SolarReseve Begins Commissioning Phase of the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project

SolarReserve began commissioning the 110-MW Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project, the first utility-scale facility to feature advanced molten salt power tower energy storage capabilities, located near Tonopah, Nevada. Commissioning activities include energization of the utility interconnection system and other electrical systems.

Alstom Signs Contract with Deepwater Wind to Supply the Haliade' 150-6 MW Turbine

Alstom will supply 5 Haliade' 150-6 MW offshore wind turbines for Deepwater Wind's 30-MW Block Island Wind Farm located off the coast of Rhode Island. Alstom will manufacture the turbines and will provide 15 years of operation and maintenance support. The project is aligned with The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's "Smart from the Start" offshore wind program, which aims to accelerate the development of clean, renewable offshore wind along the eastern seaboard of the U.S.

Canadian Solar Announces the Sale its Fourth Utility Scale Solar Power Plant in Ontario to a Fund Managed by BlackRock

Canadian Solar Solutions entered into an agreement with a fund managed by BlackRock, whereby BlackRock will acquire from Canadian Solar the 10 MW Oro-Medonte (Oro) solar power plant. The fourth utility-scale solar power plant purchased by BlackRock is located in the Township of Oro-Medonte and is scheduled to start construction in the first quarter of 2014, with commercial operation expected in the third quarter of 2014. Canadian Solar is providing turnkey EPC services to complete the project and will provide operation and maintenance services after completion.

Sunrun Acquires REC Solar's Residential Division, AEE Solar and SnapNrack

Sunrun acquired the residential division of REC Solar, AEE Solar and SnapNrack. The companies represent Mainstream Energy's residential solar sales, design and installation; wholesale distribution; and mounting systems and hardware businesses, respectively. In the commercial market, REC Solar will continue as an independent organization under the legal name REC Solar Commercial. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

Sumitomo Sets Up World's First Large-Scale Power Storage System with Used Batteries

Sumitomo developed and installed the world's first large-scale power storage system that utilizes used batteries collected from electric vehicles. This commercial scale storage system, built on Yume-shima Island, Osaka, began operating in February 2014. Over the next three years, the system will measure the smoothing effect of energy output fluctuation from the nearby Hikari-no-mori solar farm, and will aim to establish a large-scale power storage technology by utilizing the huge quantities of discarded used EV batteries.

Tri-State Signs Agreement with NextEra Energy Resources for Wind Facility in Colorado

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association entered into a 25-year agreement with a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources for a 150 MW wind power generating facility to be constructed in eastern Colorado. Under the 25-year PPA, Tri-State will purchase the entire output and associated environmental attributes of the Carousel Wind Farm. The 150-MW facility will be Tri-State's largest wind energy PPA to date.

NRG Energy Signs Deal with Virgin Limited Edition to Power Necker Island with a Microgrid Solution

NRG Energy and Virgin Limited Edition entered into a diesel reduction agreement for the provision of renewable power to Necker Island. Pursuant to this agreement, NRG will develop a renewables-driven microgrid for the entire island, supplying reliable electricity powered at least 75% by an integrated array of solar, wind and energy storage technologies.

SunEdison Installs Solar Parking Canopy at Whole Foods in Brooklyn

SunEdison completed a 306 kW DC solar system for Whole Foods Market in Brooklyn, New York. SunEdison designed the system using a parking canopy structure that collects rainwater while protecting customers from the elements. The two companies have worked together since 2004 and have jointly deployed 1.5 MW of solar projects. The building is designed to be 60 percent more energy efficient than the average grocery store with more than 25 percent of site power needs being met by solar energy. SunEdison will manage the plant via their 24/7 renewable operations center (ROC).

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