INDUSTRYNEWS
German nuclear decision has renewable impact
GERMANY’S GOVERNMENT has confirmed a nuclear phase-out by 2022, paving the way for an accelerated shift to renewable energy. This will require major investments in the electricity grid and energy storage technologies.
Germany is already pursuing solutions, with several model regions developing new industry standards. These activities create excellent business opportunities in the German market. Germany Trade & Invest hosted an event in Seattle to share the latest developments and investment opportunities in Germany, especially in the growing eastern regions.
“Smart energy management is a key component of our future energy supply. Germany is in an outstanding position to take the lead globally. Investors benefit from excellent conditions here,” said Dr. Juergen Friedrich, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.
Germany already boasts 17% renewable electricity from sources like solar power, which do not have a base load.
A large fluctuating energy supply requires smart grids and energy storage to balance supply and demand, which can be achieved by shifting consumption or storing energy for later use. Software and IT solutions are a key for advancement of smart energy management.
A first-rate telecommunications and electricity grid is a prerequisite for the expansion of smart metering and grid technologies. Germany receives excellent marks in this area.
In its 2010 Global Performance Index, the World Economic Forum ranked Germany’s telecommunications and transportation infrastructure first worldwide. Partial credit goes to massive infrastructure investments in eastern
Government rains on large scale PV
NEW GENERATION TARIFFS for large scale solar and anaerobic digestion under the Government’s green electricity scheme have been confirmed and as feared by much of the PV industry the government has chosen the path announced before any consultation commenced. The announcement follows the recent public consultation on large scale solar and anaerobic digestion. The fast track review looked at reducing the tariffs for large scale solar to protect the money available for small scale projects and the range of technologies supported under this scheme. The review was launched following initial evidence showing the number of large scale solar projects in the planning system to be much higher than anticipated.
Despite strong opposition from the PV and other renewable industries as well as the plea for the government to consider public spaces, regional fuel poverty and the opportunities for large scale projects on existing structures the government is insisting the new plan has been confirmed by the ‘overwhelming response
for the solar industry while protecting the money for householders, small businesses and communities and will also further encourage the uptake of green electricity from anaerobic digestion.”
to the consultation process. This seems unusual considering the opposition .
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said, “I want to drive an ambitious roll out of new green energy technologies in homes, communities and small businesses and the FIT scheme has a vital part to play in building a more decentralised energy economy. We have carefully considered the evidence that has been presented as part of the consultation and this has reinforced my conviction of the need to make changes as a matter of urgency. Without action the scheme would be overwhelmed. The new tariffs will ensure a sustained growth path
According to DECC over 500 responses were received and carefully analysed before a decision was made regarding the change in tariffs. The fast track review showed that the number of planned larger PV projects is much higher than originally expected. Without urgent action, the scheme would have been overwhelmed within a very short period of time. Every 5 MW large scale solar scheme would incur a cost of approximately £1.3 million per year, which means that 20 such schemes would incur an annual cost of around £26 million, money that could support PV installations for over 25,000 households. While the general consensus was there was a need for a review and some change it appears the government has missed an opportunity to provide real change to poorer areas as well as provide struggling schools and charities with a potential income stream.
Germany since reunification in 1990. Germany has six model regions that receive funding for the development of different aspects of future smart grid technologies and standards.
The Regenerative Model Region Harz (RegModHarz), for example, is developing a virtual power station that groups renewable power generators, consumers and energy storage facilities to prove that stable, reliable and consumer-oriented electrical power is achievable from renewable sources.
Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.
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www.solar-pv-management.com Issue VI 2011
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