The announcement of a tentative deal over the Churchill Falls hydroelectricity plant and future developments at Gull Island reflects a major step forward for both provinces, creating a win-win scenario with enormous potential for economic growth, energy security, and sustainability.

A Transformative Deal

The new agreement will replace the highly criticized 1969 Churchill Falls contract, which saw Quebec paying a fixed price of 0.2 cents per kilowatt hour for the lion’s share of the plant’s electricity. Under the new terms, Quebec will now pay 30 times more for power, generating $1 billion annually for Newfoundland and Labrador until 2041. Beyond the immediate financial boost, this landmark deal lays the foundation for expanded capacity, technological upgrades, and shared benefits for decades to come.

Hydro-Québec’s commitment to pay $3.5 billion for co-development rights to future projects demonstrates a strong partnership that balances financial risk and innovation. For Quebec, the deal ensures access to 7,200 megawatts of clean energy at a price that remains competitive compared to other renewable options. For Newfoundland and Labrador, it promises long-term economic stability, bolstered by significant investments in infrastructure and resource development.

Unlocking the Potential of Churchill Falls and Gull Island

The agreement’s vision extends beyond existing infrastructure, with plans to increase capacity at the Churchill Falls plant and develop the untapped potential of Gull Island. These projects, designed to capitalize on Labrador’s hydroelectric potential, represent an opportunity to make the region a renewable energy powerhouse while addressing North America’s growing demand for clean energy.

Key highlights of the proposed developments include:

• Increased Capacity at Churchill Falls: Upgrades to existing units will add 550 megawatts of new capacity, ensuring the plant remains a reliable source of renewable energy for future generations.
• Gull Island Generating Station: This new 2,250 MW facility will harness the power of the Churchill River, bringing a massive new energy source to market. Hydro-Québec will assume construction risks and cost overruns, demonstrating the strength of this cooperative venture.
• New Facilities Near Churchill Falls: An additional facility will add 1,100 MW of capacity, further solidifying the region’s status as a clean energy leader.
• Enhanced Transmission Infrastructure: New transmission lines in both Labrador and Quebec will ensure efficient delivery of energy from these expanded facilities, unlocking market access for renewable power.

With Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro owning 65% of the new developments and Hydro-Québec holding the remaining 35%, this balanced ownership model ensures both provinces share in the rewards of these ambitious projects.

Building on Collaboration

This agreement is not only a financial and energy breakthrough; it’s also a model for how provinces can collaborate on shared goals. The partnership between Newfoundland, and Labrador and Quebec highlights the power of cooperation in overcoming long-standing challenges. By addressing disputes over the original Churchill Falls contract and forging a forward-looking path, both provinces are setting an example for other jurisdictions in Canada and beyond.

The Innu Nation has also been acknowledged as a key stakeholder in this process. By signing an official acknowledgment of the agreement, the province has reaffirmed its commitment to the Innu of Labrador, ensuring that Indigenous communities benefit from these transformative projects.

A Vision for the Future

The tentative deal marks the beginning of a new chapter for energy development in Eastern Canada. It’s an opportunity to build capacity—not just in infrastructure but also in innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. The increased revenue for Newfoundland and Labrador will strengthen the province’s economy, while the expanded energy capacity will provide Quebec with a reliable, cost-effective renewable energy source for decades to come.

This win-win agreement is about more than just dollars and megawatts. It’s about building a shared future that harnesses the power of nature, respects the contributions of all stakeholders, and positions both provinces as leaders in the global energy transition. With Churchill Falls and Gull Island poised to drive economic growth and clean energy development, the possibilities for both Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec are as vast as the rivers that power them.

#ChurchillFalls, #GullIsland, #HydroelectricEnergy, #RenewableEnergy, #EnergyTransition, #SustainableDevelopment, #CleanEnergy, #EnergyCollaboration, #EconomicGrowth, #CanadianEnergy, #Hydropower, #InfrastructureDevelopment, #NLHydro, #HydroQuebec, #GreenEnergy, #EnergyInnovation

Global Water Intelligence is proud to announce that the winners, and recipients of the distinction awards, of the 2024 Global Water Awards are: 

Water Company of the Year 
WINNER – SUEZ
DISTINCTION – Gradiant
NOMINATED – IDE Technologies
NOMINATED – Metito
 
Desalination Company of the Year 
WINNER – Acciona 
DISTINCTION – Saline Water Conversion Company (SWCC) 
NOMINATED – Wetico
NOMINATED – ACWA Power
 
Water Technology Company of the Year 
WINNER – Grundfos
DISTINCTION – Siemens
NOMINATED – Axius Water
NOMINATED – Cambi

Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year 
WINNER – Aqua Membranes
DISTINCTION – Purecontrol
NOMINATED – Indra Water
NOMINATED – Aclarity

Public Water Company of the Year 
WINNER – Saudi Water Partnership Company, Saudi Arabia
DISTINCTION – New York City Department of Environmental Protection, USA
NOMINATED – Emirates Water and Electricity Company, UAE
NOMINATED – Rand Water, South Africa
 
Desalination Plant of the Year 
WINNER – Jubail 3A IWP, Saudi Arabia
DISTINCTION – Jurong Island Desalination Plant, Singapore
NOMINATED – Cabo San Lucas SWRO, Mexico
NOMINATED – Shoaiba 4 NF Mg Recovery System, Saudi Arabia
 
Water Project of the Year 
WINNER – Poblacion WTP, Philippines
DISTINCTION – San Fernando Groundwater Treatment Program, USA
NOMINATED – Laramba WTP, Australia
NOMINATED – National Carrier Flow Reversal, Israel
 
Wastewater Project of the Year 
WINNER – Changi WRP Expansion, Singapore
DISTINCTION – Umm Al Hayman WWTP, Kuwait
NOMINATED – Glina WWTP Expansion, Romania
NOMINATED – Shenzhen Fuyong WWTP Phase 2, China
 
Smart Water Project of the Year 
WINNER – Dubai Hydro Insight, UAE
DISTINCTION – Lahaina emergency sewer assessments, USA
NOMINATED – Dhaka real-time water security, Bangladesh
NOMINATED – Monterrey demand management, Mexico
 
Water Reuse Project of the Year 
WINNER – ADSWS Recycling Transformation, UAE
DISTINCTION –Santa Monica Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project, USA
NOMINATED – New Delta WWTP, Egypt
NOMINATED – Orange County GWRS, USA

Industrial Project of the Year 
WINNER – Slaughterhouse wastewater treatment, Saudi Arabia
DISTINCTION – NMDC ZLD plant, India
NOMINATED – Martens Brewery WWTP upgrade, Belgium
NOMINATED – Anwil WWTP modernisation, Poland

Water Stewardship Programme of the Year
WINNER – Intel water conservation and restoration
DISTINCTION – Danone Aguascalientes programme, Mexico
NOMINATED – Gap/Arvind Global Water Innovation Centre for Action, India
NOMINATED – GSK Godavari basin rejuvenation, India

Net Zero Carbon Champion 
WINNER – Xylem
DISTINCTION – Scottish Water
NOMINATED – IDE Technologies
NOMINATED – Stantec

GLOBAL AWARD WINNERS

Global Water Intelligence (GWI) has recently revealed the winners of the highly anticipated 2024 Global Water Awards, presented during the distinguished Global Water Summit held in London. These awards recognize the pinnacle achievements within the international water industry and highlight initiatives that drive progress through improved performance, innovative technology adoption, and sustainable financial models.

In a world where climate change is amplifying weather extremes, the imperative to achieve water security has never been more critical. The 2024 awards reflect a heightened focus on addressing the climate crisis, advancing net zero carbon and water targets, and bolstering resilience amid a shifting global landscape.

The Water Company of the Year title was claimed by SUEZ, a leading force in innovative water management solutions, demonstrating an unparalleled commitment to sustainability. Gradiant also received a distinction for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Meanwhile, Acciona was honored as the Desalination Company of the Year, praised for their transformative approach to seawater desalination alongside Saline Water Conversion Company (SWCC), recognized for excellence.

In the realm of technology, Grundfos emerged victorious as the Water Technology Company of the Year, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in smart water solutions. Aqua Membranes secured the Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year award for their revolutionary contributions to water purification technology.

Public entities were not left out, with the Saudi Water Partnership Company, Saudi Arabia, claiming the Public Water Company of the Year accolade. New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection received distinction for its noteworthy achievements.

Project highlights included the Poblacion Water Treatment Plant in the Philippines, honored as Water Project of the Year, and the Changi Wastewater Reclamation Plant Expansion in Singapore, recognized as Wastewater Project of the Year.

Among the standouts in sustainable initiatives, Intel’s Water Conservation and Restoration program earned the Water Stewardship Programme of the Year award, showcasing the transformative power of corporate responsibility in water management.

Furthermore, Xylem was celebrated as the Net Zero Carbon Champion, embodying leadership in driving carbon neutrality within the industry.

The Global Water Awards underscore the importance of innovation and responsible stewardship in tackling water-related challenges. This year’s winners exemplify the industry’s commitment to transformative change, turning formidable water challenges into opportunities for a sustainable and resilient future.

The convergence of water and finance at the Global Water Summit marks the beginning of critical conversations on engaging capital markets in addressing these challenges. Join us next year to witness how water innovation and investment can transform our world.

SOURCE & IMAGES: Global Water Intelligence

Embrace Renewable Energy Sources:
Make the switch to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power to significantly reduce carbon emissions.

Energy Efficiency Improvements:
Implement energy-efficient technologies and practices throughout operations to minimize energy wastage and lower carbon footprint.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS):
Invest in CCS technologies to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and store them underground, preventing their release into the atmosphere.

Electrification of Transportation:
Support the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and invest in EV charging infrastructure to decrease reliance on fossil fuels in the transportation sector.

Sustainable Bioenergy:
Explore the use of sustainable biomass and biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels, ensuring responsible sourcing practices to mitigate environmental impact. Energy

Storage Solutions:
Invest in energy storage technologies like batteries and pumped hydro storage to facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid.

Smart Grid Technologies:
Deploy smart grid technologies to optimize energy distribution, minimize energy losses, and support the seamless integration of renewable energy sources.

Energy Conservation Programs:
Implement energy conservation programs to incentivize consumers and businesses to reduce energy consumption through education and incentives.

Green Building Practices:
Adopt green building practices in construction and renovation projects to enhance energy efficiency and decrease emissions from buildings.

Carbon Offsetting:
Invest in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation and renewable energy initiatives, to counterbalance your company’s carbon emissions.

Circular Economy Initiatives:
Embrace circular economy principles by minimizing waste generation, promoting recycling, and designing products for longevity and recyclability.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management:
Collaborate with suppliers to ensure the sustainability of raw materials and decrease emissions across the supply chain.

Carbon Pricing:
Advocate for carbon pricing mechanisms that internalize the cost of carbon emissions and encourage emission reductions.

Research and Development:
Allocate resources to research and development efforts aimed at developing innovative decarbonization technologies and solutions.

Collaboration and Advocacy:
Collaborate with industry peers, policymakers, and stakeholders to advocate for policies and initiatives that support decarbonization efforts on a broader scale.

By implementing these strategies, energy companies can play a pivotal role in leading the charge toward a low-carbon future while simultaneously creating value for shareholders, customers, and society as a whole. It’s time to take action, drive change, and pave the way for a cleaner, greener energy landscape. Together, we can make a meaningful impact!

This is Tina Olivero signing off for Our Great Minds. Stay tuned for more insights on the latest trends and developments in the energy industry here at TheOGM.com. Let’s continue to create boundaries and shape a sustainable future for generations to come.

Oil and Gas Companies:

1. Invest in Renewable Energy: Diversify your energy portfolio by investing in renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and bioenergy. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also future-proofs your business against the transition to a low-carbon economy.
2. Optimize Operations: Implement advanced technologies and best practices to optimize oil and gas extraction processes, minimize methane leaks, and reduce energy consumption in operations.
3. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Explore opportunities for CCS technologies to capture and store carbon emissions from your operations, thereby mitigating your environmental impact.
4. Transition to Cleaner Fuels: Gradually transition towards cleaner fuels such as natural gas, which emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal and oil.
5. Enhance Energy Efficiency: Continuously improve energy efficiency across operations, including refineries and petrochemical plants, through upgrades and process optimizations.

Major Contractors:

1. Promote Green Technologies: Advocate for the adoption of green technologies and practices in oil and gas projects, such as energy-efficient equipment and low-emission processes.
2. Supply Chain Collaboration: Collaborate with oil and gas companies to develop and implement sustainable supply chain practices, including responsible sourcing of materials and reduced emissions in transportation.
3. Innovative Solutions: Invest in research and development to develop innovative solutions that reduce emissions during project execution, such as advanced drilling techniques and emissions-reducing technologies.
4. Efficient Project Management: Implement efficient project management practices that prioritize sustainability, including minimizing waste generation and optimizing resource utilization.
5. Education and Training: Provide education and training programs for employees to increase awareness of sustainability issues and promote the adoption of eco-friendly practices.

Suppliers:

1. Sustainable Sourcing: Adopt sustainable sourcing practices by prioritizing suppliers that adhere to environmental standards and certifications, and promote responsible extraction and production methods.
2. Energy-Efficient Products: Offer energy-efficient products and services to oil and gas companies, major contractors, and other clients to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implement measures to reduce your own carbon footprint, such as optimizing transportation routes and reducing energy consumption in manufacturing processes.
4. Circular Economy Initiatives: Embrace circular economy principles by promoting product reuse, recycling, and waste reduction throughout the supply chain.
5. Collaborative Innovation: Collaborate with oil and gas companies and major contractors to develop and implement innovative solutions that reduce emissions across the entire value chain.

By implementing these tailored strategies, oil and gas companies, major contractors, and suppliers can play a pivotal role in driving decarbonization efforts within the industry. Rather than wait to be mandated to do “the right thing” adopt a culture of corporate responsibility that is self-governed and proactive in the quest to reach net zero. Together, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future while ensuring continued growth and prosperity for all stakeholders involved.

This is Tina Olivero signing off for TheOGM.com. Let’s continue to lead the way towards a greener, more sustainable energy industry!

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced it will provide $28.97 million in financial aid for 31 potential new water reuse and desalination projects to help create new water supply sources less vulnerable to drought and climate change. The funding will help prepare feasibility studies and undertake planning efforts such as preliminary project design and environmental compliance activities.

In a press release, Bureau of Reclamation Deputy Commissioner David Palumbo commented: “These projects currently under development will supplement existing freshwater supplies in urban and agricultural areas in the Western United States.”

Funding for these planning and design activities is intended to assist in developing potential new construction projects that could be carried out under the Desalination Construction Program, the Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Program, and the Large-Scale Water Recycling Program.

This financial support is part of $1 billion in WaterSMART grants funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support collaborative efforts to plan and implement actions to increase water supply reliability, including investments to modernize infrastructure.

Of the 31 projects selected, Brown and Caldwell assisted clients in identifying funding mechanisms and developing successful grant applications for the following projects:

City of Boise Recycled Water Program – funding: $1M

The City of Boise, Idaho, will develop a feasibility study as well as other planning, preliminary design, and environmental compliance activities for the City of Boise Recycled Water Program.

Mesa Water District, Local Groundwater Supply Improvement Project – funding: $250,000

Mesa Water District (Mesa Water®), located in Costa Mesa, California, and the only water district in Orange County to provide 100% local water, will conduct a feasibility study for a potential new brackish groundwater desalination facility that would enhance water supply in the region.

Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose-Santa Clara Purified Water Program Feasibility Study – funding: $381,249

The Santa Clara Valley Water District, located near San Jose, California, will assess the feasibility of constructing a new advanced water purification facility in San Jose for potable reuse through groundwater recharge, raw water augmentation, and/or treated water augmentation.

Santa Clara Valley Water District, South County Water Reuse Program Feasibility Study – funding: $299,180

​​​​​​​The Santa Clara Valley Water District will assess the feasibility of implementing several treatment and pipeline reuse projects that were identified in the South County Recycled Water Master Plan.

“Water recycling and diversifying local water supply portfolios is essential in stretching the Western United States’ limited supplies,” said Brown and Caldwell Senior Director of Strategic Funding Seema Chavan. “We congratulate the City of Boise, Mesa Water, and Santa Clara Valley Water District for their proactive steps in supplementing existing fresh water supplies and working toward securing a resilient water future for their communities.”

About Brown and Caldwell

Headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, Brown and Caldwell is a full-service environmental engineering and construction services firm with 52 offices and over 1,900 professionals across North America and the Pacific. For more than 75 years, our creative solutions have helped municipalities, private industry, and government agencies successfully overcome their most challenging water and environmental obstacles. As an employee-owned company, Brown and Caldwell are passionate about exceeding our client’s expectations and making a difference for our employees, our communities, and our environment.

For more information, visit www.brownandcaldwell.com 

Hydro-Québec has achieved a remarkable industry feat by becoming the first IHA member to earn certification for a project against the Hydropower Sustainability Standard. Hydro-Québec’s Eastmain-1 Development is also the first recipient of the Gold-level certification under the Standard.

“Hydro-Québec’s achievement is an important step towards driving and embedding sustainability throughout the sector,” highlighted Eddie Rich, CEO of the International Hydropower Association. “As a values-based membership association, IHA expects its members to certify all their new projects.”

Governed by the multi-stakeholder Hydropower Sustainability Council, the Standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for sustainability in hydropower development. It is a rigorous and independent framework that evaluates and certifies hydropower projects against a wide range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. By aligning their projects with the HSS, developers ensure adherence to the San José Declaration on Sustainable Hydropower which says that “going forward, the only acceptable hydropower is sustainable hydropower”.

The Standard also helps companies access to finance through its alignment with the World Bank and IFC sustainability frameworks, the Climate Bonds Initiative and Renewables credits.  

As the first project in the world to achieve the Gold-level certification of the Standard, Eastmain-1 Development can claim to be providing a net benefit to the ecology, climate and community. By going beyond compliance with benchmarks on transparency, stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship, Hydro-Québec sets a prime example of the core principles upheld by IHA.

“Respect for Indigenous peoples is a fundamental requirement of the Hydropower Sustainability Standard,” said Julie Boucher, Vice President – Sustainability, Community Relations and Communications at Hydro-Québec. “We are honored that the Cree communities that worked with us during the construction and environmental follow-up phases accepted to engage in the certification process.”

IHA encourages all its members to follow Hydro-Québec’s example and certify their projects against the HSS. By collectively adopting and demonstrating sustainable practices, IHA members can solidify hydropower’s essential role in developing net zero.

ECO Canada is a non-profit organization that provides workforce solutions for environmental employers. They offer various funding programs to help employers attract new talent, save initial wage and training costs, and stimulate environmental career pathways, skill development, business growth, and workforce advancement. 

For over 30 years, ECO Canada has been connecting environmental employers and skilled junior talent through wage and training funding programs to drive valuable on-the-job work experience and essential skills development.

Thanks to the support of funders:
Natural Resources Canada,
Climate Change Canada,
Social Development Canada, and
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada

ECO Canada offers wage dollars to increase funding capacity and support your business participation in the green economy. In helping your team with wage and training costs, Eco Canada makes hiring new talent more attractive.

Benefits for Employers:

• Increase work capacity
• Access talented youth with new ideas & skills
• Increase employee retention
• Reduce staff training costs
• Strengthen overall business operations
• Support the growth of new qualified environmental workers

The funding programs offered by ECO Canada are varied and provide many options for companies and new employees in the climate-conscious realm. Some of the programs include:

Environmental Jobs Growth Program:

This program is designed to help employers create new environmental jobs. Eligible employers can receive 75% of the candidate’s wages covered up to a maximum of $18,750 for placements of up to 12 months.

Environmental Foreign Talent Development Program:

This program is designed to help employers hire foreign talent for environmental jobs. Eligible employers can receive 75% wage coverage up to $15,000 of a participant’s salary for full-time placements of 3 to 6 months.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions Program:

• This program is designed to help employers create jobs related to nature-based climate solutions. Eligible employers can receive a $4,500 wage subsidy for a 3-month full-time or part-time placement. To qualify for these funding programs, employers must meet the following criteria:
• Be a Canadian employer
• Offer a full-time or part-time environmental job
• Provide a safe and healthy work environment
• Provide a fair and equitable work environment
• Provide a job that is not part of a labor dispute
• Provide a job that is not a self-employment opportunity

Discover a selection of wage funding programs offered by ECO Canada at ECO.ca. Explore the programs that can help your company attract new talent, and reduce initial wage and training expenses, while promoting the growth of environmental career paths, skill development, business growth, and workforce advancement.

RESPONDING TO THE ENERGY INDUSTRY – In an Eco-Friendly Way

ECO Canada has partnerships, programs, and research to support employers, professionals, educators, and students in the environmental sector. Visit eco.ca to learn about the various resources and programs that fit your organization.

These funding programs help employers create new environmental jobs, hire foreign talent, and create jobs related to nature-based climate solutions. To apply for these funding programs, employers must meet eligibility criteria and fill out an application form on ECO.ca.

For those looking to work in the new sustainable energy world, don’t miss out on this opportunity to kickstart your environmental career journey and gain meaningful work experience. 

Find out more at: www.ECO.ca

The UK consultant on hydroelectric turbine design and maintenance on the project had first come to hear about Vesconite bearing materials in 2021 when the restoration projects were still in the conception stage.

The company sent an inquiry for wicket gate bushings and wear rings for the two projects. 

The scope of the bushing supply increased and Vesconite Bearings was eventually the supplier of all the plain bearing components in the projects, including the guide vane bushings, runner inlet wear rings, several thrust bearings and the Francis turbine main shaft bearings.

All the parts were delivered in January 2022, installed in the turbines, and despatched to the client in December 2022 after successful factory acceptance tests and some preliminary testing of the bushings under a controlled environment.

Vesconite renewables applications developer Petrus Fourie notes that the previous bearings were made of bronze, but the restoration project necessitated a rethinking of some of the older technology that was in use when the hydro projects were first built.

“People like replacing bronze because they want to eliminate grease from systems in which water is present,” says Fourie.

“Water flushes out the grease ⎻ which pollutes the water. When the grease is flushed out, metal shafts are left unprotected and corrode,” he adds.

Vesconite Hilube bearings are often used in niche hydroelectric applications since they can be machined easily for older equipment with unique designs.

Besides being used in huge hydro-power stations, Vesconite Hilube bearing material is also used in smaller projects such as the Crai Project, operated by Welsh Water, and the Pollok Project, operated by the Glasgow Council.

In England and Wales, there are many modest hydro projects that could generate 100 to 150 kW of electricity, as many areas are mountainous with a significant rainfall.

Climate change – Canada has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Paris Agreement, and new energy innovations can help to achieve this goal by providing cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. 

Energy security – New energy innovations can diversify Canada’s energy mix and reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels, which can be subject to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

Economic opportunities – The development and deployment of new energy technologies can create jobs and economic growth, particularly in the manufacturing and services sectors.

Energy affordability – New energy innovations can help to make energy more affordable for Canadians, particularly for those living in remote or rural areas.

Energy self-sufficiency – New energy innovations can help Canada to become more energy self-sufficient and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources.

Energy export – Canada has significant potential for energy export, particularly for hydroelectricity and clean energy technologies, and new energy innovations can help to expand these opportunities.

Overall, new energy innovations can help Canada to meet its climate and energy goals while also driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for the country. The top 10 most powerful renewable energy innovations emerging include:

1. Solar power: Canada has a large potential for solar energy due to its high solar insolation, and various projects have been developed in different provinces.
2. Wind power: Canada has abundant wind resources, particularly in the Prairie provinces and on the east and west coasts, and has significant installed capacity for wind power generation.
3. Biomass: Canada has a large number of sustainable biomass resources, such as wood waste, agricultural waste, and sewage, which can be used for heat, electricity, and transportation fuel production.
4. Hydropower: Canada has significant potential for hydropower development, particularly in Quebec and British Columbia, which already have large hydroelectric power generation capacities.
5. Geothermal: Canada has a potential for geothermal energy production, particularly in western Canada and in the Canadian Shield.
6. Tidal Power: Tidal power is a type of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity. Canada has large tidal power potential, particularly in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia
7. Wave Power: Wave power is another form of hydropower that converts the energy of ocean surface waves into electricity. Canada has a large potential for wave power development, particularly on the west coast.
8. Nuclear energy: Canada has a long history of nuclear power generation and has developed advanced nuclear technologies such as small modular reactors, which are considered to be more sustainable than traditional nuclear power plants.
9. Carbon capture and storage: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies capture carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities and store them underground, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Canada has several CCS demonstration projects underway.
10. Energy storage: Energy storage technologies such as batteries and pumped hydro storage can help to balance supply and demand, making renewable energy more reliable and cost-effective. Canada has several energy storage projects being developed, particularly in Ontario and Quebec.

The new orders include:

• A 1.4 MW long-term rental contract that is to be deployed in early 2023 in Louisiana,
• An additional six C65 microturbines totaling 390kW of rental power in the U.S. shale fields, and
• Another 400kW of power generation to an oil and gas operator on the North Slopes of Alaska at an existing rental location.

“This 2.2 MW rental expansion into the oil and gas market further diversifies the rental fleet’s customer base, now covering all major market verticals: oil and gas, agriculture, hospitality, data centers as well as commercial and industrial sites. The rental program eases access to Capstone’s premium product, allowing customers to enjoy the benefits of clean, low cost, reliable power where capital is limited or competing for other spends,” said Marc Rouse, Capstone Green Energy’s Sales Director.

“Capstone is seeing strong customer demand across industries for its EaaS long-term rental services, which had 7 MW under contract in March 2021, 26 MW under contract in March 2022, and 34 MW under contract at the end of July,” said Darren Jamison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capstone Green Energy. “The successful closing of our $8 million underwritten public offering combined with sourcing additional re-rent units allows us to continue to focus on achieving our previously announced next target of a 50 MW rental fleet, including re-rentals.”

The 1.4 MW solution, which features a Capstone Green Energy C800 and C600 Signature Series microturbine will replace an existing rental reciprocating Genset and produce clean and reliable electricity using natural gas directly from the pipeline. The power generated by the microturbines will provide 100 percent of the electricity needed to power on-site pumping equipment such as coolers, motors, pumps, and lights, in addition to an on-site office.

The facility operators wanted a modular, reliable, and cost-effective solution to replace their high-maintenance reciprocating Genset. The microturbines, which have only one moving part and use no consumables or lubricants, are a low-maintenance solution, which is a key benefit given the site’s remote location. Compared to the former gensets, the new microturbine solution will operate with N+1 redundancy and can be easily expanded.

The additional C65 rental contracts will be deployed across various oil and gas sites and be fueled by natural gas directly from the well sites. This allows customers to keep operational costs low by avoiding extra fuel-cleaning equipment and significantly reducing the negative impact on the environment.

“Facing growing pressure to address climate change, oil and gas companies are pledging to prepare for a ‘lower-carbon’ future. For many, that involves investing in new technologies and infrastructure that can support new, greener ways of generating electricity. These are the key areas in which Capstone Green Energy has built its business and where it continues to innovate,” concluded Jamison.

About Capstone Green Energy

Capstone Green Energy is a leading provider of customized microgrid solutions and on-site energy technology systems focused on helping customers around the globe meet their environmental, energy savings, and resiliency goals. Capstone Green Energy focuses on four key business lines. Through its Energy as a Service (EaaS) business, it offers rental solutions utilizing its microturbine energy systems and battery storage systems, comprehensive Factory Protection Plan (FPP) service contracts that guarantee life-cycle costs, as well as aftermarket parts. Energy Generation Technologies (EGT) is driven by the Company’s industry-leading, highly efficient, low-emission, resilient microturbine energy systems offering scalable solutions in addition to a broad range of customer-tailored solutions, including hybrid energy systems and larger frame industrial turbines. The Energy Storage Solutions (ESS) business line designs and installs microgrid storage systems creating customized solutions using a combination of battery technologies and monitoring software. Through Hydrogen & Sustainable Products (H2S), Capstone Green Energy offers customers a variety of hydrogen products, including the Company’s microturbine energy systems.

To date, Capstone has shipped over 10,000 units to 83 countries and estimates that in FY22, it saved customers over $213 million in annual energy costs and approximately 388,000 tons of carbon. Total savings over the last four years are estimated to be approximately $911 million in energy savings and approximately 1,503,100 tons of carbon savings.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.CapstoneGreenEnergy.com. Follow Capstone Green Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The collaboration with Raven’s technology offers a strong renewable hydrogen alternative to electrolysis, using less electricity and no need for fresh water. INNIO’s Jenbacher engines will allow the Raven facility to generate a significant amount of their own electricity, reducing demand on California’s electrical grid.

“We are proud to collaborate with Raven on this hydrogen industry first, which is a milestone in the interconnecting of transportation and industry with the power producing sector,” commented Dr. Olaf Berlien, President and CEO of INNIO. “This project produces onsite renewable hydrogen from waste, uses a blend of hydrogen to generate energy to power operations, and provides renewable hydrogen for the transportation industry. This is a model example of how innovation can enable sector coupling which will be critical on the global path to net zero.”

“INNIO is able to meet our delivery schedule and provide engines that are compliant with emissions requirements for a blend of CO₂, methane, and hydrogen,” said Matt Murdock, CEO of Raven SR. “The Jenbacher engines are a very important element for us to realize our objective of producing renewable hydrogen with our non-combustion Steam/CO₂ Reformation Process, independent of the grid. Raven’s success in the increasing energy and electricity crisis requires that we generate autonomous power on site,” said Matt Murdock, CEO of Raven SR. “To succeed in the energy transition, collaboration among best-in-class engineering around the world is required. We are grateful to work with INNIO on this advanced, self-contained renewable energy design.”

Raven SR plans to bring its S-Series online in the first quarter of 2023 at the Republic Services West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill in Richmond, California. This project will initially process up to 99.9 tons of organic waste per day and produce up to 2,000 metric tons per year of hydrogen.

About INNIO

INNIO is a leading energy solution and service provider that empowers industries and communities to make sustainable energy work today. With our product brands Jenbacher and Waukesha and our digital platform myPlant, INNIO offers innovative solutions for the power generation and compression segments that help industries and communities generate and manage energy sustainably while navigating the fast-changing landscape of traditional and green energy sources. We are individual in scope, but global in scale. With our flexible, scalable, and resilient energy solutions and services, we are enabling our customers to manage the energy transition along the energy value chain wherever they are in their transition journey.

INNIO is headquartered in Jenbach (Austria), with other primary operations in Waukesha (Wisconsin, U.S.) and Welland (Ontario, Canada). A team of more than 3,500 experts provides life-cycle support to the more than 54,000 delivered engines globally through a service network in more than 80 countries.

INNIO’s ESG Risk Rating places it the number one of more than 500 worldwide companies in the Machinery industry assessed by Sustainalytics.

For more information, visit INNIO’s website at www.innio.com. Follow INNIO on Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Raven SR

Raven SR, headquartered in Wyoming, transforms biomass, mixed municipal solid waste, bio-solids, sewage, medical waste, and natural or biogas into renewable fuels.

Using its proprietary, non-combustion, non-catalytic Steam/CO2 Reformation technology, Raven SR dependably produce hydrogen-rich syngas regardless of feedstock utilized. Raven SR, led by co-founders Matt Murdock and Matt Scanlon, is committed to adding value to local resources and communities while responsibly reducing greenhouse gases and achieving a low carbon economy. By using modular systems and producing low air emissions, their systems can be located closer to customers and feedstock, creating local fuel from local waste for local mobility. Visit the Raven website here.

Daigas Group (formerly Osaka Gas Group) launched the first model of “HYSERVE”, an onsite hydrogen generator, in 2003 by adopting its accumulated knowledge on catalysts. DGPS introduced a new model “HYSERVE-300” with an hourly hydrogen production capacity of 300 Nm3 in 2013. DGPS, as a manufacturer of HYSERVE-300, has sold the units mainly to hydrogen fueling stations.

Then in 2019, DGPS granted HRC to manufacture and sell “Hy-Green”, a hydrogen generator utilizing the technology of HYSERVE-300, enabling HRC to meet the increasing demand for hydrogen fueling stations in South Korea.

After confirming HRC’s successful launch of Hy-Green, DGPS has decided to globally deploy its HYSERVE technology by enabling HRC to sell Hy-Green outside of South Korea. DGPS believes this will contribute to the prompt buildup of distributed hydrogen supply infrastructure which is necessary for the decarbonization of the transportation sector.

Hy-Green will be sold by HRC for the on-site hydrogen fueling station for various hydrogen mobilities (small vehicles, buses, trucks, construction equipment, train, ships, drones and etc), fuel cell power plant, and biogas production facilities (to produce hydrogen) in order to expand the hydrogen supply chain.

HRC has already developed the mass production capacity of Hy-Green and is ready for receiving inquiries from the world including those through Daigas Group.

Daigas Group including DGPS is going to expand its overseas energy business from upstream to downstream by fully utilizing its experiences in and out of Japan and its existing overseas business platforms.

GlobalData’s latest report, ‘UAE Power Market Size, Trends, Regulations, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2022-2035’, reveals that the UAE is working to introduce pumped hydro into the country’s power mix. This is expected to start with the Al Hattawi pumped storage plant when it begins commercial operations in 2026.

The project is designed to use and store water from the existing Hatta dam for generating electricity during peak demand periods. The project was launched as part of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for three-quarters of the UAE’s total power output to be from clean energy sources by 2050.

Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The largest source of clean energy opportunities are expected to emerge from the renewables sector, especially solar. Conditions in the UAE are ideal for solar power generation, and the government is assigning large swathes of barren land for solar parks (both photovoltaic [PV] and Concentrated Solar Power [CSP]), which will help satisfy local demand as well as meet export requirements.”

If the planned solar parks go ahead, critical challenges for the solar technology could include excessive heat impacting module efficiency, as well as the damage that could be inflicted upon the solar panels and mirrors due to the dust and sand. This would increase the cost of maintenance of the solar PV plants.

Saibasan adds: “The country has several support mechanisms such as smart Dubai initiatives, net metering, and auctions. The UAE aims to generate 50% of its electricity from carbon-free sources, driven mainly by solar PV, by 2050. Abu Dhabi plans to install 5.6 GW of solar PV capacity by 2026 and Dubai aims to source 75% of its electricity generation from renewables by 2050. These targets are expected to aid the rapid deployment of renewable power plants in the country.”

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across various industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.

The renewable power for the electrolyzer will come from the offshore wind farm Hollandse Kust (Noord), which is partly owned by Shell.

The renewable hydrogen produced will supply the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Rotterdam, by way of the HyTransPort pipeline, where it will replace some of the grey hydrogen usages in the refinery. This will partially decarbonize the facility’s production of energy products like petrol and diesel and jet fuel. As heavy-duty trucks are coming to market and refueling networks grow, renewable hydrogen supply can also be directed toward these to help in decarbonizing commercial road transport.

“Holland Hydrogen demonstrates how new energy solutions can work together to meet society’s need for cleaner energy. It is also another example of Shell’s own efforts and commitment to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050,” said Anna Mascolo, Executive Vice President, Emerging Energy Solutions at Shell. “Renewable hydrogen will play a pivotal role in the energy system of the future and this project is an important step in helping hydrogen fulfill that potential.”

Shell’s ambition is to help build a global hydrogen economy by developing opportunities in the production, storage, transport, and delivery of hydrogen to end customers. Holland Hydrogen I’s approval marks an important milestone on that journey not only for the Netherlands, as a leader in the hydrogen economy, but also for Shell globally.

Shell’s net carbon footprint

Also, in this announcement, we may refer to Shell’s “Net Carbon Footprint” or “Net Carbon Intensity”, which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the term Shell’s “Net Carbon Footprint” or “Net Carbon Intensity” are for convenience only and is not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.

Shell’s net-Zero Emissions Target

Shell’s operating plan, outlook, and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2, and Net Carbon Footprint (NCF) targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target and 2035 NCF target, as these targets are currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be a significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.

The test marks the highest published hydrogen blend flow rate for a natural gas-fired advanced class gas turbine to date and was conducted as part of Georgia Power’s commitment to build the energy grid of the future and reduce carbon emissions across its power generation fleet. Certarus’ mobile energy distribution platform provided over 4,000 kilograms of hydrogen for a 20% hydrogen, 80% natural gas fuel blend to support testing and monitoring for one of six gas turbines at the site over four days.

During the test, the hydrogen fuel blend successfully generated efficient power to support full turbine capacity and produced fewer carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions compared to purely natural gas.

“Hydrogen has the potential to help industrial operators and utility providers improve operational efficiency, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and achieve their net-zero goals,” said Richard Cheng, Certarus’ Vice President, Hydrogen. “Our on-road energy distribution platform is perfectly suited to safely transport hydrogen fuel across North America to support the acceleration of hydrogen adoption across industrial sectors.”

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) supported the development of the project and had researchers on-site during testing to observe and collect data for a detailed report that is expected to be published this summer.

ABOUT CERTARUS

Certarus is the North American leader in providing on-road low carbon energy solutions through a fully integrated compressed natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen platform. Certarus safely delivers clean-burning fuels to energy, utility, agricultural and industrial customers not connected to a pipeline. By displacing more carbon-intensive fuels, Certarus is leading the energy transition and helping customers lower operating costs and improve environmental performance. With the largest fleet of mobile storage units in North America, Certarus is uniquely positioned to meet the growing demand for low and zero-emission energy distribution. For more information, visit www.certarus.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

In Hydrogen Forecast to 2050, DNV predicts the amount of hydrogen in the energy mix will be only 0.5% in 2030 and 5% in 2050.  However, to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement, hydrogen uptake would need to triple to meet 15% of energy demand by mid-century.

“Hydrogen is essential to decarbonize sectors that cannot be electrified, like aviation, maritime, and high-heat manufacturing, and should therefore be prioritized for these sectors,” said Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV.  “Policies do not match hydrogen’s importance. They will also need to support the scaling of renewable energy generation and carbon capture and storage as crucial elements in producing low-carbon hydrogen.”According to Hydrogen Forecast by 2050, electricity-based green hydrogen – produced by splitting hydrogen from water using electrolyzers – will be the dominant form of production by the middle of the century, accounting for 72% of output. This will require a surplus of renewable energy, to power an electrolyzer capacity of 3,100 gigawatts.  This is more than twice the total installed generation capacity of solar and wind today.

Blue hydrogen – produced from natural gas with emissions captured – has a greater role to play in the shorter term (around 30% of total production in 2030), but its competitiveness will reduce as renewable energy capacity increases and prices drop.

Global spending on producing hydrogen for energy purposes from now until 2050 will be USD 6.8tn, with an additional USD 180bn spent on hydrogen pipelines and USD 530bn on building and operating ammonia terminals, according to DNV’s forecasts.

Cost considerations will lead to more than 50% of hydrogen pipelines globally being repurposed from natural gas pipelines, as the cost to repurpose pipelines is expected to be just 10-35% of new construction costs. Hydrogen will be transported by pipelines up to medium distances within and between countries, but not between continents. Global hydrogen trade will also be limited by the high cost of liquefying hydrogen for ship transport and the low energy density of hydrogen. The hydrogen derivative ammonia, which is more stable and can be more readily transported by ship, will be traded globally.

Early uptake of hydrogen will be led by hard-to-abate, high-heat manufacturing processes such as iron and steel production which currently use coal and natural gas. Hydrogen derivatives, such as ammonia and methanol, are key to decarbonizing heavy transport like shipping and aviation, but these fuels won’t scale until the 2030s according to DNV’s forecasts.

Hydrogen will not see an uptake in passenger vehicles, and only limited uptake in power generation. Hydrogen for heating buildings will not scale globally but will see early uptake in some regions that already have an extensive gas infrastructure.

“Scaling hydrogen value chains will require managing safety risk and public acceptance, as well as employment policies to make hydrogen projects competitive and bankable. We need to plan at the level of energy systems, enabling societies to embrace the urgent decarbonization opportunities presented by hydrogen,” added Eriksen.

The uptake of hydrogen will differ significantly by region, heavily influenced by policy. Europe is the forerunner with hydrogen set to take 11% of the energy mix by 2050, as enabling policies both kickstart the scaling of hydrogen production and stimulate end-use. OECD Pacific (hydrogen 8% of the energy mix in 2050) and North America (7%) regions also have strategies, targets, and funding pushing the supply-side, but have lower carbon prices and less concrete targets and policies. Greater China (6%) follows on, recently providing more clarity on funding and hydrogen prospects towards 2035, coupled with an expanding national emissions trading scheme. These four regions will together consume two-thirds of global hydrogen demand for energy purposes by 2050.

About DNV

DNV is an independent expert in risk management and assurance, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry benchmarks, and inspires and invents solutions. 

Whether assessing a new ship design, optimizing the performance of a wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline, or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to make critical decisions with confidence. 

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps tackle the challenges and global transformations facing its customers and the world today and is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies. dnv.com

This will be one of the first cases where hydrogen is tested for use to reduce the carbon footprint of an existing gas-fueled power plant delivered by Wärtsilä. The 55 MW plant currently operates with three Wärtsilä 50SG engines running on natural gas. The parties will aim for testing fuel blends of up to 25 vol.% hydrogen mixed with natural gas, thus demonstrating the capability of the plant to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Wärtsilä engines can operate with this level of hydrogen blended with gas with little to no modification needed. Though Wärtsilä engines can be operated on even higher hydrogen-blend levels, these tests will be restricted to the limit of 25 vol% hydrogens for natural gas systems, according to the international equipment standard IEC/EN 60079-20-1.

“These hydrogen tests reinforce the viability of the internal combustion engine as a future-proof technology that plays a key role in decarbonizing the power industry. We have long had a focus on creating solutions that enable zero-carbon power generation, and are excited to begin this hydrogen testing project in the USA as a natural next step in developing our products to meet customer needs for a decarbonized future. Our engines already have the flexibility for both balancing the input of renewables into the power system, and baseload generation with a continuously increasing range of fuels,” commented Jon Rodriguez, Director, Engine power plants, Wärtsilä North America.

One engine will be selected for the test program, during which time it will continue to deliver power to the grid. For defined engine load levels, the hydrogen content within the fuel will be gradually increased to a maximum of 25 vol.%. Measurements of the engine’s performance will be made throughout the testing. Wärtsilä has already successfully carried out engine tests at its testing facilities in Vaasa, Finland, and Bermeo, Spain, to assess the optimum engine parameters for operating with hydrogen fuel.

In addition to the A.J. Mihm power plant, Wärtsilä has also supplied WEC Energy Group with seven Wärtsilä 50SG gas engines for the F. D. Kuester power plant in Michigan.

Wärtsilä already has engine generating sets operating successfully on a natural gas and hydrogen blend in a newbuild power plant at an offshore floating testbed in Singapore.

Wärtsilä Energy in brief

Wärtsilä Energy leads the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our customers in decarbonization by developing market-leading technologies. These cover future-fuel-enabled balancing power plants, hybrid solutions, energy storage, and optimization technology, including the GEMS energy management platform. Wärtsilä Energy’s lifecycle services are designed to increase efficiency, promote reliability and guarantee operational performance. Our track record comprises 76 GW of power plant capacity and 110 energy storage systems delivered to 180 countries around the world.
https://www.wartsila.com/energy

Wärtsilä in brief

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasize innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,000 professionals in more than 200 locations in 68 countries shapes the decarbonization transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2021, Wärtsilä’s net sales totaled EUR 4.8 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.
www.wartsila.com

The Wärtsilä engine at the site is already capable of operating on gas with up to 3% hydrogen. In order to reach the targeted level of 10% blending to meet the specific needs for Capwatt, modifications will be made to the engine, as well as its control system and the plant automation system. Capwatt intends to produce green hydrogen using an electrolyzer, powered by renewable energy.

“We are committed to decarbonizing our operations and we see the blending of hydrogen and natural gas for fueling this plant as a significant step towards achieving this goal. Wärtsilä is a company with great experience and know-how in this field, and we look forward to working closely with them on this ground-breaking project,” commented Sérgio Rocha, CEO at Capwatt.

“This project concretely shows how existing power plants can take steps towards carbon-neutral power generation,” said Sushil Purohit, President, Wärtsilä Energy, and EVP Wärtsilä Corporation. “As a technology, the combustion engine represents a viable solution for enabling the transformation to utilize future fuels. The flexibility of the Wärtsilä engines already plays an important role in allowing a far greater share of renewable energy to be incorporated into power systems.” 

The project is in line with the country’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which aims to increase the share of hydrogen in energy consumption by 5% by 2030 in the industry sector. During the coming decade, the aim is to have 2.0 to 2.5 GW of installed hydrogen-producing capacity and to have 10 to 15% hydrogen injected into the natural gas grid.

Capwatt has a portfolio of nearly 160 MW of cogeneration plants that can benefit from this project’s know-how, which will play a significant role in the decarbonization of thermal energy demand, enabling the energy transition of its industrial clients.

Wärtsilä engines can be operated on hydrogen/natural gas blends with up to 25% hydrogen, and the company is working towards an engine and power plant concept for pure hydrogen operations by 2025.

Wärtsilä already has engine generating sets operating successfully on a natural gas and hydrogen blend in a newbuild power plant at an offshore floating testbed in Singapore.

Wärtsilä Energy in brief

Wärtsilä Energy leads the transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. We help our customers in decarbonization by developing market-leading technologies. These cover future-fuel-enabled balancing power plants, hybrid solutions, energy storage, and optimization technology, including the GEMS energy management platform. Wärtsilä Energy’s lifecycle services are designed to increase efficiency, promote reliability and guarantee operational performance. Our track record comprises 76 GW of power plant capacity and 110 energy storage systems delivered to 180 countries around the world. https://www.wartsila.com/energy

Wärtsilä in brief

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. We emphasize innovation in sustainable technology and services to help our customers continuously improve their environmental and economic performance. Our dedicated and passionate team of 17,000 professionals in more than 200 locations in 68 countries shapes the decarbonization transformation of our industries across the globe. In 2021, Wärtsilä’s net sales totaled EUR 4.8 billion. Wärtsilä is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.wartsila.com

With the U.S. administration encouraging the accelerated transition to clean energy resources and climate concerns challenging critical industries and services to reinforce the resilience of their power facilities in the event of increasingly frequent and severe weather incidents that increase the risk of power outages, private and public service providers across the United States are growing the demand for innovative energy technologies to meet these seemingly contradictory challenges. Faced with the tough job of keeping trains moving 24/7 or risking financial losses and customer churn, railroads and transit agencies have an especially low tolerance for power interruptions.

Since the early 1980’s RedHawk Energy has helped commercial and industrial customers tackle their critical prime and backup power challenges with innovative solutions supporting diverse power loads.  With rich experience in design, engineering, and deployment of a broad variety of alternative energy systems from solar and wind to sophisticated ultracapacitors to power different applications, and with a particular focus on rail signaling and communications, RedHawk recognizes the unique value of GenCell’s solutions for its customer base.  

The partners have joined forces to meet the needs of rail and other industries requiring uninterrupted power for the continuous operations of their signal & communications equipment.  Incorporating comprehensive operational intelligence software and enabling extended runtime and compliance with sustainability targets while requiring minimal maintenance and support, GenCell’s product portfolio offers RedHawk customers an attractive value proposition at a cost comparable to or less than that of pollutant diesel alternatives.

“We’re excited to join forces with GenCell Energy to promote and supply their innovative alkaline fuel cells,” comments Matt Ulrich, Technical Sales Manager, RedHawk Energy. “We feel that GenCell’s fuel cells powered by hydrogen and/or ammonia fit nicely into our existing alternative energy portfolio and give our customers a new option to meet their critical prime and backup power requirements as well as support their sustainability initiatives.”  

Rami Reshef, CEO GenCell, commented “We are most enthusiastic to work with RedHawk Energy Systems and to demonstrate the value of our technologies to their strong customer base including virtually every Class 1 railroad in North America, shortline railroads, midstream, upstream and downstream oil & gas companies, telecommunication companies, shipping companies, government agencies, and many Fortune 500 & 1000 corporations.  We appreciate this opportunity to collaborate with RedHawk’s experienced engineering team, to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the issues facing U.S. railroads and transit agencies, and to increase our brand exposure and install base in these key industry sectors and regions in the United States.”

About RedHawk Energy

RedHawk Energy Systems, LLC is an ISO 9001-2015 certified manufacturer and a value-added subsidiary of the Arthur N. Ulrich Company. Since the early 1980s RedHawk has been a leader in the design, engineering, and supply of alternative energy systems (Solar & Wind, Fuel Cells, Stirling Engines, TEGs, Ultracapacitors) for the critical infrastructure needs of a variety of industries with 1000+ systems in service to date.

About GenCell Energy

GenCell Energy develops total green power solutions based on reliable, zero-emission alkaline fuel cells and green ammonia-to-energy technology which deliver uninterrupted power to help the world #SayNoToDiesel and transition to clean energy.  The ability to produce not only clean power from GenCell’s fuel cells but also the green fuel on which the fuel cells run sets GenCell in a far superior position as a well-to-wheel total green energy solution provider.  GenCell delivers resilient, robust, and weather-resistant backup power for utilities, telecom, and other mission-critical applications which have been deployed in 22 countries. Our hydrogen-on-demand solution provides primary power for off-grid and poor-grid sites, as well as for rural electrification. GenCell Energy numbers more than 130 employees, including veterans of space and submarine projects. The Company is headquartered in Israel with a worldwide distribution and support network and retains unique intellectual property that includes patents, trade secrets, and know-how.

Although hydropower accounted for the largest share of the global total renewable generation capacity with 1 230 GW, IRENA’s Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 shows that solar and wind continued to dominate new generating capacity. Together, both technologies contributed 88 percent to the share of all new renewable capacity in 2021. Solar capacity led with a 19 percent increase, followed by wind energy, which increased its generating capacity by 13 percent.

“This continued progress is another testament to renewable energy’s resilience. Its strong performance last year represents more opportunities for countries to reap renewables’ multiple socio-economic benefits. However, despite the encouraging global trend, our new World Energy Transitions Outlook shows that the energy transition is far from being fast or widespread enough to avert the dire consequences of climate change,” says IRENA Director-General, Francesco La Camera.

“Our current energy crisis also adds to the evidence that the world can no longer rely on fossil fuels to meet its energy demand. Money directed to fossil fuel power plants yields unrewarding results, both for the survival of a nation and the planet. Renewable power should become the norm across the globe. We must mobilize the political will to accelerate the 1.5°C pathway.”

To achieve climate goals, renewables must grow at a faster pace than energy demand. However, many countries have not reached this point yet, despite significantly increasing the use of renewables for electricity generation.

Sixty percent of the new capacity in 2021 was added in Asia, resulting in a total of 1.46 Terawatt (TW) of renewable capacity by 2021. China was the biggest contributor, adding 121 GW to the continent’s new capacity. Europe and North America—led by the USA—took second and third places respectively, with the former adding 39 GW and the latter 38 GW. Renewable energy capacity grew by 3.9 percent in Africa and 3.3 percent in Central America and the Caribbean. Despite representing steady growth, the pace in both regions is much slower than the global average, indicating the need for stronger international cooperation to optimize electricity markets and drive massive investments in those regions.

 Highlights by technology:

• Hydropower: Growth in hydro increased steadily in 2021 with the commissioning of several large projects delayed through 2021.
• Wind energy: Wind expansion continued at a lower rate in 2021 compared to 2020

(+93 GW compared to +111 GW last year).

• Solar energy: With an increase in new capacity in all major world regions in previous years, total global solar capacity has now outgrown wind energy capacity.
• Bioenergy: Net capacity expansion increased in 2021 (+10.3 GW compared to +9.1 GW in 2020).
• Geothermal energy: Geothermal capacity had exceptional growth in 2021, with 1.6 GW added.
• Off-grid electricity: Off-grid capacity grew by 466 MW in 2021 (+4%) to reach 11.2 GW.

About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the global energy transformation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future and serves as the principal platform for international co-operation, a center of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource, and financial knowledge on renewable energy. With 167 Members (166 States and the European Union) and 17 additional countries in the accession process and actively engaged, IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security, and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

The result was a whole new E-World that ultimately will make us more versatile, globalized, and resilient.

When people stopped flying planes and the world pretty much shut down, people had to implement new business models for marketing, sales, hiring, investor relations, PR, supply/vendors and processes, partnerships, and more.

This new E-world means harnessing zoom and teams platforms and ensuring online meetings are connected and professional even if you were meeting from your bedroom.

While we now start to get back to a ‘new normal’ and travel becomes more available, the power of E-business will forever play a role in how we expand and grow from here forward.

See it as an opportunity rather than a problem.

Six E-Sales Opportunities To Grow Your Company In The New Digital World

If you want to sell a product or position your company for an important bid, how are you going to accomplish your goals in Covid times?  

When we are working from home, using zoom, or dealing with outside distractions, how can we succeed? Those are the challenges of the day. It is a new challenge, to find ways to keep ourselves and our clients connected, online.

Believe it or not, with creativity and engagement, we can have an effective E-Work environment that can out-perform old sales models.

1. Think about it, less travel, more meetings, less cost, more communication. It adds up. Business is nothing more than a network of conversations. People who organize meetings effectively, stack meetings, and create an E-Flow work environment will win the game of the E-work world.
   
2. Building great relationships that create trust and rapport is still the foundation of any relationship. Having clients get to know, like, and trust you is key; so, the rules have not changed. Building rapport still means a professional appearance online and an appropriate zoom background. It means good communication, understanding your client, finding common ground, discovering needs, sharing experiences, matching mannerisms and speech, future pacing, and finding solutions. 
   
3. Quickly adapting to this new E-World means recreating the outside world inside the computer world. It means finding new ways to connect and get personal with relationships so that there is a strong foundation of trust established online.
   
4. Computer advances and algorithms have taken over the laborious job of research and client acquisition. Business development costs came down, workflows became more efficient, and sales grow from there. 
   
5. The E-world will expedite globalization, and before we know it, doing business anywhere in the world at any time will be an affordable proposition. Global commerce is emerging, and the opportunities are truly endless.
   
6. We must look into the future and see where nations will unite in common goals. Languages will merge, and borders and boundaries will fall away. Free markets will be the foundation of the global playing field of business as we grow exponentially with E-Business automation and processes.

PAAS – PUBLISHING AS A SERVICE

As publishers of a global energy magazine, The OGM served clients around the globe ensuring suppliers and energy companies got their message to the right market.

Publisher Tina Olivero says, “During the pandemic it became apparent that tradeshows and flying to meetings was not an option for us or our clients. E-meetings became the norm and suddenly, the world got much smaller. Client contact became easier, faster, and automated. Computer advances and algorithms took over the laborious job of research and client acquisition. Business development costs came down, workflows became more efficient, and sales took off for us. That would not have happened, except for the pandemic. Long story short, there’s a silver lining in everything, when we are willing to embrace the challenges, we then reap the rewards.”

PaaS is a client solution that searches out potential clients, matches content with buyer and seller and creates an automated lead generation system. Where traditional advertising could be hit and miss at times, PaaS connects those interested, with those selling and the computer algorithm does all the work of bringing them together. As a result, expanding into new markets is now affordable. Finding your exact right client is now easier. All of this is because of the new E-Work environment and computer AI.

Visionary Tina Olivero says, “The E-world will expedite globalization and before we know it, doing business anywhere in the world at any time, will be an affordable proposition. Global commerce is emerging, and the opportunities are truly endless.”

WHAT INDUSTRY SAYS

Ryan Burrowes, CEO of Warehouse Transport Group and head of Canada/Guyna operations said, “As a CEO of a growing logistics and investment company, I was in dire need of new digital technology to take my business online. We needed a marketing and sales enhancement solution and a way to scale. I found everything and more with Tina and TheOGM Agency team. Having lived all over the world, Tina is a visionary who sees things from a global perspective.

Our operations have a foothold in Guyana, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. So Tina and her team are a perfect fit for us. The OGM’s new digital business development solutions are strategic and sustainable for the new world order where everyone is doing business on Zoom.

The OGM digital tools come with algorithms and automation that provide us with a flow of never-ending, high-level opportunities to quote on new work. Not just any work but leads with key decision-makers for our business. That is invaluable. The OGM is a platform with new digital tools that we all need in a business in this day and age. This new digital game is entirely different and capitalizing on that makes for really exciting times. Tina and her team have gone over and above our contractual agreement and, honestly I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s the people we want to work with. Already, I consider her a part of our family, for now, and for the future.”

Ryan Burrowes CEO, Warehouse Transport Group Canada-Guyana – WarehouseTransport.ca

PICK THE RIGHT PARTNERS

There are many companies out there that are trying to adapt online. For energy companies choosing the right partners who have extensive experience in the energy industry is key.

Tina Olivero says, “The most important part of outreach and communication right now is content. You have to partner with key marketing and sales people who speak “energy”. Otherwise you are trying to bring your clients into your world, with someone who does not understand your business and most importantly, doesn’t understand what your clients need. That’s a one way ticket to no success.

Aligining with The OGM as 30-year publishers of energy content, coupled with our digital media agency, makes The OGM a premium choice. When you have that level of business competence, communication is easy. Adapting with new digital processes and creating automations has to be routed in powerful words, which create powerful actions, which create powerful results. It’s that simple. These are truly incredible times. Reach out and lets what we can create.

www.TheOGM.com

About the Author Tina Olivero

Tina Olivero is a conscious entrepreneur, managing a publishing company – TheOGM.com, a digital media firm – DigitalCollateral.ca and a new Sales Engine company – TheOGM.ca. She has 30 years in the marketing and sales business in the energy sector. She is committed to energy and sustainable development with her Our Great Minds. This innovative magazine shares the great minds and collective intelligence that are combating climate change and eradicating carbon emissions. 

CRP Subsea’s latest innovation, Motion Stabilisers, along with Bend Restrictors (including VIV strakes) and Tri-Strakes® C (Combi) VIV suppression strakes, are designed to protect these submarine power cables from environmental damage potentially caused by lateral movement in very deep waters and difficult seabed environments.

Andy Smith, Sales Team Manager (Elastomers) at CRP Subsea, states, “We are extremely proud of this substantial contract award in support of Hellenic Cables interconnector project, which has now been successfully installed. The seabed environment around Crete is extremely challenging with deep water and a variable seabed morphology. Our solutions will enhance stability of the power cables from lateral movement, additional tension, over-bending and fatigue, providing a long-term solution.”

Mitigating axial or lateral pipe and cable walking, the Motion Stabilisers have been designed to reduce slippage on the seabed and mitigate additional tension and damage from movement. Manufactured from CRP Subsea’s highly abrasion resistant API 17L certified Uraduct® material, the Motion Stabilisers assembly is easy on a cable lay vessel,
allowing speedy installation.

Maria Lamprou, Hellenic Cables’ Project Manager, explained, “We came to CRP Subsea as it has an unrivalled track-record in the design and installation of cable protection solutions. Over the course of the project, the company has designed and manufactured three different types of cable protection solutions to meet the needs of our very demanding project, both in terms of seabed terrain, water depth, installation load and schedule requirements. We are delighted we chose CRP Subsea, whose products were delivered, installed and over-boarded with ease.”

The construction of an electricity interconnection between Crete and the Peloponnese on the mainland of Greece, will provide the island with a cheaper and more secure energy supply. The aim of the project is to cut the cost of electricity generation in Crete by replacing expensive and polluting oil-fired units with a more efficient alternative from across the Aegean Sea. The project includes laying two new submarine cables, each 135 kilometres long, making this the longest subsea alternative current connection in the world. The interconnector will provide around 34% of Crete’s total electricity demand in 2021.

Source(s) and Image(s): CRP Subsea

Wataynikaneyap Power announced on April 21, 2021 that it had been chosen as one of 24 Clean50 Top Project award winners in 2021. Clean50 Top Projects are chosen annually based on their innovation, their ability to inform, and inspire other Canadians.

Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, states, “I am very honoured that the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project was voted as the top Project amongst 24 award winners. All Clean50 Top Projects recognized in 2021 are remarkable, inspiring, and have the potential to contribute to a better future. I accept this recognition on behalf of our Peoples and our partners.”

The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is an unprecedented First Nations-led project to build approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in Northwestern Ontario to connect 17 remote First Nations to the provincial transmission grid for the first time. The project will reinforce the existing transmission grid to Pickle Lake and bring reliable energy to the communities, currently powered by diesel.

Communities’ current diesel generated energy is insufficient, resulting in load restrictions and power outages. Inadequate power supply is lowering the quality of life, and dramatically limiting the expansion of remote First Nation communities. Connection to the power grid will provide cleaner and more reliable power to the population.

“We are proud of this distinguished recognition from the sustainable business community. Connection to the Ontario power grid will not only reduce diesel usage and transport – with stable, clean power available, First Nations are enabled to grow and improve community infrastructure and further community development – including business and economic opportunities. This project is led by First Nations, who majority-own this infrastructure being built on our homelands,” remarks Frank McKay, Chair of the Wataynikaneyap Power GP Inc. Board.

The Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project is expected to result in over 6.6 million tonnes of avoided GHG emissions over forty years, by replacing approximately 25 million litres/year of diesel usage.

Eliezar Mckay, Chair of First Nation Limited Partnership, remarks, “Thank you to the Clean50 members for recognizing the importance of the Wataynikaneyap Power Transmission Project, not only for the land, but also the community development that will follow when we have adequate, reliable power in place. This project is only possible through the cooperation, patience, and support of our 24 First Nation owners, who share the vision of building and owning a transmission line to bring reliable power to their communities. Miigwech to the land stewards and First Nation communities for their continued support of the Wataynikaneyap Power Project.”

“We are proud to bring our transmission expertise to the table as we work with our First Nations partners to provide clean, reliable electricity to communities for the first time,” said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. “Congratulations to the team for being voted Clean50’s Leading Project in 2021.”

About Wataynikaneyap Power

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote First Nations communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power will develop, manage construction, and operate approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines in northwestern Ontario.

About First Nation Limited Partnership

First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation stations. FNLP was established in 2015 to be the ownership and control of the participating First Nations’ interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is equally owned by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will maintain their ability to increase their ownership to 100% over time.

About Fortis

Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry, with 2020 revenue of $8.9 billion and total assets of $56 billion as at June 30, 2021. The Corporation’s 9,000 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS.

About Delta Management Group / Canada’s Clean50

Leading sustainability and clean tech search firm Delta Management Group in 2011 founded, and remains the steward of the Canada’s Clean50 awards. The awards were created to annually identify, recognize and connect 50 sustainability leaders, 10-20 Emerging Leaders and Top Projects from every sector of Canadian endeavor. The firm also annually convenes the Clean50 Summit, in order to facilitate understanding, collaboration and innovation in the fight to keep human caused climate impacts below 1.5 degrees.

Source(s) and Image(s): Wataynikaneyap Power and FortisOntario Inc.

“This research confirms that the production of hydrogen has enormous economic growth and diversification potential for Newfoundland and Labrador,” stated Kieran Hanley, executive director of the Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association.

Among the findings, the study found that local demand for hydrogen is projected to be lower in the province than elsewhere in the Atlantic region but that it is strategically positioned to establish a hydrogen export market to Europe that could generate significant jobs and economic growth for the region.

“This study is one of the ways (we are) exploring what the Atlantic region’s energy future might look like and how we can create new opportunities as we work to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050,” said Alisdair McLean, executive director of the Offshore Energy Research Association, which coordinated the study.

The Newfoundland and Labrador hydrogen feasibility study builds on an earlier one looking at potential in the three Maritime provinces, Net-Zero Future: A Feasibility Study of Hydrogen Production, Storage, Distribution and Use in The Maritimes, released in October 2020.

It was conducted by Zen and the Art of Clean Energy Solutions with support from Dunsky Energy Consulting, Redrock Power Systems, the Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association, and Natural Resources Canada.

Source(s) & Images(s): Atlantica Centre for Energy

Last month, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, released its latest report. 

The news is frightening and undeniable – climate change is widespread, intensifying and accelerating. If we don’t take greater steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions, some of the consequences we’ve all been seeing – extreme heatwaves, severe rain and flooding in some areas, droughts and massive wildfires in others – will be permanent. Earth is on track for disaster unless we make significant changes.

Although some impacts of climate change are now unavoidable, the good news is that it’s not too late to avoid the worst that will occur if we do nothing. If humans stop burning fossil fuels over the next 20 years, we can avoid some of the most drastic effects. We have some time, but we need to start the transition now.

Canada’s electricity sector is essential to this transition, but we need to dramatically increase our overall supply of electricity. The Canadian Electricity Association estimates that to achieve “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2050, Canada will need to double or even triple the size of the current electricity supply to support the changes necessary to eliminate fossil fuels.

New low-carbon capacity needed

We’re starting from a good place with more than 82 per cent of the electricity generated in Canada already non-greenhouse gas emitting, but we’re going to need to add a lot of new capacity from low-carbon sources.

Although it’s not feasible to eliminate the use of fossil fuels for power generation immediately (these plants are currently needed for base load, peak demand and balancing the grid) we can use the 20 years we have to build out a better power system that combines intermittent renewables, hydro, storage and nuclear.

Of these, nuclear power may be the most important.

Our modern society depends on a steady supply of baseload power, and although renewables are going to play a vital role, the fact that the sun doesn’t always shine and the wind doesn’t always blow, means they can’t replace generating stations that operate 24/7 as the foundation of our power grid. Energy storage can help stabilize the grid, especially at peak times, but it can’t replace base load power in the middle of the night or in the dead of winter.

Nuclear is best source

Hydro power has a role to play, but except for the Gull Island project in Labrador, there aren’t many feasible large-scale sites left to be developed in Canada. That leaves nuclear power as the best source of non-emitting baseload power that we can use to ramp up the supply of electricity that we’ll need to reach net-zero.

In addition, nuclear plants are the only source of energy that can produce both low-carbon electricity and clean heat, which means they will also play an important role in decarbonizing energy intensive processes like steel manufacturing and hydrogen production.

Fortunately, Canada is well positioned to grow our nuclear industry to reach this low carbon future. For more than 75 years we’ve been a global leader in developing and operating nuclear technology for nuclear medicine and power generation, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is recognized as a world-class regulator. We’re also one of the world’s leading producers of uranium, which means we have a secure supply of fuel

In New Brunswick, NB Power’s Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station has been providing a major portion of the province’s electricity needs for almost 40 years and its presence anchors a growing nuclear cluster which can be built upon to help us achieve our low carbon future.

Modular huge opportunity

It’s no accident that two leading developers of the next generation of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs) – ARC Clean Energy Canada and Moltex Energy – have set up shop in New Brunswick because of the world-class body of nuclear operating experience and knowledge that exists here. Their presence creates huge economic and employment opportunities to manufacture and sell high-quality, Canadian made advanced SMRs around the world.

Just as there are well running CANDU reactors already operating here in Canada and in Europe, Asia and South America, there will be a strong market for the latest generation of advanced SMRs manufactured right here and then shipped to their final location, whether it be at an existing power site, industrial location, a remote community in Canada’s far north, or international locations. Access to reliable low-carbon electricity is an essential service in our modern society, a key measure of quality of life, and crucial to fighting climate change before it’s too late.

Intermittent renewables and distributed generation are absolutely necessary and will be a part of our energy future, but they will not be able to completely replace the need for a large amount of reliable low-carbon baseload electricity. This is why nuclear power is vital in greening our future and fighting climate change.

Source(s) and Image(s): Atlantica Centre for Energy

‘Leading edge erosion’ is a serious issue with large commercial wind turbine blades. It is caused by environmental impacts including rain, hail, ice, salt and UV. Such damage of the blade surface leads to increased drag and ultimately to reduced energy production. It also drives operating cost up due to increased maintenance, regular blade replacement and downtime of the generator. While the issue already exists for onshore installations, it becomes even more significant for offshore wind farms, operating under extreme conditions.

Based on specifications defined by Edge Solutions, INEOS Styrolution developed a specific material solution using its Luran® SC product. This material became the basis for the armourEDGE shield – a leading edge protection solution that significantly reduces the impact of environmental factors on the leading edge of wind turbine blades. The armourEDGE shield leads to significantly less downtown and maintenance cost. It also results in an increase in annual energy production. Their armourEDGE system is currently being installed on an operational offshore wind farm in northern Europe.

David Urch, Managing Director, Edge Solutions comments, “Leading edge erosion is a significant issue for wind turbines, offshore and onshore. With tip speeds approaching 330 km/h, continual impacts by rain, hail, ice and other airborne particulates damage the blade surface, leading to increased drag and reduced energy production. This drives up operating cost due to increased maintenance downtime and ultimately blade replacement. Over the last four years we have worked closely with the team at INEOS Styrolution to develop our armourEDGE product which maintains the blades’ aerodynamic properties and is extremely durable. With rapid installation, this results in less downtime and improved profitability for wind farm owners.”

The Luran® SC product line is comprised of blended ASA1 with PC2. The material provides very high heat resistance, stiffness and excellent impact strength. It is very stable towards oxidation. Because of its inherent robustness, Luran® SC is the material of choice for a wide range of challenging outdoor applications.
1 Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
2 Polycarbonate

Ken MacIntosh, Key Account Manager at INEOS Styrolution, states, “It’s been very motivating to work with an entrepreneurial company like Edge Solutions. Together, we came up with the optimised material performance for the given challenge.”

About INEOS Styrolution

INEOS Styrolution is the leading global styrenics supplier, with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 90 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering solutions, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. At the same time, these innovative and sustainable best-in-class solutions help make the circular economy for styrenics a reality. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging and toys/sports/leisure. In 2020, sales were at 4 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,600 people and operates 20 production sites in ten countries.

About Edge Solutions

Scottish company Edge Solutions has developed its armourEDGE shield which is a game-changing approach to the costly problem of leading-edge erosion on wind turbine blades. Its precision engineered shields securely bond to the leading edge of blades to provide an aerodynamically optimal, full-life protection that minimizes maintenance costs and maximizes energy production and return on investment.

Source(s) and Image(s): Edge Solutions and INEOS Styrolution

Renewable energy sources are important when trying to win the fight against climate change. They allow us to stop relying on fossil fuels for our energy. The UK Government has pledged by 2050 we will have net zero emissions, and renewable energy sources are a way this can be achieved. In 2019, UK emissions were 42 per cent lower than they were in 1990, which proves the introduction of these energy sources is helping.

You may have already made changes in your home, such as getting an electric car and having an EV charger installation. But there are other things you can do to make your home eco-friendly, such as getting solar panels and having a more economical form of electricity. Every little helps on the way to a greener UK.

Of course, it’s not just in the UK where these electricity sources are being adopted. Renewable energy sources are going to account for more than half of global electricity production by 2035. But what will be powering this eco-friendly future?

In this article, we will show you five of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources across the world and how they are being used.

Hydropower

Hydropower is the most widely used form of renewable energy in the world, producing 1,295 gigawatts of energy. This amounts to 54 per cent of the global renewable power generation capacity. The most common hydropower comes from water in dams. The water gets released from the reservoir to drive the turbines which generate the power. However, it can also be used by the natural running of a river or tide to drive the turbines.

In the UK our biggest hydropower station is the Dinorwig in Wales. It produces 1,728 megawatts, which is enough to power 2.5 million homes. Plus, because hydropower can be generated quickly, it is used as a pumped-storage plant that can provide backup energy at short notice.

In the UK, hydroelectric power is also used as our main backup power source. When there are big TV events on in the UK such as the World Cup or a Royal Wedding, during breaks in the events millions of people will use electricity at once to make a drink. This is when hydropower can be used to deal with the spike in demand as pumped up power stations can be used in these moments.

China has the biggest hydroelectric generation in the world. The Three Gorges generate 22.5 GW. China has made large investments in hydropower so that they are not as reliant on coal. It gets around 15 per cent of its energy from hydropower. In Southwest China many of its rivers are high above sea level, and China knows that hydropower is the only renewable energy they can use on a big scale, therefore they make big investments in the sector.

Wind energy

Wind turbines are normally used to get kinetic energy from the wind to generate energy. Wind energy is the second most used renewable energy source in the world, producing 563 GW and produces 24 per cent of the world’s total renewable energy generation capacity.

The UK is a big producer of renewable wind energy which makes us the sixth biggest producer in the world, producing 13,603 megawatts. Offshore wind farms are constructed in bodies of water, and in the UK, wind farms power the equivalent of 4.5 million homes. Onshore wind farms deliver less energy for the UK, only providing around 10 per cent of UK energy by 2020, despite being the most cost-effective alternative for new electricity in the UK compared to traditional fossil fuels.

Solar power

Solar power works by converting light from the sun into energy. These days you will see many people have solar panels on their homes. In fact, the UK is installing solar panels faster than any other European country.

Even though it can be dark and rainy a lot in the UK, solar panels still work even when the light is reflected or partially blocked by the clouds. In fact, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that an average four kilowatts peak solar power system can help save you between £85 and £220 a year on your energy bills.

Solar power has an annual average growth rate of 25 per cent over the last five years across the world. Spain is a major producer of solar power, contributing 75 per cent of the global concentrated solar power.

The biggest solar power plant in the world is located in the United Arab Emirates. The Noor Abu Dhabi solar project produces 1.17 GW. It produces enough electricity to power the demand of 90,000 people. It will reduce their carbon footprint by 1 million metric tonnes a year, which is the same as taking 200,000 cars off the road, proving the UAE is making good progress in the fight against climate change even though the country is still oil-dependent.   

Bio-power

Modern biomass includes biofuels and wood pellets as well as traditional ones that were already used, such as agricultural by-products. These products are then burned to create steam, which powers a turbine that generated energy.

China, the UK, and India accounted for more than half of the world’s total bioenergy capacity expansion in 2018.

Bioenergy provides 11 per cent of the UK’s energy and bioenergy. Biomass boilers have provided 96 per cent of non-domestic renewable heat in the UK. It is also the biggest contributor to the decarbonisation of heat, which helps the UK’s pledge to be net carbon neutral by 2050.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the earth. Global Geothermal production exceeded 13.2 GW in 2018. One-third of green energy that is made using geothermal sources is electricity. Iceland is one of the world’s biggest producers of geothermal electricity, producing 26.5 per cent of the country’s electricity and 87 per cent of their housing and building needs coming from  natural hot water sourced underground.

In the UK, geothermal energy is not the best viable option as the ground is not hot enough. But we have increasingly been using shallow resources from the upper crust of the earth that is heated by the sun. With the help of ground source heat pumps, the energy is extracted.

Overall, it is great that the world is using more renewable energy sources. The UK is making great progress towards achieving net zero and becoming carbon neutral by 2050 as can be seen by the Government announcing they will phase out the sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. From the examples in this article, you can see that many countries across the world are making the effort to change their energy sources to be renewable and help combat climate change and move away from traditional fossil fuels.

Sources

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-plans-to-make-uk-world-leader-in-green-energy#:~:text=The%20government’s%20plan%20for%20renewable,build%20back%20greener%20from%20coronavirus.&text=In%202019%2C%20UK%20emissions%20were,grew%20by%2072%20per%20cent.

https://www.renewableuk.com/page/WindEnergy#:~:text=The%20UK%20is%20the%20world,of%20UK%20electricity%20by%202020.

https://theswitch.co.uk/energy/guides/renewables/geothermal

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/

https://theswitch.co.uk/energy/guides/renewables/hydroelectric-power

https://www.c40.org/case_studies/the-worlds-largest-geothermal-heating-system-saves-up-to-4m-tons-co2-annually#:~:text=There%20are%20five%20geothermal%20plants,building%20heating%20needs%20(2005)%3B

https://www.techspot.com/news/80740-uae-powers-noor-abu-dhabi-world-largest-solar.html

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/free-solar-panels/

There is no renewable energy on the planet that has been built without the use of oil and gas.

Think construction of a wind farm ….and how that energy product requires trucks, cars, transport and clearly gas in tanks to build it.

Think aviation and how it requires oil and gas to make planes, choppers and other carriers as well as fuel them!

Think products and plastics and how they are required in the building of renewable structures like solar panels. Many components are made of… Petroleum.

Even basic office tools like the plastics used in computers require petroleum.
The phone in your hand is made from many types of petroleum plastics!

There is no renewable energy without the use of some type of oil and gas and it’s related products.

Oil and gas is the number one commodity on the planet…Why? Because it is in just about everything we make and in every project we are involved in.

This is not the time of renewable energy. This is the time where oil and gas bridge us to the development of new energy. It is NOT an either-or situation! Both are critical and essential to the other.

Oil and gas is the bridge to solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal and every other type of renewable energy source. None of them would exist nor could they be constructed and developed without oil and gas fuel and products.

Next time someone argues about oil and gas vs renewables realize it’s a non-issue! These are the facts. There is no renewable energy without oil and gas.

If Canada doesn’t get its priorities straight and focus on its position as being one the most powerful oil and gas producers in the world, we are going to be in really bad shape. Because if we are not supplying the world with oil and gas someone else will take our place and we will no longer hold the ticket to new energy at the levels we could!

Canada is ranked number three in the world of oil-producing nations. We must do everything in our power to maintain that position and to elevate it….which includes pipeline progress.

We must have pipelines that extend to the west and the east of Canada to get our oil to buying markets beyond the US! We can’t rely on the US anymore as our primary buying partner because as we have seen, the US has developed their own resources with their success in the Gulf and the incoming fracking industry. The reality is, they are becoming more energy independent and they need our oil less and less.

Selling oil and gas around the world means that we can diversify our portfolio! We can capitalize on globalization and the selling of oil and gas to the rest of the world from both sides of Canada. This would ensure that oil-producing provinces like Newfoundland are in a primary and powerful position for world oil demand. This would, in turn, create a further exploration and production offshore Newfoundland because more infrastructure, builds more infrastructure … that’s how it works!

We must realize that gas is a cleaner fuel and where there is gas there is oil and all of that must be cumulatively developed in order to sustain our current standard of living in Canada! If we don’t, our standard of living will drop dramatically. It already has the price of oil drop.

We all feel the pinch of a low oil price in Canada. It has affected every single one of us in some way shape or form. Let the drop of oil price be our strongest lesson and our strongest teacher ….in realizing that a nation without oil and gas is crippling to our economy, our livelihood and affects every single one of us.

Think about a nation without oil and gas and how that will stifle every other industry sector that we hope to develop, from renewables to new technology and other incoming industry sectors. Every one of them requires oil and gas to fuel them into existence. Every one of them requires strong financial companies to invest to build and to scale.

We must not throw away our strengths and try to replace it with a new and renewable powered world. It won’t work that way because that’s like trying to win the Olympics in hockey if the players don’t have hockey sticks. It’s like trying to write the number one hit song, without a voice to sing it. It’s like trying to create the best business plan with no financial backing to bring it to life. Get the picture?

We must build on our strengths and that’s how we will bring in the future of new energy! Anything less…. and we will have limited financial resources, tools and funds to elevate ourselves into new methodologies like renewables!

If there’s one smart thing we could do right now, it is to educate our nation about what life would be like if we developed our oil and gas industry to its highest capacity and brought in new energy.

And comparatively we need to educate our people on what life would be like without Canada’s oil and gas production and where Canada would be without it….so we have time to get it right. We would then understand that the outcome would be devastating!

The smartest thing we could do right now is using our PUBLICALLY-funded media channels like CBC to report and educate on these nationally impactful topics rather than write stories that diverts us from the important matters of the day!

The most important and pressing topic of the day is Canada’s oil and gas position and the development of Alberta’s oil and gas which allows us to hold our position as number three in the world of oil-producing nations!

Are we really going to allow environmentalists to stop oil and gas progress at the expense of bringing in our renewable energy? Is that a logical proposition?

In order to ‘really’ understand what’s going on in Canada, we have to look at the big picture and the big impacts and how they link to the future of the prosperity of this nation and the future for our kids.

Like it or not it’s oil and gas that will elevate us to the highest possible level of success.

Oil and gas is the pavement on the road to sustainable energy. It is the necessary fuel that will bring us to a clean energy future. It is the resource that will provide us with a global competitive advantage to sell into world markets and bring us the financial foundation we need in order to bring in emerging sectors like renewables and tech.

As for environmental concerns. EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRY has an environmental footprint, including renewables. Just building those projects impacts the environment in many and varied ways.

The reason why the oil and gas industry is the number one strongest sector on the planet in terms of safety and environmental stewardship is that of its income level.

The fact that the oil and gas industry is lucrative is the exact reason that it has allowed that sector to be environmentally conscious and proactively compliant. Even renewables won’t have that level of income to be that compliant environmentally. Wait until we get the results of renewable energy impacts in terms of their green footprint. They will be right up there with oil and gas and without the resources to be compliant at the level that oil and gas is.

Let’s get educated people. Let’s utilize the media in all it’s various channels to do so.

Let’s be assertive with our resources and don’t let minority voices who are paid with self-interested agendas sway us from our goals. Those minority groups advocating new energy should keep those funds for when their new energy projects come in to play. They are going to need them to be environmentally compliant themselves. It’s a costly business

The top 10 countries for total capacity remained (in descending order) China, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Russia, India, Japan, Norway, Turkey, and France, which together represented almost 70% of global capacity at the end of 2018.

China is the biggest market, with more than 28% of the global hydropower installed capacity and clearly enjoys the monopoly on super-powerful dams. Among the top ten largest hydropower projects, four are located in China, representing almost 44% of the total capacity of these projects.

Ankit Mathur, Practice Head of Power at GlobalData, comments: “China, which is rich in hydro resources, will continue to preserve its monopoly as the leading country until 2030, with more than 22 projects of gigawatt size under construction, slated to be online by 2030. China’s Three Gorges project has remained the unchallenged leader in the list of top hydro projects, with a staggering capacity of 22.5GW.”

Brazil is second in the list, having three projects among the top ten hydropower projects, with Belo Monte being the largest in the region. The country ranks second in the cumulative hydropower installed capacity after China, and is the biggest market in South America for installed hydropower capacity.

The most recent entry into the list is the 9.4GW Belo Monte project in Brazil, which was commissioned in 2016. On the other hand, the oldest project is the 6.8GW Grand Coulee project in the US, which was commissioned in 1941.

Mathur concludes: “Currently, hydropower growth is the most active in fast growing economies like Asia-Pacific and emerging markets like South America.”

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors

Tucson Electric Power (“TEP”) had a goal to deliver 30 percent renewable power to customers by 2030. The utility is expecting to exceed 28 percent of its renewable generation retail sales by 2021 – close to nine years ahead of schedule. TEP is now setting its sights on new carbon emission reduction goals and has partnered with the University of Arizona to develop a carbon reduction target for the utility’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan.

“FortisBC and Tucson Electric Power, in particular, are setting targets that will have a positive effect on our environment,” said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis. “We are seeing good progress in our efforts to deliver cleaner energy to customers.”

To achieve its objective, FortisBC will focus on tripling investment in energy efficiency projects, increasing renewable gas supply and focusing on low and zero-carbon vehicles and transportation infrastructure.

TEP recently expanded its partnership with the University of Arizona and is supporting the university’s plan to provide 100 percent clean energy to its Tucson campus by the end of 2020. TEP will dedicate portions of its new wind and solar energy projects to serving the university’s needs.

“Fortis utilities are showing their commitment to a cleaner energy future by setting targets, reducing GHG emissions and reducing carbon intensity,” said Mr. Perry. “Our five-year $18.3 billion capital plan includes investments in sustainability initiatives supporting a green and resilient energy grid. We will continue to take the right steps for our customers, our communities and our environment.”

For more information on these initiatives, visit www.fortisbc.com or www.tep.com.

About Fortis

Fortis is a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2018 revenue of C$8.4 billion and total assets of approximately C$52 billion as at June 30, 2019. The Corporation’s 8,800 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.

Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.

Forward-Looking Information

Fortis includes forward-looking information in this media release within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, collectively referred to as “forward-looking information”. Forward-looking information included in this media release reflects expectations of Fortis management regarding future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Wherever possible, words such as anticipates, believes, budgets, could, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, may, might, plans, projects, schedule, should, target, will, would and the negative of these terms and other similar terminology or expressions have been used to identify the forward-looking information, which include, without limitation: forecast capital expenditures for the period 2020 through 2024 and statements related to renewable targets at FortisBC and TEP.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Certain material factors or assumptions have been applied in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking information. These factors or assumptions are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally, including those identified from time to time in the forward-looking information. Such risk factors or assumptions include, without limitation: the implementation of the five-year capital investment plan; no material capital project and financing cost overrun related to any capital projects; sufficient human resources to deliver service and execute the capital program; and no significant changes in laws and regulations that may materially negatively affect Fortis and its subsidiaries. Fortis cautions readers that a number of factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking information. These factors should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, reference should be made to the continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time by Fortis with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking information in this media release is given as of the date of this media release and Fortis disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The HERF will be a new world-class R&D facility for large-scale testing, research and development that is vital to the Canadian economy and environment. It will include a multi-purpose facility to simulate harsh conditions with icebergs and sea ice, high winds, waves, sea water spray, fog, and other harsh climatic conditions such as freezing rain storms. The facility will have strategic importance to industrial research locally, nationally and globally with its capacity to simulate both fresh and salt-water conditions, which will be unique in the world.

“Over the past number of years, Memorial University has built an international reputation for its research capacity, expertise and collaborative work in harsh environments. This new facility will help Memorial and its partners pursue important leading-edge research in this field, develop solutions to real world challenges and help drive innovation and growth in our region’s ocean industries,” said Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

Memorial University will work with other post-secondary institutions and industry partners to address engineering challenges in three core areas – icing of marine vessels and other structures such as overhead power lines, aircraft and wind turbines; ice-structure interactions including ice management and safety and; advanced material coatings and engineered surfaces.

“At Memorial, we take pride in creating exciting teaching and learning environments for students and researchers alike, while simultaneously achieving an important goal of having a positive, practical impact on industry. This includes better ways to operate in harsh offshore environments. So I thank the Federal and Provincial Governments and Husky Energy for this critical investment into the establishment of this facility. Memorial is proud to work with these partners to lead innovative breakthroughs in cold ocean and harsh environment research,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, President and Vice-chancellor, Memorial University

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $2.4 million and the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $2.7 million. Husky Energy is investing $1 million.

“Our top priority is to reduce risk to our people and the environment. Having access to the Harsh Environment Research Facility and being able to collaborate with experts in the field will give us more opportunities to test systems and structures in conditions specific to our region. Consistent with our commitment to continual improvement, the more we learn about the environment in which we operate, the better we can optimize our logistics and asset deployment, providing for more timely and effective interventions,” said Trevor Pritchard Senior Vice President Atlantic, Husky Energy

“Our government is proud to invest in research and innovation through this new world-class facility which will build industry-relevant Research and Development capacity in the area of ocean technology. Support for innovation and technology delivers on our government’s commitments in The Way Forward’s Business Innovation Agenda to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. These investments develop highly skilled jobs, to sustain local market growth and to further develop the economy,” said Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Sarah Stoodley, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, on behalf of the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, along with Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, made the announcement today.

Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the blue economy to Atlantic Canada. Through the Ocean Supercluster, we are working with our partners to harness emerging technologies to strengthen Canada’s ocean industries. That is why we are pleased to invest in this world-class initiative, which will be an asset for the Ocean Supercluster, and will enable Memorial University to pursue key research to help grow the oceans sector,” said Honourable Navdeep, Bains Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

Support for innovation and technology delivers on commitments in The Way Forward’s Business Innovation Agenda to strengthen the province’s economic foundation. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified economy and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

Today, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced funding for a new power transmission line and terminal station in western Labrador. 

“It’s great news for Labrador that a new transmission line is being constructed to support the mining industry, offset reliance on diesel, and contribute to a green economy. As a province, we have initiated Mining the Future 2030 – A Plan for Growth in the Newfoundland and Labrador Mining Industry and The Way Forward on Mineral Development. The initiative announced today supports the work we are doing to achieve our Mining the Future goals,” said Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources.

This project involves building a new terminal station and a 27-kilometre transmission line from Nalcor Energy’s Menihek Hydroelectric Generating Station existing transmission line to the Tata Steel Minerals Canada processing site. This new infrastructure will enable Tata Steel Minerals to offset diesel-fired generation with clean, renewable hydropower, reducing the mine’s diesel consumption by up to 40 per cent. This project will support continued growth of Labrador’s mining industry while lowering greenhouse gas emissions for a cleaner environment, both now and in the future. 

“Access to reliable sources of clean, renewable energy is essential to building a healthy, sustainable future. This project will benefit Newfoundland and Labrador by reducing its reliance on diesel and eliminating more than 558,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere over the lifespan of the project, protecting families and the environment,” said Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador

The Government of Canada is investing more than $6.8 million in this transmission project, which will be constructed by Nalcor Energy, through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

“The Provincial Government is working hard to leverage all available federal funds under the Investing in Canada Plan and we are pleased to support opportunities for job creation and economic development. The transmission line project is an excellent example of how government and industry can work together to transition to a green economy and promote clean growth and sustainability in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Honourable Lisa Dempster, Municipal Affairs and Environment 

So we may drop our Ts when pronouncing the word, but there’s one “T” that Scottish batteries have a prime opportunity to support: the transmission network of Great Britain.

National Grid ESO’s Control Room is responsible for balancing the electricity transmission system every half-hour settlement period of every day. That’s 17,520 settlement periods being actively managed every year (17,568 in 2020, a leap year).

One of the most important tools they have at their disposal to manage this is the Balancing Mechanism (BM), a 60-90-minute window from closure of the wholesale electricity market to the end of the settlement period one hour ahead, in which they try to match generation with demand. Market participants in the BM can post Offers (to generate more or consume less) or Bids (to generate less or consume more), with National Grid issuing BOAs (Bid/Offer Acceptance) to individual assets to balance the system.

There are fundamental changes underway in Grid’s Control Room as they react to an ever-evolving system. Previously, large fossil plant remained on hot standby ready to turn capacity up or down in response to Grid’s balancing requirements. At 1.24pm on Wednesday 8th May, the UK celebrated a whole week without coal generation on the system for the first time since 1882. A matter of weeks later, on 31st May, we celebrated a two-week stretch without coal. These major milestones have been achieved just two years after we celebrated our first coal-free day since the industrial revolution.

As renewable output continues to grow apace to meet the UK’s power demand, coal’s role in the system balancing act is being displaced by flexible front-of-meter assets and smart grid solutions such as demand-side response. In January 2019, National Grid opened a Distributed Resources Desk dedicated to dispatching decentralised assets such as energy storage in the BM. Not only will this transition help decarbonise the grid, the distributed nature of these assets will help overcome locational constraints.

One such constraint exists at Hadrian’s wall, with the cables running overhead struggling to carry excess wind output from Scotland over the border to consumers in the south. This constraint has sometimes led to National Grid turning down windfarms at great cost to the consumer, often resulting in hyperbole in certain newspapers (they pay coal to turn down too, you know!).

The Western Link, a new 240-mile 2.2GW subsea cable between Hunterston in Ayrshire and Flintshire in North Wales (adjacent to populous Merseyside), will alleviate some of this constraint. National Grid estimates it will save £136m in balancing costs per year, a saving that will recoup the project’s £1bn cost in less than ten years and keep those turbines on when the wind is blowing. But with stranded Scottish wind sometimes reaching 4-5GW, it’s like removing the bottom chunk of the Nevis range: those peaks will remain. As will some location-specific bottlenecks.

And this is where Scottish batteries could step in. In the BM, system actions (marked by SO-flags) are actions taken by National Grid to overcome a locational constraint such as voltage limits in the south east or excess wind output in Scotland. Scottish batteries therefore have a great opportunity to take advantage of some of these SO-flagged actions, working alongside the likes of Cruachan pumped hydro to draw power from the network at times of high wind output and dispatch it when it’s needed at other times.

Flexitricity’s Control Room is operational 24/7/365, meaning there’s someone at the desk in Edinburgh every night, ready respond to system constraints. Our proprietary price optimisation algorithms feed our operational decision-making in the BM settlement period to settlement period: varying our prices optimally to ensure we maximise value for our connected sites when they’re dispatched, but also help National Grid overcome these constraints and keep the wind turbines turning.

And as more decentralised energy and renewable output continues to connect to the grid, opportunities will continue to grow for flexibility – particularly for Scottish batteries. Enunciated properly or not.

About Flexitricity

Flexitricity created and now operates the first, largest and most advanced demand-response portfolio in GB and has unsurpassed knowledge of the market and its requirements. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Flexitricity partners with businesses throughout Great Britain to provide reserve electricity to National Grid. The word “Flexitricity” means “Flexible Electricity”. The company looks for flexibility in electricity consumption and generation, creating revenue for energy users and generators as well as reducing national CO2 emissions and helping to secure energy supplies. Their team is fully engaged at industry and regulatory level and has a track record that demonstrates innovation and delivery success. Flexitricity is part of the Alpiq Group, a leading Swiss electricity and energy service provider with a strong presence across Europe.

We live in a knowledge-based economy, a place where innovation and digitalization are taking over every aspect of life on earth. It’s a playground for inventors, visionaries and energy pioneers.

These are exciting times because we are creating energy solutions that were not even a dream, let alone a reality, just ten short years ago. It’s a new and sustainable underwater world! Here’s what’s about to come…

TRUE PIONEERS IMAGINE WHAT “CAN BE”

Having visited the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, I had the privilege of meeting with and interviewing some of the greatest minds of our time, pioneering souls who are changing the oil and gas landscape with everything from unmanned rigs,  to electrical substations supporting oil and gas production, on the seafloor. Extremely impressive was the work of ABB on subsea power and automation systems that expand oil and gas operations capacity, extend the lifespan of an oil field and reduce costs for oil and gas fields.

They call it ‘subsea to market’, where the future of oil and gas is in the processing plant under water. In other words, production, separation and storage of oil and gas happen sight unseen, below the surface. It’s mind-boggling.

THE SUBSEA FACTORY

Distributing electricity in water is almost unthinkable, yet it has been done in such a way that it will revolutionize the way we work and live. Seven years in the making, ABB has turned a vision into reality. Svein Vatland, Vice President Subsea Technology Program, has made it his life’s work to enable a power distribution station to work on the bottom of the sea. He says, “This technology allows operators to move into deeper waters and enable a cost efficient way of developing these fields, at depths of up to 3000 meters.”

Subsea oil and gas exploration is done in an extremely harsh environment. New technology that goes beyond today’s current capabilities is required. The target of a five-year Joint Industry Project (JIP) being led by ABB and the Norwegian oil company Equinor, was to develop the technology required to seamlessly power tomorrow’s underwater facilities. Together with their partners, ABB and partners have invested over $100 million dollars to develop this new-age energy generating system. Imagine over 100 MW of power distributed on the ocean floor supporting oil and gas production. That is the future. A future that has subsea facilities operating on the ocean floor providing electricity to the drilling process, directly at the point of seafloor operations. A future that means smaller FPSO’s, subsea tieback efficiency, a self-monitoring and self-testing system with more efficient oil and gas production overall.

Beginning in late 2013, ABB has been developing electrical equipment that can reliably provide power (equivalent to what is needed to power a small city) subsea at depths down to 3,000 meters over distances up to 600 km, and then distribute the power to multiple users.

ABB has become a leading supplier of electrification solutions that operate with little to no maintenance in a highly corrosive ocean environment. The solution they have engineered is appropriately called the Subsea Power Station, and it reminds you of something out of a sci-fi movie, except it’s not on another planet; it’s under the sea.

What does it take to build a power station at sea? You only have to think about the diverse range of challenges for a power station submerged in water. Imagine a fully functional underwater facility transmitting 100 MW of power up to 600 kilometers away from the shore, at depths of 3000 meters, on the ocean floor. It’s the pie in the sky dream that has become a reality!

The brilliant minds of ABB had to engineer solutions that addressed challenges like:

• Building a safe system that works underwater
• Underwater control systems
• Overcoming water/electricity challenges
• Mechanical considerations
• The possibility of leaks and breaks
• Underwater extreme pressures
• Tides and water temperatures
• Water depths
• Component maintenance
• Operating efficiencies
• and so much more.

The ABB team did not waver from the task; they pioneered with a solutions mindset, and that’s what brings dreams into reality.

THE GAME CHANGER

It takes a tribe to build new power systems on the ocean floor. Seven years of planning, designing, and testing has been the work of the ABB subsea team, to get this right. And it’s finally here.

From the initial ABB subsea installation in the 1970s to a full subsea station utilized for oil and gas production, it is an uncustomary truth that has arrived right on time.

This work is similar to sending a satellite up in space. Both work in conditions that once the technology is installed, fixing anything is very difficult. This ABB system, will be free of people working and servicing it. It will be fully automated. The premise is safety and efficiency whereby oil platform workers will be relocated to shore-based control rooms reducing risk at sea.

Underwater oil production seems like a pipedream for the wild minds of fools, but it’s actually steeped in very sound energy generation and oil production principles. Underwater operations:

• increase safety
• greatly reduces operational costs
• reduce the energy needed to recover oil
• reduce or eliminates marine pollution
• simplify decommissioning
• boost oil production with increased flow rates
• provide services closer to the reservoir
• minimize capital and operating expenditures
• improve oil and gas recovery rates
•  create the environment to explore longer, deeper and in colder fields
• provide a predictive model of operations for peak, reliable performance

While the technical challenges of this initiative have been beyond imaginable, the payoff will be huge for oil companies of the future. Svein Vatland, Vice President of Subsea Technology Program at ABB, and his team have had the privilege of creating the unthinkable and making it real. This project is the bridge to a new energy future. It’s sustainable, and it’s a dream come true.

Where will these subsea factories be placed around the world? Svein Vatland says, “We are now analyzing where our systems will be best utilized. This is a global game and we are looking at all the various deep water sites around the world that this system will support.”

The ultimate goal is to have a self-controlled, fully autonomous system that has no human interaction at all. That’s the future to come…

It’s clear, subsea factories will change the way we live and work. It’s the possibility of underwater distribution of energy that’s not unsightly to our landscapes, but instead silently and efficiently tucked away on the seafloor creating the energy we need on the surface of the earth. Given that our planet is 70% submerged under water, the new energy producing ‘water world’ is a game changer for us all.

SOURCE AND PICTURES: ABB, EQUINOR

Gas alert, gas alert! Those are words you hope you never hear. Hazards left unchecked put people in danger. Your best chain of defence against unimaginable outcomes and explosions is to ensure that gas detection and monitoring is well thought out and executed in your organization.

Are you prepared?

Poisonous gas puts people at risk. Are you prepared?

WHO USES GAS DETECTORS?

At an industrial facility, on oil rigs, in manufacturing facilities, processing units, and throughout the firefighting sector, gas detection has become common place as a foundation of safety! And with good reason, our team’s safety depends on a working environment gas monitoring is a priority and sensors that alert you to the presence of gas leaks are readily available. 

Gas detection and monitoring devices can be found in industrial plants, refineries, manufacturing plants, fumigation facilities, paper pulp mills, aircraft and shipbuilding facilities, hazmat operations, waste-water treatment facilities, vehicles manufacturers, distilleries, indoor air testing and even in our homes.  Applications are varied and wide.

PORTABLE GAS DETECTORS

Portable detectors are used to monitor the atmosphere around workers on the job and are either hand-held or worn on clothing or on a belt/harness for convenience sake. These gas detectors transmit warnings via audible and visible signals, such as alarms and flashing lights, when dangerous levels of gas vapours are detected and they may be monitored at another location especially in the case of remote gas monitoring.

FIXED GAS DETECTORS

Fixed type gas detectors may be used for detection of one or more gas types and are generally mounted near the process area of a plant or control room, or an area to be protected, such as a residential bedroom. Industrial sensors are usually installed on fixed type mild steel structure and a cable connects the detectors to a SCADA system for continuous monitoring.

HOW DO GAS DETECTORS WORK?

Gas detection equipment is used to detect a gas leak or other emissions and can interface with a control system so a process can be automatically shut down. A gas detector can sound an alarm to operators in the area where the leak is occurring, giving workers the opportunity to leave safely. There are many gases that can be harmful and it’s your job to understand those hazards and mitigate them if you play a role in your companies safety regime.

HOW DO GAS DETECTORS WORK?

Gas leak detection is the process of identifying potentially hazardous gas leaks by sensors and alarms that alert people when a dangerous gas has been detected. Exposure to toxic gases can also occur in operations such as painting, fumigation, fuel filling, construction, excavation of contaminated soils, landfill operations, entering confined spaces, so it is important to ensure the right type of gas detectors are used with the right application.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GAS DETECTORS?

Common sensors include combustible gas sensors, photoionization detectors, infrared point sensors, ultrasonic sensors, electrochemical gas sensors, and semiconductor sensors. More recently, infrared imaging sensors have come into use.

CEO, Lee Parmiter of EnviroMed Detection Services in St. John’s, Newfoundland says, “At the end of the day, we want to ensure people to come home safe to their families. Gas monitoring is essential, and gas leaks must be detected so that hazardous environments are eliminated.  Gas detectors can be used to detect combustible, flammable and toxic gases, and oxygen depletion so they are essential in the infrastructure of most industrial companies and any business really that has processing facilities.”

WHAT IS GAS LEAK DETECTION ALL ABOUT?

Gas leak detection is the process of identifying potentially hazardous gas leaks by sensors. These sensors usually employ an audible alarm to alert people when a dangerous gas has been detected.  Today technology is so advanced that systems not only alert to a gas leak but also alert incidences and failures in systems.  We have vastly advanced the gas detection world with the advancement of new tracking and monitoring devices.

Gas leak detection is essential in your facility.

HOW TO SELECT YOUR GAS DETECTOR

How to select the gas detector primarily depends on your operation, and it’s functions. You will want to consider what systems will ensure the safety of workers and help your company save time and money.

Lee Parimeter says, “There are several models with constantly evolving technologies are available on the market. It is therefore essential to understand the available features and options to make an informed decision.  Understanding the systems that are out there and ensuring your system is right for your facility is key.”

SELECTING THE RIGHT SYSTEM
5 KEY POINTS FOR GAS DETECTION & MONITORING THAT YOU MUST KNOW

According to Don Galman of Honeywell Analytics, selecting the right gas detection considers the following, “There are many gas detection products on the market that might appear to be the same, but a closer inspection of specification, functionality, and features reveals major differences in what products can do and the potential value they can offer. Similarly, individual applications are also unique in their respective designs, needs and processes undertaken.

1. DO A RISK ASSESSMENT

Before beginning to consider gas detection equipment, a risk assessment needs to be conducted. Any company employing staff should conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards, and these can include potential gas, vapour or Oxygen deficiency risks. If gas hazards are identified, gas detection is applicable as a risk reduction method.

2. IDENTIFY YOUR PRIME OBJECTIVE

Depending on the processes being undertaken and the gases being detected, remote or off-site alarm notification plus event data logging/reporting may also be required for Health and Safety management records. Another factor impacting on the need for enhanced reporting functions might be regulatory compliance or a condition of insurance.

3. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Having identified the primary objective, the suitable equipment is selected by asking a number of key questions. These fall into three broad categories:

• The gases to be detected and where they may come from

• The location and environmental conditions where detection is to take place

• The ease of use for operators and routine servicing personnel

Identify the gases to be detected and where they may come from

The risk assessment should identify the gases to be detected; however, experienced gas detection equipment manufacturers and their approved distributors are often able to help in this process, based on their experience of similar applications. However, it is important to remember that it is the end user’s responsibility to identify all potential hazards.

It is also essential to identify the potential source of a gas release as this helps determine the number and location of detectors required for a fixed gas detection system.

4. CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT

The performance, accuracy, and reliability of any gas detection equipment will be affected by the environmental conditions it is subjected to. Temperature, humidity and pressure levels at the location all have a direct bearing on the type of equipment that should be selected. Additional factors such as potential variations resulting from a production process itself, diurnal/nocturnal fluctuations and seasonal changes may also affect the type of device which is suitable.

5. UNDERSTAND THE PRODUCT

The next area of consideration relates to additional product functionality. Aspects like wiring configuration are important, especially when retrofitting into an existing application. If the apparatus is being integrated into a separate safety system, certain communication protocols may also be required such as HART®, Lonworks or Modbus®.

Consideration will also need to be given regarding the requirement for local displays on transmitter units, and local configuration of the unit and gas displays may also be a useful addition.

MEASURE EASE OF USE AND MAINTAINABILITY

Routine maintenance is another important consideration. Some gases and vapours can be detected with a number of different sensing technologies, e.g., Hydrocarbon gases with catalytic beads or Non-dispersive Infrared NDIR. Catalytic beads do not provide fail-to-safety operation and therefore can require a high frequency of routine maintenance; however, NDIR based solutions tend to have a higher initial purchase price but may require less routine maintenance. In-house resource to undertake such routine maintenance needs to be identified, and in the absence of such a resource, budgeting for third-party maintenance is an important factor in selecting the right equipment.”

ENVIROMED DETECTION SYSTEMS

EnviroMed Detection Services, located in St. John’s Newfoundland has been serving the industrial based businesses in the region for 30 + years. EnivroMed is a safety/environmental instrumentation company specializing in the sale, installation, and servicing of life-saving detection instrumentation. As an ISO 9001:2008-certified, a full-service laboratory, EnviroMed offers repairs, N.I.S.T. traceable calibrations, maintenance, service and training on most of the equipment it provides today.

In addition to its specialization in gas detection equipment, EnviroMed also sells, rents and leases a wide variety of products in the areas of Gas Detectors, Water, Soil & Noise Monitors, Ambient Air, Indoor Air Quality, Meteorology, and other specialty areas related to safety/environmental instrumentation.

EnviroMed’s expertise and instrumentation inventory assist in providing an additional three-month labor warranty on most equipment purchased, refurbished, or calibrated at its facility. All installations, stationary or portable, must meet our quality assurance/quality control program, verified by a preventative maintenance schedule. Working closely with our clients, EnviroMed continues meeting today’s environmental challenges while understanding industry’s regional and economic requirements.

CEO, Lee Parmiter says, “The complexities of choosing, installing and maintaining gas detectors can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a full-service detection and monitoring company that ensures we support our customers in the best possible way.  We work every day to ensure that people onsite, in confined spaces and requiring a high level of protection, get what they need.

The Blackline G7 Gas Detection Safety Monitor reports back to your head monitoring office. The Blackline G7 is state-of-the-art technology and is Ideal for remote location monitoring.

DON’T FEEL UP TO THE JOB OF SELECTING YOUR GAS DETECTOR?

For many people not directly involved in the gas detection and monitoring sector of their industry, the whole process can be overwhelming. Lee Parmiter says, “EnviroMed Detection Systems, with their gas detection consulting specialization, take the headache out of assessing and implementing your safety worksite systems. Are you bump testing? Did everything calibrate and is it up to date? Know who’s safe and not safe on site? Does your team know how your systems work and are they compliant right now, in the field today? Can I locate a person in the field in real time if something goes wrong? These are the safety questions that EnviroMed will take care of you.”

With the EnviroMed locally serviced and supported wireless real-time monitoring system, sensor deterioration and other unit shortfalls are relayed in real-time through the customer’s choice of media and with an established protocol to its operators and supervisors for appropriate recall and the avoidance of false alarms creating unnecessary downtime expense in operations.  Lee says, Our products are new state-of-the-art systems that are fit for the times, for example, EnviroMed G7 Gas Detection Tracking and Monitoring System covers all the bases of your situation. In my 35+ years of using, servicing and promoting safety in gas detection applications, this system hits a ‘grand slam home run’!

For more information go to www.EnviroMed.ca

YES, I WOULD LIKE A FREE CONSULT WITH ENVIROMED ABOUT MY GAS DETECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM

[contact-form-7]

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and organized by Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) and World Green Economy Organisation, WGES will highlight this year the Climate Innovations Exchange (CLIX) initiative launched by the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) to provide a platform for young international green entrepreneurs to pitch ideas to investors.

This specialized session at WGES will discuss how CLIX model has managed to attract hundreds of innovators and discuss the most appealing aspects of the winning ideas.

CLIX conducts a global search for breakthrough innovations, attracting hundreds of applications from all over the world ahead of the official launch of the forum. At last year’s CLIX, 27 finalists exhibited their inventions and met with investors, resulting in nearly half the finalists receiving funding pledges from investors, totalling more than USD 17.5 million.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, and Chairman of WGES.

“We relentlessly work to achieve the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai which prioritise the importance of empowering youth to ensure further progress to the society in the UAE. This stems from the fact that ‘The youth are present and the future hope. They are the UAE’s most valuable asset’. WGES and CLIX offer an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to support youth and underscore their role in achieving comprehensive sustainable development. WGES will also be an interactive platform to communicate with youth and know their opinions and views, build their capacities, unleash their creativity and engage them in building a better future for our country and the world ,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of WGES. 

Fahed Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Green Development & Climate Change Sector at MOCCAE, said: “The forum is an opportunity to interact with young entrepreneurs about clean tech opportunities and innovations in air pollution, clean mobility, and agriculture.  It is for this reason that we invited shortlisted applicants to directly pitch their ideas to investors, successful entrepreneurs, and high-level government officials.”

“WGES through CLIX serves as an ideal venue to encourage brilliant minds to come forward with their innovations and accelerate the global movement to a green economy. Inspired by its success this year, CLIX has become an annual search. CLIX will accept ideas in three new fields for the 2019 edition, namely sustainability in space, the future of energy, and innovation in agriculture and water. We are confident that we will receive a bigger number of entries next year,” Al Hammadi added.

Set to take place from October 24 to 25 under the theme ‘Driving Innovation, Leading Change,’ WGES 2018 will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing focusing on new technologies that drive the growth for a green economy, including improvements in energy efficiency, energy conservation and waste reduction.

WGES 2018 will focus on three main pillars, green capital, digital transformation, and leadership and social engagement. It will gather financial executives, investment professionals, and thought leaders to discuss ways to increase green capital flows into regional and global environment-friendly projects and how to de-risk those investments.

“It is time to reimagine the traditional trade show and focus on education and training for the energy industry,” says Wes Scott, President and CEO of EventWorx Corporation, which purchased the Show from dmg events in 2017.

Scott says exhibitors want to see more of the right people attending, and the right attendees want access to more education, training, live demonstrations and networking options.  “We have spent a lot of time talking to exhibitors and attendees, to help us shape a new focus to a more grass-roots approach,” says Scott.

“A lot of business still needs to be done face-face – large contracts in the energy sector are built on relationships and fostered by face-face interactions. We look forward to generating a refreshed platform for both companies and individuals to get together to find innovative supply chain solutions.”

Like the industry it supports, the upcoming Atlantic Canada Petroleum Show is evolving to include clean technologies, renewables and environmental technologies.  For the first time in the Show’s history, for example, the Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association will be hosting a new clean technology pavilion.

Kieran Hanley, Executive Director of the Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association, (NEIA), says the association’s new clean technology pavilion will include members with environmental, clean and renewable technologies. NEIA is celebrating its 25th year in 2018.

 “What we want to do through participation in the Show is to start telling the story about the connection between cleantech and oil and gas, and continue to build that story and encourage others to really get involved and explore opportunities in that space,” says Hanley.

 The pavilion is important as it begins to shift the Show from primarily an offshore oil and gas event, towards becoming Canada’s east coast premier all-energy event.

 “We’re a not-for-profit association of businesses that are involved in the development of cleantech and the growth of the green economy here in Newfoundland & Labrador,” says Hanley.  “The Government of Canada is now aggressively supporting clean technology, environmental sustainability. Newer studies have shown that if Canada is to gain a competitive advantage in the clean technology business it’s likely going to be related to our natural resource sectors,” says Hanley.  “NEIA sees a real opportunity for Atlantic Canada to leverage its expertise in ocean industries and ocean technology to really become competitive globally in the clean technology space. And of course, from a Newfoundland & Labrador perspective…we see a great opportunity to really become leaders on a global scale in terms of how clean technology can apply to oil and gas.”

Curtis Jerrom, President of DHVI (Downhole Video & Intervention), is a long-time supporter of Atlantic Canada Petroleum Show. DHVI, a Calgary-based company supplies the oil and gas sector in Canada with downhole video camera and calliper inspection services for leak detection, fishing assistance, fluid entry surveys and mechanical failures.

Jerrom has been exhibiting at the show for 12 years.   “One of the things I like about Newfoundland it’s a different type of oilfield environment. They’re down-to-earth people. They’re easy to talk to. They still do business the old way. They like to do meetings face-to-face,” says Jerrom, adding the Show is a great place for him to get exposure for his company. “We’re bringing new technology. By the time we get to that Show, we’ll have our latest and greatest camera sitting in that Show for the first time.”

The Show is proudly held in conjunction with the Newfoundland & Labrador Oil & Gas Industries Association’s (Noia) annual conference.

“People don’t want to just come and walk the aisles – they don’t have time for that,” says Scott. “They need solutions to their challenges and have questions answered.  Atlantic Canada Petroleum Show will allow for that real connection and collaboration.”

Atlantic Canada Petroleum Show will attract 125 exhibiting companies and over 2,000 attendees. Fresh content on the Show floor includes the “Meet the Experts” Series – a parade of experts on a variety of different topics across the supply chain, which allows attendees to get questions answered during scheduled meet-ups. Live, interactive demonstrations and ample networking events will add more value to the Show experience. Networking experiences include the VIP Industry Reception with live entertainment, food and refreshing cocktails from the Martini Ice Bar; The Fish and Chips Day on the Show Floor on June 21, and Craft Beer Tasting to close out the last two hours of the Show on June 21.

Carbon Neutral

What’s all the buzz about Carbon footprints and why are we in pursuit of a carbon neutral goal?

The answer is simple. We are no longer willing to sit around and watch the planet die of pollution. People are becoming conscious about the earth like never before. Climate Change is the catalyst but so is our own desire to do and be better. A fundamental commitment to create a sustainable future for our kids. We are moving into the era or environmental responsibility and ensuring a sustainable future. It’s simple – we give a damn!

Calculate your companies carbon footprint and offset what you emit! Turn emissions into trees!

The Post-Carbon Economy

In an effort to reduce carbon emissions the global consensus believes that we can do two things to make it happen. Reduce carbon emissions and if you can’ fully reduce them, purchase carbon credits to offset carbon emissions. The combination of both allows us to fulfil the goal of being a carbon neutral, company, organization, town or city.

Said in another way, Carbon neutrality, or having a net zero carbon footprint refers to achieving net zero carbon emissions by balancing a measured amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount to offset it or buying enough carbon credits to make up the difference. Best practice for organizations and individuals seeking carbon neutral status entails reducing and/or avoiding carbon emissions first so that only unavoidable emissions are offset.

Carbon offsetting is the process of paying others to remove carbon dioxide emitted from the atmosphere by methods such as planting trees or funding ‘carbon projects’ that lead to the prevention of future greenhouse gas emissions, or by buying carbon credits to remove them through carbon trading. These practices are often used in parallel, together with energy conservation measures to minimize energy use overall.

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

I lived in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East for three years. Abu Dhabi is progressively well known as one of the worlds great oil and gas developing nations. What’s not as commonly known is how progressive they are in renewable energy. My home was situated just outside Abu Dhabi in a place called Khalifa City. Out my front window, I overlooked what is touted as one of the most progressive Carbon reduction projects in the world – Masdar City.

Masdar is a testament to how fresh innovative ideas and collaboration can create eco-friendly outcomes. Masdar is home to some of the greatest minds on the planet when it comes to sustainable energy and it is now the Middle East’s largest exporter of renewable energy.

Masdar City was hooked into the public system and by 2016 it achieved incredibly advanced renewable energy solutions. The home of IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) is housed in Masdar, along with a major graduate research university – Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. A visit to Masdar City takes approximately 60-90 minutes, including the driverless vehicle experience in our personal rapid transit system and a comfortable walk through the city.

Today, Masdar is powered by 54 acres of solar panels with additional panels on the roofs. There are now light switches or water taps in the city; movement sensors control lighting and water to cut electricity consumption by over 50%. Approximately 80% of the water used will be recycled and wastewater will be reused as grey water for crop irrigation.

You get the picture. Not only companies, but entire cities are emerging with the goal of becoming net zero, and it’s happening fast.

Greener Buildings In Canada

Today, LEED v4 is the most rigorous green building rating system in the world. From improving energy performance to emphasizing human health and integrative building design, LEED is encouraging project teams to operate beyond the status quo and create new and innovative green building solutions.

Canadians are stepping up, with over 350 registered projects to date and the early adopters have proven their abilities and helped drive change in the industry including greater manufacturer transparency and disclosure.
From buildings to operational efficiencies, to our overall green footprint, the game of energy efficiency and carbon reduction is changing at exponential rates. It’s proving to be a place of job creation, economic savings and environmental sustainability. That’s the good news.

For more information on LEED:
LEED video

Eaight Avenue Place, Calgary, Alberta has earned LEED Platinum Status: Featuring a winter garden, green roof, thermal monitoring and control. Source: Flickr

A Greener Oil and Gas Industry: Sharp Management + Aker Solutions

Offshore Newfoundland, Aker Solutions is breaking ground by progressively committing to a carbon neutral goal. Aker Solutions is the first company operating in Newfoundland’s oil and gas sector to purchase carbon credits from Sharp Management, that are generated from wastewater treatment facilities in Appleton-Glenwood and Stephenville.

“We don’t have to wait for someone to tell us what to do. Carbon neutrality is the right thing to do”, said Dave Billard, Newfoundland’s Aker vice-president and general manager. Aker of St. John’s is currently assessing operations and predicts they will purchase between 100 and 200 equivalent offsets along with other green goals that will allow them to achieve a carbon neutral status.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s First Carbon Offset Project

Glenn Sharp, President of Sharp Management is planning information sessions for companies interested in environmentally conscious action. The goal of Sharp Management is to assess companies and allow them to purchase credits if need be. Working with the oil and gas industry, municipalities and construction, Sharp Management is poised to offer carbon reduction solutions before it is even mandated in the province.

Glenn Sharp says, “For the first three months, the carbon credits are selling for $25 per tonne and are offered exclusively to Newfoundland and Labradorian companies. After that three month period, we will be offering carbon credits internationally. I’m excited that Aker has taken the first step and has become a leader in environmental initiatives such as this carbon reduction program. We’re looking to work with other companies like Aker Solutions that wish to follow suit and make a difference in the environment. We predict many companies will be interested in doing the right thing before it is legislated.”

Glenn Sharp (left) presents an official Newfoundland Climate and Ecosystems Conservancy Project carbon credit to Aker Solutions Canada HSE manager Melissa English-Barbour and vice-president and general manager Dave Billard. Credit: The Telegram/SaltWire Network

The Newfoundland Climate and Ecosystems Conservancy Project (NCECP) is publicly listed on the CSA Clean Projects Registry and has been 3rd party verified under the ISO-14064-2 by Fournier Toupin CPA Inc. The project mitigates greenhouse gas by engineering wetland systems for wastewater treatment, thereby offsetting carbon. Treating wastewater and sludge from municipalities eliminates environmental impacts of discharging raw wastewater and produces fewer greenhouse gases (GHG). A first for the province.
You can calculate your carbon footprint at www.carbonzero.ca/projects/ncecp and you can also contact Sharp Management for an assessment.

It takes a provincial commitment to ensure a sustainable energy future and working together in our own unique ways will achieve that goal. An expression of unity and collaboration, the goal of carbon zero is an objective that we can all get behind and be proud of. It is our future after all.

Tracking and Responding

Technology has allowed our workplaces, remote locations and hazardous environments to be much safer. New detection, tracking and responding devices are taking over the scene and allowing us to feel much better about our workspaces and goals of zero incidences on the job. Technology is now working where it matters most – safety. With safety alerts, monitoring, tracking and full transparent communication, workplaces are now connected and much safer.  Knowing who’s on your site, where people are, how they are, where evacuation needs to take place, real-time response, remote area access, real-time incidence response, and following leading indicators of “near misses”, are all possible with the new state-of-the-art G7 Blackline system.

Lee Parmiter, CEO of EnviroMed Detection Services says, “Technology mitigates risk. It’s that simple. New advances in detection and response are so effective these days that we reduce human error dramatically. For example, the Blackline G7, which is a real-time, state-of-the-art, electronic gas detection unit is far outperforming what humans can do in much less time. Detection and reporting are replacing human reporting. Extensive gas detection training is no longer necessary. These day’s people have full access and communication in difficult places, remote locations and hazardous regions. This is the future of safety”

The G7 tracks workers and their performance and positioning. For example, if a worker trips, falls and goes down a G7 alert is triggered, transmitted and help is on the way within seconds. It’s all automated and immediate.

The G7 is breaking new ground through no motion detection, fall detection, missed check in’s, gas detection and just about anything you can think of on the job. It provides operator tracking, real-time tracking and communication, remote communication, third-party communication, in-house monitoring with two-way voice communications and on-the-spot Reporting. The system itself takes care of data logging so that follow-up and paperwork becomes a thing of the past.

Think Ahead

The G7 excels in proactive safety protocols. It provides an SOS Pull-Station Emergency feature for on the job emergency situations. It also allows for gas detection monitoring and “PREDETERMINED” maintenance execution which mitigates the possibility of accidents in the future.

Lee says, “offshore or on land this G7 devise works via satellite or cellular, allowing a full scope and range of communication, tracking and detection. We are extremely proud to be supplying such an advanced system to the industry because at the end of the day, our goal is the same goal as our clients – zero incidence.  We sleep at night knowing that the technology we provide keeps people safe.”

Would you like to know about the upcoming Blackline G7 device for your company?

Let us know how to reach you and we will have an ENVIROMED representative contact you.

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Publisher & Content Strategist

Tina Olivero is the Publisher and Content Strategist for clients around the globe through TheOGM.com and The OGM magazine.

With a passion for progress and a sustainable high tech future, tina combines digital strategies into a conversation that builds your business.

SPEAK TO TINA:  
To gain more insight into how content can support your business goals please contact:
tinaolivero@theogm.com

ADFD concessional loans will fund transformative renewable energy projects in developing countries

November 2017

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), is inviting applications for renewable energy projects in developing countries.

Within the framework of the ADFD-funded US$350 million (AED1.285 billion) IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, the current funding round of US$50 million in concessional loans marks the sixth of seven annual cycles.

“In just the last few years, renewable energy has emerged as one of the most economical choices for new power generation in countries around the globe. Accelerated renewable energy deployment in developing countries expands access to energy, improves health and welfare, creates jobs and drives economic growth,” said IRENA Director-General Adnan Z. Amin. “This new funding cycle provides greater opportunity for developing countries to access low-cost capital for renewable energy projects to drive the energy transformation and achieve sustainable development. The continued partnership between ADFD and IRENA connects a stable and reputable source of funding to places where it can have the most impact and where financing is one of the greatest challenges.”

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Since the announcement of the first funding cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility back in 2014, this unique partnership has continued to support replicable, scalable and economically feasible renewable energy projects in developing countries.”

He added: “The five previous cycles have attracted a host of impressive, innovative and sustainable projects that go a long way in enhancing energy security worldwide. Following their contribution to advancing the global sustainability mandate, we are delighted to open funding for the sixth cycle and continue our journey of socio-economic growth.”

Funding from ADFD, provided through the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, offers sustainable and affordable energy to millions of people with limited or no access to electricity. In the first four cycles, the Facility allocated US$189 million to 19 renewable energy ventures across the globe, covering up to 50 percent of the project costs. The loan approval process saw ADFD and IRENA conduct a thorough assessment of entries in close collaboration to select projects that best fulfilled the eligibility criteria.

The ventures funded in the first four cycles will bring online more than 100 megawatts of renewable energy capacity and improve the livelihoods of over a million people through providing better access to energy. Spanning Asia, Africa, Latin America and Small Island Developing States, the projects span the complete spectrum of alternative energy sources – wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass – and utilize a wide range of systems, such as hybrid, off-grid, mini-grid and on-grid including backup storage.

The projects selected for the fifth funding cycle will be announced in January 2018.

Applications for the sixth cycle will be accepted until 17:00 GST on February 15, 2018.

For more information, please visit www.irena.org/adfd

About the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)

IRENA is mandated to be the global hub for renewable energy cooperation and information exchange by 153 Members (152 States and the European Union). 27 additional countries are in the accession process and actively engaged. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. www.irena.org

About Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)

Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is a national organisation owned by the Abu Dhabi government. Established in 1971, its purpose is to help emerging countries by providing concessionary loans to finance sustainable development projects alongside other long-term investments and direct contributions. In addition, the Fund manages government grants offered by the Abu Dhabi government and monitors the course of the relevant projects. To date, it has invested around AED80 billion in development projects across 84 countries.

www.Irena.org
www.twitter.com/irena
www.facebook.com/irena.org

Did the Nalcor long-term energy plan predict the price of oil today and can it work under the current circumstances and government?
What’s needed to ensure we have a sustainable new energy future?
Who are the right team members for Nalcor Energy and the Nalcor Energy board?
These are some of the pressing questions of the day.

Leading the development of the province’s energy resources Nalcor is focused on environmentally-responsible and sustainable growth. Embracing energy propositions, the Nalcor portfolio of projects includes Hydro, Churchill Falls, Oil & Gas, Lower Churchill Falls, Bull Arm Fabrication Facility, Energy Marketing and other energy operations. Essentially Nalcor oversees everything energy that is in the public domain.

Being Informed

Being educated and informed about the companies that represent us in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador provides a foundation for advancing us forward. It is each citizen’s personal responsibility to get his or her knowledge, facts, ideas, and opinions together and make informed choices about our energy destiny. With 25 years in the energy sector, publishing The Oil and Gas Magazine, and traveling and living in energy cities the world over, the experience collected supports  solution-oriented, thought-provoking points to address the considerations of the day. I hope you find useful information here that supports the building of your energy perspective.

Nalcor Energy 2015 Performance Summary

In 2015, Nalcor revenue increased by $2.7 million from 2014 to $592.5 million, with a profit of $20.3 million. Nonetheless, this represents a profit decrease of $24.8 million over 2014. This is indicative of the economic challenges of the time. Why did this profit decrease? The major factors cited were a decrease in oil production, lower commodity prices and higher operating costs. Profit would have been even lower but there was an increase in profit generated by Churchill Falls in 2015. Could Nalcor operating costs be lower with megaprojects such as the Muskrat Falls project? The answer is most probably yes.

Nalcor capital expenditures were $2.0 billion in 2015, which is a 49.0% increase over the same period in 2014. Having said that, the total assets of Nalcor continue to grow to $11.6 billion as at September 30, 2015. This is an increase of $1.0 billion over December 31, 2014. When you look at this total Nalcor performance picture, given the scrutiny that the media has put Ed Martin and the Nalcor team through, you quickly realize why Ed Martin and the Nalcor board have resigned. Is this the way we want it to go?

Given that they have resigned, and given that Nalcor is a crown corporation owned by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, what should the Nalcor Energy team and board look like? The considerations include the new government and a new and very tough economic climate for oil and gas. Should it change with the new government and new challenges? Or should experienced people be left in place? These are the questions of the day.

Here’s what we know for sure. Competence, leadership, business fortitude, visionary leadership and a strong team make companies work – It’s not the company, it’s the people. So who are the right people to steer Nalcor through tough economic times and into a prosperous future?

Stan Marshall, new CEO of Nalcor Energy

Today, April 21, 2016, Premier Dwight Ball, with Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, announced that Stanley Marshall has been named the new CEO of Nalcor Energy. “We are pleased that Mr. Marshall has accepted the position of CEO of Nalcor Energy. Throughout his extensive career, including 35 years with Fortis, Stan Marshall has led multi-billion dollar organizations and large-scale projects throughout the world. We are fortunate he has agreed to lead the province’s energy corporation”, said Premier Ball.

A provincially strategic move for the province, Stan Marshall’s career with Fortis has spanned 35 years, leading the organization as President and CEO of Fortis for more than 18 years. Mr. Marshall joined Newfoundland Power Inc. in 1979. He is a retired member in good standing of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Marshall holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and Bachelor of Law from Dalhousie University.  All of these credentials will support the energy future plans of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.  Stan Marshalls credentials fit the bill.

“Mr. Marshall brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. His accomplishments in developing Fortis into Canada’s largest gas and electrical distribution utility, are well known and celebrated. He grew the corporation’s total assets from less than $1.0 billion in 1996 to $18.6 billion. His leadership and expertise will help develop Nalcor, including the Muskrat Falls Project, for the benefit of the people of the province”, explains Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources. 

Mr. Marshall joined Premier Ball and Minister Coady at today’s announcement. With specific reference to the Muskrat Falls Project, Mr. Marshall has a mandate from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure this project gets back on track. 

Stan Marshall new CEO of Nalcor Energy

Who should be on the Nalcor team?

Who should be on the Nalcor board? The Nalcor Board could consist of at least 12 highly qualified people in different realms of energy. Competence should range from differing energy sectors such as Hydro, Oil & Gas, and new energy. As well, there should be innovators, business leaders, tech gurus and futurists on the board and on the Nalcor team to ensure resources are managed with the advancement of technology. Clearly, Oil and Gas and Hydro should be represented more heavily on the board and in direct proportion to provincial resources.

Hired and appointed Nalcor people should have a proven track record and have been involved in massive projects that have achieved success – projects that are the magnitude of Churchill Falls, Muskrat Falls, Hibernia, Terra Nova, White Rose, Hebron, and others. Board members in the oil and gas sector should have extensive experience in areas such as global marketing, exploration of new frontiers, and the building of an industry such as that of the North Sea. How can you expect people with no experience in global mega-projects to know how to manage them effectively? World class experience is necessary for the transfer of knowledge, skills, systems and intelligence. The board and the company team members should also consist of 50 percent men – 50 percent women.

In the Oil and Gas sector, the Nalcor team and board should be responsible for the successful delineation of resources in the Flemish Pass and other basins offshore. For example, people with the magnitude of experience of Helge Lund, who is the former CEO of Statoil (Now with BG/Royal Dutch Shell), would be a perfect fit for the Nalcor board. He is not a candidate because Shell is now a landowner offshore Newfoundland, and that would be a conflict of interest, but someone just like him who can implement the vision and successes of the North Sea would be perfect.

Nalcor leadership should implement public intelligence as well as oversee initiatives such as the current MG3 Survey. The MG3 (Survey) UK Limited and Amplified Geochemical Imaging, LLC, with investment by Nalcor Energy, are carrying out the first phase of a multi-client seabed coring and slicks study covering an area from the central Labrador Sea to the Orphan basin. The project region includes three of the C-NLOPB Areas of Interest in the upcoming 2016, 2017 and 2019 license rounds. 

The board and team members should be responsible for having Nalcor remain profitable especially in tough economic times. Transparency of operations with weekly public reporting should be mandatory for a crown corporation like Nalcor.

Public & Industry Intelligence Network

There should be a mechanism in place for the board to present current issues and get public and Nalcor team members input on a weekly basis, by voting online! This fosters transparency, responsibility, and accountability, and the people of the province become intricately involved in board choices. This way the Nalcor team and board members are facilitators of a collaborative and collective intelligence network rather than making singular decisions.

Candidates for the Nalcor Board and the team should have global perspectives and experience, not local perspectives and experience. Local intelligence is simply not enough if we are going to be world leaders and exporters of energy resources.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is resource-rich and it is the people who build industries, not companies. The right people at the helm must be global leaders who can move mountains and put Newfoundland and Labrador in a primary global energy position that capitalizes on global energy exports. Stan Marshall at the helm of Nalcor Energy definitely ticks all the boxes in terms of qualifications, managing $billion mega projects, and creating impressive growth and profit with integrity.  Can he make the difference? Time will tell. 

In my humble view, after 25 years working in the oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and globally, I believe this is a sustainable model and a baseline for the Newfoundland and Labrador economy. Do I believe offshore Newfoundland has the potential to be that of the North Sea and then some? Yes, absolutely I do.

Ed Martin, former CEO of Nalcor Energy. Thank you for your endless contributions!

Building a leadership culture

To have our resources do well, we need top level leadership. That doesn’t mean top level pay; it means top-level competence. We can reduce spending by reducing public salaries. The projects and pay scale in the energy sector are not sustainable. We see that right now with the current price of oil, and everyone is adjusting pay and positions in the oil and gas sector to accommodate the times.  In my view, crown corporations should not have salaries that are more than $150-$200,000 for any and all leadership positions.  Many people who lead in public positions are interested in visionary leadership, making a change, being a contribution and paving the way for the future for our children.  They generally are not motivated by money. 

We should not chastise, crucify, blame and drama-monger our leaders as we have with Ed Martin.  Great leaders take on public positions to serve and should not “automatically” be subject to low-level blame, drama, and criticism. This is a formula for no leadership and is not sustainable. If we want to attract competence we must eliminate that as a cultural norm first and foremost. It’s not sustainable and I believe the people of the province owe the current Nalcor team an apology even when projects are over budget and off schedule. Have you ever had a project over budget or off schedule? How many billion dollar projects do you know of that did not go over budget or off schedule at times in their development? Let’s focus on how to fix it, rather than attacking our leaders. Blame is one of those things that makes one person right, and the other wrong, and nobody ever wins.

Have you ever had a project over budget or off schedule? How many billion dollar projects do you know of that did not go over budget or off schedule at times in their development? Let’s focus on how to fix it, rather than attacking our leaders. Blame is one of those things that makes one person right, and the other wrong, and nobody every wins.  Ed Martin deserves our gratitude and acknowledgement, and so does Stan Marshall for taking on such incredible challenges and responsibility in public service.

Nalcor Energy, like all companies, can improve with daily and constant adjustments, performance integrity, strong corporate culture and innovative futuristic thinking.  A team of global competence, energy-passionate, entrepreneurial-minded and highly creative will make the difference. Accepting anything less will postpone the possibilities of the province’s great resources.

What are your suggestions? Who’s it going to be?

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Tina Olivero

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The Muskrat Falls Project Includes Three Key Components:

824 megawatt hydroelectric generating facility at Muskrat Falls on the lower Churchill River.

1,100 km high voltage direct current transmission line from Muskrat Falls to Soldiers Pond on the island of Newfoundland.

480 km high voltage direct current maritime transmission line (planned, financed, and constructed by Nova Scotia’s Emera Inc). The Muskrat Falls Project offers many opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic Canada, and Canada. In fact, the project will provide more than $1.4 billion in total income.
Nalcor Energy and SNC-Lavalin Inc. It’s important for the business community to understand the role of both Nalcor and SNC-Lavalin Inc. in the Muskrat Falls Project procurement process.

Nalcor Energy Nalcor oversees the entire Muskrat Falls work and owns the project. Nalcor is the contracting entity for procurement, and is directly responsible for the Strait of Belle Isle Marine Crossing.

SNC-Lavalin Inc.

SNC-Lavalin is responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction management for Muskrat Falls and on land transmission. They will execute and manage the procurement
process on Nalcor’s behalf. Therefore, SNC-Lavalin will administer all contracts and purchase orders for Muskrat Falls. SNC-Lavalin Inc. is the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contractor for Muskrat Falls and the Labrador-Island Transmission Link. Engineering and procurement is currently being conducted in St. John’s. As the project moves forward, construction management will occur on site at Muskrat Falls, and along the transmission route.

The Procurement Process

Procurement opportunities will include contracts, purchasing, expediting, inspection, logistics, and material control. The general process for bidding on contracts is clearly outlined on the SNC-Lavalin Inc. website.

Contract packages will be listed and updated on the SNC-Lavalin Inc. website. For Muskrat Falls and the land portions of the Labrador-Island Transmission Link, view at https://gps.snclavalin.com/content/LowerChurchill/projects/project.html.

Contracts and packages related to the Strait of Belle Isle Marine Crossing will be updated on Nalcor’s website: https://nalcorenergy.com/Lower-Churchill-Project.asp.

Before bidding on contracts, businesses should consider the evaluation criteria:

• Commercial requirements
• Commitments made in IBA, NL Benefits Strategy, and NL/NS Benefits MOU
• Health, Safety, and Environment
• Experience
• Creditworthiness
• Price
• Quality Assurance
• Technical suitability
• Service
• Procurement Opportunities
• Accommodations complex
• Administrative buildings
• Catering
• Main site access road
• Main site access road clearing
• Medical and security services
• Bulk excavation
• Reservoir clearing
• Turbines and generators
• Construction power
• HVac transmission line Muskrat Falls to Churchill Falls
• HVac tower steel
• HVac insulators
• Transmission line hardware
• Optical group wire conductors
• Converter stations
• Intake, powerhouse construction
• Spillway structure construction
• Mechanical and electrical auxiliaries
• Spillway, intake and powerhouse gates
• Powerhouse crane
• Transformers
• Switchyards
• HVdc transmission line construction
• HVdc conductor
• HVdc Hardware and accessories

For further details, your Nalcor Energy contact is Philip Bursey (Strait of Belle Isle Marine Crossing), philipbursey@nalcorenergy.com.

SNC-Lavalin-Inc contacts (Muskrat Falls and Land Transmission) Fabien Cuisinier-Raynal, fabien.cuisinierraynal@snclavalin.com Line Tremblay, line.tremblay@snclavalin.com Ken O’Keefe, ken.okeefe@snclavalin.com Michel Landreville, michel.landreville@snclavalin.com Chris Woodmass, chris.woodmass@snclavalin.com

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is ­experiencing a growing economy, higher-than-average new home construction, growing electricity use in homes (including increased use of ­electric heat), and increased industrial demand, all requiring more power than in ­previous years. Forecasts prepared by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro show that without a new source of power for the island by 2015, ­demand will begin to exceed firm supply.

The Lower Churchill Project is being ­developed to solve this impending problem with a two-phase development: the first at Muskrat Falls, and the second at Gull Island. These two ­projects within the larger project have the combined capacity of more than 3,000 megawatts, and will be able to provide 16.7 terawatt-hours of ­electricity per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of taking 3.2 million vehicles off the road each year.

In addition to these significant energy numbers, the project will contribute to the economic growth and ­opportunity explosion of Newfoundland and Labrador. “It’s another massive energy project in the province,” says the vice president of the Lower Churchill Project with Nalcor, Gilbert Bennett, explaining the person-hours required for the endeavor and the transition from oil and gas to wind and water. “These are big numbers with big economic benefits … It will provide a renewable, stable-priced, long-term, reliable energy source for the province.”

Gull Island Project Overview

The Muskrat Falls Project was sanctioned in 2012 and is expected to take five years to construct. This project includes the Muskrat Falls 824-megawatt hydroelectric facility consisting of two dams and a ­powerhouse. It will also include two transmission links: the ­proposed Labrador-Island link will be a 60-meter-wide 1,100-kilometer High ­Voltage direct current (HVdc) line from Muskrat Falls in Labrador to ­Soldiers Pond on the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, and 250-­kilometer HVac transmission lines between Muskrat Falls and Churchill Falls.

The project also includes the 35-kilometer Strait of Belle Isle ­marine cable crossing from Forteau Point, Labrador, to Shoal Cove, ­Newfoundland. A 480-kilometer Maritime link will transfer power from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia as well, which will be financed and ­constructed by Nova Scotia’s Emera Inc.

* Note: Although 40 percent of the energy created by Muskrat Falls is estimated to be surplus energy when taking into account the province’s current power needs, it is projected that the province will need 80 percent of the energy produced by this project by 2036 or earlier, as additional industrial and economic growth continues in the province. Rising oil prices and the ever-increasing demand for power mean that electricity rates are increasing. Between 2001 and 2011, electricity rates for the average ratepayer on the island increased by 32 percent.

Gull Island Project Overview

This second phase of the Lower Churchill Project will include the ­development of the 2,250-megawatt Gull Island generation ­facility and the ­associated transmission to energy markets. It will begin at least three years ­after the Muskrat Falls Project and is expected to take ­approximately eight years to complete. Gull Island will focus ­primarily on export and ­potential for industrial growth in Labrador and will ­provide no less than 13 million person-hours of labor.

Phase One Benefits

Diversifying the economy

$1.9 billion in income for labor and businesses, with approximately $500 million earned by Labradorians and Labrador-based businesses. The project will provide an average of $320 million in income benefits per year during phase one.

$290 million in tax revenue to the provincial government with the income produced by the project being spent locally on goods and services.

Energy for future mining and industrial development in the province with enough excess energy potential to meet the power needs of western Labrador.

Extra revenue for the province from the export sale of excess energy produced at Muskrat Falls.

Creating jobs

An average of 1,500 jobs each year in more than 70 trades and o­ccupations during the construction phase of the Muskrat Falls Project.

An average of 3,100 jobs at the peak of the project in 2015. After ­construction is complete, Newfoundland and Labrador employment will continue with an estimated 80 direct, full-time jobs during the life of the project—half of which will be in Labrador itself.

9,100 person-years of direct provincial employment with 5,800 of these person-years taking place in Labrador alone. The total direct, indirect, and induced employment for the province is estimated to be 23,300 person-years.

*Note: one person-year represents 2,000 hours of work per year—the equivalent of someone working 40 hours per week for 50 weeks.

Sidebar: Bennett stresses that every step has been taken to ensure ­local businesses can take advantage of contracts and employment benefits with the project. “The preference for hiring is local,” he says, adding that hiring will ramp up over the course of the year. ­Bennett says that step one is to fill positions in accordance with commitments made in the Impacts and Benefits Agreement (IBA) with the Innu ­Nation and the Benefits Strategy with the Government of ­Newfoundland and ­Labrador, which established a hiring protocol for the project. ­Commitments made in the IBA with the Innu Nation are a priority, ­followed by consideration of employment for qualified residents of Newfoundland and ­Labrador. For the generation portion of the project, qualified residents of ­Labrador will have priority, followed by residents of Newfoundland, and then Canadian and international labor. “At the end of the day, there is ­tremendous opportunity here for the ­community,” says Bennett, noting that this project is as large in scale as Hebron. More than 2,000 people have registered with muskratfallsjobs.com, the online jobs database for the project. Available, pending, and awarded contracts can be viewed at nalcorenergy.com/procurement-opportunities.asp.

Benefiting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians

$134 million to Innu businesses throughout Muskrat Falls construction.

$2.4 billion in rate savings to homes and businesses, with Muskrat Falls consumers’ electricity rates stabilizing, increasing just over one per cent per year. Long-term stable electricity rates for generations with the use of a renewable power source Infrastructure improvements to support the project and subsequent growth.

Creating renewable, sustainable energy

98 percent clean, renewable electricity for the province.

Displace oil-fired electricity from the aging Holyrood Generating ­Station, currently powering the province by burning approximately 18,000 ­barrels of oil each day at peak production.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by moving from oil-based to ­water-based energy, resulting in the reduction of one million tons of greenhouse gases every year.

Additional Benefits

Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, NB, PEI)

• 9,700 person-years of direct employment in the region
• 26,600 person-years in total employment
• $2.2 billion in total income benefits per year
• $370 million in average income benefits per year
• $340 million in taxes to the provincial government Canada
• 10,400 person-years of direct employment occurring in Canada
• 59,500 person-years of total employment
• $4.7 billion in total income to labor and businesses
• $780 million in average income benefits per year
• $710 million in taxes to the federal government