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As over 100 megawatts of rooftop solar power come to life, it is comforting to know that all of those enormous roofed storage facilities storing Americans’ stuff will be powered by clean energy. In addition, a company in Italy is investing a small fortune to build 1.5 GW of new solar power plants. Plus, we’ve got the first commercially operated ammonia-fueled vessel in the world. On a smaller but still important scale, Rhode Island is making EV charging more accessible. All of that and more are highlighted in this roundup of clean energy and EV solutions.
EVs
smart #5 World Premiere: The First-Ever Premium Mid-Size SUV from smart
“We are delighted to present our first-ever mid-size premium SUV, the all-new smart #5, to the world. With this new vehicle, we are expanding into a new market segment, reflecting our commitment to quality, innovation, and addressing the evolving needs of our customers. As we continue to broaden our product lineup, we remain focused on providing diverse mobility solutions that cater to different lifestyles and preferences in Europe and around the globe. This vehicle represents not only a new level of premium for smart but also an opportunity to explore new possibilities in the realm of electric mobility.” —Dirk Adelmann, CEO smart Europe
“August 28, 2024, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. smart, the all-electric automotive brand, has unveiled the all-new smart #5 at the world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia. With this vehicle, the brand is taking a further step towards the mobility of the future and entering the premium mid-size SUV segment.”
“The Can-Am Pulse and Origin models redefine the ride and awaken the energy in every rider, whether in the city or off the beaten path. Each is driven by an all-new Rotax E-Power power unit (11 kW or 35 kW) — BRP’s proprietary electric technology — which delivers instant torque on demand, merging pulsating performance with style and sophistication.
“A key feature of the Can-Am motorcycle lineup that sets it apart is an innovative liquid-cooled system, which includes the battery, charger, inverter, and motor. The system significantly limits battery degradation over time while simultaneously optimizing range and charge time. In fact, riders will experience quick and efficient charging each and every time and in any condition — from 20% to 80% in 50 minutes — using Level 2 charging at home or at automotive charging stations.”
EV Charging
“Coulomb Solutions Inc. (CSI), today announced that it has started production of its commercial electric vehicle 40kW On-Board Charger and EVSE. CSI’s OBC and EVSE Combo were first introduced at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo (known as ACT Expo) in Las Vegas during this past May. This concept allows fleet and bus customers the opportunity to charge their vehicles overnight on their current infrastructure without waiting any longer for the installation of upgraded electrical service or DC fast charging.”
Rhode Island to Add Hundreds of New Public EV Chargers
“Rhode Island’s efforts to increase publicly available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and make it more convenient for drivers of electric vehicles to charge up their cars is getting a $15 million jolt in federal funding.
“U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Governor Dan McKee today announced $15 million in new federal funding for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to help install over 200 new electric vehicle charging stations at convenient locations across the state. The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Discretionary Grant Program, which was established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (P.L. 117-58), which Reed and Whitehouse helped enact in 2021.”
California American Water Partners with Paired Power to Deliver Microgrid Electric Vehicle Charging
“California American Water announced its partnership with Paired Power, a leading U.S. solar microgrid manufacturer, to deliver resilient renewable energy to its company’s San Diego District electric vehicles without relying on the grid.”
“ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus today recognized a diverse group of communities completing a program designed to help prepare them to accommodate the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV infrastructure. Through their completion of the EV Readiness Program, 12 local governments are the latest to receive support that allows them to develop permitting, safety plans and community engagement strategies so that EV use is made accessible to all.”
Solar
“Enfinity Global Inc., a leader in renewable energy, announced today the financial close of a €500 million financing that combined with project finance will fund the development and construction of 1.5 GW of solar assets in Italy. The funding has been provided through an innovative club deal structure in partnership with leading investors including Infranity, Schroders Capital, Rivage, BNP Paribas Asset Management and QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation). The financing also includes an accordion feature that would allow Enfinity to upsize to €800 million.”
Bloomberg New Energy Finance Ranks Boviet Solar As A Tier 1 Solar Module Manufacturer
“Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd., a leading solar energy technology company specializing in monocrystalline PV cells and advanced Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV Modules, is proud to announce its continued recognition as a Tier 1 PV module manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) for Q3 2024. This prestigious ranking reflects Boviet Solar’s ongoing commitment to excellence and was first achieved in 2017.”
“Strategic partnership will pursue 8.5 million square feet of commercial rooftop solar across 42 states and Puerto Rico.”
“Spearmint’s projects will utilize Sungrow’s PowerTitan 2.0, a new, state-of-the-art energy storage system. The system includes an easily scalable design and enhanced fire suppression features, including advanced liquid-cooling technology. The system also maintains top performance in harsh environments — including high-humidity areas, dusty deserts, or high elevations — and reduces auxiliary power consumption.”
Trinasolar Unveils Agrivoltaics Project in Japan, Driving Renewable Energy and Agriculture Synergy
Corvias Expands Solar Power Generation at Fort Riley Housing
“Investing in ground-mount solar panels offers a range of benefits from creating on-site renewable power, stabilizing electric utility rates, and contributing to energy independence,” said Corvias’ Director of Energy Development, Justin Witty, who is also a former U.S. Army officer.
“All efforts represent Corvias’ latest step in the journey to 100% onsite carbon pollution-free electricity. In total, all three phases will produce over 22,000 MWh which will power approximately 40% of the homes at Fort Riley. These ground-mount solar panels can also take advantage of additional efficiencies in ease of construction, a single interconnection point, and orientation directly to the south to get maximum sun exposure.”
Batteries (Batteries & Mass Transit)
Viridi Failsafe Battery Storage Systems at West Point
“Viridi Parente, Inc. (Viridi), a leader in developing the first and only fail-safe battery energy storage system that provides on-demand and affordable power for use in industrial, medical, commercial, municipal, and residential building applications, today announced successful deployment of its state-of-the art fail-safe battery at West Point to support the military with safe, reliable renewable energy.”
Heramba Electric Signs $26 Million e-Mobility Contract With Seattle, Washington Area
“Heramba Electric plc, a global technology company focused on decarbonization of public and commercial transportation, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Kiepe Electric has been awarded a $26 million battery upgrade program by King County Metro in Seattle, Washington for enhanced In Motion Charging (IMC®) on its electric trolley buses.”
Shipping
Ammonia-Fueled Vessel Completed — World’s First Commercial-Use Ammonia-Fueled Vessel
“On August 23, the ammonia-fueled tugboat Sakigake was completed by NYK Line (NYK) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. (IHI Power Systems) in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). This is the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel for commercial use.* The NYK Group company Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha will employ the vessel in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay over a three-month demonstration period.”
Landmark Deal Between Wärtsilä and Eidesvik Offshore Pioneers Growing Demand for Ammonia in Shipping
“Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner Eidesvik to supply the equipment for the conversion of an offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate with ammonia fuel. The vessel, ‘Viking Energy’, which is on contract to energy major Equinor, is scheduled for conversion in early 2026 and is expected to start operating on ammonia in the first half of 2026, becoming the world’s first ammonia-fuelled in-service ship. In addition to chartering the vessel Equinor contributes with financing for the conversion. Wärtsilä will then supply the engine and complete fuel gas supply system and exhaust after-treatment needed for the conversion, making it also the first vessel to use Wärtsilä’s recently released ammonia solution.”
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