Argentina has concluded the public offer for renewable energy capacity by awarding 895 MW (of the planned 1000 MW) to 21 companies, spread out over 32 projects (of the 51 submitted in total), under its program called GENREN. The projects include wind, solar and biomass renewable energy power plants, and were considered and awarded by the Argentine state-managed company Enarsa (Energía Argentina SA). These awards are the results of the bidding process initially started in May 2010.
Of the total capacity awarded, most has been awarded for wind energy projects (17 projects) with 754 MW, while the remaining 15 were awarded for solar PV (6 projects, 20 MW), small hydro (5 projects, 10.6 MW) and biofuels (4 projects, 110.4 MW). Project locations are spread out all over the country, both on the eastern coastal areas, and in the mountainous western areas.
Enarsa further announced bidding for another 195 MW of renewable energy capacity, or more specifically, 120 MW for wind, 30 MW for geothermal, and 20 MW for biogas combustion power plants.
Enarsa's award result document outlines several benefits of this round of bidding, such as 7000 new jobs, promotion of clean energy in the country, and growth for local economies. The new capacity, once added, will contribute to a more diversified power supply in Argentina.
See Enarsa's document for more detail on the awarded projects here.
[source: ENARSA]
The Lebanese government has recently unveiled plans to make big investments into the country's power generating system. The country is currently, and has been for years, experiencing energy supply shortages, resulting in constant energy rationing throughout the country. If the government's plans are executed, Lebanon could end its energy crisis in just four years.
The power utilities of Montenegro and Norway, Elektroprivreda Crne Gore and NTE, respectively, have signed a collaboration agreement for overhauling and upgrading existing small hydropower capacity in Montenegro. The two utilities have set up a joint venture to deal with the operations involved through this agreement.
In the annual report, Renewable Energy Snapshots, issued by the EU Commission's Joint Research Center, 62% of new power generation capacity in Europe in 2009 is said to have come from renewables. This represents an increase from 57% that was reported for 2008. Overall, renwewable energy sources account for almost 20% of the total energy consumed in Europe during 2009.
The Crown Estate announced the Inner Sound tidal energy project (within the Pentland Firth and Orkney, Scotland) is going to tender for pre-qualification and expression of interest. The deadline for submissions expired on May 28, so the Crown Estate has invited four companies to attend the tender process. The total amount of tidal power capacity to be awarded for development is 200 MW, or more.
