WHAT have we
been up to
with the sun?
For us at Phanes Group, making a real difference means supporting the local communities where we are developing solar projects. On the eve of Eid al Fitr, we donated bags of rice and cooking oil to villages in Sokoto and Kebbi states, located in Nigeria, just in time for the celebratory close to Ramadan.
Market UK Market
During May and June 2019 the Phanes Group HQ staff collected food, blankets and clothing for donation to local mosques and labor camps.
Phanes Group shortlisted to bid for "Promotion of Mini Grids for Rural Electrification in North…
Phanes Group is excited to have been among the four consortiums shortlisted to bid for the Uganda Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development’s “Promotion of Mini Grids for Rural Electrification in Northern Uganda” tender. The program is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the German Climate Technology Initiative (DKTI), the European Union (EU) and the Uganda Rural Electrification Agency. In line with our goal of bringing power to communities that need it most, rural electrification continues to be a key focus for Phanes Group, and we continue to make progress in scaling-up our off-grid activities across sub-Saharan Africa.
International end-to-end solar provider Phanes Group has announced the 30MW Gossas Solar Farm Project in Senegal as the winner of the second edition of its Solar Incubator. The announcement was made at the “Unlocking Solar Capital: Africa” conference in Kigali, Rwanda, where three finalists presented their proposal to a panel of international industry experts from responsAbility, ECREEE, Hogan Lovells, Phanes Group, RINA, and African Development Bank. “We are proud to announce Mr. Hadj [the project owner] as the winner of this year’s Solar Incubator. It was a difficult decision as we received a strong response of project proposals with the potential to positively impact their communities. Our experience now in the second year of the incubator encourages us to continue with this initiative because there is a great deal of local talent on the continent who have the potential to benefit from such a platform,” said Andrea Haupts, COO of Phanes Group. Maintaining a long-term stake in the project, Hadj and the Dubai-headquartered solar provider will work collaboratively, aiming to bring the solar energy project to financial close.
Phanes Group is honored to announce that we have won the "Gulf Capital Business of the Year", presented at last night's Gulf Capital SME Awards 2018. We are very proud to have been the only renewable energy company nominated, in what was a notable and diverse group of candidates. Congratulations to all of the finalists, who were recognized for their remarkable growth and contribution to the UAE economy. A big thanks to the Phanes Group team for all of their hard work!
We’re delighted to announce that ECREEE (ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficie…
We’re delighted to announce that ECREEE (ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) has joined the Phanes Group Solar Incubator 2018, adding to the strong line-up of expertise represented by our solar incubator partners. If you haven’t applied yet, visit www.phanesgroup.com/incubator and submit your application today – deadline for submissions is 27 September (11.59 pm CET).
Phanes Group is delighted to announce the launch of the 2nd edition of the Phanes Group Solar Incubator in partnership with Hogan Lovells, responsAbility Renewable Energy Holding, RINA and Solarplaza. The initiative aims to identify and support PV projects of potential in sub-Saharan Africa. If you are looking to: •	Work towards getting your PV project funded and drive it to financial close; •	Connect with key industry players and receive mentoring from them; •	Give back to the local community and make a difference. Then submit your application now, deadline is September 27, 2018 (11:59 p.m. CET) – don’t miss out! Visit our page and apply www.phanesgroup.com/incubator
Together with its asset construction division, Oryx Solar System Solutions LLC (Oryx), Phanes Group is delivering the Middle East’s largest distributed solar project. Stefanos Lialios, Head of Project Execution at Phanes Group in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) spoke to pv magazine about the challenges faced in building and operating the landmark project, and finding the right equipment and solutions to address these challenges.
Our CEO, Martin Haupts, shares his takeaways from the Africa Energy Forum 2018.
At Phanes Group we believe that making a difference means supporting the local communities where we are developing solar projects. We have donated bags of rice and cooking oil to villages in Sokoto and Kebi states, located in Nigeria, for the celebratory close to Ramadan.
Phanes Group is pleased to announce it will be present in Mauritius on June 19-22 for the Africa Energy Forum 2018 (AEF). We are looking forward to meeting partners, existing and potential, and discussing the latest PV solar trends in Africa. Get in touch if you’re attending and send your requests to info@phanesgroup.com or visit us at stand #49.
Editorial by Phanes Group's CEO Martin Haupts, published in the Africa Energy Yearbook
Martin Haupts, CEO of Phanes Group, writes for Wealth Arabia about the potential investments into renewable energy.
We’re pleased to announce that Phanes Group has officially partnered with the Africa Infrastructure Development Association (AfIDA) – an association that seeks to promote and enable infrastructure project development activities in Africa. In line with our commitment to the electrification of Africa and the opportunity that solar energy represents, we’re excited to work closely with AfIDA to advance the development of more bankable power projects on the continent.
We're delighted to welcome Marlon Dos Santos, the winner of the first Phanes Group Solar Incubator, to Dubai. The official Solar Incubator workshop is taking place this week. The Phanes Group team and its Solar Incubator partners will be holding intensive training sessions covering the entire solar value chain and laying the foundations for developing and executing Marlon’s project in his home country Mozambique.
Phanes Group will be sponsoring the “ZIMDABA London 2018 Investment Forum”, 15-16 March, at the Royal Geographical Society. We are looking forward to contributing to an emerging renewable sector under the new administration.
Our CEO, Martin Haupts, shares his insights with the Nigerian Tribune on renewable energy, and on electrifying the African continent.
Our CEO, Martin Haupts, discusses the current state of on-grid solar PV in Nigeria with Solarplaza.
Phanes Group is pleased to announce it will be present in Amsterdam, Netherlands on Feb 15-16 for Solarplaza's Making Solar Bankable event. We are looking forward to meeting partners, existing and potential, and discussing the latest PV solar trends in emerging markets. Get in touch if you're attending and send your requests to info@phanesgroup.com
We’re pleased to announce that Phanes Group has officially launched a partnership with Power Africa – a U.S. Government-led initiative focused on increasing power access in sub-Saharan Africa. In line with our commitment to the electrification of the region and to the opportunity that solar energy represents, we’re excited to work together with Power Africa in achieving its goal of adding more than 30,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity and 60 million new home and business connections by 2030.
Our CEO, Martin Haupts, shares his insights with Forbes Middle East on the importance of green private equity investment for sustainable projects.
We’re excited to have been recognized by S&P Global Platts as a finalist in this year’s Global Energy Awards – the only company headquartered in the Middle East to be represented in the “Rising Star Company” category. It’s been a remarkable year of growth for Phanes Group, driven by a dedicated team, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank S&P Global Platts for their recognition. Winners will be announced next Thursday, at the Global Energy Awards gala in New York – stay tuned!
We’re excited to announce the winner of the 2017 Phanes Group Solar Incubator: Marlon Dos Santos, developing the Kitaka Solar Project (50 MW) in Mozambique. We would like to thank all our finalists for their outstanding presentations, as well as Solarplaza who hosted our event, and the members of our esteemed evaluation panel who brought their expertise in making what was indeed a very difficult decision.
Today we're excited to announce the finalists for our inaugural Phanes Group Solar Incubator 2017. We'd like to congratulate the following finalists, who will be presenting their projects in front of a high-level evaluation panel: * Côte d'Ivoire, Akouédo Solar Project (2 x 25 MW) * Ethiopia, Solar Project - Amhara Region (100 MW) * Mozambique, Kitaka Solar Project (50 MW) We've received an outstanding response to the program, and we would like to thank all who applied and expressed interest. We wish the finalists good luck!
We're excited to have been recognized as a finalist for the "Business of the Year" category in this year's Gulf Capital SME Awards - a recognition of the team's hard work and dedication in driving the company's growth. Thank you to the Gulf Capital SME Awards organizers for this recognition, and to our staff for their continued support.
In this LinkedIn Op-Ed article, Phanes Group's CEO Martin Haupts discusses the Solar Incubator initiative, and the need to support the development of Africa's renewable energy infrastructure.
In this video interview, Phanes Group's CEO Martin Haupts explains the Phanes Group Solar Incubator initiative. Apply now! We're accepting entries until October 1, 2017.
We are very pleased to announce the Evaluation Panel for the upcoming Phanes Group Solar Incubator to be held during the "Unlocking Solar Capital Africa" in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, October 26, 2017.
We’re delighted to announce that RINA Consulting has joined the Phanes Group Solar Incubator, adding to the strong line-up of expertise represented by our partners. If you haven’t yet applied, visit our page and submit your application today!
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Phanes Group Solar Incubator 2017, aiming to help you bring your sub-Saharan Africa PV project to financial close - joining forces with top-tier partners such as Proparco, responsAbility, Hogan Lovells, and Solarplaza. Get your PV project funded and drive it to financial close. Be supported by key industry players and receive mentoring from them. Give back to the local community and make a difference. Entries close October 1, 2017; visit the Solar Incubator page through the link below, and apply now!
Solar and wind energy are undoubtedly on the rise. The renewable sector as a whole continues to scale up, and countries around the world, particularly growth markets, are announcing promising policy changes that make a big contribution to our global sustainability goals. Andrea Haupts, Chief Operating Officer of Phanes Group, discusses the potential for renewables to be a key driver of job growth.
Phanes Group is currently cooperating with meteocontrol GmbH, a leading provider of independent photovoltaic monitoring systems, on Phase I of the DP World Solar Power Programme - Dubai’s largest distributed solar industrial rooftop project. meteocontrol is implementing complex photovoltaic rooftop systems with a total installed volume of 25.8 MWp. meteocontrol designed the customized monitoring platform for these rooftop solar systems.
Phanes Group has been shortlisted as one of 103 small and medium-sized enterprises as a finalists competing for honors at the 2017 Gulf Capital SME Awards.
Solar represents a competitive source in the energy mix across growth markets such as the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and sub-Saharan Africa - Phanes Group's focus markets. In this interview with PV Magazine, Martin Haupts discusses the state of solar development in these regions, as well as Phanes Group's current activities and future plans. Read the article, through the link below.
Last week, the Phanes Group team attended the 2017 Africa Energy Forum in Copenhagen - a key calendar event for the industry's biggest players dedicated to the African continent. In follow-up, CEO Martin Haunts discusses key takeaways from the conference
The Phanes Group team's involvement with this week’s Africa Energy Forum 2017 comes at an important time for our work on the continent. By the end of this year, we’re planning to bring our first utility-scale project in Nigeria’s Sokoto state to financial close. The project is one of three from Phanes Group in the country which together total 260 MW, and is also among 14 PPAs backed by the Nigerian government.
All Eyes on Africa: An Interview with the Africa Energy Forum in the Lead-Up to AEF 2017 in Copenhag…
Phanes Group is pleased to be exhibiting at the Africa Energy Forum (AEF) in Copenhagen next month. In the build-up to the event, CEO Martin Haupts spoke to EnergyNet – the forum organizers, about the best model for electrifying the continent and being an end-to-end solar provider.
Recognition as "Leading UAE Renewable Energy Company of the Year" in the 2017 UAE Business…
Phanes Group has been recognized by MEA Markets as the "Leading UAE Renewable Energy Company of the Year" in the 2017 UAE Business Awards. This recognition of our work is the result of our staff giving their best every day to deliver the highest standard of quality and expertise in new and growing markets. A big thank you to the team!
A discussion on the impact SME's (Small & Medium-Sized Enterprises) are having on the renewable energy sector by Andrea Haupts, COO of Phanes Group. Read the article here - first published in Arabian Business magazine.
As last week's World Future Energy Summit / Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week came to a close, Martin Haupts discussed the state of the industry with radio station Dubai Eye 103.8. Tune in with the podcast linked below (interview starts at 45 minutes, 25 seconds).
Following-up to last week's World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi UAE - and as we head into the new year - Martin Haupts reflects on the case for renewable energy today. Read the full posting through the link below.
The UAE energy strategy 2050 and Saudi Arabia’s plans to go big on renewables and nuclear energy were some of the highlights of the four-day World Future Energy Summit (WFES) this year. Martin Haupts reflects on the opportunities these represent in this article by Gulf News.
Construction Week Online speaks with Martin Haupts on the renewable energy sector in the Middle East region, and about Phanes Group's plans for growth.
PV Insider and CSP Today have published their “MENA Solar Market Outlook for 2017” whitepaper, where Phanes Group CEO Martin Haupts speaks about the future of distributed solar in the region.
Andrea Haupts, COO of Phanes Group, shares her insights with Finance Middle East on starting and developing a start-up business, for the magazine's November 2016 issue.
"Jobs, Economic Growth, and Social Mobility are all Byproducts of our Fight to Tackle Climate C…
COP22 was billed as a meeting that would strengthen the world’s commitment to a clean energy future. Instead, an unexpected Presidential result in the US left many leaving Morocco worried for the Paris Agreement and cast a shadow over the near-term future for renewable energy – part of the world’s action plan to tackle climate change. But the truth is, renewable energy is now much more than just a climate mitigation initiative. As an industry, it’s growing – creating jobs, stimulating investment, driving economic development and catalyzing investment research. IRENA reports that over 8 million people are now employed in the renewable energy industry, and that figure continues to grow.
As part of its initiatives for rural electrification, Phanes Group is bringing solar powered water-pumps to Nigeria’s rural areas to help farmers save on cost for diesel while also saving on CO2 emissions.
Phanes Group is collaborating with DP World on CSR projects to cater to those who need energy solutions to improve their lives. This showcase school container was displayed on Wetex 2016 in Dubai and will be donated to a refugee camp to provide a safe teaching environment. More interesting projects coming soon.
Working hard to help make the Shams Dubai program a success.
Phanes Group team on site at the DP World Solar Power Programme. Working hard to help make the Shams Dubai program a success.
The Dubai-based developer signs PPA initiative to construct 100 MW solar farm in Sokoto in 2018, with two further 100 MW plants to follow in 2019. The first project will entail a 100 MW solar farm in the country’s Sokoto region, with the first 50 MW phase of the plant penciled in for completion in the first quarter of 2018, and the entire plant scheduled to be online before the end of that year.
Media ME has published a whitepaper on last May's “COP 21: Outcomes and Effects on the Public-Private Sectors” conference - a Green Leadership Series event organized by Dubai Science Park and Dubai Green Economy Partnership. Phanes Group CEO Martin Haupts was invited to share his perspective on the role of the private sector in partnering to achieve the UAE’s Green Economy vision.
On May 16th 2016, the Dubai Green Economy Partnership and Dubai Science Park held the latest conference in its “Green Leadership Series”, with the attendance of UAE’s Ministry of Energy (MOEnr), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dubai Municipality, and the UAE Water Aid Foundation (Suqia). Titled “COP 21: Outcomes and Effects on the Public-Private Sectors”, the event explored the impact of the recently-signed Paris Agreements on the UAE, as well as the UAE’s path towards achieving its sustainable development goals. A particular theme was the collaboration between the public and private sectors, and Phanes Group CEO Martin Haupts was invited to share his perspective on the role of the private sector in partnering to achieve the UAE’s Green Economy vision.
Phanes Group CEO Martin Haupts was interviewed for the April 2016 issue of Future Cities Middle East. The article features Martin's views on the Middle East region's rapidly changing market for solar PV projects, his perspective on the future, as well as the development of Phanes Group
Today is the 46th Earth Day and people from all walks of life, and all over the world will demonstrate their support for environmental protection. It’s the biggest of the environmental celebrations and the Earth Day Network anticipates a billion people from 192 countries will take action today to safeguard the planet.
Phanes Wins DP World Tender to Deliver First Phase of Largest Rooftop Solar Project in the Middle Ea…
Green Energy Tomorrow, the regionally focused rooftop solar specialist launched by Phanes Group – has signed an agreement with DP World to deliver the first phase of the largest rooftop solar project in the Middle East. Green Energy Tomorrow secured the rooftop project following a competitive tender process.
Phanes Group Wins DP World Tender to Deliver First Phase of Largest Rooftop Solar Project in Middle …
Green Energy Tomorrow, the regionally focused rooftop solar specialist launched by Phanes Group - has signed an agreement with DP World to deliver the first phase of the largest rooftop solar project in the Middle East. Green Energy Tomorrow secured the project following a competitive tender process. The project complements Dubai’s efforts to diversify energy sources in line with Dubai Vision 2021 and the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 which seek to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030.
More than 5,000 solar panels are helping a Dubai power station to become one of the region’s largest, single rooftop arrays, but companies say the authorisation process is inhibiting a large-scale roll-out. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) announced yesterday that its Jebel Ali power plant was producing 1.5 megawatts of power, which is enough to power about a quarter of a million homes, according to the US-based Solar Energy Industry Association.
A 33.4 MW solar plant was officially inaugurated in Monte Plata province of the Dominican Republic. Monte Plata Phase I solar array has been developed by the Dubai-based Phanes Group, Taiwanese NSP Group and German Soventix.
Phanes Group, an international solar PV developer, asset manager and investment manager, has launched a full service solar entity, the company announced on March 5th, 2016. Green Energy Tomorrow, will specialize in rooftop solar PV (distributed) and smaller-scale ground mounted solar PV systems in the United Arab Emirates and the GCC region.
Phanes Group has launched Green Energy Tomorrow, a full-service solar entity specializing in rooftop solar opportunities, i.e. rooftop portfolios and smaller-scale ground mounted solar systems. Its initial geographic focus will be the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai in particular, but the company also sees a strong growth potential especially with regards to the wider GCC region and Sub-Saharan Africa. Green Energy Tomorrow is wholly owned by Phanes Group and its shareholders General Energy Solutions (GES) and Neo Solar Power (NSP) both from Taiwan – combining the extensive deployment, investment and financing expertise of Phanes Group, with the technology of its partners GES and NSP to scale up solar in the region.
www.greenenergytomorrow.com
Dubai-based solar company is targeting the addition of 500 MW of solar PV by 2018 across numerous regions globally; General Energy Solutions' 30% acquisition delivers ambitious boon for the company.
Dubai Carbon and the United Nations Development Programme have issued the latest edition of their annual "State of Green Economy Report". Read an excerpt of the article "Supply and Demand Go Hand-in-Hand: How the Private Sector Can Assist Dubai in Achieving its Renewable-Energy Targets", in which Phanes Group Managing Director, Martin Haupts is quoted.
Phanes Group's Managing Director, Martin Haupts, has been quoted in The National, in today's article: "Bank Financing Falls Short of UAE's Green Economy".
The National Round Table on Financing & Investing in the Green Economy was held in Dubai, gathering financial institutions and regulators as well as Green Economy policy makers and businesses from across the UAE. The aim was to initiate dialogue on motivating the finance sector to become actively involved in the transition to a greener, more sustainable economy in the UAE and globally. Martin Haupts, Managing Director of Dubai-based Phanes Group, was one of the panelists discussing the financing of low carbon opportunities. He sees huge potential in this field, especially in the range of $15m to $50m sukuk: “The green initiatives offer long-term stable revenues over 15 to 20 years. Islamic finance with securitization is a great option where conventional financing is not ready for the risk.” The conference was co-hosted by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and was attended by 300 participants. It forms part of the UAE preparations – in collaboration with UNEP – for hosting the 2016 UNEP FI Global Roundtable on Sustainable Finance under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crowne Prince of Dubai.
Phanes Group’s Managing Director Martin Haupts described ways to refinance renewable energy assets in the Mena region, giving previous case studies from Phanes Group in the context of recent market developments during World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi. He was part of a panel discussion about Green Sukuks (Islamic Bonds) and Financing Sustainable Energy Solutions in Mena organized by the Clean Energy Business Council. The interactive seminar addressed sustainable energy financing in the region, and also discussed new ways of thinking about finance and capital for renewable energy projects. The financing of renewable energy projects is seen as an issue because banks are often nervous about funding such initiatives. It has resulted in organizations seeking more innovative ways to fund renewable energy developments. The Clean Energy Business Council has been working with Dubai Ministries to promote a green sukuk as a new way of financing clean energy projects. WFES is the Middle East’s largest gathering on future energy and attracted up to 30,000 delegates from 170 different countries.
Phanes’ Managing Director Martin Haupts spoke at the SEIDC conference in Cairo alongside Philip ter Wort, Egypt Director of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on mitigating investment risks and attracting FDI for the Egyptian solar market. In this panel discussion, the speakers specifically addressed how to identify key investor priorities and requirements. They also assessed fiscal incentives in place to attract investors and further requirements for the solar industry. SEIDC is the first conference dedicated to the solar energy industry in Egypt and was held alongside the 24th International Power, Energy and Security Forum. It aims to be a networking platform for the industry in Egypt in order to discuss and learn about shaping policy and exchange knowledge about the market, finance and investment possibilities.
Phanes supports GES in a £18m solar deal to benefit up to 4,500 Manchester homes. Up to 4,500 social homes in Manchester will be fitted with solar panels after a housing association agreed an £18m deal.
Phanes Group starts operations through PAG Renewable Energy Services in Dubai to cater to the growing demand of renewable energy in the region. PAG Renewable Energy Services is a project management specialist that focuses on renewable project development in the EMEA region with a distinct focus on solar energy and the Distributed PV segment. PAG’s geographical location positions the company perfectly to harness the arising opportunities in the EMEA renewable markets.
MENA PV additions quadrupled in 2018
As anticipated, 2018 was a pivotal year for PV installations in Middle East and North Africa, writes Josefin Berg, Research and Analysis Manager at IHS Markit. PV Magazine's end-of-year estimates show that approximately 3.6 GW of PV systems were installed in the region in 2018, compared to less than 1 GW in 2017.
$1.5m grant to assist Ghana’s renewable energy investment drive
The African Development Bank has approved a $1.5 million grant from its Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), to assist Ghana’s renewable energy investment drive. The bank stated that this grant will support the government’s efforts to overcome technical, financial, regulatory and institutional barriers to scaling-up renewable energy investments in the country. The project, which is part of the Bank-led Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and the Scaling-up Renewable Energy Programme (SREP) Investment Plan for Ghana, will complement the bank’s effort in the Ghana Energy Development and Access Programme (GEDAP). The SEFA grant will fund broad components: the technical/commercial/regulatory and feasibility studies, aimed at providing detailed renewable energy resource studies, grid integration studies and regulatory texts, and resources and public sector skills and capacity development.
GTM: Middle East and Africa set for 170% growth in solar demand
The Middle East and Africa is set to enjoy a year-on-year PV demand increase of 170%, according to GTM Research. In its latest regional breakout, deployment is expected to land at 3.6GW this year spiking to 20GW in 2020. Cumulatively the region will install 83.7GW in the period 2018-2023. According to the report’s author, Ben Attia, there are currently 12.3GW of utility-scale solar contracted or under construction and a further 21GW in the pre-contract phase. Major utility-scale tender programmes in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE have boosted numbers and Attia expects Africa to contribute more than 6.4GW from 2020 onwards. Saudi and the UAE are expected to account for half of all the additional solar capacity installed out to 2023.
World Bank exceeds climate finance target with record year
On Thursday, the World Bank revealed that in fiscal year 2018, 32.1% of its financing had climate co-benefits – already exceeding the target set in 2015 that 28% of its lending volume would be climate-related by 2020. “We have not just exceeded our climate targets on paper, we have transformed the way we work with countries and are seeing major transitions to renewable energy, clean and resilient transport systems, climate-smart agriculture and sustainable cities,” said World Bank CEO, Kristalina Georgieva. This amounted to a record-setting $20.5 billion in climate-related finance delivered in the last fiscal year, the result of an institution-wide effort to mainstream climate considerations into all development projects.
AfDB supporting Zambian small-scale renewables
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a US$50 million loan for small-scale renewable energy projects in Zambia, after recent droughts caused a serious electricity supply deficit due to the country’s heavy reliance on hydropower. This comes on top of the US$52.5 million in financing approved by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in February as part of a financing framework. Zambia’s Government launched the Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFiT) policy in 2017 to support private investments for small-scale <20MW renewable projects, driven by the hydropower deficit. The ‘Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariffs’ (GETFiT) Zambia Programme was then brought in to facilitate the implementation of the REFiT Policy aiming to finance 200MW of renewable energy projects. The GETFiT programme will be co-financed by the GCF and AfDB along with other yet to be determined co-financers.
Falling battery costs to enable wind and solar generation to hit 50% globally by 2050
Wind and solar could provide half of the world’s energy generation by 2050 on the back of continually declining technology costs, particularly in battery energy storage, according to a new report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). The 150-page New Energy Outlook (NEO) 2018 report predicts that the future of the global electricity system will be dominated by tumbling lithium-ion battery prices. These have already fallen 80% per MWh since 2010 and will continue to decline as electric vehicle manufacturing builds up through the 2020s.
Global funds back desert solar to bring power to 250 million Africans
The Desert to Power collaboration between the African Development Bank (ADB), the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Africa50 investment fund aims to build 10,000 MW of solar projects across the dry, sunny region. That would be enough to bring solar-generated electricity to 250 million people, including 90 million through off-grid solutions, which the organisations claim will enable the development of agriculture. Just 42% of people have access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa. Green Climate Fund executive director Howard Bamsey said the needs expressed by countries in the region were driving the initiative. “Sahel countries have identified the potential of solar power to bring green energy to people across the region,” said Bamsey. “Renewable energy investment is a priority in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.” The organisations agreed to share ideas and resources to make solar power available throughout the Sahel region, with the aim of transforming African deserts into new sources of renewable energy.
Renewable Energy Needs To Scale Up By A Factor Of Six, Reports IRENA
The speed of global renewable energy adoption needs to increase by at least a factor of six if the world is to meet the goals set out in the Paris Climate Agreement, but which would also result in the growth of the global economy and global welfare, according to a new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency. The new report published by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Global Energy Transformation: A Roadmap to 2050, was launched at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue being held on Tuesday and Wednesday at Germany’s Federal Foreign Office. According to the report, cumulative energy system investment would need to be increased by 30% through to 2050 in favor of supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency — from around $93 trillion under current and planned policies, up to $120 trillion. This investment figure also requires $18 trillion be directed towards power grids and energy flexibility — double that of current and planned policies.
Zambia issues RfQ for 100MW of solar under GET FiT programme
The government of Zambia has issued a Request for Qualification (RfQ) for up to 100MW of solar under the first round of the GET FiT Zambia programme. German development bank KfW, which is representing the Zambian government, is implementing the tender on behalf of the Ministry of Energy. The capacity will become available via a reverse bid, competitive auction process. The maximum project size will be 20MW and each applicant can apply for up to two projects. A maximum of 20 projects and bidders will be shortlisted and invited to submit full technical and financial Bids during a Request for Proposal (RfP) stage. In December 2017, GET FiT Zambia became the official implementation programme for the Zambian Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFiT) Strategy, which was formally launched by the Ministry of Energy in October 2017.
Lebanese solar-plus-storage tender could enable private supply of renewables
Lebanon could reconfigure its laws and regulations to allow private sector actors to generate renewable energy for sale to the grid, it emerged as the Middle Eastern country opened up its first solar-plus-storage tender process. The Government of Lebanon is seeking to enter power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy supply and has called on “private investors and companies interested” to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to deliver multi-megawatt solar PV projects with co-located energy storage. PPAs will be bought by Electricité du Liban (EDL), Lebanon’s main electricity supplier, on behalf of the Lebanese Republic Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW). It was made clear the government wants to buy up the electricity supply, not to own the assets themselves.
Madagascar joins Scaling Solar scheme with added energy storage
Madagascar is the third African country to join the Scaling Solar programme, with the planned 30-40MW solar facility envisaged to help ease daily interruptions of power service. Other Scaling Solar tenders also underway are in Senegal and Ethiopia, with a second round underway in Zambia. The World Bank highlighted that the island nation suffers from frequent power outages, and under one fifth of the population has access to electricity. In the Bank’s Doing Business Report, Madagascar was ranked 187 out of 189 countries regarding the difficulty, delay, and cost of getting electricity. The planned Scaling Solar project will provide a reliable alternative to expensive diesel generators, drawing on an abundant source of renewable energy.
IFC, Canadian government announce partnership to spur renewable energy in Africa
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the government of Canada has formed a financial partnership that will utilise public funding to generate private sector investments to spur renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The program, known as Canada-IFC Renewable Energy Program for Africa, will feature the Canadian government contributing US$122 million that the IFC will use to catalyze private sector investment in renewable energy by offering concessional financing mixed with IFC’s own account resources to mitigate a variety of risks that can deter private investment in renewable energy.
Global solar investments topped US$160.8 billion in 2017 According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) has reported that Global solar investments topped US$160.8 billion in 2017, an 18% increase over the previous year and importantly, despite capital costs declining around 25%.
AfDB achieves 100% investment in green energy projects in 2017
The African Development Bank achieved a 100% investment in renewable energy in 2017, a milestone in its commitment to clean energy and efficiency. The Bank said in a statement that power generation projects with a cumulative 1,400MW exclusively from renewables were approved during the year, with plans to increase support for renewable energy projects in 2018 under the New Deal on Energy for Africa. Bank President, Akinwumi Adesina, commented: ‘’We are clearly leading on renewable energy. We will help Africa unlock its full energy potential, while developing a balanced energy mix to support industrialisation. “Our commitment is to ensure 100% climate screening for all Bank financed projects.’’
New BNEF Report Highlights Global Nature of Solar Adoption
Solar PV (photovoltaics) penetration in emerging markets is rapidly expanding as system costs continue to fall, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) annual Climatescope survey. BNEF claimed that in 2016, a total of 34GW of new solar installations came on line in 71 emerging market countries studied by BNEF, up from 22GW in 2015 and just 3GW said to have been installed in 2011.
BNEF Predicts 305GWh of Energy Storage Worldwide by 2030
The rise of energy storage will enjoy a similarly meteoric trajectory to that enjoyed by solar PV deployment in the past and could reach 305GWh of installations by 2030, BNEF has predicted. The market is set to “double six times” between the years 2016 and 2030, reaching 125GW / 305GWh, Bloomberg New Energy Finance claims. The research group yesterday published a new report, “Energy storage forecast 2016 – 2030”. BNEF calls the expected rise of energy storage during this time as having a “similar trajectory” to that seen in the solar PV market globally between 2010 and 2015. In those five years solar PV capacity doubled seven times over. It is expected that around US$103 billion could be invested in the technology to facilitate this expansion into the mainstream.
KfW and ATI Establish Credit Facility to Spur Renewable Projects in Africa
The German Development Bank (KfW) and the African Trade Insurance Agency (ATI) have set up a new credit facility instrument built to support renewable energy projects in sub-Saharan Africa that targets small and mid-scale renewable energy projects (up to 50MW). The German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through the KfW, will provide funding up to US$38.8 million for the facility – which looks to allow small-and mid-scale renewable energy projects in Africa to reach financial close by meeting liquidity requirements that lenders frequently ask for in order to fund these projects.
Global Solar Demand in 2017 Set for 100GW Milestone
Solar trade association SolarPower Europe has updated its global solar demand forecast for 2017, expecting to reach the 100GW level for the first time. SolarPower Europe said that with global demand reaching 100GW, compared to 76.6GW installed in 2016, annual will be more than 30% in 2017. The trade group had expected only slight demand growth year-on-year, previously guiding installations could reach as much as 80GW in 2017. The real driver for strong demand in 2017 has come from China. The trade group said: “China alone has installed around 42GW in the first nine months of 2017 and is likely to add a total of over 50GW in 2017, which would account for more than half of the world's demand for new solar power capacities this year. This constitutes a 45% growth from the 34.5GW China installed last year.” However, SolarPower Europe noted that in its latest analysis estimates, Europe would also be a small contributor to the 2017 growth levels with installations expected to be around 10% higher than in 2016, with at least 7.5GW grid connected.
Senegal launches RfP for 100MW of solar
Senegal’s Electricity Regulatory Commission (CRSE) has issued Request for Proposals (RFPs) for 100MW of solar projects to be built in three regions. The tender will be structured through the World Bank’s ‘Scaling Solar’ programme and projects are due to be located at Touba in the region of Diourbel, at Kahone in the Kaolack region, or at Niakhar in the Fatick region.
Zimbabwe utility plans first 300MW of solar
Zimbabwe state-owned power company Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) has applied to develop three solar PV plants with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). A ZPC spokesperson told PV Tech that this is the firm’s first foray into solar energy, but did not comment on whether the company wished to build more solar in the future should these projects go ahead. The massive utility-scale projects would be far larger than the country’s current largest solar installation of 216kW from Switzerland’s meeco Group.
Saudi Arabia Issues Rules for Small-Scale Solar Energy Generation
Saudi Arabia has issued a regulatory framework for electricity consumers to operate their own, small-scale solar power generating systems and export unused power to the national grid, the government said on Monday. The rules will come into force next July 1 and cover small photovoltaic facilities with generating capacity of no more than 2 megawatts, the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority said. Consumers will have their excess electricity offset against their future consumption and after a year they will receive cash payments at a tariff approved by the authority.
World Bank Finances Niger’s Off-Grid Solar Initiative with $50 million
Niger’s cabinet has ratified an agreement it closed in June with the International Development Association (IDA), which is part of the World Bank, for a €42.7 million ($50.3 million) financing that is planned to support the Niger Solar Electricity Access Project (NESPA), an initiative aimed at bringing solar power to rural communities.
World Bank Approves $150m USD to Fund Off-Grid Systems in Northeastern Kenya
The World Bank this week approved $150m to fund off-grid solar systems in northeastern Kenya. The International Development Association credit is planned to provide power for an estimated 1.3 million people across 14 counties in Kenya’s northern and northeastern regions. According to the Bank, the project will aim to provide solar-based energy services to households, schools, hospitals, businesses and community centres through public-private partnerships that include “practical business models that attract private sector investment”. The project will include a technical assistance component that will facilitate a consumer education campaign as well as a capacity building programme.
Mauritius' Central Electricity Board (CEB) Launches Net Metering Scheme for Residential PV
Mauritius’ Central Electricity Board (CEB) has launched the second phase of the Small Scale Distributed Generation Net-Metering Scheme. The new phase of the program is expected to enable the installation of up to 2 MW of PV systems not exceeding 5 kW. Under the scheme, customers generating electricity will export any excess energy in the grid, in the form of kWh credits. The credits will be used when the customer’s system is not producing enough power to meet demand.
International Energy Agency (IEA) Releases Latest Edition of its World Energy Investment Report
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its World Energy Investment report, showing that while there was a 12% fall in global energy investment last year, clean energy spending specifically claimed a record-high 43% share of all expenditure. $1.7 trillion USD is estimated to have been invested in global energy sectors last year, which accounts for 2.2% of global GDP.
Government of Sudan Prepares to Launch Feed-In Tariff Scheme with Support from the UNDP
The Sudanese government is currently preparing to launch a Feed-In Tariff Scheme for solar energy and for renewables in general. Developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), it is expected to encourage grid-connected renewable energy projects as well as off-grid generation. They are now seeking consultants with experience in the development of national FIT programs to help the local government and the country’s Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) find the most suitable legal and regulatory framework for a future incentive scheme.
Algeria Launches Solar Energy Cluster
The Algerian government has officially launched a new solar energy cluster (Cluster algérien des énergies solaires). So far, 16 small and medium-sized solar enterprises and research institutes have joined the project. The cluster is intended to help solar energy players in Algeria to share their expertise and to mutually support future projects. In October 2014, Sonelgaz and the Algerian government revealed plans to deploy 4 GW of solar power for the first time. So far, however, the government has not made any announcement.
AfDB and UN Environment Programme Release "Atlas of Africa Energy Resources" Report
Energy consumption in Africa is the lowest in the world, and per capita consumption has remained almost constant since 2000 – according to the new Atlas released Thursday 4 May by UN Environment and the African Development Bank during the World Economic Forum. Current energy production in Africa is insufficient to meet demand, with about a third of the total population of Africa still lacking access to electricity. The Atlas – developed in collaboration with the Environment Pulse Institute, United States Geological Survey and George Mason University – consolidates information in the “form of detailed ‘before and after’ images, charts, maps and other satellite data from 54 countries through visuals detailing the challenges and opportunities in providing Africa’s population with access to reliable, affordable and modern energy services” – said UN Environment in a press release.
IRENA: Solar Outpaced Wind During Banner Year For Renewables
Adding to the list of studies highlighting the immense growth of renewables last year, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released a new report that finds global renewable energy generation capacity increased by 161 GW in 2016, making it the strongest year ever for new capacity additions. Perhaps most notably, though, the report also says solar growth outpaced wind energy for the first time since 2013. IRENA’s Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2017 report estimates that by the end of last year, the world’s renewable generation capacity reached 2,006 GW, with solar energy showing particularly strong growth.
Energy transition to generate US$10 trillion in benefits by 2050 – IEA/IRENA
The route to decarbonisation in the energy sector will create benefits of US$10 trillion every year by 2050, while requiring only US$1.8 trillion to implement, according to a new joint report from the International Energy Agency (IAE) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In their first ever collaboration, IEA and IRENA found that a total of 6 million jobs would be created, even when accounting for jobs lost in other industries. Further jobs will also be created in the energy efficiency sector. However, the report also found that losses at oil and gas companies could reach more than US$1.3 trillion if the transition is not managed properly.
European Commission Reaffirms Support for Renewable Energy in Africa
The European Commission has announced its continued support to the African continent by promoting renewables through the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative. The Commission said this initiative is in line with its wider efforts in the implementation of the 2030 agenda on sustainable development and the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Launched in December 2015 at COP21, the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) is an Africa-owned initiative of the African Union.
IRENA "REthinking Energy 2017" Report: Accelerating the Global Energy Transformation
Renewable energy is a fundamental and growing part of the global energy transformation. Increasingly, renewables have become the first choice for expanding, upgrading and modernising power systems around the world. Click here to view IRENA's "REthinking Energy 2017" report, on accelerating the global energy transformation.
Nigeria Plans Africa's First Sovereign Green Bond, Addressing Climate Change and the Environment
Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday said that the Federal Government was making arrangements to inaugurate the first African Sovereign Green Bond to address climate change and environmental projects. Osinbajo said this at the Green Bonds Capital Market and Investors Conference organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Debt Management Office (DMO) at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) office in Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bonds are debt instruments issued by a government or a company which represent a fixed sum of money that was borrowed.
VC Funding for Green Energy Reached Record High in 2016, Finds BNEF
Venture capital (VC) funds are increasingly turning to clean energy for safe investments, with 2016 seeing record levels of cash funneled into rooftop solar and other low-carbon technologies, finds Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF). Last year, a total of $834 million went via VC funds into the clean energy industry. This is the highest figure recorded by BNEF since the analysts first started collecting data in 2004, and marked the third consecutive year that the figure invested increased. This momentum suggests a returning confidence among VC and private equity (PE) investors in solar, wind and other green technologies, having been chased away from the sector by more mainstream investors over the past five years.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Milestone: 300 Gigawatts Installed Worldwide
On Sunday, the German Solar Association (BSW-Solar) announced the growth of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology has now reached a significant milestone with 300 GW of total installed solar power capacity around the world. The global solar PV market increased by nearly 70 GW in 2016, reaching 294.69 GW, led by China, according to research and consulting firm GlobalData – a jump of around 30 per cent in new deployment compared to the previous year 2015. The photovoltaic systems installed in 2016 alone generate around 90 terawatt hours of clean solar power.
Nigeria: Bank of Industry (BoI) Launches $3 million USD Solar Energy Fund
Former United Nations Under-Secretary-General and currently the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sustainable Energy for All, Dr Kandeh Yumkella has applauded the growth of alternative energy in recent years.Dr Yumkella was speaking in Lagos, Nigeria at the launch of N1billion ($3 million) Solar Energy Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by the Bank of Industry (BoI), The Nation reported.
Saudi Arabia Picks Up Pace on its Renewable Energy Drive, Targeting Close to 10 GW by 2023
Saudi Arabia plans to invest up to US$50 billion to help meet its target of producing enough electricity from renewables to power the equivalent of 3 million homes within six years, the country’s oil minister said yesterday. The government has set a target of generating 9.5 gigawatts of electricity from renewables by 2023 as it reduces its reliance on burning oil to produce power. Saudi Arabia will eventually generate 70 per cent of its electricity from gas – up from about 40 per cent in 2014 – and the remainder from renewables and other sources, Mr Falih said.
UAE to Invest US$163 Billion in Clean Energy by 2050, Announcing UAE Energy Plan 2050
Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the UAE’s new energy strategy for the next 30 years. This new strategy aims to spur the integration of clean energy into the total energy mix to 50%, which will generate savings of AED700 billion (US$191 billion) by 2050.
Nigeria to Sell $63 Million of ‘Green Bonds’ in First Quarter
Nigeria plans to raise 20 billion naira ($63 million) by March to help fund renewable energy projects, the first issuance of so-called green bonds in West Africa’s biggest economy. “We are on track to sell the bond in the first quarter, a sovereign, and could have another by the end of the year,” Environment Minister Amina Mohammed said in an interview Friday in the capital, Abuja.
Abu Dhabi establishes net metering for small-scale solar
Abu Dhabi is in the process of establishing net metering regulations for small-scale solar in the region. The Regulation & Supervision Bureau of Abu Dhabi is currently gathering public comment on the proposition which will allow for net metering of small solar sites of between 50kW and 5MW in capacity. In the process, the body hopes to set out any necessary requirements for implementation, establish a framework and ensure the safe construction, installation and O&M of small-scale PV systems.
African Development Bank (AfDB) Pledges $12bn for Renewables
Last week, the multilateral financial institution stated that the funds will be spent over the next five years under the African Renewable Energy Initiative of the Africa Union (AU), the Standard Media reported. The initiative targets to deliver 10GW of electricity by 2020 and 300GW by 2030.
IEA: Global Solar PV Capacity Surpassed 227GW in 2015
Last year was a record year for global PV installations, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest Trends in Photovoltaic Applications report, released last week. Worldwide installed capacity amounted to 51 gigawatts in 2015, up from around 40 gigawatts in the two preceding years.
AfDB Announces Its Annual Climate Financing to Triple to $5-billion Dollars by 2020,
The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Tuesday, announced that its annual climate financing will triple to $5-billion dollars a year by 2020, which will increase its total new investments to 40% by 2020. This was announced at the sixth Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa (CCDA-VI) which is held in United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Addis Ababa.
Total Corporate Funding in PV Sector Rises to US$3 billion in Q3 2016
Global clean energy communications and consulting firm Mercom Capital Group released its report on funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) moves for the PV market in the third quarter of 2016. Total corporate funding, including venture capital, public market and debt financing into the solar sector in Q3 2016 was up to about US$3 billion in 45 deals — compared to US$1.7 billion in 32 deals in Q2 2016.
IFC partners with UK Dept. for International Development for Solar in Nigeria
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group has announced its partnership with the DFID, aimed at facilitating the deployment of off-grid and embedded solar systems in commercial and industrial sectors in the West African country. The IFC announced in a statement explained that the ultimate goal is to help corporates and SMEs to have better and more reliable access to electricity, utilising the country’s abundant solar resources. In addition, this will contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth and greenhouse gas emission reduction objectives.
IRENA Report Shows Strongly Declining Costs for Utility-Scale Solar in Africa
It has never been "more possible, and less expensive" for Africa to build solar power capacity, as the installed cost for utility-scale parks has fallen to as low as USD 1.30 (EUR 1.16) per watt, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says in a new report. Since 2012, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) costs on the continent have decreased by 61% and IRENA Director-General Adnan Z Amin says further declines of up to 59% are possible in the next 10 years.
Solar power tops investment opportunity ranking in Africa
Solar power topped the ranking of most promising investment opportunities in Africa as the energy sector was considered to be the main driver of economic growth within the 2020 horizon, according to survey among top finance institution. The survey was carried out among 55 financial institutions and banks...
GTM: Global solar installations to grow by 43% to 73GW in 2016
Global solar installations are expected to grow 43% this year, to 73GW, according to GTM’s latest report, ‘Global Solar Demand Monitor, Q3 2016’. 2016 is set to be another record year for solar globally, after 2015 which had a total demand of 55GW, 10GW more than the previous year. The first half of 2016 saw a major uptick in demand driven by an unprecedented volume of installations in China and the UK, in advance of expiring capital incentives. Also in H1 2016, the US reached a record-breaking 1 million solar system installs, which further solidified the nation’s number 2 position in the global market, with 14.5GW, bolsted by the ITC extension. India completed 2GW of solar installs within the same time frame.
IRENA Report Finds that the Dominican Republic Can Triple Renewable Energy Share by 2030
The Dominican Republic could increase the share of modern renewable energy in its energy mix from 9 to 27 per cent by 2030, according to a new report launched by IRENA.
IRENA: Solar could meet up to 13% of global power demand by 2030
On Wednesday, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) released a new report at the Intersolar Europe trade show which looks at multiple aspects of the dramatic growth of solar industry. Letting in the Light forecasts that global solar PV capacity could increase roughly 10-fold from 227 GW today to 1,760-2,500 GW.
Coal and Gas to Stay Cheap, but Renewable Still Win Race on Costs
This year’s edition of BNEF’s long-term forecast sees $11.4 trillion investment in global power generation capacity over 25 years, with electric vehicles boosting electricity demand by 8% in 2040. Some $7.8 trillion will be invested in green power, with onshore and offshore wind attracting $3.1 trillion, utility-scale, rooftop and other small-scale solar $3.4 trillion, and hydro-electric $911 billion.
Renewables enjoy record 2015 in terms of investment and installations, REN21 report says
Last year was a record 12 months for renewable energy investment and installations, with REN21 calculating in its latest global status report that the world boosted its clean power capacity by 147.2 GW in 2015. The Renewables 2016 Global Status Report, published today, found that new installations of renewable power generation capacity reached 1,848.5 GW cumulatively at the end of last year, fuelled by record levels of spending.
Why Cities Are So Well-Suited to Renewable-Energy Growth
Last week, 175 countries signed onto a global agreement to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the face of the threat of climate change. Many of those same countries—particularly India, China, and Nigeria—are simultaneously experiencing major urbanization trends that will move billions of people into cities over the next several decades. In fact, according to the United Nations, approximately 2.5 billion people will likely join the world’s urban population by 2050, almost entirely in Asia and Africa. By that time, two-thirds of the world’s population is projected to be living in urban areas, according to the United Nations.
IRENA's Latest "Renewable Capacity Statistics" Shows 2015 Was a Record Year of Growth
IRENA has released its latest 'Renewable Capacity Statistics' report, showing 2015 was a record year for renewable energy generation capacity – expanding 8.3% globally even within the context of depressed oil & gas prices. New solar installations were particularly strong, with 47 GW of capacity added during the year.
World Bank Reveals New Climate Change Action Plan, In Lead-Up to Signing of Paris Agreement
In the lead-up to the coming Paris Agreement signing, the World Bank revealed on Thursday its new Climate Change Action Plan, detailing its plan to support the development of 30 GW of renewable energy in developing countries. In particular, it has designated distributed solar (and rooftop specifically) as high-opportunity sectors.
Major milestones reached on renewable energy investments, UN reports
Coal and gas-fired electricity generation last year drew less than half the record investment made in solar, wind and other renewables capacity - one of several important firsts for green energy recently announced in a United Nations-backed report. "Renewables are becoming ever more central to our low-carbon lifestyles, and the record-setting investments in 2015 are further proof of this trend,” said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner in a press release. “Importantly, for the first time in 2015, renewables in investments were higher in developing countries than developed."
Solar PV rose to 2.8% of Chile's electricity generation in February
Chile's solar PV plants generated 170 gigawatt-hours in February and represented 2.8% of gross electricity production, according to the latest report from the Center for Renewable Energies (CIFES).
DUBAI LAUNCHES “CLEAN ENERGY STRATEGY 2050”, TARGETING SOLAR ON EVERY ROOF
Coinciding with the inauguration of Phase II of the Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the Dubai government launched its “Clean Energy Strategy 2050” this Saturday – aiming to continue reducing the Emirate’s dependency on traditional fossil fuels, and targeting a 75% renewables mix by 2050. With the slogan “solar panels on every roof”, the government hopes to generate 25% of all energy through solar by then. Based on 5 key pillars (infrastructure, legislation, funding, capacity building, sustainable energy mix), the plan will be backed by significant initiatives including an AED 100 billion (27bUSD) ‘Green Fund’ to provide loans to clean energy investors at reduced rates, the establishment of a new clean energy free zone (‘Dubai Green Zone’), and infrastructure projects to come.
ABU DHABI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT AND IRENA OPEN NEW ROUND OF RENEWABLES FUNDING
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and IRENA have opened a new round of funding to support renewable energy projects in developing markets, with total volume at around $50 million USD. Funding will take the form of concessional loans between $5 million USD and $15 million USD offering lower interest rates than traditional loans. Almost 30% of past funding has been channelled to Africa, opening the door for UAE companies to participate in the renewables development in these markets.
Survey: Dubai, Jordan and Saudi Arabia MENA high potential markets
A survey by DNV GL of a range of participants in the MENA region's solar markets has confirmed that Dubai and Jordan are considered the markets with the greatest short term potential. Looking beyond two years, Saudi Arabia is seen as having the highest potential, despite the slow movement in the market today. Jordan offers a FIT for projects under 5 MW in size, and has launched its second utility scale tender. Dubai trails Jordan only slightly, in survey respondents’ expectations, with the 200 MW Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid (MBR) Al-Maktoum Solar Park.
Dubai to target 3000 MW of solar power by 2030 JUNE 3, 2015
Abu Dhabi: Dubai is targeting 3,000 mega watts (MW) of solar power by 2030, which is 15 per cent of the overall energy mix, a senior official of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy said on Wednesday. He said a 13MW solar plant has already been commissioned and another plant of 200MW capacity is under construction in Seih Al Dahal between Hatta and Dubai. “It will be commissioned in two years. We have a target to achieve 3000MW by 2030. We are clear in our objectives. There are also other sources of power adopted by private and government entities.”
How renewable energy in South Africa is quietly stealing a march on coal
Although still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, South Africa has been quietly creating one of the world’s most progressive alternative energy plans. Solar, biomass and wind energy systems are popping up all over the country and feeding clean energy into the strained electrical grid. “It is set to completely transform these deep rural communities in terms of healthcare, education, job creation and a raft of other interventions. All this while putting green electricity on the grid at affordable prices,” said Johan van den Berg, director of the South African Wind Energy Association.
UK's renewable generation up by 20%, says REA
Report by Renewable Energy Association and PwC finds installed clean energy capacity increased by nearly a quarter in past year, with jobs in sector up 9%. Electricity generated by the U.K.’s renewable energy sector has risen by 20% in the space of a year, according to a recent report conducted by the Renewable Energy Association (REA). The REA’s review has shown that total electricity generation reached 64,404 GWh in 2014, up 20% on 2013’s 53,667 GWh, with the U.K.’s solar and wind industries playing a significant part in that overall increase.
UK - Solar to thank for UK grids lowest-ever peak demand forecast
The U.K.’s transmission system operator has revealed that it estimates peak demand will hit just 37.5 GW this summer, remarking that the growth of distributed solar PV has helped ease the burden on the national grid by around 900 MW since 2014. According to the National Grid, embedded U.K. solar power capacity almost doubled over the past 12 months, rising from 2.4 GW in February 2014 to 4.4 GW this year – this is solar PV capacity that is not connected to the national electricity transmission grid, but does show up on the grid indirectly as reduced demand.
Solar electricity: Contributing to grid stability
There is no doubt that investing in solar electricity generates important environmental, economic and social benefits. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Egypt has committed to generating as much as 20% of its energy from renewable sources, including solar by 2020. Governments, utility companies and private enterprises around the world have rapidly been embracing the potential to tap into our most abundant energy resource – the sun – and for good reason: the amount of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface every six minutes is sufficient to produce more electricity than the world’s population consumes over an entire year. Solar energy is not only clean and renewable, but is also cost competitive with fossil fuels.
UK Solar Could be Subsidy-Free by 2020, says German Think Tank
Subsidy-free solar in the UK could thrive by the end of the decade, according to a report published by Berlin-based think tank Thema1 and supported by a coalition of European companies. The report, 'In Sight: Unsubsidised UK Solar,' predicts that all three sectors of the UK solar market (ground-mount, commercial and domestic) will be able to compete without subsidy with traditional forms of energy within the next 10 years.
Department for Energy and Climate Change’s Fuel Poverty Strategy
The Department for Energy and Climate Change’s Fuel Poverty Strategy calls for further renewable energy measures. Broadly speaking, the new fuel poverty strategy highlights the need for further energy efficiency and renewable measures and is working on a new fuel poverty definition. The strategy is wide-ranging, but there are some specific areas linking to Regen SW’s work. Regen SW believes DECC will offer minimal funding to deal with fuel poverty; it will therefore be necessary to find as many alternative sources of funding as possible. On a government level, this means engaging different departments in fuel poverty for different reasons but it is equally relevant on the regional and local scale.
Egypt Announces Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has said the country needs to invest at least $12 billion over the next five years in order to meet the electricity demands of the population. The Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Energy has announced feed-in tariffs for electricity generated by solar and wind sources as part of the government’s efforts to increase the country’s energy capacity in the face of serious power shortages and recent power outages.
How Solar Energy Can Solve Egypt's Electricity Crisis
Egypt is suffering a power crisis, and not just a political one. Over the weekend the Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, made an appeal to the Arab world's most populous nation for patience after a series of serious blackouts. The daily blackouts have caused the metro in Cairo to grind to a halt during rush hour, business to be disrupted, and the city's already terrible traffic problem to get even worse. The power cuts left parts of the capital without running water, and caused 2,000 mobile phone signal boosters to fail. Mass protests have been held calling for the resignation of the Electricity Minister.
UK to Become Number One European PV Market in 2014
UK to become number one European PV market in 2014 - The UK is set to become the largest market for solar PV in Europe during 2014, confirming its status as the hottest market across the region. This is the first time that the UK will have taken podium position for installed PV in Europe, and effectively ends the historic dominance of mainland Europe, in particular Germany.
100,000 More Solar Roofs in the Netherlands in 2013
The Dutch solar market saw good growth in 2013, approximately doubling from about 100,000 solar roofs to about 200,000 solar roofs. In 2014, the aim is to reach about 300,000.
South Africa to Install Over 5.6 Million Solar Panels by 2015
Financial services group Old Mutual is understood to be by far South Africa’s major investor in solar photovoltaic projects. It is investing in at least nine projects established under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) programme initiated by the government.
GCC Booming Market for Solar Power
The region is poised to become a hub for solar energy, with $155 billion worth of projects set to be complete by 2017. The six GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries have sanctioned $155 billion (Dh596 billion) worth of solar power projects that will generate 84 gigawatts when completed in 2017, according to the region’s first dedicated solar technology exhibition, Gulf Sol 2013. Derek Burston, Director of UK-based Bowmedia, organisers of Gulf Sol 2013, said in a statement the GCC countries had demonstrated their keenness to shift towards low-cost solar energy.
Report Finds Renewable Energy Boom in the MENA Region
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), REN21 and the United Arab Emirates have released a new report which finds that renewable energy investment in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region increased 40% over 2011 to $2.9 billion in 2012. MENA Renewables Status Report identifies over 100 projects in development, and estimates that non-hydro renewable energy generating capacity could increase 450% over the next few years. MENA governments have announced plans to expand non-hydro renewable energy capacity to 50 GW by 2020 and 107 GW by 2030, compared to the current 1.7 GW.


Interoceanic Nicaragua canal sparks protests
Extensive dredging will threaten tropical rainforests and wildlife habitats in the region
NEXT NEWS ❯
By Snigdha Das
Last Updated: Saturday 04 July 2015
As construction work on the Great Nicaraguan Canal Project nears, massive demonstrations rock Nicaragua's capital of Managua.
The canal will run 278 km from Venado Island in the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific port town of Brito, connecting the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The route will cut through Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh water source in Central America. Work on the project will begin on December 22 and is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
Meant to dwarf the neighbouring Panal Canal, the US $50 billion project would include an oil pipeline, an interoceanic “dry canal” freight railroad, two deepwater ports, two international airports and a series of free-trade zones along the canal route.
President Daniel Ortega's Sandinista National Liberation Front government insists that the project will be a game changer for the country and for the region. Paul Oquist, an advisor to Ortega, had told the Times that the canal project will allow Nicaragua to double its economic growth to double digits within the next four years. Oquist was quoted by the Guardian saying that the project will create 50,000 direct jobs and 200,000 to 250,000 indirectly and help the government reach its goal of reducing poverty. Over half the population currently lives below the poverty level and it is currently the second poorest country in Latin America.
But most Nicaraguans and civil society organisations do not agree with Ortega. In fact, they are sceptic about the intentions of his increasingly secretive government which has refused to make public any details involving the project's technical aspects, funding and impact on the environmental and livelihood of people. Those who had stood by Ortega during the revolution that overthrew often cruel and pervasively harsh Nicaraguan Somoza dictatorship in 1979, are also opposing him.
In June 2013, Ortega's government approved the project with scarcely a debate to a mysterious Hong Kong-based company—HK Nicaragua Canal Development Investment (HKND-Group)—owned by Chinese telecommunication magnate Wang Jing. Ortega has given him a 100-year concession to control a vast swath of Nicaragua and build and manage the waterway.
Though so far there is no indication that the Chinese government is interested in the project, media reports suggest that Wang Jing might have connection with Beijing's military. Whether all or part of the canal project is completed, it will give China an important presence on a continent it has been trying to penetrate with investments and trade.
Repercussions
Critics lash out against the project because will lead to the forcible removal of almost 300 communities in protected indigenous zones and will have massive environmental impacts.
Under the government and Wang's plans, ocean liners, super tankers and cargo ships much larger than those the Panama Canal can handle would traverse the waterway, impinging on the natural beauty of the region and raising the risk of oil-spill contamination while perhaps creating a new, if incongruous, tourist attraction.
Across the lake, the canal will be up to 30 yards deep, and extensive dredging will be required, planners say. The Nicaraguan Academy of Sciences calculated that nearly 400,000 of tropical rainforest and wetlands could be destroyed by the project, jeopardising ecosystems, fishing and wildlife habitats. The canal would cut through two UNESCO biosphere reserves that are home to jaguars, sea turtles, great green macaws and other endangered species.
National Geographic experts who have studied the proposal say the project would transform environmentally sensitive wetlands into denuded dry zones, remove hardwood forests, and destroy habitants of vulnerable animals. As per the project plan, ocean liners, super tankers and cargo ships much larger than those the Panama Canal can handle would traverse the waterway. This could result in numerous environmental catastrophes such as oil spills and dirty salt water infecting pristine biological ecosystems.
In order for the canal route to reach the desired 90 feet depth, millions of tonnes of dynamite will be used to carve a path through the lake. The use of dynamite is an incredible risk that could easily destroy large areas of protected land and species in the lake and on Ometepe, the island home of many protected species of monkeys and other wildlife.
Environmentalists — including Ortega’s top environmental adviser — warn that the project could have disastrous consequences for the country’s water supply, including the massive Lake Nicaragua, considered a key source of drinking water for Central America in decades to come.
Civil-society groups also worry that Ortega’s Sandinista politburo and their new Chinese business partners intend to essentially create a privatised enclave in the middle of Nicaragua — one that will be governed for the next 100 years by their self-styled Canal Commission, regardless of which government is in power in Managua. “Nicaragua is not for sale. Nicaragua belongs to all Nicaraguans and is not the private property of Ortega and his family,” reads a declaration signed by 21 civil society organisations.
The government hired a British firm, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), to conduct an environmental impact study, but its release has been delayed repeatedly. Recently, ERM held a closed-door meeting with a select group of locals, but they didn’t extend invitations to everyone in the area who will be affected by looming expropriations.
There has been a deliberate effort not to disclose information and a deliberate effort to rush this project beyond reality," Monica Lopez Baltodano, an environmental attorney who heads Popol Na, a progressive social development group based in Managua, told La Times. The news website also quoted Jaime Morales, a congressman who served as vice president under Ortega until 2012, saying that few people oppose a canal per se. “But one that won't harm the lake. Water is Nicaragua's greatest patrimony... Expectation of great wealth makes many ignore what might happen to the lake.”
Web edition Web edition News News News Sandinista National … Popol Na Paul Oquist Monica Lopez Baltodano Managua Lake Nicaragua Jaime Morales HK Nicaragua Canal … Great Nicaragua … Environmental … Environmental degradation Down to earth Daniel Ortega Canal Commission
Central America reeling under severe drought


Beernink Reappointed to WASC for Community and Junior Colleges
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – July 2, 2008 – Holly Beernink, director of Academic Affairs and Accreditation Liaison Officer at Western Career College, has been appointed to a second three-year term on the board of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). She will represent private schools on the commission.
Western Career College is one of five private California career colleges accredited by WASC, which is among six regional U.S. institutions that accredit public schools, colleges, universities and community colleges. It covers California, Hawaii and U.S. territories in the Pacific.
“Private schools provide a vital link between employers and people with the ambition to start new careers. I’m honored by the opportunity to represent Western Career College and all private schools that strive for excellence in education,” said Beernink, who has been with Western Career College since (year).


St Paul’s Collegians
Collegians news
Do you have a story suggestion? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected]
Flying the flag for rowing and boxing
While boxing and rowing may seem poles apart, the skills required are surprisingly similar, says Ivan Pavich.
Ivan (School 2005-2009) represented New Zealand as a coxswain for the national rowing eight before turning his hand to boxing.
He holds three national flyweight boxing titles and an Oceania Games silver medal, and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Rio Olympics.
He was also awarded the prestigious Jameson Belt for most scientific elite boxer following his win at the 2015 nationals in Invercargill.
While still at school in 2009, Ivan was selected for the New Zealand under-18 rowing team to compete in the World Championships in France.
He went on to cox for the national rowing eight, competing at the World Championships in Karapiro in 2010 where the team finished 5th in the A final.
The team was disbanded after missing out on qualification for the London Olympics. This was when Ivan turned his attention to boxing, which he had started in his last year of school.
It was either that, or wait around until the under-23 rowing eight entered the men’s category and another eight was formed. Not one to sit around for long, he forged on with boxing.
“I initially started it for fitness to try and keep my weight down and to keep fit for coxing, and it progressed from there.”
Ivan trains under Rick Ellis, at the Ringside Gym in Frankton, Hamilton.
“The assumption is that boxing is a man’s sport for boof heads, but it is called the sweet science for a reason. There is a mind side too it and there is more than being the roughest, toughest guy in the ring.”
It requires discipline, dedication and technical skill. “It is physical chess,” he says.
The rowing helped Ivan pick up skills for boxing.
“Because the Rowing New Zealand programme is one of the best programmes both nationally and internationally I have seen first-hand what it takes to get to the top level.”
“I picked up a lot. You are a coach within the boat, so I learned a lot about the technical side."
While it was disappointing to miss out on Rio, Ivan sees it as a stepping stone to greater things.
“I was reasonably happy with my own personal performance as I feel I have improved a lot technically in the last twelve months.”
While retired from rowing, Ivan was asked and agreed to help coach the Hamilton Boys’ High School rowing team for two seasons.
Next year is a big year with the Oceania Championships, qualifying for the World Championships and Ivan is seeking sponsorship to help him get there.
Ivan works as a mechanic at the Newstead Service Centre and is also a qualified personal trainer and licensed boxing coach. He lives in Newstead with his parents Karen and Alan.
Most days Ivan trains at six o’clock both mornings and evenings.
Monica Holt
77 Hukanui Road, Private Bag 3069, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand Tel +64 7 957 8805
| Email [email protected] | Facebook.com/groups/stpaulscollegians © 2020 St Paul’s Collegians | Admin


Cros-Lex upends St. Clair, 49-30
Fast start, late push helps Pioneers outpace Saints
Cros-Lex upends St. Clair, 49-30 Fast start, late push helps Pioneers outpace Saints Check out this story on thetimesherald.com: http://bwne.ws/1EqlRYX
Joseph Hayes, Times Herald Published 10:01 p.m. ET Aug. 28, 2015 | Updated 12:33 a.m. ET Aug. 29, 2015
Cros-Lex upends St. Clair
Cros-Lex players Joe Duff and Matt Kettlewell celebrate scoring a touchdown during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
The Cros-Lex marching band warms up before a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
The Cros-Lex marching band performs during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex players take the field during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
St. Clair's Cameron Williams narrowly misses the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
St. Clair's Collin Agosta throws a pass during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
St. Clair's Collin Agosta runs the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Justin Johnston breaks a tackle and runs out of bounds during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Joe Duff runs the ball into the end zone to score during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Bret Ebner stops St. Clair's Collin Agosta at the goal line during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
St. Clair's Riley Gleason intercepts a pass intended for Cros-Lex's Ryan Beyer during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Justin Johnston looks to pass during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Bret Ebner breaks up a pass to St. Clair's Josh Markel during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Luke Wilson catches a pass during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Justin Johnston throws a pass during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Matt Kettlewell runs the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Joe Duff runs the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Justin Johnston breaks a tackle by St. Clair's Sam Winston and runs the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Joe Duff is tackled by St. Clair's Darrien Rutledge during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Williams Bass celebrates a play during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Luke Wilson runs the ball and breaks a tackle during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Justin Johnston runs the ball during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
St. Clair's Ian Janssen breaks away from Cros-Lex defenders and runs the ball down field during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
10. Matt Kettlewell, Croswell-Lexington: Not only is Kettlewell an inspirational story, he’s also an inspiration to watch on a football field. He’s constantly going 100 mph, and somehow manages to stay within himself while doing it. He can be a linebacker, a defensive back, a receiver or a running back. And he can be among the area’s best at each of those spots. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex band members lift their instruments above their heads for each point scored during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex students cheer during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
The Cros-Lex marching band plays from the stands during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex players talk in a huddle during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Students watch from a hill during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School. JEFFREY M. SMITH, TIMES HERALD
Cros-Lex's Joe Duff runs the ball into the end zone to score during a football game Friday, August 28, 2015 at Croswell-Lexington High School.(Photo: JEFFREY M. SMITH / TIMES HERALD)Buy Photo
CROSWELL – It wasn’t the WXYZ Game of the Week just for show.
Two local football titans collided Friday as St. Clair traveled to Croswell-Lexington for the season opener for both teams. Cros-Lex got off to a fast start, St. Clair countered but the Pioneers offense was too strong to contain.
After St. Clair took its first lead of the game on the first play of the second half, Cros-Lex responded and never trailed again en route to a 49-30 victory at Croswell-Lexington High School.
"I was able to take a big breathe of relief when we were shaking hands after the game was over," Cros-Lex coach Garrett Grundman said of his first win as a varsity coach. "We couldn’t have asked for more support having Channel 7 here. The kids were pumped. Being able to get the first win was awesome. It's great being a part of this community."
Justin Johnston connected with Matthew Kettlewell on a pair of touchdown receptions and Joe Duff scampered for two rushing scores in the Pioneers victory. Johnston finished the game 12 of 19 passing for 246 yards.
His counterpart, Collin Agosta completed only 3 of 10 passes for 78 yards and two interceptions.
The Pioneers opened the game with three consecutive passes on their first drive. It was a sign of things to come, as two big completions later, the Pioneers were celebrating their first score of the season — a 36-yard touchdown from Johnston to Kettlewell less than a minute into the game.
On St. Clair’s first play from scrimmage, Ben Davidson scampered 70 yards on a lateral to set up first and goal from the Pioneers 6-yard line. That’s where the drive would stall however. After a key Saints penalty, St. Clair would have to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Cameron Parslow.
The Pioneers appeared ready to add to their lead early in the quarter after a drive netted Cros-Lex first and goal deep in the Saints zone. But Cros-Lex fumbled and St. Clair recovered in the end zone to stem the tide. The Pioneers however, wouldn't go away. They got the ball back on an interception from Damian Arnold. That gave the Pioneers the ball back at the Saints 24-yard line and Joe Duff capitalized on the turnover by scampering 24 yards for a score.
"It made everything a lot easier and smoother getting the passing game going," Kettlewell said. "It gave us a lot of confidence. We know our strength is in our running game but have plenty of viable passing options.
The touchdown gave the Pioneers a 14-3 lead midway through the second quarter. St. Clair answered on the ensuing kick-off, as Ian Janssen appeared to score on the kick return. But the touchdown was called off due to a St. Clair penalty.
That wouldn’t deter the Saints, which got a key personal foul facemask penalty on Cros-Lex to extend its drive. After a short drive, St. Clair found the end zone on a 1-yard run from Riley Gleason to pull within 14-9.
The Saints senior wasn’t done however. On the Pioneers ensuing possession, Gleason intercepted Johnston and gave St. Clair back the ball near midfield. But the Saints couldn’t find a way to capitalize and the teams entered halftime with Cros-Lex clinging to a 14-9 lead.
St. Clair wasted little time in the second half as Janssen took the opening kick back 70 yards for a score. The two point conversion added on gave the Saints their first lead of the game at 17-14 just seconds into the third quarter.
"We told the kids to keep their heads up," coach Grundman said. "They were beating us on special teams. Obviously you have to play offense and defense to and they have to be able to stop us. We were able to rebound and score and establish the running game in the second half."
The teams continued to jockey for position as Cros-Lex countered with a long drive and a 8-yard rushing score from Duff to take back the lead at 21-17 midway through the third quarter. Once the Pioneers got the momentum back on their side, they refused to relinquish control and went right back to work on offense.
After a long drive, the Pioneers scored on a 6-yard run from Kettlewell to take a 28-17 lead late in the third quarter. The Pioneers continued to press the issue as they forced St. Clair to punt and on the next play, Johnston found Kettlewell for a 65-yard score to give the Pioneers a 35-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
"I think we just didn't execute," St. Clair lineman Darrien Rutledge said. "We knew what we had to do and we didn't do it."
St. Clair showed its resiliency as the fourth quarter began. Agosta found Davidson for a 58-yard touchdown to pull the Saints with 35-24 with more than 11 minutes remaining in the game.
The Johnston to Kettlewell connection continued late in the game as they hooked up once again for a 5-yard touchdown to give the Pioneers a 42-24 lead with 9:25 left in the game. After a stop, the Pioneers got the ball back and ran several minutes off the clock before Johnston scored with a 1-yard run. That gave the Pioneers a 49-24 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the game.
"I give them credit, they had great resiliency," St. Clair coach Bill Nesbitt said. "They out-played us and out-coached us. They handled that adversity really well today. The biggest problem I said to the team is we have to do a better job of trust. Starting with the beginning of the season, the kids made it as part of our goals and our covenant to be disciplined with no unsportsmanlike penalties."
Logan Mahn scored on a 11-yard run for St. Clair and the point after attempt failed to close the scoring at 49-30.
"We made the right adjustments," Johnston said. "Our offense was really flowing. Joe had a great game and our passing game was in sync."
Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on twitter @jhayes1136.