Newsletter for Members and Supporters of the Alliance for Rural Electrification
A KIND THANK YOU TO OUR GRACIOUS SPONSORS.
www.eauxwell.com / www.phaesun.com / www.sma.de / www.studer-innotec.com / www.trojanbattery.com
EDITORIAL
SPONSORED ARTICLE
Trojan travel on the industrial line
INFOCUS
Solux: Helping the development of solar power in Africa
MEMBER INTERVIEW
Interview with Erwin Marckx, ABC-IBC Committees Secretary, EUROBAT.
NEW MEMBERS
NEWS FROM THE ALLIANCE
New ARE publication guides decision makers in off-grid renewables
Some of the world's biggest electric companies sign agreement at UN Summit
"Life Without Lights" photo exhibition- ARE in discussion panel
InterSolar 2011: The ultimate meeting place for the renewable energy industry
ARE wins pv magazine blog award at InterSolar 2011
DISCUSSION CORNER
How vital are batteries to the off-grid renewable sector?
PUBLISHED AND ACADEMIC WORLD
"Social, economical and environmental impacts of renewable energy sources"
"A new tailored scheme for the support of renewable energies in developing countries"
UPCOMING ARE EVENTS
Working Group cluster of meetings
Solar Power International 2011
UPCOMING BATTERY EVENTS
16th International Congress for Recycling Batteries 2011
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo 2011
EDITORIAL
Battery Industry charging into the future
If Alessandro Volta was to come back to earth for one day, his reaction would be, at the very least, one of shock. 211 years after he pioneered the first battery from silver, paper and cloth drenched in zinc and salt, the battery has become an indispensible element of modern life. It is an omnipresent factor in industrialisation and development, has been employed in a plethora of products and has been put to numerous uses.
For those living in the poorest countries of the world and particularly in the most remote regions, battery may very well represent the future, a fantastic opportunity to develop in the most sustainable way. Indeed, combined with the power of renewable energy, batteries have the capacity to help millions of people. Who knows, perhaps this was Volta’s initial aim. It is quite nice to imagine so anyway.
With this in mind, the Alliance, in this edition of the newsletter, focuses on the battery industry. Since this technology (in its diversity) is the object of many controversies we thought it could be a good opportunity to further discuss these issues.
Batteries are integral to the renewables sector as they are key for energy storage, perform vital grid functions during generation and support the transmission in order to maximise the integration of RES. Batteries are also fundamental in the development of electric and hybrid cars and other modes of transport.
Of most concern to ARE, batteries are a crucial component in the deployment of mini-grids and off-grid systems in the developing world, where they support the sources of power when they are low.
We have an especially packed newsletter this edition. We hear from our sponsors, Trojan Battery Company, a giant in our sector and one of our most active member. They will tell us about their latest development: their industrial line of high-capacity batteries. We also talk to EUROBAT about the importance of battery energy storage (BES) for renewable energies in general and for off-grid in particular.
Our “In Focus” documents the story of Solux, a German NGO which develops mobile solar lamps for distribution in Africa and elsewhere.
We also warmly and graciously welcome our newest members to the Alliance. Having companies with the calibre and reputation of BK-IDSE (from Vietnam), Circadian Solar (U.K.), Morningstar (USA), New Solar Pump (Austria), Rahimafrooz (Bangladesh)and Tenesol (France) join us is a great boost to ARE and highlights the ever-growing momentum swinging behind us. Profiles and links to all of our newest members are included. The geographic map representing ARE is also increasing and widening and we are very proud of that.
Also in this edition, we have the announcement of the release of ARE’s latest publication, “Rural Electrification with Renewable Energy: Technologies, Quality Standards and Business Models”, ARE’s participation in InterSolar 2011 as well as a recent E8 Summit in New York. We also have details of an upcoming cluster of Working Group and Market Study Taskforce meetings which members and other interested parties are invited to.
As usual we have an up-to-date and comprehensive event list, (with a particular focus on those battery-related) and a number of very interesting articles from the academic world for you to take a look at. Please keep an eye out too for our “Discussion Corner” which is designed to keep members’ brainpower ticking over. It is also a great opportunity for networking so come find us and this month’s topic on Facebook.
So, as you can see, it is an exciting and eventful time at the Alliance. We hope you all enjoy the newsletter and that you travel with us as we gather more pace. I think we may even need a deep-cycle battery to store all the energy that we are gathering.
Thanks for reading and until next time.
Simon Rolland, Secretary General.
SPONSOR WIND NEWSLETTER
THE SPONSOR OF THE BATTERY EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER IS TROJAN BATTERY COMPANY.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TROJAN BY VISITING THEIR WEBPAGE
Trojan Travel on the Industrial Line
The establishment of off-grid networks, also known as mini-grids or micro-grids, around the world is increasing as a way to supply power to remote villages that are not connected to the main electric grid. To ensure a village access to clean energy 24/7, a mini-grid system is connected to deep-cycle batteries for energy storage. These systems enable remote communities to operate lighting, communications, refrigeration, and other electrical appliances to improve productivity and comfort of residents, public services and local businesses.
Off-grid networks have unique power storage requirements due to the varying levels of irradiance, temperature and sun hours available at a particular location. As the world’s leading manufacturer of deep-cycle batteries, Trojan Battery Company has expanded its renewable energy product offering with the development of its Industrial Line. Trojan’s Industrial Line of high-capacity batteries is designed to provide durable, long lasting energy storage for mini-grids and other large scale renewable energy systems. As the most recent addition to its lineage of high-quality deep-cycle flooded batteries, Trojan’s Industrial Line is engineered specifically to support mini-grid applications with large daily loads where the batteries are cycled regularly. Available in five sizes, the Industrial Line provides outstanding cycling performance and is designed for 1,500 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge.
“The Industrial Line has expanded Trojan’s renewable energy product offering to provide larger capacity batteries that are optimised to support mini grid installations,” said Bryan Godber, Vice President of renewable energy at Trojan. “As the installation of mini-grids increases in remote regions around the world, Trojan is committed to investing in the right mix of products and services required to support these systems. Recognising the importance of this emerging market, Trojan has directed its attention toward leveraging its expertise in deep-cycle battery technology to engineer products for a wide range of renewable energy applications.”
Having shaped the world of deep-cycle battery technology for more than 85 years, Trojan’s pioneering research, development and manufacturing expertise has firmly established the company’s legacy of applying focused engineering and innovative technology to address the needs of the global renewable energy marketplace. The Industrial Line is tested to meet both IEC and BCI standards and features advanced battery technology which delivers reliable power, high-capacity performance and rugged durability required by remote mini-grid systems.
To visit Trojan Battery online, please click here.
MEMBER INTERVIEW
Member interview with Erwin Marckx, ABC - IBC Committees Secretary,Eurobat. The Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers
Q1: First of all, ARE would like to thank you for taking part in this interview. As a valued and respected member of the Alliance, we are delighted to have this opportunity to speak.
Your White Paper, “Importance of Battery Energy Storage for Renewable Energy Supply”, stipulates EUROBAT’s commitment to developing and promoting technical solutions to combat climate change and reduce CO2 emissions in the field of transport and energy supply. How do you think that batteries can contribute effectively to these goals and the goals set out by the EU Climate Change Package Targets?
- Erwin Marckx, EUROBAT
Renewable energies are one of the methods to achieving an EU low carbon economy. The increasing share of renewables connected on the European grid is the best way forward but there are still a number of technical challenges to overcome, notably their integration to the grid. Batteries can do much more than store electric energy in a decentralized way. If correctly designed (1kW to several MWs) and integrated, they can also fulfill vital grid functions during generation (primary and secondary reserve power) and support the transmission (ancillary services) in order to maximize the integration of RES.
In the field of transportation, batteries can help in the further electrification of vehicles, from mild, full and plug-in hybrids to full electric vehicles. A major issue for all these technologies is increasing the energy efficiency and preventing the energy from breaking.
EUROBAT sees the EU Climate Change Package as an opportunity to position a product which can contribute in many ways to more efficient generation, use, distribution and grid integration of the different energy sources. The EUROBAT White Paper can be downloaded from the EUROBAT website www.eurobat.org.
Q2: EUROBAT has a relationship with many ARE members, including the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA). EUROBAT and EPIA have developed a joint Working Group which seeks to define value streams for battery energy storage (BES) in PV market segments. How can BES provide, for example, reserve power capacity, grid stability and support renewable energy output in a more environmentally friendly manner than other technologies?
The Joint EPIA-EUROBAT working group has been in operation since 2007. The main target of this working group was the PV grid connected residential system, which covers a significant part of the PV market in EU. Based on real operational models we defined optimal solutions to combine most suitable storage components.
Where reserve power and grid stability is more of an issue for the transmission operator (TSOs), we mainly investigated the benefits and functions for grid-connected end-users (system owners) in the further liberalized energy market. The results of this working group were also the basis to set the directions for a standard for “grid connected RES batteries”. The results were also used as input to the EC ‘Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan) and the solar initiative herein.
Q3: How hard is it to gain recognition of the role of batteries and Battery Energy Storage (BES) in the fight against climate change? Do you think the battery industry is underestimated in this regard?
Electrical energy can be stored in different forms, such as pumped hydro, compressed air, flywheels, thermal storage and hydrogen. But batteries should be distinguished from other storage devices because they are more efficient, both during use and at stand-by, therefore increasing the overall efficiency of current and future applications.
We believe that the battery component will play a much larger role in future smart grids, where bi-directional communication will allow decentralized storage to benefit end-users and electricity utility providers at the same time, generating value by “storing-selling”. In this perspective, battery storage will compete also with electricity generating technologies, such as gas-turbines. EUROBAT feels that there is a growing consensus of the power and effectiveness of batteries which will only increase in the coming years.
Q4: How important is it to tailor specific battery needs around renewable energy needs? That is to say, do certain types of batteries, for example, lithium-based, have advantages over Nickel-based, and vice versa? Do all types of battery fulfill a role or is there a “one size fits all” approach for renewable energy?
Apart from the “technical characteristic” of the generation, for example wind versus PV, other factors need to be taken in consideration when selecting the right battery technology and size; such as the climate or environmental conditions, the characteristics of the application (battery depth of discharge) and the requirements regarding performance, life, safety and cost for a given application. Four battery technology families that can effectively contribute to the efficient and sustainable use of electrical energy storage are the lead based, nickel based, lithium based and Sodium based technologies.
Because of the diversity of possible operating modes, there is no single battery system or technology covering the entire range of needs adequately.
Q5: We see from a case study in the White Paper, that the use of BES in off-grid renewable energy systems can have numerous positive outcomes. In this particular case, the provision of energy storage capability for a peripheral hospital helps numerous people in Burkina Faso.
As we approach the UN’s 2012 Year for Sustainable Energy, how would EUROBAT define the role of batteries in bringing about clean, sustainable and renewable energy to those who need it? Can batteries play an important role in tackling energy and health poverty as well as climate change?
Batteries in off-grid systems are an obvious solution and application but need high attention as they need to be tailored to fulfill the function for what they are designed. Due to the rising price of oil and the difficulties in transferring to location, renewable energy and batteries are already more economically viable today than the classic diesel GENSET.
At the same time such systems do not emit CO2 and no transportation of fuel is needed during the whole life-time of the installation. Indeed, in hospitals and schools, for example, in rural areas this can make a substantial difference. Reliable and clean power generation and back up provided by renewable energy and batteries mean that there is greater power autonomy and ensures a more reliable service. It also ensures a cleaner local environment and facilitates development in a myriad of ways. For these reasons alone, RES and batteries should be championed and promoted.
The above picture shows Hansreudi Good, (Chair of Industrial Battery Committee Taskforce on Renewable Energies) and John Searle (EUROBAT Vice-President) EUROBAT Forum in Barcelona where the White Paper was officially released.
Q6: ARE is very much focused on off-grid renewable energy. What do you think BES can offer off-grid systems? How can BES contribute to the quality of energy provision in these situations as well as contribute to the environment and carbon cutting measures?
The value of energy storage is the availability of a permanent source of electricity, independent from the variable power generation. The quality of energy provision is something the designer of the system need to discuss with the user or owner. For industrial applications or large remote habitation application, energy storage is typically sized to be able to supply power from four up to ten days, to ensure that the application will always be powered should RES be limited for an extended period of time.
Another advantage from BES is that it increases the energy efficiency of the whole system because RES energy can be stored if not directly used, where otherwise it would have been lost. As energy generation and its storage is so important in off-grid areas, batteries fulfill an important role.
The perspective for storage is evolving with the changing perspectives for rural electrification. In the past we had either simple solar home systems, or some stand-alone PV to power professional or public equipment, with large storage systems ensuring the power supply for several days. Today’s view is that renewable energy can become an integral part of the power supply to regions or villages as a viable alternative to grid electrification. The concepts are based on intelligent mini-grids, often in hybrid configurations using different sources of generation. Energy storage is not anymore a simple back-up “just in case the sun doesn’t shine”, but much more.
BES needs to optimize, technically and economically, the usage of various generation and grid assets, including renewables, but also gas or fuel based generators. Typically, a fuel based generator can run at nominal regime, with much higher efficiency and lower cost if combined with a storage device, allowing operation at optimum regime and avoiding permanent on-off’s. Energy storage hence becomes an enabling technology, with increased technical requirements fitting intelligent and dynamic use of a highly reliable and long lasting storage device.
Q7: In what ways can BES contribute to end users needs, particularly in the developing world, where power outages are common, that is if you are lucky enough to have access to electricity?
With the expertise in grid-connected systems, the battery industry will also contribute to the further integration of RES in mini-grid configurations. BES is very important for the optimization of such systems. On the contrary of what was earlier expected, grid infrastructures with high penetration of RES are as reliable as conventional networks if correctly designed. The BES component provides energy through power outage periods, for weak configurations, the capacity of BES should be tailored, depending on the load profile and requirements from the users.
Q8: Why does EUROBAT feel that being part of the ARE movement is so important? What role does ARE play in supporting the battery industry and BES, particularly in the off-grid sector?
EUROBAT decided to join ARE because of its mission statement and we believe the Battery Industry can contribute positively to identifying the technological gaps in the rural electrification process. Apart from the technical needs, EUROBAT is also interested in learning about the financial aspects and to understand the different business models installed or under development in the developing countries. The integration of RES in worldwide off-grid energy systems will bring synergy with Europe’s Climate Action Plan and ARE is central to this.
IN FOCUS
- Solux Assembly Workshop
Solux: Helping the development of Solar Power in Africa
Solux e.V. (www.SOLUX.org), a German NGO which develops mobile solar lamps for distribution in Africa and elsewhere, is highlighted in this edition of “InFocus”.
Their motto is “sustainability improving the quality of life by the Solux Solar Light Concept”, and they strive to improve the lives of the less prosperous people in the developing world by supplying them with mobile solar lamps and empowering them through capacity building designed to create a climate of self sufficiency.
We hear from Franz Keis.
One question which Solux often asks is: why aren’t solar lamps produced in Africa? It is this fundamental question and problem which Solux has set out to answer.
In many regards, the knowledge needed to develop solar lamps indigenously is not easily found, particularly in rural areas. Confronted with this issue, in the early 1990s Solux started developing concepts to promote local production. The result was the creation of the “Solux Workshop Concept”. At its heart was the development of a new type of solar lamp, which could be delivered in the form of a kit, ready for local assembly.
All the components, partially pre-assembled, are sent to a local assembly site and there they are put together in a workshop. Starting out on this scale provides users the chance to substitute components with local content over a period of time.
The workshop itself is implemented and managed by a local partner and includes basic assembly tools. Other equipment, such as a soldering machine, is provided by Solux. With the assembly room in place, a trainer/specialist will come over from Germany to train the staff chosen to assemble the solar lamp kits. After this apprenticeship, the local assembly personnel will continue to assemble solar lamps on their own.
Besides training, the transfer of kit-assembly duties to local people has a number of benefits. They include a high degree of awareness and capacity building, practical electrical training, an increased consciousness of what quality means and improved self-esteem.
Out of this knowledge process comes the final product - the solar lamp - and this is where all the other advantages start. For example,
- Solar lamps pose no threat to user or environment during the time of operation, contrary to the usual kerosene lanterns or battery-operated torches
- 5+ hours of environmental friendly light at night, enabling for example, greater ability to attend to educational needs
- Universally applicable as a room light & as a mobile lamp
- No additional consumption of resources (import substitution)
- Designed for use under harsh conditions
- Long lifetime (> 10 years), which is important for customers
- Recyclable components
- Charging of mobile phones, supporting the communications revolution in Africa
- De-centralisation at the lowest level
- Empowerment of user & strengthening of self-responsibility
- Sustainable social business model
One of Solux’s first workshops was established in Gilgil, Kenya and is still operating. Having started as a one-man-show in 1996, it is now an enterprise with 14 people specialised on a wide range of renewable energy equipment. This is an example of what may be called sustainable social business for Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) countries.
During the last 16 years, more than 60 workshops have been founded in low-income countries and more are in the pipeline.
Over the last few years, additional temporary workshops were established in German schools. These schools were then connected with partners in Africa. In some cases even German pupils travelled to a school in Africa to create a temporary workshop with the pupils there and to assemble solar lamps together.
What has become clear to all at Solux during the years of training and capacity building is that providing the tools for the development of local knowledge is critical in order to spread the message of solar and renewable energy.
Empowering local people to assemble renewable energy equipment and providing them with the expertise to train others means that the renewable energy revolution in Africa and other developing regions will have a stronger grassroot base, which will ultimately contribute to greater levels of application.
Indeed, knowing that we are empowering local people to find their own way out of energy poverty in such a manner is what really sustains all of us here at Solux.
Franz Kies
To find out more about Solux please click here.
NEW MEMBERS
BK-IDSE
Country: Vietnam
Website: www.bk-idse.com
Bach Khoa Investment and Development of Solar Energy Corporation (BK-IDSE) is a leading Vietnamese company specialised in wind and solar energy. BK-IDSE is fully committed to making renewable energies accessible to everyone and offers customised solutions for every project and customer.
Some of their main products include PV, solar water heater and street light lamps. BK-IDSE offers excellent product and after sales care and employs a group of professional experts, highly qualified in designing and optimising industrial scale projects.
BK-IDSE has joined ARE to further their aim of building renewable energy accessibility as well as to avail of network opportunities, funding information and to be kept aware of the latest news and developments regarding rural electrification.
Circadian Solar
Country: United Kingdom
Website: www.circadiansolar.com
Circadian Solar is a turn-key provider of the next generation of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Its systems are aimed at both off-grid and grid-connected applications. Circadian adopts an applications-approach to power solutions for sectors such as rural electrification, water treatment, schools and hospitals, mining, hotels resorts as well as utility scale power generation.
Circadian’s Ultra Power Density approach to CPV combines the benefits of holistic system design with its high-efficiency cell development program to break new ground in overall system efficiency, cost and reliability.
Circadian has joined ARE for a variety of reasons. Circadian hope to increase their awareness of the range of technical and commercial challenges and the corresponding solutions as well as market opportunities in rural electrification. They hope to gain access to research and market publications relating to rural electrification and increase their profile within the rural electrification community.
Circadian believes that ARE is the perfect place to make contact with and foster relationships with potential technical partners, project developers and project financers. Circadian views ARE as an opportunity to gain access to early information on new business opportunities, intelligence on financing schemes, funds and market opportunities in the rural electrification arena.
Finally, Circadian shares ARE’s hope to participate in bringing electricity to under developed regions, particularly as Circadian solar technology doesn’t require cooling water and is therefore particularly suitable for rural areas, which also often face water scarcity.
Morningstar
Country: U.S.A
Website: www.morningstarcorp.com
Morningstar Corporation is a world-leading supplier of photovoltaic (PV) controllers and inverters using advanced technology. Their products are sold in 73 countries through a global network of 164 authorised Morningstar distributors.
Morningstar has sold over 1.5 million controllers for professional and consumer off-grid solar systems and keep maintaining the highest standard of reliability and designing their products for installation in the world’s harshest environments. Morningstar also uphold a commitment to quality customer service including same day technical support, liberal warranty terms and high stock levels ensuring efficient shipping. Morningstar operate a worldwide distribution service with local customer service ensuring an expected 15 year life term for its products.
Morningstar has joined ARE due to the Alliance’s commitment to off-grid rural electrification. They see ARE as the perfect way to keep up to date on events, projects and the challenges of rural electrification. Morningstar believe that ARE will continue to forge and create effective partnerships with key leaders in the PV field as well as establishing and promoting the policies which affect renewable energy.
New Solar Pump
Country: Austria
Website: www.newsolarpump.com
New Solar Pump, founded by Dietmar Stuck Jr. is an innovative solar well pumping station which operates independently from any electricity supply, is maintenance free and can deliver water from more than 150 meters.
No battery system is installed with the New Solar Pump, and depending on well depth, merely two to four solar panels are required. This makes the station cheaper than other well pumps and enables an alignment to any requested discharge flow and delivery height. It is neither necessary to exchange seals in the pumping piston, or to carry out maintenance work or to renew the battery system.
New Solar Pump is an unproblematic and cost-efficient method which utilises the power of the sun to great effect. Local communities, particularly in rural developing areas do not need to rely on expensive and intermittent fuel supplies. New Solar Pump provides water to vulnerable regions, reduces the amount of time, money and energy needed to gather water and in due course contributes effectively to the development of local economies and health standards.
NSP feels that their modus operandi correspond with that of ARE. That is, improving the quality of life of people through innovation with renewable energy. NSP and ARE’s commitment to social responsibility and development through clean, renewable energy and their belief that sustainability in this regard is such an important global challenge, has brought together both organisations and ultimately it is what binds them.
Rahimafrooz
Country: Bangladesh
Website: www.rahimafrooz.com
Rahimafrooz Bangladesh Limited is one of the oldest and largest Bangladeshi business groups and produces world class brands, superior quality products and offers unparallel service. Rahimafrooz has been in the battery business in Bangladesh for more than 50 years.
Rahimafrooz operates in three broad segments – automotive aftermarket, power and energy, and retail. They have eight Strategic Business Units (SBUs), three other business ventures, and a not-for-profit social enterprise. In storage power division they have three SBUs: Rahimafrooz Batteries Ltd. (RBL), Rahimafrooz Globatt Ltd. (RGL) and Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd. (RAL).
Rahimafrooz Accumulators Ltd. (RAL) has evolved with a proposition to produce and market industrial batteries of high standard backed by latest technology to the local and overseas market. RAL is the market leader in Bangladesh with 75% of market share. VOLTA as a brand has already made inroad in the international market. The company endeavors to be the leading Industrial batteries manufacturer for Traction, Stationary, Solar and VRLA batteries in Southeast Asia.
The batteries are used for applications in telecommunication, power station, railway system, electric vehicle, forklift, ship, buoy lighting and solar power system.
ARE is a leading Renewable Energy Industry association worldwide promoting and supporting the development of off-grid RE market in rural areas of developing countries. By joining them, we wish to increase our visibility and public relations along with our promotional plans. Moreover, being associated with others who are connected in the network will give us an advantage of being updated about market and advanced products of the future. Keeping pace with market development will just get easier with the help of ARE.
Tenesol
Country: France
Website: www.tenesol.com
A rapidly expanding global player in the field of solar energy (with a turnover of 304 million euro in 2010, average 25% growth per year over the last three years), Tenesol works on behalf of businesses, local authorities and private individuals. For more than 28 years, Tenesol has been engineering, designing, manufacturing, installing and managing solar energy systems including production and consumption of supplied systems (off-grid sites, general grid supply via direct connection, solar water heating) for its customers around the globe.
A benchmark player in its sector, Tenesol currently has a staff of more than 1.000 employees across 24 subsidiaries including two production facilities.
Consciously different from the company’s very technical reference environment, the mission statement adopted by Tenesol in 2009 is very forthright in its desire to harmonise technology with ease-of use. An audacious association that conveys Tenesol’s promise to bring solar energy into the future for rural electrification, and water pumping.
As a pioneering and committed company, rigorousness and innovation have always been Tenesol’s driving forces. It is also in the process of reworking the customer charter for a sector with still limited exposure. As a mission statement, "Tenesol, sun access provider" therefore formalizes our commitment based on simplicity, customer service, and a genuine desire to make the use of solar photovoltaic energy more accessible to all.
Tenesol has joined the Alliance so as to share experience and data about off-grid systems. They view ARE as the perfect off-grid and renewable energy meeting point and as one of the core actors of change and momentum in the sector.
News from the Alliance
New ARE publication guides decision-makers in off-grid renewables
ARE launched their most recent publication: Rural Electrification with Renewable Energy: Technologies, Quality Standards and Business Models. Taping into its members’ experience and expertise, ARE aims to contribute to the decision-makers, potential investors, project promoters and the general public’s knowledge of renewable off-grid technologies.
From small individual installations to village or island grids, from PV to small wind or hydro, renewables offer a wide range of options. This publication includes an overview of these solutions, their advantages and challenges, all backed by concrete case studies. It also includes insights into quality standards, maintenance advices and business models.
In a language accessible to non-experts, ARE aims to support all stakeholders in making an informed energy-related choice. A choice that considers not only the technological angle, but also the social and environmental factors influencing it, ultimately leading to the best solution for individual and communities. For the first time the publication will also make available the contact details of ARE’s members working in the different sectors.
To download a full version of the study, click here.
Some of the world’s biggest electric companies sign agreement at UN Summit
The Alliance was represented at a UN Summit Meeting in New York on 2 June, where a group of 13 big electric utilities announced plans to bring cleaner power to people living in far-flung, often off-grid places. Among them, was ARE’s member Enel Green Power.
This "Global Summit on Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships to Accelerate Global Electricity Technology Deployment" was hosted jointly between the UN-Energy (an umbrella group of United Nations' agencies working on sustainable development) and the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (a non-profit international organisation).
GSEP is composed of the world's leading electricity utilities to promote sustainable energy development, as a prelude to the UN’s "International Year of Sustainable Energy for All" in 2012.
At the Summit, the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (previously known as e8) launched a report which lays out guidelines for creating private-public partnerships in the energy sector. It collects lessons from concrete case-studies and the findings from a global survey of energy firms in which ARE and its members have contributed. Their recommendations for successful partnerships of this kind are, among others:
- Choose technology that is appropriate for the location and its conditions
- Develop national energy goals, supported by long-term policies and legislation. For investors, assure cost recovery and profit potential
- Clearly define the partner roles, responsibilities and commitment
- Stable and adequate funding for researching, testing, and deploying new technologies
- Take measures to maximise the benefits of better electricity access for communities
- Help optimise the private sector’s ability to provide capital through many financing alternatives
- Form strong relationships between the public and private sectors and other stakeholders
- Secure income with power purchase agreements, offering the private sector greater certainty for long-term investment
To learn more, please click here.
Launch of “Life Without Lights” exhibition - ARE in discussion panel
The Alliance was invited to participate in the discussion panel at the opening of the photographic exhibition “Life Without Lights”. The artist, Peter DiCampo, is a documentary photographer who divides his time between Africa and the USA.
His work focuses primarily on stories of development, and while in Ghana he photographed the lives of communities who live without electricity. The result is a set of images that depict better than any words a reality that is hard, but full of creativity and resourcefulness, as we see how people charge their mobile phones, hold night markets or even film local movies.
According to DiCampo “Living without lights is more than just conveying minor inconveniences, electricity provides a paramount step on the ladder of economics, and the northern villages know the importance of what is being kept from them.”
Alexandra Reis, ARE’s Communications Officer was part of the discussion panel held at the inauguration of the exhibition in Brooklyn on 2 June. Other panelists included Rachel Ishofsky, Associate Executive Director of Jewish Heart for Africa, Katherine Lucey, founder of Solar Sister and Ellen Morris, Ph.D., Director of programs on Sustainable Energy Policy and International Energy Management and Policy at Columbia University.
To find out more, please click here.
InterSolar 2011: The ultimate meeting place for the renewable energy industry
- Renewable professionals visiting the ARE stand
For the fourth consecutive year ARE has participated in Intersolar. Members and other interested parties had the chance to pass by our stand where ARE’s most recent publications were made available. ARE was also invited by InterSolar organisers to be one of the event’s official bloggers.
ARE was also a member of the conference’s selection committee contributing in the creation of the best international market session possible in which Ernesto Macias, ARE’s President, took part. The panel also included Dr. Murray Cameron, Director of EPIA, Brisa Ortiz, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems and Tobias Zwirner, Managing Director at Phaesun GmbH (all members of ARE). Ernesto’s presentation can be downloaded here.
Finally, the crowning piece of ARE’s Intersolar presence was the Reception for off-grid professionals which over the last three years has become the networking event for this sector. This year more than 100 people gathered to enjoy networking opportunities and good Bavarian food.
- ARE President, Ernesto Macias, address attendees at the ARE InterSolar Networking Event on the 9th of June 2011
ARE would like to thank our gracious sponsors of the Networking Event at InterSolar.
ARE wins PV magazine blog award at InterSolar 2011
ARE has been elected the best InterSolar blogger in a competition organised by PV magazine, one of the industry’s most influential magazines. Over the three days of InterSolar, Simon Rolland published six posts about the most popular buzz words of this year’s Trade Fair, from feed in tariffs to the sector’s gender inequality. Look out for the full story in pv magazine’s next issue.
To read the blog entries, please click here.
DISCUSSION CORNER
From our discussion with EUROBAT, it seems that role of batteries has been somewhat underestimated when considering the future of renewable energy. However, as can be seen from the conversation with Erwin Marckx, batteries fulfill important functions which are continuously growing.
How vital are efficient and effective batteries to the off-grid renewable sector? How essential are BES to rural electrification by renewable energy?
Let us know what you think. Join the discussion on ARE’s Facebook page by clicking here.
PUBLISHED AND ACADEMIC WORLD
- Social, economical and environmental impacts of renewable energy systems. (2008). A.K Akella, R.P Saini and M.P Sharma, National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, India.
“Conventional energy sources based on oil, coal, and natural gas have proven to be highly effective drivers of economic progress, but at the same time damaging to the environment and to human health. Keeping in mind, the social, economical and environmental effects of renewable energy system have been discussed in this paper.
The uses of renewable energy system, instead of, conventional energy system, to control the social, economical and environmental problems have been discussed. The results show that the trends of total emission reduction in different years, which is exponentially increasing after the installation of renewable energy system in remote areas.”
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148108002073
- A new tailored scheme for the support of renewable energies in developing countries. (2008). Magda Moner-Girona. Renewable Energies Unit, Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispira, Italy.
“Historically the promotion of renewable energy technologies in isolated areas has involved international donors or governments subsidising the initial capital investment. This paper proposes an alternative support mechanism for remote villages based on the generation of renewable electricity. This communication presents an evaluation of the Renewable Energy Premium Tariff (RPT) scheme, a locally adapted variation of the Feed-in Tariff tailored for decentralised grids of developing countries.
The RPT scheme stimulates the deployment of renewable energy technologies by paying for renewable electricity generated. A good-quality performance is secured since the support is given based on the electricity produced by renewables, not for the initial capital investment. The mechanism has been designed to provide a cost-effective scheme for the introduction of renewable energy technologies to remote villages, to provide sustainable and affordable electricity to local users, to make renewable energy projects attractive to policy-makers, and concurrently decrease financial risk to attract private sector investment.”
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421508007222
UPCOMING ARE EVENTS
Working Group Cluster of Meetings
ARE’s “supporting policies and legal framework” Working Group (chaired by Anjali Shanker, IED) would like to invite members and other interested parties to its next meeting. To take advantage of natural synergies between both issues, we would also like to invite you to the kick-off of our brand new “Market Studies” taskforce.
What, when, why, how?
Workshop “Supporting policies and legal frameworks”
27th July 2011 from 14.00 to 18.00, in Brussels
The implementation of laws and policies favourable to off-grid renewable energies is absolutely central for the future of our sector. What of tax exemption? What of standardised legal papers? What of incentives? What role for capacity building?
These types of questions will shape the rural electrification programmes of tomorrow and we have to be ready to deliver the most accurate answers to donors, international organisations, governments and local authorities that expect this information from us.
Your input regarding what is needed to make these markets evolved is key.
Following an initiative from the Working Group participants, a draft position paper on this vast issue has been prepared and will serve as a base for discussions. We will then enrich it with your comments and critiques to produce a set of recommendations to be delivered to decision makers.
Kick-off Market Study taskforce
28th July 2011from 9.30 to 16.30, in Brussels
Information about fiscal regime, trade regulation, rural electrification master plans, existing supporting schemes, sold systems, installed diesel capacity etc is fundamental to the future of your investments, your projects and our sector.
To address this major gap, the Alliance has decided to create a taskforce that will focus on answering this need. In order to become as effective as possible, this taskforce must respond concretely to the requests of the private sector, so your input is needed to frame its methodology and objectives (country, information needs etc).
In order to have a productive meeting, we are currently preparing an exciting panel with experts in market studies and data collection and analysis. Speakers from the IEA, REN 21, Partners for Innovation and the JRC will join us. In the morning they will share their experience and expertise and the afternoon will be dedicated to defining the taskforce and its objectives.
Remember YOU NEED THIS DATA, WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
The number of attendees is limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible by sending an email to d.cotter(at)ruralelec.org by Tuesday 19th of July. As you all know the lack of relevant, credible market data, catered for the need of the private sector, is a major barrier to investments and project development in renewable energies in developing countries.
European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
The 26th EU PVSEC seeks to demonstrate the cutting edge in technological development in the PV sector. Indeed, the 26th PVSEC is of particular importance as it comes at a time when the European Commission has announced new initiatives to foster innovation in key energy technologies.
The event will showcase the best of the photovoltaic industry and participants can view the latest products, equipments and materials. The Alliance will be visible at the event via its stand as well as through the organisation of a market workshop. The workshop will be articulated around investment opportunities and program in the renewable energy sectors of developing countries. Again further information can be found in the upcoming weeks on the Alliance’s website and social network pages.
To visit EU PVSEC online, please click here.
Solar Power International
Solar Power International, on in Dallas this October, is an opportunity to generate powerful new ideas, connections and business for the solar industry. With over 24,000 professionals due to attend, it is a perfect venue to see new innovations, create and advance business relationships, keep on the pulse of industry developments, educate and influence policy makers as well as talk with investors and financiers.
ARE will be taking part in the event and will maintain a strong presence throughout the conference. The Alliance will also organise a networking event which will bring together members and contacts in a social setting in order to discuss sector developments and business. Please check our next newsletter and website over the next few weeks for further details.
To learn more about Solar Power International, please click here.
Hydro 2011
Policy-makers, developers, financiers, and hydro practitioners in all parts of the world are joining forces today to maximize the many inherent benefits of multipurpose hydropower projects. Pumped-storage schemes are playing an increasingly important role, particularly in countries where intermittent renewable energy systems are being developed. Power trading is accelerating socio-economic development in many hydro-rich countries, and innovative small hydro schemes are providing practical solutions for rural electrification. Our HYDRO 2011 Conference and Exhibition will bring together high level delegations from all countries with active hydro development programmes underway, to discuss priorities, achievements and challenges.
Visit the homepage of Hydro 2011 by clicking here.
UPCOMING BATTERY EVENTS
16th International Congress for Battery Recycling (ICBR) 2011
The Congress will focus on: an update of battery legislation worldwide, safety issues and transportation regulations, recycling efficiency, the great future of LEU, EHV, PEHV and EV battery systems, the success of Li-Ion batteries technologies and country reports on collection and recycling. It will also examine the best available technologies for battery recycling and will include a panel discussion: “Is the industry ready for the electric vehicle boom?”
Find out more about the event by clicking here.
Batteries 2011, 28th - 30th September 2011, Cannes-Mandelieu, France
Building on the past editions success, Batteries 2011 promises to be the main pole of exchanges between the whole value chain of the battery market: raw material and electronic devices suppliers, battery manufacturers, industrial users, environment and recycling specialists and universities.
The congress programme 2011 will include: 3 days of technical conference sessions, 60 high level speakers, 40 booths within a 1500 m² exhibit area and many networking opportunities.
To find out more about the event, please click here.
IRENEC 2011 (International 100% Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition)
This conference is organised by EUROSOLAR Turkey, The Turkish Division of European Association for Renewable Energies, to pursue the improvements in the energy end use efficiency and renewable energies. International 100% Renewable Energy Conferences and Exhibitions (IRENEC) aims to promote this monumental transformation from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and to contribute to the 100 percent goal to be reached without nuclear energy or carbon-capture technology.
IRENEC 2011 will cover the most significant topics to lead a way to discussions and shifts in thinking in a world so overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels.
To learn more, please click here.
Upcoming Events
Nigeria Alternative Energy Expo 2011
The Nigerian Alternative Energy Expo 2011 is where local and international renewable energy actors will come together will come together to discuss and debate a new energy future for both Nigeria and Africa.
There will be over 4,000 professionals and 200 exhibiting companies in attendance and offers the opportunity to meet and network with senior experts and decision makers integral to the reform of the Nigerian energy sector.
To view the homepage of the Expo, please click here.