Invenergy and its associates have agreed to a mammoth deal with American Electric Power (AEP) that will see the acquisition of a 1,365 megawatt unregulated renewable portfolio. Totaling $1.5 billion with project debt included, this is the largest acquisition in Invenergy’s history. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2023.Comprised of 1,200 megawatts of wind power and 165 megawatts of solar energy, the fourteen projects span eleven states and are all contracted under long-term agreements with various utilities, businesses and municipalities.“We are proud to bring our extensive development, financial and operating experience to this high quality renewable operating portfolio” declared Jim Murphy, president and corporate business leader at Invenergy. “Our continuous collaboration with AEP combined with our investor consortium led us to secure this important agreement.”The acquisition was made possible by partnered investments from CDPQ and funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure as well as from banks such as Santander who provided committed financing for the deal.

Summary

• Invenergy, in partnership with CDPQ and funds managed by Blackstone Infrastructure, has entered into an agreement with American Electric Power to acquire its 1365MW unregulated renewables portfolio.
• The portfolio of contracted operational assets is valued at $1.5bn, including project debt, with the sale expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.
• Invenergy and its partners in the deal secured committed financing to support this acquisition from Banks including Santander.

What is the value of the portfolio of contracted operational assets being acquired by Invenergy?

The value of the portfolio of contracted operational assets being acquired by Invenergy is $1.5bn, including project debt.

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Picture source: American Public Power Association

Conrad Energy has officially switched on a 25MW power grid battery in Blackpool, located in the north-west of England. The 50 megawatt-hour energy storage system is linked to Electricity North West’s (ENWL) 33kV network, and tested for UK grid compliance prior to its activation.Conrad Energy’s chief operating officer Steve Conry declared that this energy storage system will help with the transition to renewable energy sources, making it possible to match varying electricity demands with intermittent supply. He went on to add that such projects require long-term planning involving landlords, local authorities and communities before finally coming online and being managed by maintenance and operational teams. These experts strive to keep the stored power at an optimal performance level, which is then sold on the market by Conrad Energy’s own optimisation team.

Summary

• Conrad Energy has energised a 25MW grid battery in Blackpool, north-west England.
• The 25MW/50 megawatt-hour energy storage system is connected to Electricity North West’s (ENWL) 33kV network.
• The project will support the energy transition by solving the problem of matching intermittent energy supply with varying grid demand and by providing essential ancillary services such as Dynamic Containment, Dynamic Regulation and Dynamic Moderation.

What services does Conrad Energy’s 25MW grid battery provide for Electricity North West’s 33kV network?

Conrad Energy’s 25MW grid battery provides essential ancillary services such as Dynamic Containment, Dynamic Regulation and Dynamic Moderation for Electricity North West’s 33kV network.

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Picture source: Ronnie George

TenneT has appointed Dura Vermeer, BAM Infra Nederland and Visser & Smit Bouw to carry out the civil engineering works for the connection of as many as eight onshore stations for a 2GW Offshore Wind Grid Link in the Netherlands. The agreement can be extended, should new 2GW projects be declared during the contract period. The basic design of the land stations has been made and upon starting work in 2024, they will be involved in creating detailed designs. This is due to be completed by 2026 and is key to the energy transition from offshore that will enable Europe becoming a climate-neutral continent.

Summary

• TenneT has selected Dura Vermeer, BAM Infra Nederland and Visser & Smit Bouw for the civil engineering works for the construction of the land-based stations for the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects in the Netherlands.
• From 2024, TenneT will realise the connection of offshore wind farms according to a new 2GW standard.
• Work on the land stations will start in 2024 with an expected first delivery of civil engineering work in 2026.

What countries will be involved in the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects?

The countries involved in the 2GW HVDC grid link for offshore wind projects will be the Netherlands and Germany.

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Picture source: Andrey Metelev

NTR has just secured the Momerstroff wind portfolio, with two projects located in France’s Grand Est region. This major purchase consists of 11.5MW from the already-operational Momerstroff I, and 34.5MW from the upcoming Momerstroff II, which is slated to begin business in Q1 2026.To ensure a successful transaction, Natural Power provided comprehensive technical due diligence on permitting, environmental codes and contracts, land lease and maintenance provisions and civil works. Additionally, they conducted energy yield assessments and inspected the turbines themselves.Liam Lyng of NTR commented on this event: We are absolutely delighted to add these wind farms to our assets under management in France; through this acquisition we aim to contribute significantly to green power transition towards decarbonisation as well as security of supply in the French market. He added that they were grateful for Natural Power’s role in providing full wrap technical due diligence throughout the process.

Summary

• NTR has acquired the 46MW Momerstroff wind portfolio in the Grand Est region of France from EcoJoule Energy and éolec SAS.
• Once complete, Momerstroff II will include up to ten turbines totalling 34.5MW.
• Natural Power provided technical due diligence as part of the transaction.

What is the total capacity of the Momerstroff wind portfolio?

The total capacity of the Momerstroff wind portfolio is 46MW, with 11.5MW from Momerstroff I and 34.5MW from Momerstroff II.

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Picture source: Giorgio Trovato

Cubico Sustainable Investments and Stanwell Corporation are delighted to announce the kickoff of the Wambo Wind Farm project stage 1 in Queensland’s Western Downs. The 252MW wind farm will involve 42 Vestas V162-6.0MW turbines and is estimated to achieve completion in 2025. Both Cubico and Stanwell, which is owned by the Queensland Government, will possess joint ownership of the plant during construction and the 30-year operational phase.David Smith, Cubico’s Country Head for Australia, commented on this milestone development: “We’re overjoyed to have reached yet another crucial step as part of our long-term strategy for renewable energy generation expansion in Australia. This includes collaborations with likeminded partners like Stanwell who share our same values toward decarbonisation. We’re also thankful for Powerlink’s supportive role in connecting the wind farm to a reliable grid.The construction of Wambo is projected to create 200 jobs during its initial phases and lead to 22 permanent slots once it has come into service. Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) will work alongside Cubico to select local businesses for participation in the project’s operations and provide area residents with upskilling opportunities within its supply chain. As such, TSBE will hold a public forum where community members can meet representatives from its appointed Engineering, Procurement and Construction provider – Vestas – and acquire further information regarding construction details at Jandowae later this month. Additional updates from Cubico concerning Wambo Stage 1 will be released to nearby residents early March 2021.

Summary

• Cubico and Stanwell have announced the start of construction of stage 1 of the Wambo Wind Farm in Queensland’s Western Downs.
• The project will create up to 200 jobs during construction and a further 22 full-time equivalent jobs during operations.
• Vestas has been appointed as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) lead for stage 1, as well as the long-term operations and maintenance provider for a minimum of 30 years.

What opportunities will local businesses have to engage in work on the Wambo Wind Farm?

Local businesses will have the opportunity to engage in work on the Wambo Wind Farm through attending public forums and contacting Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE) for updates.

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Picture source: American Public Power Association

Renewable energy company RWE recently announced the start of construction for its Gazules project, a solar park comprising two parts: Gazules 1 and 2. Each section will have an output of 46MW, resulting in a total capacity of 92MW when combined. Located in Cádiz in Spain, the 140-hectare installation will include bifacial solar cells – double-sided modules with a second pane on the back which harnesses indirect light from reflected rays. This increases yield and efficiency of the system. This is part of a larger expansion plan for Spain, with RWE now at 250MW following recent commissions such as Casa Valdes near Madrid (44MW) and Las Vaguadas/Puerta del Sol (54MW). CEO Katja Wünschel for RWE’s Onshore Wind and Solar Europe & Australia commented positively on its progress: “Five new solar farms in less than two years is a great track record”. Full commissioning of Gazules I is expected by year’s end 2023.

Summary

• RWE has started construction of a 92MW solar project, in the province of Cádiz, Spain.
• Approximately 240,000 bifacial modules will be installed on a total area of 140 hectares.
• At the end of last year, RWE commissioned its 44 MW solar park Casa Valdes near Madrid.

What is the total solar capacity of RWE in Spain following the commissioning of Gazules at the end of 2023?

At the end of 2023, RWE will have a total solar capacity of around 250MW in Spain.

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Picture source: Andreas Gücklhorn