QUICK NEWS, May 24: SO AFRICA TO BUILD A GIGAWATT OF WIND; LUCKY CORRIDOR FOR NEW MEXICO NEW ENERGY; MEGAWATT TEST OF CIGS THIN FILM

SO AFRICA TO BUILD A GIGAWATT OF WIND South Africa approves 562MW of wind projects

James Quilter, 21 May 2012 (Windpower Monthly)

“South Africa has approved seven wind projects totalling 562MW as part of its second renewable energy tender…The government awarded 1.04GW out of a total of 1.23GW available. The projects include the 138MW Amakhala Emoyenia project in Eastern Cape province.

“Wind also took the largest slice in terms of the maximum capacity available, with the government awarding 417 PV projects…Vestas…[was] appointed preferred supplier for five of the projects, with the orders covering a total capacity of 297MW.”

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“In December, the South African government announced 28 preferred bidders following the first round of its call for tenders under the renewable-energy independent power producer (IPP) programme.

“Out of the bids, wind power accounts for just under 30% with eight of the projects selected. however, the projects totalled 633.99MW, around 45% of the total of 1415.52 MW.”

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LUCKY CORRIDOR FOR NEW MEXICO NEW ENERGY Renewable Energy Transmission Line Planned For New Mexico

18 May 2012 (Renew Grid)

“Lucky Corridor LLC has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Western Area Power Administration, a power marketing administration of the U.S. Department of Energy, to explore the potential joint development of a 93-mile, 230 kV transmission line project in northern New Mexico.

“The proposed project and associated upgraded facilities would make it possible to transport New Mexico's wind and solar energy to electricity users across the Western states…”

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“The proposed transmission line would use existing pathways through private, state and federal lands in New Mexico to feed energy to Four Corners, an NYMEX hub, where it can be sold.

“Lucky Corridor has also entered into an MOU with New Mexico's Renewable Energy Transmission Authority to help develop and fund the transmission project. The effort was initiated by Lynn Chapman Greene…and ranchers [in New Mexico and Colorado]…”

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MEGAWATT TEST OF CIGS THIN FILM Nanosolar Puts 1 MW Of CIGS PV Power Online In California

21 May 2012 (Solar Industry)

“Nanosolar Inc., a manufacturer of CIGS thin-film solar cells and panels, says it has completed a 1 MW ground-mounted installation at Camp Roberts in San Miguel, Calif. The installation is part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Energy Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP).”

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“The installation uses 4,992 of Nanosolar's thin-film panels, which are produced through a proprietary roll-to-roll printing process to coat an aluminum foil with CIGS inks. The company's manufacturing capacity is currently 115 MW annually, and it is producing 230 W panels that feature an 11.5% conversion efficiency. Nanosolar expects that the panels' efficiency, through process and technology improvements, will increase to 14% by the end of next year.”

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