Solar Energy

The world’s first 100% solar-powered Air Traffic Control radar is now fully operational in the Atacama Desert, providing DGAC with air traffic surveillance and control in Northern Chile. A major innovation and engineering feat at 3,500 meters, the radar station deploys 340 solar panels, taking advantage of Chile’s high rate of sunshine. A precedent-setting ATC-integrated radar, the STAR NG primary and RSM secondary radar detect both slow- and fast-moving targets, meeting the operational surveillance requirements of both civil and military air traffic control.

Thales co-installed STAR NG and RSM Air Traffic Control radar, 100% solar powered ©Thales

Chile’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), Chile’s civil aviation authority, and Thales, a global technology leader, operate the world’s first 100% solar-powered air traffic control radar station. This technological innovation places Chile at the forefront of sustainable initiatives within the civil aviation industry for a greener future and safe air traffic control in northern Chile.

Air safety is always important. Regardless of whether the airspace is particularly busy or going through a quieter period, Air Traffic Control Officers need to be constantly aware of aircraft positions in their airspace. The smallest visual gap can have significant consequences for the safety of air passengers.

The solar-powered radar system developed by Thales for Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) consists of the advanced and efficient STAR NG primary radar and RSM secondary radar. Combined radars detect both slow and fast moving targets such as helicopters, commercial aircraft and jets, meeting all the operational control requirements of both civil and military air traffic control. The 100% solar paneled ATC radar station will help DGAC monitor commercial flights in the country on a daily basis and ensure increased safety and reliability.

Located at an altitude of more than 3,500 meters in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the radar station will run exclusively on continuous energy, taking advantage of the region’s high sunlight. Equipped with 340 strategically placed panels, the plant covers an area of ​​10,000 m2 and has a maximum production capacity of approximately 960 kWh per day.

Launched a year ago, innovation in alternative and greener energy generation is an example of Thales’ role as a strategic partner, with engineers and technology at the forefront to deliver sustainable solutions in all environments. In addition to solar panels, the system includes efficient energy use and advanced battery and back-up generator technology to ensure the overall operation of the station.

With more than 1,100 Air Traffic Radars deployed worldwide, Thales is recognized as a world leader in air surveillance technology and an innovative strategic partner in the aerospace technology industry.

“For DGAC, at a strategic level, this new air traffic control radar station is undoubtedly a major contribution to air safety in the north of the country, where there is currently a high air traffic density. the highest measuring range on the market with 100 nautical miles in the primary radar position and 250 nautical miles in the secondary radar position. The environmental benefits are also outstanding and unique, limiting the impact on climate change to 100% solar energy, in line with Chilean policies and those adopted by ICAO, and should not spare the efforts of all nations. to reduce and reduce environmental impact so that future generations and our planet have a more sustainable future. Juan Alegria, Systems Director of DGAC

“The implementation of this project is a milestone and commitment to sustainability in the civil aviation industry. This is not only a technological achievement for DGAC and Thales, but also an example of environmental responsibility that demonstrates Thales’ commitment and ability to create sustainable solutions in line with the ongoing demands of customers and global environmental protection goals. It is an example of a project that contributes to a low-carbon future and contributes to IATA’s Fly Net Zero by 2050. It demonstrates how Thales’ cutting-edge technologies help make the world safer and more environmentally responsible.” Lionel de Castellane, VP Civil radars segment, Thales

As part of Thales and DGAC’s commitment to ESG goals, the companies will also work to ensure the protection of archaeological sites in the region. With the permission of the native people, it received a special demarcation for a more respectful and harmonious coexistence, preserving the history and memory of the area.

Thales has been operating in Chile for 53 years and is responsible for air traffic control with TOPSKY ATC C, as well as the delivery of 75% of the radars currently operating in the country. The long-term partnership with DGAC allows Thales to contribute to Chile’s aerospace industry and the management of its sovereign airspace.

Finnish-headquartered Korkia and Greek-Romanian firm Econous Green Energy have teamed up for a total of 600 MW of solar energy projects in Romania.

After entering eight countries with operational assets in Chile and Romania, Korkia now has its sights set on Romania. The Finnish company invests in entire portfolios of ground-mounted photovoltaic and onshore wind energy projects in cooperation with local developers.

In Romania, he chose Econous Green Energy, which has offices in Athens, Bucharest and Thessaloniki. The initial solar projects are expected to be licensed and ready for construction next year, according to the statement. The total planned capacity is 600 MW.

Korkia doesn’t seem to be afraid of being late to the party in Romania. The country is attracting large investments in renewable energy sources, supported by subsidies and legal reforms. Right now, solar is booming, largely driven by consumers. But the growing number of mature utility-scale renewable energy projects is also gaining ground.

Adoption of the legal framework for auctions on contracts of difference (CfDs) is several years late, although the government has introduced other incentives in the meantime. Romania is about to adopt a law on offshore wind energy.

Annual production is estimated at 780 GWh

Korkia has converted 600 MW of photovoltaic power into an estimated 780 GWh of annual output. According to him, this is equal to the electricity consumption of 200 thousand European households.

“Romania’s renewable energy development sector is now attracting an increasing number of international investors. The country is well positioned to increase its potential and the government has set ambitious growth targets. Romania is on its way to becoming a renewable energy center in Southeast Europe,” said the company’s investment director Peter Goitanic.

More than 1 GW of solar energy is produced in Greece

Corkia noted that Romania has ambitions to become a net exporter of renewable energy. The country’s market is expected to grow by more than 7 GW over the next decade, due to high radiation levels and land availability.

Korkia is also developing a total of more than 1 GW with energy storage in Thessaly and Crete on the Greek mainland. According to its website, the company has more than a hundred projects in its total portfolio. It consists of 13 GW of solar and wind power and 3.9 GW of battery energy storage systems.

“Our partnership with Korkia marks an important point in our evolution as a key player in Romania’s renewable energy sector,” said Christos Lialios, CEO of Econous Green Energy. The company offers consulting and technical services.

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AUSTIN — For about five hours on Feb. 25, there was no power for much of Texas.

Wind and solar generated electricity at an unprecedented rate as the sun shone on a banner day of perfectly sunny, mild and breezy weather across the state.

At its peak, renewable energy produced nearly three-quarters of Texas’ electricity that day — a record that pushed the real-time price of power to $0 for five hours as nuclear and fossil fuel plants bid lower and lower prices to stay competitive. rather than making the more expensive decision to close their operations.

It was a record based in part on four years of construction that has seen solar capacity increase eightfold over the past five years.

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Late last year, Texas overtook California to become the No. 1 state for solar energy, marking the second renewable energy boom in Texas since the recent boom in wind power. More than anywhere else in the country, Texas has used renewable energy over the past decade.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Judd Messer, vice president of renewable energy group Advanced Power Alliance. “It looks like we’ll be breaking solar records a few times a month from now on.”

Advocates hope that solar can provide daytime renewable energy that complements wind power’s tendency to produce more actively after sunset. But it is not without obstacles.

Solar power is currently the fastest-growing energy sector in Texas, and while it rivals wind for its share of power generation, critics say renewable energy can make the grid less reliable because it can be limited by cloudy days and calm winds.

Others include the hidden costs of solar energy that outweigh the benefits of a clean energy source.

While solar power — like wind — has the inherent advantage of zero-cost fuel compared to its non-renewable counterparts like coal or natural gas, consumers have seen little in the way of energy cost savings.

“Renewables can serve to lower the cost of electricity,” said Joshua Rhodes, a researcher with the Webber Energy Group at the University of Texas at Austin. “I’ve done research that shows that and shows the effects of renewable energy and how much money they save.”

But Rhodes said the amount of money spent on electricity has increased even with the rise of low-cost renewable energy.

“In the last couple of years, we’ve seen more income in the market,” he said

Record production

Solar has set new electricity production records five times this year. This pace is not unheard of in the growing energy sector.

According to market-tracking website GridStatus.io, the current record was set on February 19, when solar generated 17,200 megawatts of power, a 50% increase in a year. In four years, under ideal conditions, solar energy production has increased from enough electricity to power half a million homes to enough electricity to power 3.4 million homes.

Wind power still dominates solar power on the ERCOT grid, but its growth has slowed in recent years. According to ERCOT, which oversees most of Texas’ electric grid, solar has seen huge year-over-year increases over the past decade, rising from about 1% of renewable energy in 2013 to about 36% in 2023.

More than 150,000 megawatts of solar projects are in the planning stages across the ERCOT grid. That’s four times more than wind power projects and about 10 times more than natural gas projects in the early stages of development.

The only sector approaching this level of growth is battery storage, which is poised for big growth in Texas. According to Ben Gaffney, vice president of the Electric Companies Association of Texas, a trade group, solar is playing a role in the industry’s rise, as some developers have integrated battery storage into new and existing solar arrays.

“Twenty years is a very short time in the electrical world, and that’s a really impressive amount of change,” Gaffeney said.

Solar power and batteries are also supported by federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as large reductions in the cost of the materials that make up solar arrays.

But Texas is trying to level the playing field.

Market tilt towards natural gas

The 2021 winter freeze that caused blackouts in Texas and killed more than 200 people prompted changes in key regulatory policies.

While problems with all energy sources play a role in power outages, ERCOT, the Public Utilities Commission and the Texas Legislature have taken measures to make natural gas plants in Texas more cost-effective to operate in the name of increasing grid resiliency.

Together, they have provided billions of taxpayer dollars and are revamping the state’s energy market to encourage the construction of more gas-fired power plants.

The legislation took the most direct approach by creating the Texas Energy Fund, a $5 billion taxpayer money dedicated mostly to low-interest loans and cash compensation for companies that quickly add new natural gas power plants to the system. Voters approved the fund in November.

The Public Utilities Commission is ironing out details of the loan program and could be approved Thursday.

According to Rhodes, if Texas is to turn away from a future in which renewables and batteries become the main source of electricity, then regulators and ERCOT will have to create conditions that allow fossil fuel plants to make a profit.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and investment giant BlackRock rolled out the red carpet for natural gas power producers at a daylong summit in Houston earlier this year to launch the Texas Energy Fund. Attendees who spoke to The News described a warm welcome, and at the Public Utilities Commission’s Feb. 15 meeting, Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelti said interest in the fund seemed high.

Glotfelty advised natural gas power producers to put their “best foot forward” when applying to participate in the fund.

“Everything I’ve heard about the energy fund is that we’re going to have absolutely too many subscribers,” he said.

In response to the proliferation of renewable energy, ERCOT last year introduced the ERCOT Emergency Backup Service – or ECRS – which is designed to encourage “dispatchable” energy sources to start generating electricity when energy supplies are depleted.

The dispatcher generally applies to natural gas plants because they can start generating power when they are running.

A few months after ECRS was introduced, the state’s independent market monitor released a scathing report estimating that the utility cost consumers $8 billion by creating an image of energy scarcity. This number has increased to 12 billion dollars.

The Public Utilities Commission is also overhauling the ERCOT market. In late 2022, the regulatory board approved a plan to create a separate energy market that would allow power producers to bid for performance credits under the promise that they will be supplied with electricity if demand increases.

Although regulators say they are “agnostic” about what types of power plants might be involved, the design favors natural gas-fired units. State lawmakers capped the market at $1 billion during last year’s legislative session amid doubts about its effectiveness.

“These types of off-market activities just add cost after cost,” said Doug Lewin, an energy expert who publishes the influential Texas Energy Power Newsletter. “These advantages do not reach consumers. On the contrary, invoices are actually rising.”

Obstacles weaken the future of the sun

Although solar power has gained significant capacity in recent years, its growth may be limited by the grid’s ability to transport solar-generated electricity to homes and businesses.

The power grid saw a bottleneck in September on transmission lines from the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio, power generated in South Texas.

This prompted ERCOT to declare a state of emergency and is the closest the grid has been to rotating lights since the 2021 winter storm.

Messer, head of Texas defense at the Advanced Power Alliance, said new transmission lines being built in the Permian Basin, where much of the renewable energy is located, will be close to capacity as soon as they are finished. Without the ability to move electrons from sun-warmed West Texas to population centers hundreds of miles away, investing in solar energy becomes less attractive.

“If you build more cars but don’t build more roads, people can’t move,” Messer said. “I think if we don’t do something to upgrade our existing transmission lines or build new ones, unfortunately that could happen.”

Critics also focus on the indirect costs of solar power.

Brent Bennett at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, pointed to the $892 million ERCOT project to build power inverters that address how renewable energy can destabilize the grid.

“This is another challenge that becomes exponentially more difficult when you have more wind and solar in the system,” said Bennett, the foundation’s director of energy policy.

The industry could also face legislation designed to slow or stop its growth in Texas.

Among the high-profile proposals during last year’s legislative session were bills that would subject renewable energy projects to onerous zoning requirements, costly environmental studies and tough investment restrictions that would have sharply limited plans for new wind and solar projects if they could be implemented today. .

Several of these proposals passed the Senate but died in the House.

“If the other side’s response makes already cheap energy more expensive … I think the only people who are going to suffer there are Texas consumers,” Messer said.

Norwich church to get solar panels, heat pump and new LED lights BBC.com

Photo Credit: Ascent Solar

Ascent Solar’s thin and flexible solar capture film will continue off-world testing aboard a NASA spacecraft this year.

According to a story from Electrek, it’s a unique intersection of the latest in solar cell technology and an advanced NASA spacecraft, part of ongoing research to optimize how the renewable energy source can power small craft, among other scientific advances.

NASA is using the film as part of its Lightweight Integrated Solar Array project, which aims to develop “cheap power for spacecraft.”

“The selection for this upcoming space mission is the culmination of Ascent’s years of work with NASA,” CEO Paul Warley said in an Electrek report.

The Colorado company’s lightweight, bendable solar film is made in part with a copper-indium-gallium-selenide blend. It is a mixture of metals that is thinner than human hair, unbreakable and relatively inexpensive. The photo of the invention shared by the Ascent team looks like a roll of camera film. It is also similar to printable film-like solar cells being developed at the University of Swansea in Wales as part of other innovations in the sector.

Ascent’s product “can be packaged for any environment,” according to the company’s website, making it flexible for a customer’s needs.

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For NASA, this means a solar array that requires less space to store than previous designs. It can also produce three times more energy than other solar panels. Late last year, Ascent announced publicly that plans to launch its Titan product for space use are on schedule. Titan builds on learnings from previous work with NASA. One module is about 1 square foot and weighs 10 grams. The latest technology has an energy efficiency of 17.55% according to Electrek.

For reference, most solar panels have an efficiency — the percentage of solar energy converted into electricity — of 15% to 20%, MarketWatch reports.

So far, Ascent technology testing has included deployment on the International Space Station. This next step will place the solar array on a small craft while in orbit. The company’s website cites a collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency as part of other projects on Ascent’s resume.

Moreover, the knowledge gained by the NASA and Ascent teams will likely not be limited to space travel. Better, adaptive solar options can only increase Earth’s solar capacity as we transform our energy system.

As NASA describes in its project brief, it all starts with “big power for small spacecraft.”

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