EDF, one of the UK’s largest optimisers of battery and flexible energy assets, has signed a long-term agreement with sustainable energy firm Ampeak Energy to optimise its AW1 Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project, located at the former Uskmouth coal-fired power station, is a major step in Ampeak Energy’s plan to transform the site into a sustainable energy park. The 120MW/240MWh battery facility will store electricity and release it back to the grid during periods of high demand. This process helps to balance the grid, support the UK’s transition to net zero, and strengthen the nation’s energy security. EDF will use its Powershift platform and expert trading team to maximise the commercial performance of the AW1 project. For over half a century, the Uskmouth site supplied electricity to the national grid as a coal-fired power station. Under Ampeak Energy’s ownership, it is now being redeveloped into one of the UK’s largest battery storage facilities. Stuart Fenner, Wholesale Market Services Commercial Director at EDF, said: “We’re proud to be working with Ampeak Energy on this landmark project. Battery storage is key to helping the UK reach its climate goal, and our partnership will unlock long-term value from one of the…
Scatec ASA, a major renewable energy provider, has signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with BTG Pactual Comercializadora de Energía, a subsidiary of Brazil’s Banco BTG Pactual. The agreement will see Scatec build a 130 MW solar plant in Colombia. The PPA will cover approximately 85% of the plant’s estimated energy production, with the remainder to be sold on the open Colombian market. The agreement, which is denominated in Colombian Pesos, is adjusted for inflation based on the country’s Producer Price Index. The project, which will be Scatec’s first in Colombia, is located in Nariño, just over 100 kilometres west of Bogotá. The country has a supportive regulatory environment and is expected to add more than 5 GW of solar capacity over the next five years. Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog said: “This agreement marks an important step for Scatec as we enter the Colombian market with a commercially robust project. Colombia offers a solid framework for renewable energy investments, and we are pleased to contribute to the country’s energy transition through our integrated business model.” The total capital expenditure for the solar plant is estimated to be $110 million. Scatec will act as the designated Engineering, Procurement, and Construction…
Madkour Group, a leading Egyptian engineering and infrastructure powerhouse, is poised to transform Mauritania’s energy landscape with a significant investment in a state-of-the-art natural gas power plant. Valued at over $200 million, this ambitious project will play a crucial role in addressing Mauritania’s energy challenges and driving economic growth. The plant, with a projected capacity of 160-180 MW, will leverage the country’s natural gas reserves to provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for industries, households, and businesses. By reducing reliance on less sustainable energy sources, this project will contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Mauritania. This project is strategically important for Mauritania, as it will not only address current energy deficits but also attract further investment in key sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. By improving energy access and reliability, the project will create a more conducive environment for economic growth and development. Madkour Group, with its extensive experience in engineering, procurement, and construction across Africa and the Middle East, is well-positioned to execute this project successfully. The company brings a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure projects that contribute to sustainable development across the continent. This project underscores Madkour Group’s commitment…
PowerChina has achieved a significant milestone with the grid connection of the second phase of the Huadian Tibet Caipeng PV-Storage Project. Located at an elevation of 5,228 meters above sea level, this project sets a new benchmark for high-altitude solar power generation. The project, located in Naidong District, Shannan City, features an installed capacity of 150MW. The second phase, with a capacity of 100MW, commenced construction in August 2024 and incorporates nearly 170,000 PV modules. Notably, the project utilizes bifacial PV modules, which boast a conversion efficiency up to 7.5% higher than traditional modules, maximizing energy output by utilizing both sides of the panels. The project also includes a 20MW/80MWh grid-based storage system, ensuring a continuous power supply of 80,000kWh for four hours during nighttime. This innovative approach addresses the challenges of intermittent solar power generation in remote and high-altitude regions. The successful grid connection of the second phase follows the successful operation of the first phase, which began generating electricity in late 2023. The first phase has already contributed over 60 million kWh of electricity, significantly alleviating seasonal power shortages in the Shannan area. This achievement further solidifies PowerChina’s position as a leader in renewable energy development. The company…
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has announced a significant investment in Chad’s clean energy future. The Board of Directors approved €28 million in funding to construct solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, contributing to the Desert to Power program and increasing energy access across Africa. This €41 million project will be a collaborative effort. The AfDB’s contribution includes a €20 million direct support package, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa. Additionally, €8 million in financial guarantees will be split between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund. The solar plants, each with a capacity of 15-megawatt peak, are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean energy annually. This will not only address Chad’s energy deficit but also contribute to a 20% increase in the country’s overall power supply. “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development,” said Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the AfDB. “It underscores Chad’s commitment to renewable energy and the Bank’s dedication to supporting clean energy projects across Africa.” Beyond increased energy access, the project boasts several additional benefits. It will pave…
Sembcorp Industries, a leading global energy, urban, and marine solutions provider, has secured a significant milestone in its renewable energy portfolio. The company’s Indian subsidiary, Sembcorp Green Infra Private Limited, has been awarded a 150 megawatt solar photovoltaic project coupled with a 300 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS). This marks Sembcorp’s entry into the Indian solar-plus-storage market, further strengthening its position as a global leader in clean energy solutions. The BESS component of the project will play a crucial role in supporting grid stability and optimizing energy dispatch, contributing to India’s renewable energy goals. The project is expected to commence commercial operations within 24 months, subject to the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Sembcorp plans to finance the project through a combination of internal funds and debt. With this new addition, Sembcorp’s total renewable energy capacity in India now approaches 6 GW, while its global clean energy portfolio exceeds 16.5 GW. The company remains committed to expanding its renewable energy footprint and contributing to a sustainable future.
Europe’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for reliable grid infrastructure. In a major development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has announced plans to procure 340 MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) for two projects in Kosovo. This investment, totaling US$202 million, aims to enhance grid stability and support the country’s transition to clean energy. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, Intilion, a leading system integrator, has been selected by Primeo Energie to deliver a 65 MWh BESS project in Solothurn. This project will contribute to the flexibility and reliability of the Swiss power grid. These projects highlight the growing importance of energy storage in balancing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. As more renewable energy is integrated into the grid, energy storage solutions like BESS become essential for ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. These developments underscore Europe’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and its role as a global leader in clean energy technologies.
Global law firm White & Case LLP has advised the finance parties, comprising export credit agencies and commercial lenders, on the US$1.6 billion project financing of the 583MW Greater Changhua 4 Offshore Wind Farm in Taiwan. This significant milestone marks a key development for Ørsted, which is divesting a 50 percent equity stake in the project to Cathay Life Insurance. White & Case partner Fergus Smith, who co-led the Firm’s deal team, said: “As the first offshore wind project in Asia to be 100 percent backed by corporate offtake, this project is an important landmark for the offshore wind sector and the broader renewable sector in Asia. The project lights the way for a new phase of large-scale offshore wind development in the region.” The Greater Changhua 4 site is part of the 920MW Greater Changhua 2b and 4 offshore wind farms, currently under construction by Ørsted and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. This transaction represents the largest investment by a Taiwanese life insurer in an offshore wind farm to date. White & Case partner Brendan Quinn, who co-led the Firm’s deal team, said: “This transaction underscores our continued commitment to supporting the growing offshore wind…
Sustainable Development Capital (SDCL) has announced a significant investment in the clean energy sector through its Green Energy Solutions Fund (GESF). The fund has acquired a stake in two poultry waste-to-energy projects located in North Carolina, developed by East Energy Renewables. This $28 million (€33.9 million) investment underscores SDCL’s commitment to advancing the global energy transition by supporting innovative bioenergy projects. Poultry waste-to-energy represents one of the largest sources of renewable energy globally, and these projects offer a compelling combination of environmental and economic benefits. “We are thrilled to be involved in these innovative projects,” said Jonathan Maxwell, CEO and founder of Sustainable Development Capital. “Investing in bioenergy solutions like these is critical to achieving a more sustainable future. This acquisition demonstrates our ability to identify and support projects that deliver attractive returns alongside positive environmental impact.” David Maxwell, SDCL’s Managing Director and co-fund manager of GESF, further highlighted the project’s multifaceted benefits. “This investment provides our investors with strong risk-adjusted returns, while significantly reducing carbon emissions and delivering essential energy services to local utilities and wastewater treatment plants in North Carolina,” he explained. “This investment aligns perfectly with GESF’s core objectives and reinforces the vast potential for commercially viable…
Qualitas Energy has announced the acquisition of a wind farm undergoing repowering in Lower Saxony, Germany. The 32-turbine wind farm, located on the German North Sea coast, has been operational since 1998 and is currently undergoing a significant upgrade. The repowering project involves replacing existing turbines with five new, more efficient models. This upgrade will increase the wind farm’s total output from 17.2MW to 21.6MW, leading to increased energy production and more sustainable power generation for over 14,000 households. “This acquisition expands our wind energy portfolio with a highly promising project in an excellent wind location,” said Johannes Overbeck, Head of Investment at Qualitas Energy Deutschland. “Qualitas Energy is committed to a long-term strategy of identifying and developing high-quality renewable energy projects, contributing to the acceleration of the energy transition.” This acquisition adds to Qualitas Energy’s growing portfolio of over 100 projects in Germany. The company is actively pursuing its goal of reaching a total capacity of 4GW in the German market. This expansion is supported by €1.2 billion in funding from Qualitas Energy Fund V, which closed in 2022. Qualitas Energy Deutschland, a subsidiary of Qualitas Energy, specializes in the acquisition, financing, development, construction, and operation of onshore wind…
