QUICK NEWS, March 7: STATE OF THE SMART GRID; UNSUBSIDIZED NEW ENERGY, A THIRD OF NEW POWER TO 2035 – EIA; GERMAN SUN PLAYER SOLD TO INDIA

STATE OF THE SMART GRID
The GridWise Alliance reports on the state of smart grid
February 23, 2012 (SmartGrid Consumer Collaborative)

…Realizing the Value of an Optimized Electric Grid [explores the current state of the nation’s power grid…[details] the real-world benefits of a modernized electric system and] is aimed at federal and state regulators. Findings showcase the ways in which grid initiatives are already leading to improvements in electric reliability, energy savings, customer engagement, and more…"

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"The report is underpinned by case studies…[Success stories include a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption resulting from Pacific Gas & Electric’s energy efficiency program; a 47 percent reduction in the average duration of power interruptions for Southern California Edison customers; and a 9 percent reduction in overall energy consumption following Oklahoma Gas and Electric’s (OG&E) implementation of demand response…[It also] reminds of the challenges that persist, including technology readiness; market readiness and risks; realization of potential benefits; impacts of financial support; and customer engagement…"


UNSUBSIDIZED NEW ENERGY, A THIRD OF NEW POWER TO 2035 -- EIA
EIA: Even If PTC Expires, Wind Energy Generation Will Double By 2035
2 March 2012 (North American Windpower)

"Wind power and biomass dominate projected increases in U.S. renewable energy generation, excluding hydropower, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Annual Energy Outlook 2012 Early Release Reference case.

"In the EIA's outlook, increased generation from non-hydro renewable energy resources in the electric power sector accounts for 33% of the overall growth in electricity generation from 2010 to 2035. The non-hydro renewable energy share of the total generation in the projection increases from 4% in 2010 to 9% in 2035."

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"The reference case assumes implementation of current laws and regulations as specified, including the scheduled expiration of some tax credits at the end of this year. Wind generation nearly doubles between 2010 and 2035, but the growth slows following the expiration of the production tax credit (PTC).

"…[A] key uncertainty in the projections for non-hydro renewables is whether states will strictly enforce their renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements, particularly if the current federal tax credits that make RPS compliance less costly for consumers are not extended…[Even without RPSs, renewable technologies will grow] as they become increasingly competitive with other electricity generation…"


GERMAN SUN PLAYER SOLD TO INDIA
PV Manufacturer Solon Receives Takeover Offer From Microsol
2 March 2012 (Solar Industry)

"Struggling Germany-based PV module manufacturer Solon SE, which filed for insolvency last December, has received a binding offer from Microsol. Microsol, a solar company based in India, plans to buy Solon's operational business…Microsol has promised to keep 433 of 471 employees, as well keep Solon's operations in Berlin…"

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"…[Microsol] plans to take over the research and development department as well as the central responsibilities for the other companies, such as procurement and sales and marketing. In addition, Microsol will acquire the company's Berlin production plant, and Italian and U.S. subsidiaries…Solon Nord GmbH, however, will be eliminated. A separate buyer is still being sought for French Solon subsidiary Solon SAS…"