and reliable and causes no visual impact and positive environmental impact. Marine energy from the world’s ocean has huge potential. Deep Green, with its low weight and ability to operate in low velocity currents, has several advantages compared to other tidal and ocean current power plants: the catchment area is much larger, and service and maintenance is more cost efficient, resulting in low electricity production costs, comparable with traditional energy sources.
About Minesto
Minesto is a marine energy technology company with a patented technology for cost efficient electricity production from tidal and ocean currents. Minesto’s award winning product, Deep Green, is the only marine power plant that operates cost efficiently in areas with low velocity currents. Deep Green resembles an underwater kite with a wing and a turbine that is attached by a tether to a fixed point on the ocean bed, moving swiftly in an 8-shaped trajectory in the current.
Minesto was founded in 2007 and is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Northern Ireland, UK. The major shareholders in Minesto are BGA Invest, Midroc New Technology, Saab Group and Chalmers University of Technology. Anders Jansson is the company’s CEO. Read more about Minesto at http://www.minesto.com
