In August, for the 2nd Month in a Row, Solar Surpasses Wind & Takes the Lead Among Renewable Sources of Electrical Generation as Utility-Scale Solar Expands by 35%.

Oceantic Network celebrates the successful conclusion of one of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) largest offshore wind lease sales and the first in the Gulf of Maine. BOEM awarded two leases each to Oceantic Network member companies Avangrid and Invenergy for a total of four areas. The combined lease areas amount to over 400,000 acres and are estimated to generate 6.8 GW, enough to power 2.3 million U.S. homes and businesses.

These lease areas will be supported by a thriving network of offshore wind port and supply chain facilities that now spans 39 states, the result of over $22 billion in investment since 2020. The projects developed in the Gulf of Maine will drive even more investment to the region, delivering new jobs and increasing local economic activity.

The following statement can be attributed to Liz Burdock, CEO of Oceantic Network:  

“Today’s successful auction demonstrates that offshore wind will continue to play a leading role in the Northeast’s energy future. These lease areas will deliver well-paying, local jobs, and drive significant investment in manufacturing facilities, ports, and transmission development. Despite the general uncertainty around the upcoming presidential election, this is a vote of confidence for an American industry that has already received nearly $3 billion of new supply chain investment in the first nine months of 2024. 

“With ample acreage for new projects and a state research lease, BOEM is helping to position Maine as a hub of innovation that will fuel the development of floating offshore wind technology in the U.S. and globally. We look forward to continuing work with BOEM, the State of Maine, and interested stakeholders to pursue responsible offshore wind development in the Gulf of Maine.”

Development in the Gulf of Maine also presents opportunities for international collaboration with Canadian provinces. In September, U.S. Northeast governors and Eastern Canadian provincial leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration between the two regions at the 45th annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) meeting. In October, Oceantic Network hosted its first annual New England & Atlantic Canada OSW Forum to further discuss these collaborative opportunities, including transmission planning and port development.

In waters too deep for traditional fixed-bottom wind turbines, the areas require the utilization of floating offshore wind technology. Lessees also agreed to stipulations designed to promote the floating offshore wind supply chain, transmission planning, and well-paying union jobs. Today’s announcement follows the issuance of an offshore wind research lease to the state of Maine in August. This lease enables the state—in collaboration with the fishing community, wildlife experts, and industry leaders—to construct a 144 MW pilot project and conduct studies that will inform future floating offshore wind development in the region and beyond.  

Oceantic Network | https://oceantic.org/

PSB Industries, a specialist in the design and fabrication of systems for dehydrating and purifying gasses and liquids, highlights the reliability and efficiency of its Deoxo and TSA Dryer Package. This system provides an unparalleled solution for removing moisture and oxygen from gas streams, addressing critical purification challenges across industries such as air separation, chemical, petrochemical, and renewable energy, including RNG, hydrogen, and carbon capture.

The Deoxo and TSA Dryer Package utilizes Catalytic Combustion and Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA) technologies to ensure the highly effective removal of oxygen and moisture from gas streams. This innovative system utilizes a multi-layered adsorbent bed capable of handling a wide range of inlet conditions, ensuring compliance with stringent pipeline specifications. By incorporating both oxygen removal and moisture purification into one package, the Deoxo-TSA Dryer offers a cost-effective solution that enhances the purity and quality of gasses used in a variety of industrial applications.

Designed to operate under varying pressure and temperature conditions, the system can be applied to different gasses, including hydrogen, CO2, and natural gas. The TSA technology efficiently prevents pipeline corrosion and moisture-related issues, extending equipment lifespan while reducing maintenance costs. In addition, the catalytic combustion function of the Deoxo system ensures precise oxygen removal to meet stringent outlet specifications, further enhancing the integrity and performance of processed gasses.

The Deoxo and TSA Dryer Package also features environmentally friendly regeneration strategies, with zero gas emission and zero gas loss during operation. These sustainability-focused elements make it a leading solution in applications where emission control and reduced environmental impact are crucial. Moreover, the system’s integrated design with a common control point not only simplifies installation but also reduces overall operational costs, making it a versatile option for diverse project needs. PSB Industries ensures that the package is customizable, allowing for precise control and reliability tailored to specific industrial applications.

PSB Industries remains committed to delivering high-quality systems that meet stringent safety and quality standards. Their Deoxo and TSA Dryer Package is manufactured in accordance with ASME certifications, including "U" stamps, ensuring compliance with industry regulations for pressure vessels and other components. The company's integrated production capabilities, which include vessel fabrication, piping, structural components, and more, allow them to maintain strict quality control and provide timely responses to project needs.

PSB Industries | www.psbindustries.com

As the demand for renewable energy rises, the future of solar development on agricultural land is a growing concern for state and local governments. 

A new fact sheet from the Center for Rural Affairs highlights the use of both solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same land.

“Dual use is a great solution to alleviate concerns about solar on agricultural land,” said Mallory Tope, policy associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. “We encourage local decision makers to consider agrisolar and dual use when drafting or amending ordinances related to solar development.”

According to the Center, dual-use solar sites offer combined renewable energy production with livestock grazing, crop production, pollinator habitats, or beekeeping.

“Dual use has many economic benefits, like increased tax revenues, lease payments to local landowners, and the ability to continue agricultural use,” said Tope. “Through creating balanced siting standards, county officials and landowners can play an active role in capturing those benefits.”

To support dual use development, counties could set additional land-use expectations, adopt zoning approaches that allow for mixed land use, or establish overlay districts for special solar permits. 

“For dual-use solar to be possible, it is important to avoid overly prescriptive siting regulations such as restrictions on panel height and prohibitively specific vegetation management requirements,” said Tope.  

The fact sheet addresses ordinance development such as land-use planning, definitions, zoning and sitting regulations, goals of dual use, and construction considerations.

CFRA | cfra.org/publications

AFRY has been awarded an assignment from Helen, a Finnish energy company, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the potential development of large-scale hydrogen production in Helsinki, Finland. 

The study aims to determine the conditions under which green hydrogen production at the site in Helsinki would be feasible. The study follows a top-down design approach, starting from the overall project and plant goals and progressing to detailed engineering and discipline-specific decisions necessary to achieve those goals. The study will use the latest data to provide up-to-date market insights, with the aim of helping Helen find the best design for low-cost hydrogen production. 

“In the face of a rapidly transforming energy landscape, Helen is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions that meet the needs of our customers and the environment. Our green hydrogen production plant would be a landmark project in Finland's energy sector,” said Sari Mannonen, SVP New Business and Hydrogen at Helen.

"We are thrilled to partner with Helen on this project that would contribute to the green transition. This project represents one of Finland's first large-scale hydrogen plants and developing it in partnership with an industry leader like Helen is truly exciting," says Ilkka Heikkilä, Regional Director, Renewable and Thermal Energy, AFRY.

The large-scale hydrogen production facility supports Helen’s goal to provide its over half a million clients with carbon-neutral district heating, cooling, and electricity by 2030. The study is expected to be completed by mid-2025, providing Helen with the detailed analysis required to move forward with investment decisions.

AFRY | https://afry.com/en

The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 ASES Awards. These prestigious awards recognize excellence and leadership in solar research, technology, policy, education, industry, and volunteer service. Each year at the ASES National Solar Conference, outstanding individuals and groups are honored for their contributions to advancing solar energy and sustainability.

The 2025 ASES Awards will be presented at the ASES National Solar Conference on August 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM MT in Boulder, Colorado. Nominations are now being accepted from ASES members and must be submitted by January 15, 2025. Further details, instructions, and nomination forms can be found at ases.org/awards.

Award Categories:

• Innovative Research and Development Award in honor of Charles Greeley Abbot: Recognizing breakthroughs in solar energy through scientific and technical research.
• Applied Solar Technology Award in honor of Hoyt Clarke Hottel: Celebrating revolutionary advancements in the commercial application of solar technologies.
• Leadership in Solar Architecture and Design Award: Highlighting leaders in sustainable building design and low-energy architecture.
• Leadership in Solar Policy and Market Transformation Award: Honoring those whose policies and market innovations have accelerated renewable energy adoption.
• Code Development, Innovation, and Training Award in honor of Claudia Hansen Wentworth:Recognizing pioneers in building code development, solar product innovation, and training.
• Women in Solar Energy Award (WISE): Acknowledging exceptional women who have made significant contributions to the solar industry and advanced gender equity.
• Volunteer Service Award in honor of Rebecca Vories: Honoring dedicated ASES volunteers whose leadership has had a lasting impact on key programs.
• John and Barbara Yellott Award for Graduate Solar Research: Celebrating graduate students whose research is driving progress in solar energy.

Fellows Nomination Details:
ASES Fellows are individuals who have been ASES members for at least 10 years and have made honorable contributions to the society and its mission. New Fellows are nominated by at least three ASES members, one of whom must be a current Fellow. Nominations for Fellows are also due by January 15, 2025.

All nomination materials, including letters of support and resumes or LinkedIn profiles, should be submitted to Jill Cliburn, Chair of the Awards Committee, at [email protected]. For Fellows nominations, letters should be sent to David Hill, Fellows Chair at [email protected]. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the respective committees.

Join us in celebrating the incredible leadership and innovation within the solar community. Your nominations help highlight the achievements that are accelerating our journey toward a 100% renewable energy society.

American Solar Energy Society | www.ases.org

Ways2H Inc, wholly-owned subsidiary of Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., proudly announces a groundbreaking achievement in the field of hydrogen production: the successful proof of concept demonstrating the production of 110 kg of carbon-negative hydrogen from just one ton of municipal solid waste. This innovative process not only signifies a substantial advancement in hydrogen production technology but also paves the way for the commercialization of hydrogen fuel at prices competitive with gasoline.

Ways2H, Inc. RefHynery Working Model

As global demand for clean energy solutions intensifies, Ways2H is committed to leading the charge toward a sustainable future, addressing both the multiple global challenges in waste management, and the production of clean hydrogen. The company's pioneering technology utilizes a proprietary patent-pending thermochemical waste conversion method to extract hydrogen while isolating carbon for sequestration, resulting in a net-negative carbon footprint that can reach up to 30kg CO2 equivalent per kg hydrogen produced. This development aligns with international climate goals and offers a viable pathway for municipalities and industries to manage waste sustainably while generating clean energy without tapping from badly needed renewable electricity sources.

"This milestone marks a significant leap forward in our mission to produce hydrogen in an environmentally responsible way," said Jean-Louis Kindler, CEO of Clean Energy Enterprises. "By transforming waste into a valuable energy resource, we are not only addressing the urgent issue of waste management but also contributing to a cleaner, greener planet and a more sustainable clean energy market."

With the successful proof of concept, Ways2H is poised to enter commercialization phase, pursuing and expanding partnerships and projects across the globe. The company's hydrogen production process is anticipated to make hydrogen fuel more accessible and affordable, and Ways2H has over $1 billion potential revenue in identified short- and medium-term projects, either from system sales or hydrogen production assets operation.

Current discussions with interested partners include collaborations with municipalities, industrial players, and energy providers interested in integrating this technology into their operations.

As the world shifts toward renewable energy sources, Clean Energy Enterprises is excited to be at the forefront of this transition. The company invites stakeholders and the public to join in this transformative journey toward a carbon-negative energy future.

Ways2H | www.ways2h.com 

EverWind is pleased to announce that on October 25th, 2024, Newfoundlandand Labrador's Department of Environment and Climate Change issued a letter to EverWind Fuels on its recently filed Environmental Assessment Registration, advancing the project to the next stage. The letter stipulates the requirement for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be conducted by EverWind, a step EverWind had recommended in its Environmental Assessment Registration. This decision aligns with the work EverWind will conduct to ensure the highest environmental and community stewardship standards are adhered to throughout the project. EverWind's EIS will address specific environmental, social and economic impacts that may result from the project and where necessary propose mitigation measures to address them. The full scope of the EIS will cover a wide range of topics and include comprehensive studies on the following: 

1. Project scope. 
    
2. Greenhouse gas emissions. 
    
3. Waste management plans. 
    
4. Erosion and sediment control measures. 
    
5. Effluent streams and outfall locations.  
    
6. Noise, shadow flicker and solar glare.  
    
7. Location of the project and project components. 
    
8. Flora and Fauna studies. 
    
9. Occupational information. 
    
10. Potential impacts on provincial roads and bridges.  

While EverWind undertakes the EIS, critical wind data collection and analysis remains underway, in collaboration with wind turbine OEMs, aiming to design a turbine suitable for the strength of Newfoundland's wind regime. As this analysis progresses, EverWind will develop a layout for the Lower Burin Peninsula wind project site and develop a solution to ensure that the project does not require significant interconnection to the Newfoundland and Labrador grid.  

Additionally, EverWind has been progressing work with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture on the reduction of our Crown Land reservation area. Together, we are striving to minimize the reservation of unnecessary land by over half of what was awarded to reflect the project's need accurately, and we continue to prioritize alignment with the communities and the recreational and conservation values of the residents of Burin Peninsula.

As part of the EA registration, EverWind remains committed to continued engagement with communities across the Burin Peninsula, having already completed over 50 information sessions since 2022. In addition, EverWind is dedicated to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations by engaging in thorough consultation and providing a comprehensive partnership throughout project development.   

 EverWind's regional office is located at 215-217 Ville Marie Drive in Marystown. Community members are encouraged to visit, share insights, and learn more about the Project. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Fridays by appointment only. For information on the project, as submitted in our Environmental Assessment Registration, please visit the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Environment and Climate Change website or follow the link here: Burin Peninsula Green Fuels Project EARD 

Quotes 

"We are dedicated to working hand in hand with residents of the Burin Peninsula and every level of government to see this project take shape with environmental stewardship at the forefront. This project will result in direct economic benefits and jobs for Newfoundlanders, Labradorians, and their communities. It will position Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in the green fuels industry for Canada and the world." Trent Vichie, Founder and CEO EverWind Fuels.  

"This project represents an incredible opportunity for the residents of the Burin Peninsula. We have an industrial history that stretches back generations. This project will build on our legacy and can make us the leader that Newfoundland needs to be in the green energy and green fuels industry." Harold Murphy, Mayor of Parker's Cove and Vice Chair Burin Peninsula Energy Board. 

EverWind Fuels | https://everwindfuels.com/