Today’s renewable energy news includes announcements on Acciona Energia, Metlen, PADRES, HYCC, among others.
US Interior Department Orders Lengthy Reviews for Solar, Wind
The US Interior Department has introduced new policies requiring more comprehensive environmental reviews for large-scale solar and wind energy projects on federal lands. This move, driven by concerns over land use, wildlife, and cultural impacts, is expected to extend permitting timelines significantly. The strategy reflects a balancing act between accelerating renewable energy deployment and ensuring thorough environmental protection. The Interior’s Bureau of Land Management will now conduct detailed assessments to address biodiversity, water resources, and community impacts. While this could delay project approvals, it aims to reduce legal risks and improve project quality. Benefits include more sustainable land use, reduced environmental conflicts, and greater public trust, though developers face increased complexity and potentially higher costs in bringing projects to completion.
Acciona Energia Starts Work on 178 MWp Solar Project in Peru
Acciona Energia has begun construction of the 178 MWp San Juan de Marcona solar project in Peru’s Ica region, its second renewable energy project in the country. The plant is expected to generate around 447 GWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to powering approximately 350,000 homes and avoiding about 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The project aligns with Acciona’s strategy to strengthen its presence in Latin America and supports Peru’s goals to diversify its energy mix and increase renewable capacity. It will feature high-efficiency bifacial solar panels and advanced digital monitoring technologies to enhance output and efficiency. Benefits include significant emissions reductions, enhanced energy security, local job creation, and meaningful contributions to Peru’s long-term climate and sustainability targets.
Metlen Inks 15-Year PPA for Battery-Backed Solar in Chile
Metlen Energy & Metals has signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Chilean developer IM2 Solar for a hybrid renewable project combining 14 MWp of solar PV capacity and 10 MWh of battery energy storage. Located in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the project will directly supply Metlen’s copper production facilities, helping reduce the company’s carbon footprint and ensuring stable, clean energy for its operations. This aligns with Metlen’s broader sustainability and decarbonization goals and supports Chile’s ambition for 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030. The project features solar-plus-storage technology to optimize energy delivery and grid stability. Benefits include emissions reduction, operational cost stability, enhanced energy security, and progress toward both corporate and national climate objectives.
PADRES Wins Support for 160 MW of Solar in Poland’s July Auctions
Polish renewable energy developer PADRES has secured support for 160 MW of solar PV capacity in Poland’s July 2024 renewable energy auctions under the country’s Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme. The projects, spread across multiple sites, will benefit from guaranteed electricity prices, providing long-term revenue stability. This success aligns with PAD RES’s strategy to grow its utility-scale solar portfolio and actively contribute to Poland’s energy transition and its target of 50 percent renewable electricity by 2040. The company will utilize advanced, high-efficiency PV technology and digital monitoring solutions to maximize output and grid integration. Benefits include emissions reductions, enhanced energy security, job creation, and helping Poland achieve its climate objectives through increased renewable energy generation.
HYCC Wins Grant for 90 MW Electrolysis Project in Netherlands
Hydrogen Chemistry Company (HYCC) has secured funding from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to advance its 90 MW H2ermes green hydrogen project in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. The project will utilize PEM electrolysis technology to produce up to 15,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, targeting decarbonization of the regional chemical, steel, and heavy transport industries. H2ermes will be powered by local renewable energy sources to ensure fully green hydrogen production and is designed to integrate with existing industrial infrastructure. This aligns with HYCC’s strategy to develop large-scale hydrogen solutions supporting the Netherlands’ goals for a carbon-neutral economy by 2050. Benefits include significant CO2 reductions, supporting industrial customers’ transition to cleaner energy, enhancing energy security, and positioning the Netherlands as a leader in Europe’s hydrogen economy.
GreentechLead.com News Desk