NRCAN Grant triggers major investment in the Bay of Fundy

A substantial grant of CA$29,750,000 under the Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP) from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is set to trigger the next wave of tidal energy development at the FORCE facility in the Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia.

Cork based renewable energy developer DP Energy is managing two berths in the Bay of Fundy through its Canadian registered company, Halagonia Tidal Energy Limited.  It intends to develop both berths together as a single project under the banner Uisce Tapa (pronounced Ish ka Ta Pa) which means fast running water in Gaelic. The Project plans to incorporate 5 Andritz Hydro Mk1 1.5MW sea-bed mounted tidal turbines and a single SR2-2000 floating turbine by Scotrenewables Tidal Power Limited. At 9MW this will make it the largest tidal stream array to be deployed anywhere in the world.

DP Energy has been working closely with both turbine suppliers for the past two years, during which time turbines from both manufacturers have been successfully deployed in real sea environments in Scotland. In the case of Andritz, the three Mk1 turbines installed at the MeyGen Project have produced a cumulative output of more than 8.2GWh since their deployment whilst the SR1-2000 prototype deployed by Scotrenewables at the EMEC facility in Orkney has produced more than 3GWh since October 2017.

The Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP) administered by NRCAN aims to help Canada to meet the commitments made under the Pan Canadian Framework on Climate Change, by reducing GHG emissions and increasing government and industry experience with new technologies and building supply chains to support emerging renewable energy sectors such as in-stream tidal.

DP Energy CEO, Simon De Pietro commenting on the award said that he is “thrilled that NRCAN has recognised the value and potential of the tidal sector as well as the merits of the project proposed. In 2008 DP Energy added Ocean Energy to its Wind and Solar Energy projects and has been actively involved in the marine energy sector, developing projects in the UK, Northern Ireland and Canada since then. Uisce Tapa represents an opportunity to realise a project of meaningful scale in one of the most energetic tidal sites in the world”. Mr. De Pietro was also keen to acknowledge the backing which the industry has received from the Province of Nova Scotia to date in addition to its ongoing support. “The Nova Scotia Department of Energy and FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy) have been driving the development of tidal energy in the province. The establishment of the FORCE facility and provision of an enabling Feed-In Tariff have contributed greatly to bringing us to this important milestone’. Mr. De Pietro concluded that he is excited with the prospect of moving on with the project in consultation with key stakeholders including Indigenous communities and local fishers.

DP Energy has developed 393 MW of wind energy systems, generating enough electricity to power some 117,900 homes every year. The company has a further 1,476MW of projects which are consented, in planning or in late stage development in Australia, Ireland, and the UK as well as a number of large-scale solar PV projects across Canada.

Ends

CEO, DP Energy: Simon De Pietro – [email protected] T: +353 (0) 879722399

Commercial Director, Canada: John Kerr – [email protected] T: +353 862 513899

Minister Sohi Announces Major Investment in Renewable Tidal Energy That Will Power 2,500 Homes in Nova Scotia

News release
September 20, 2018 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Natural Resources Canada

Our government is committed to making investments that use Canada’s natural advantage, our resources, to make our economy more competitive while cutting pollution. These include investments in emerging technologies to tap the vast potential of marine renewable energy.

Today, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, announced $29.8 million for Halagonia Tidal Energy Ltd. in support of its $117-million project to provide clean electricity to Nova Scotia. The project will cut pollution from power generation in Nova Scotia, which currently relies on fossil fuels for a large portion of its electricity needs, and create well-paying, clean jobs for Canadians.

The project, which will create approximately 120 jobs, will deploy a nine megawatt tidal energy system and combine both floating and submerged turbines to work together, improving efficiency. It will demonstrate the capability to extract energy in both shallow and deep water. Ultimately, the project will generate enough renewable energy to power more than 2,500 homes. Showcasing that predictable and reliable energy can be extracted from the Bay of Fundy is another step toward developing Canada’s huge marine energy potential.

A first of its kind in Canada, the project will also demonstrate the potential for further tidal energy projects and provide valuable experience managing electricity generation from tidal resources, reducing barriers to entry for the tidal industry.

The funding, which was announced at the G7 Ministerial Meeting on Working Together on Climate Change, Oceans and Clean Energy in Halifax, is part of Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP) plan for promoting clean growth and fighting climate change.

Quotes

“This investment will support a low-carbon future while encouraging businesses to innovate, grow and create well-paying, long-term jobs for Canadians in an emerging sector. We have taken an approach that will grow our economy and protect the environment, all while encouraging growth in the marine renewable energy sector.”

Amarjeet Sohi
Minister of Natural Resources

“Developing marine renewable energy is a key pillar of our province’s clean energy plan, and we continue to support projects that advance our understanding of how to capture the Bay of Fundy’s clean, renewable energy potential. Further public and private sector investment in this sector will spur innovation and solidify Nova Scotia’s position as a leader in the development of tidal technology and set us on a path to a cleaner economic future.”

Derek Mombourquette
Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy and Mines

“Tidal energy can make a significant contribution to Canada and our world’s need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and has the potential to do so in a cost-competitive way along with the more mature renewable technologies of wind and solar. This investment and the support of both the Government of Canada and Province of Nova Scotia are welcomed and will help both deliver the technology in a challenging environment and support the development of a new industry as we make the essential transition to a low-carbon world.”

Simon De Pietro
Chief Executive Officer, Halagonia Tidal Energy Ltd.

Contacts
Natural Resources Canada
Media Relations
343-292-6100
[email protected]

Vanessa Adams
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
613-716-7658
[email protected]

Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/natural-resources-canada/news/2018/09/minister-sohi-announces-major-investment-in-renewable-tidal-energy-that-will-power-2500-homes-in-nova-scotia.html

Renewable power station of the future for Port Augusta moves a step closer

Media Release
July 11, 2018

International renewable energy company DP Energy has received SA Government approval for Stage 2 of its ground-breaking Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park (PAREP), which when complete will offer most of the services of a traditional fossil fuelled power station but fuelled by renewable energy.

Approved by the State Government in June 2018, Stage 2 of the PAREP allows up to 500MW of solar photovoltaic generation, 400MW of battery storage and 3,000MW seconds of synchronous condenser capacity to be built. This infrastructure will add capability to the existing project, further improving the generation output to match the South Australian demand profile. It also provides the added benefit of actively supporting additional electricity network system stability through the use of synchronous condenser technology.

The addition of batteries and synchronous condensers to the renewable generation capacity gives the project the ability to react to fluctuations in both voltage and frequency which can help stabilise the grid and assist the network in reducing potential black outs.

Established more than 20 years ago, DP Energy has successfully completed 13 renewable energy projects around the world totalling 400MW with a further eight totalling over 1000MW currently under development. The projects variously incorporate wind, solar and tidal energy technologies, with Port Augusta selected as the site for the first hybrid renewable facility due to the region’s unique wind profile and consistently strong solar resource.

DP Energy Business Development Manager, Catherine Way, said the power station represented the next step in renewable technology. “Renewable energy projects are becoming increasingly mainstream, driven by continual technological advances that deliver greater efficiencies and reduced costs. However, the missing piece has always been the ability to provide full grid support and controllable power to match energy demand with energy generation. The unique renewable energy capability of Stage 2 minimises this previous limitation, making this a power station of the future,” she said.

DP Energy CEO Simon De Pietro said Stage 2 approval represented another successful step in the process. “We’ve now received all the necessary government approvals for the project, which is very encouraging. This latest development will contribute to Port Augusta becoming the renewable energy capital of Australia now there is no longer coal generation,” he said.

DP Energy is nearing financial close for Stage 1 of the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, which is a hybrid wind and solar plant. The Stage 2 approval will also allow for battery storage and synchronous condenser to be built on to Stage 1.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Paul Tierney, Porter Thomas, on 0415 900 891 or [email protected]

DP Energy – Battery and Solar Installation: Bringing Innovation Home.

DP Energy continues to pursue best practice in the development of environmentally sustainable and benign projects around the globe. Closer to home, the company has recently commissioned Solo Energy www.solo-energy.com  to install a new Tesla Powerwall 2 battery together with a 4kW solar PV system. The system is being monitored by Solo Energy to optimise the consumption of solar energy and improve overall energy efficiency. The DP Energy office was designed as a passive building with very high levels of insulation and an air source heat pump to heat the building. Browse through some of the photos of our new installation.

New OEE Co-Presidents and Directors target pre-commercial deployments

The new appointments will be tasked with uniting the sector behind a strategy to build an ocean energy industry in Europe.
10 April 2018. Brussels. Ocean Energy Europe (OEE) has appointed Simon De Pietro (DP Energy, Ireland) and Laurent Schneider-Maunoury (Naval Energies, France) as its new Co-Presidents. The duo bring a formidable combination of expertise to the table, as representatives of key project developers and OEMs in the ocean energy sector. They will set the industry’s strategy in the coming years, as it aims to deploy pre-commercial farms in European waters.

Mr De Pietro was reappointed after an interim election in 2016. Mr Schneider-Maunoury will serve his first term as OEE co-President. Co-Presidents are elected for a three-year term.

See complete article HERE.

DP Energy Expands Canadian Investment

DP Energy has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Atlantis Resources Ltd to acquire its 50% interest in Atlantis Operations (Canada) Limited (AOCL). The transaction, subject to formal approval of the Nova Scotia Minister of Energy, will result in DP Energy taking sole ownership of the 4.5 MW Berth C tidal project at FORCE in the Bay of Fundy, NS, Canada. AOCL will be renamed on completion of the sale.

DP Energy already holds the rights to develop a 4.5 MW project at Berth E and this acquisition enables it to take a more integrated approach to delivery of the two projects in parallel. Key to this integrated approach, beyond using a single development team, will be the potential for the utilisation of common vessel assets across multiple technology options and an essential precursor to commercial developments and driving down the cost curve. Both Berth C and E are fully consented, grid connected and are supported by a 15-year feed-in-tariff set at $530/MWh.

Simon De Pietro, DP Energy CEO, said:

“DP Energy is fully committed and pleased to be working with the Nova Scotia Government to promote the development of tidal energy as a major source of renewable electricity production in Canada. The continued Provincial and Federal government support for the tidal industry gives confidence to our ongoing investment in the sector in Canada and that support echoes our strong belief in the value of the sector to the future renewables mix.

DP Energy remains ready to take on the exciting challenges provided by the tidal resource in the Bay of Fundy and expects that development of the FORCE Berths will be a significant stepping stone enabling tidal energy to take its appropriate place amongst the other ‘core’ renewable energy sources of wind and solar.

This investment which is one of a number already in process across Canada, both on and offshore, adds further depth to the expanding portfolio of renewable energy projects of the DP Energy group of companies worldwide”.

Enquiries:
Simon De Pietro, Chief Executive Officer; [email protected]
Damian Bettles, DP Energy Canada; [email protected]
John Kerr, DP Energy Canada; [email protected]

www.dpenergy.com
End

Port Augusta’s Renewable Energy Park is one of a kind

Red earth, blazing sun, outback winds: Port Augusta is a uniquely ideal location to harness the power of the elements.

The regional centre has a growing reputation as a renewable energy powerhouse, and for renewables authority Catherine Way it comes as no surprise.

“Port Augusta is set up for big generation,” says Catherine, business development manager for DP Energy. “We couldn’t have designed it better.”

The Adelaide local is part of the SA team to launch DP Energy’s first Australian project – a $600m Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park……

See complete article by Lana Guineay HERE.

 

DP Energy appoints contractors to build Australia’s largest hybrid renewable power station

International renewable energy company DP Energy has appointed preferred suppliers Vestas and Downer to develop Stage 1 of its Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park, which when complete will be Australia’s largest hybrid renewable power station.

The power station will be fuelled by a combination of wind and solar power, with wind-energy leader Vestas selected as the preferred supplier for the wind turbines and engineering firm Downer the solar energy component. Vestas will also be responsible for the control system to integrate the energy production of the solar and wind energy components.

The Energy Park is scheduled to be completed in two stages with the first stage delivering a 375 megawatt (MW) facility, comprising around 220MW of wind power and 150MW of solar power. Stage 2 includes additional solar capacity as well as battery storage capacity of nominally 300MW and 400MW respectively.

Once complete the power station will connect to the national electricity network via the nearby Davenport substation and is projected to produce 1,000 gigawatthour (GWh) per annum, enough to power 200,000 South Australian households each year, with an emissions saving of approximately 470,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually.

Established more than 20 years ago, Irish-based DP Energy has successfully completed 13 renewable energy projects around the world with another eight currently under development. The projects variously incorporate wind, solar and tidal energy technologies, with Port Augusta selected as the site for the first hybrid renewable facility due to the region’s unique wind profile and consistently strong solar resource.

The wind component of the Port Augusta power station will be largely driven by thermal winds, which result from temperature differences between land and sea. The significant advantage of thermal winds is wind strength increases throughout the day, which means energy production peaks early evening when demand for power is greatest. This effect is stronger during summer when seasonal demand is greatest. The power station will also be supported by solar energy.

Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of next year, creating 250 jobs during the construction phase, peaking at 600 at the height of the development. DP Energy estimates the cost of the project at approximately $600m, with a significant proportion to be spent in the regional economy of Port Augusta.

DP Energy CEO Simon De Pietro said the company had been working on the project for several years. “Up until now we’ve been focussed on proving the viability of the concept. The appointment of our preferred key contractors, Vestas and Downer, represents a significant milestone in the progression of the project. We’ve also secured the support of a lead infrastructure investor, which is very encouraging and further ensures the development of the facility,” said Mr De Pietro.

“A critically important component of our power station is the thermal wind generation capacity. The wind farm will be producing at maximum strength at the peak of local electricity demand. This will be further complemented by high levels of solar power generation. Matching supply with demand ensures maximum efficiency and reliability.”
DP Energy Business Development Manager, Catherine Way, said the power station would deliver reliable 21st century clean energy. “Renewable energy projects have become mainstream now, with prices cheaper than new build gas and coal stations helped by lower operating costs as the resources are free,” said Ms Way.

“When the facility is fully complete the end result has the potential to be a game changer for energy production and provision in Australia.”

Stage 2 of the Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park includes the option for synchronous condensers; when coupled with the battery storage capacity of Stage 2 will ensure the facility can provide not only dispatchable renewable energy, but also fulfil many of the network stability functions normally associated with conventional coal and gas generation.

Editor’s Note:
• DP Energy Business Development Manager, Catherine Way, will be speaking at the South Australian, Smart Energy Summit, in Adelaide on November 9, 2017. A representative from Downer will also be speaking at the Summit.
• Project concept images and further information about Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park can be provided.

Media Enquiries
Please contact Paul Tierney, Managing Director, Porter Thomas.
0415 900 891 or [email protected]

 

Also see articles:

DP Energy trumps Gupta with 1.1GW of wind, solar and storage
By Giles Parkinson, Reneweconomy.com.au: November 9, 2017

Energy summit set to power Adelaide as new report highlights climate change inaction
By Luke Griffiths, The Advertiser: 

DP Energy gives Downer nod for $600m hybrid renewable power plant
By Simon Evans, AFR: November 8, 2017

Energy Storage providing a solution to Orkney’s energy challenge

Solo Energy is a new low-cost 100% renewable electricity supplier business launching in the UK in 2018. Solo Energy uses energy storage to change the way we use energy forever. When customers sign up to Solo, the Company  installs a ‘smart’ battery system at their home or business – with no up front cost. Solo uses their proprietary software to charge up customers’ batteries when wind turbines and solar panels across the country are generating clean energy. DP Energy hold a 33% stake in the business and is very excited to be part of the ground-breaking initiative. Watch Solo Energy’s CEO Mark Hamilton on ‘Fully Charged’ explain how the technology has the power to transform the electricity network on Orkney and beyond.

GE Reports: Power sisters: women in renewable energy.

“The numbers are too big to ignore: gender equality boosts men and women, as well as industry, innovation and ultimately the planet. As we try to solve a bunch of complex challenges, we need to throw everyone at it.”

Catherine Way, business development manager, DP Energy
”I am excited by exploring possibilities and breaking new ground, which is what renewable energy development is. There’s always something new to consider,” says Catherine Way, business development manager, DP Energy.”

See GE report: https://www.gereports.com.au/2017/07/18/women-in-renewable-energy/ for full article.