Sharp USA is going to be able to supply its solar modules to government purchasers directly, decided the US General Services Administration. What this means is that the company's products have been chosen after rigorous testing to be supplied to federal, state and government agencies purchasing access to commercial suppliers through the US GSA. The convenience for the purchasing entities is direct purchase and delivery of products at the most favorable prices. Needless to say, this kind of arrangement benefits the suppliers as well, as they now have a relatively secure ordering pipeline.
With the increased interest of government agencies in renewable energy sources, Sharp is looking at a few busy years in the near future. US government agencies, even the military, are on a serious quest to reduce energy dependence on fossil fuels, and and their carbon footprint.
[source: Sharp USA]
The US Department of Energy (DoE) has offered a USD 102 million conditional commitment for a loan guarantee to US Geothermal, for the purpose of building a 22 MW geothermal power plant in southeast Oregon.
The Panamanian Public Services Authority is reviewing 25 applications for wind energy development, which if accepted, could total in 3144 MW of installed wind energy capacity in this Central American country, effectively doubling the amount of power produced from wind energy.
Italy is investing USD 31 million in the Nacaome Region of Honduras, which will result in a new hydropower plant, the José Cecilio del Valle power plant. Along with the power plant, the project will include irrigation.
The Indian government is considering introducing a mandatory regulation that would require mobile network operators to use solar power as a back-up power supply system. Most remote base stations in areas away from the power grid use diesel generators, but there is an overwhelming initiative to replace these generators with more environment friendly solar solutions.
NREL published a study, according to which, the power grid is able to accommodate the increased amount of generated power coming from wind and solar energy projects. The "Western Wind and Solar Integration Study" looks into the benefits and challenges of integrating enough wind and solar capacity into the power grid to produce 35% of total electricity demand by 2017. According to study findings, such a feat is technically feasible, and doesn't require extensive additional infrastructure. Some important changes to current operational practices will be required though.
