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OPG investigates fusion as future option for Ontario

10 June 2024

Ontario Power Generation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Stellarex Inc to explore the development and deployment of fusion energy in Ontario which will see them work together to identify potential future siting and deployment of a stellarator fusion energy device in the province.

Stellarex Chairman Richard Carty (left) and OPG representative Jason Van Wart (right), sign the MoU watched by Minister Todd Smith (standing) (Image: CNW Group/OPG)

Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), the two partners will also explore establishing a centre of excellence for fusion energy in Ontario.

Fusion energy technology development company Stellarex is a spinout of Princeton University in the USA, dedicated to the near-term realisation of commercial fusion energy production using stellarators. The stellarator approach to fusion energy uses extremely strong electromagnets to generate twisting magnetic fields to confine plamsa and create the right conditions for fusion reactions. Stellarators offer increased plasma stability compared with tokamaks, which use a torus-shaped magnetic chamber to confine the plasma, require less injected power to sustain the plasma, and allow for the burning plasma to be more easily controlled and monitored. However, stellarators are more complex than tokamaks to design and build.

Stellarex has already established supply-chain and fusion ecosystem relationships in Ontario and in the Canadian nuclear sector, and has MoUs with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Hatch, and Kinectrics, as well as several academic institutions in the province.

"Ontario Power Generation has watched with interest as fusion-related technology has progressed over the past few years," OPG Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Energy Markets Kim Lauritsen. "As the technology moves toward commercial implementation, this MOU recognises the role fusion may play as Ontario’s demand for clean energy increases over the next several decades."

“The world is watching Ontario as we build the next generation of reliable, affordable and clean nuclear power, including the first Small Modular Reactor in the G7," Ontario Minister Todd Smith said at the MoU signing, which took place during a tour of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France. Ontario's well-established supply chain and experienced operators give the province a "nuclear advantage" and making it "the place to be when it comes to the growing fusion-related industry, creating another opportunity for more good-paying jobs in our communities", he added.

OPG is preparing to construct the first of up to four GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 small modular reactors at its Darlington site. It has already completed early-phase site preparation works, with plans to complete construction of the first unit by end of 2028 for commercial operation by the end of 2029.

In May, Stellarex signed an MoU with Germany's Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics - home to Wendelsten 7-X the world’s largest stellarator-type fusion device - to partner in specific areas of fusion energy science and technology, including the optimisation of plasma confinement and power/particle control, by leveraging their shared expertise.

In another initiative to explore bringing fusion energy to Ontario, Vancouver-based General Fusion - a private company which aims to build a commercial fusion power plant based on Magnetised Target Fusion technology - signed an MoU in early 2022 to collaborate with Bruce Power and Nuclear Innovation Institute to evaluate the potential deployment of a fusion power plant in Ontario.

Researched and written by World Nuclear News

Melissa Etheridge’s new docu-series focuses on her concert for women in prison

Essiy Park, June 11, 2024

A new two-part docuseries called Melissa Etheridge: I’m not broken is set to premiere on Paramount+ on July 9. The series will center around Etheridge’s efforts to put on a show for women incarcerated at the Topeka Correctional Facility. I’m not broken it is named after an original song that Etheridge wrote in honor of those women, which he performed for them at the show.

“The docuseries explores themes of female incarceration, redemption, substance abuse, generational trauma, grief and healing,” a press release from the show says. “Etheridge connects with women through music as an act of empathy, understanding and hope.” Overcoming substance abuse issues is a cause that is close to Etheridge’s heart, as she lost her 21-year-old son, Beckett, to opioid addiction in 2020. (Panel)

 

Government of Canada Releases Updated Critical Minerals List

From: Natural Resources Canada

News release

June 10, 2024                                                                   Sudbury, Ontario                                                 Natural Resources Canada

Critical minerals, and the clean technology and energy sources they enable, present a generational economic opportunity for Canada. Canada’s Critical Minerals List is a key resource in determining where to focus Canadian efforts related to sustainable mining exploration and extraction, advanced manufacturing, clean technology, as well as information and communications technologies and semiconductors. Critical minerals are the building blocks for the green and digital economy and demand for them will only grow throughout the global energy transition.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that the Critical Minerals List has been reviewed and updated following substantial consultations to focus our efforts in developing robust critical minerals value chains. To determine which minerals are considered critical, Canada released its first Critical Minerals List in March 2021 with a commitment to review the minerals identified as critical every three years. The list guides federal policy and programs and signals government areas of priority to stakeholders. Public consultations took place with provincial and territorial governments, other government departments, industry, Indigenous groups and other interested or affected stakeholders.

An analysis was undertaken to review all minerals included in the 2021 Critical Minerals List and consider potential candidates for addition. These analyses resulted in an updated Critical Minerals List that retains all 31 minerals from the 2021 list and an additional three minerals, namely high-purity iron, phosphorous and silicon metal, for a total of 34 critical minerals. These materials are integral to a variety of products, critical to the energy transition are often those in short supply and they are those that are critical to our future economic prosperity.

For example, silicon metal is essential to the manufacture of chips and semiconductors, used in almost any and everything electronic. High-purity iron ore is essential to green steel and integral to decarbonization. Phosphorus combined with potash is essential for food security through the production of fertilizers. Phosphorus can also be used in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, another strategic opportunity in the EV value chain for Canada.

Critical minerals are the foundation on which modern technology is built upon. They’re used in a wide range of essential products, from mobile phones and solar panels to electric vehicle batteries and medical applications. By building critical minerals value chains, we can be the global supplier of choice for critical minerals and the clean energy and technology sources they enable. 

Quotes

“By updating Canada's Critical Minerals List, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that Canada's efforts to seize the generational economic opportunity presented by our critical minerals wealth is well informed by the most accurate market trends, geopolitical factors and science. Investments in critical minerals projects create good jobs for workers, more avenues for Canadian innovation and lower emissions across the country — all of which form an important part of our plan to build a cleaner Canada and a prosperous, sustainable economy.” 

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources 

Quick facts

• Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy is part of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Clean Air, Strong Economy, which advances Canada’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. 

• In March 2021, the Government of Canada announced the Canadian Critical Minerals List entitled Critical minerals: an opportunity for Canada, including 31 minerals that are either currently produced or have the potential to be produced in Canada.

• As part of the update to Canada’s Critical Minerals List, the Government of Canada conducted consultations with provinces and territories, industry, Indigenous groups and other interested or affected stakeholders. All provinces and territories’ priorities have been considered in the development of the updated national list. The consultation on Canada's Critical Minerals List and its methodology was launched on December 11, 2023, and remained open until February 16, 2024.

• There is no global definition of critical minerals so, as part of the List’s review, an updated set of criteria has been created. To be deemed a “critical mineral” in Canada, a mineral must meet both of the following criteria:

  o    the supply chain is threatened; and

  o    there is a reasonable chance of the mineral being produced by Canada

        as well as one of the following criteria:

  o    essential to Canada’s economic or national security; or

  o    required for the national transition to a sustainable low-carbon and digital economy; or

  o    positions Canada as a sustainable and strategic partner within global supply chains.

Related products

• Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy
• Canada Announces Critical Minerals List - Canada.ca
• Consultation: Update of Canada's Critical Minerals list and methodology
• Critical minerals: an opportunity for Canada

Botswana says it’s in talks about increasing stake in De Beers



10th June 2024
By: Bloomberg



Botswana said it’s in talks over increasing its shareholding in De Beers, as Anglo American prepares to end its almost century-long relationship with the iconic diamond producer.

As part of a turnaround plan to fend off an approach from BHP Group, Anglo last month said it planned to sell or separate De Beers, in which it holds an 85% stake. The remainder is owned by Botswana, the southern African nation that holds the company’s biggest diamond mines.


“We are going to increase the shares that we have in De Beers,” Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi told a political rally in Palapye, about 300 km north of the capital Gaborone.

The government would also play a central role in selecting a new investor to replace Anglo at De Beers, according to the president. It would require an investor prepared for the cyclical nature of the diamond business, he said.


That volatility created frustration within Anglo, where De Beers’s erratic performance eroded returns from more coveted commodities, such as copper. Last year, the business made just $72-million, though traditionally its profits have ranged between $500-million and $1.5-billion as the diamond industry swings from boom to bust.

De Beers CEO Al Cook is targeting annual core profit of $1.5-billion by 2028, as he overhauls the business. That reset includes renewing the company’s focus on promoting natural stones — and ditching a venture into lab-grown gems — while expanding its retail footprint through its own jewelry stores.

The company will also dip its toe into polishing its own stones, part of the industry dominated by mostly family run firms in India and Belgium.

Edited by Bloomberg

Nevada Copper Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

June 10, 2024 – Yerington, NV: Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) (OTC: NEVDF) (FSE: ZYTA) and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Nevada Copper” or the “Company”) today announced that they have filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court of the District of Nevada. As disclosed in recent news releases and securities filings, the Company was in discussions with its key stakeholders and other parties to obtain funding and/or enter into a change of control transaction. However, those discussions have failed to result in obtaining such funding or other transaction, and the Company has been unable to secure additional interim funding from its key stakeholders. As a result, the Company is unable to continue carrying on business.

In conjunction with the Chapter 11 filings, the Company requested customary relief to support its employees and critical vendors during the bankruptcy process. As part of this relief, the Company is asking the Court for permission to continue to pay employee salaries and wages, and to continue other benefit programs regardless of whether amounts were owing prior to the commencement of the Chapter 11 case. The Company has received a commitment for US$60 million debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing to provide liquidity through the restructuring period, of which the Company is asking that US$20 million would be available on an interim basis. The Company is seeking approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the DIP financing.

Through the restructuring process, the Company does not expect to continue operations, but does intend to take steps to preserve and protect its assets. The Company plans to conduct its activities as a “debtor in possession” under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the orders of the Bankruptcy Court.

The Company also announced the appointment of Tom Albanese as Chair of its Board of Directors and the resignation of Randy Buffington as President & Chief Executive Officer and as a director. The Board of Directors thanks Mr. Buffington for his service to the Company.

Nevada Copper has retained Allen Overy Shearman Sterling US LLP, Torys LLP and McDonald Carano LLP as legal counsel in connection with these matters. Moelis & Company LLC has been retained as financial advisor and AlixPartners as restructuring advisor.

About Nevada Copper

Nevada Copper (TSX: NCU) is the owner of the Pumpkin Hollow copper project located in Nevada, USA with substantial reserves and resources including copper, gold and silver. Its two fully permitted projects include the high-grade Underground Mine and processing facility and a large-scale open pit PFS stage project.

For additional information, please see the Company’s website at www.nevadacopper.com, or contact:

Tracey Thom | Vice President, IR and Community Relations

 

Critical Metals to Acquire Tanbreez, One of the World’s Largest Known Rare Earths Assets

Mr. Tony Sage reports:

• Critical Metals Corp. has signed a binding heads of agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Tanbreez Greenland Rare Earth Mine, one of the largest rare earth deposits in the world
  
• The Tanbreez Project offers a foundational permitted rare earth asset in North America and Europe
• With China dominating more than 90% of the REEs, Critical Metals Corp. acquisition of the mine strategically would establish it as a reliable supplier of critical minerals for the western world
• First significant transaction for Critical Metals Corp. in its strategic M&A roadmap, reflecting another world class addition to its portfolio of assets
• Transaction valued at up to $211 million

NEW YORK, June 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical Metals Corp. (Nasdaq: CRML) (“Critical Metals Corp”), a leading mining development company focused on critical metals and minerals, and producing strategic products essential to electrification and next generation technologies for Europe and its western world partners, today announced that it has signed a binding heads of agreement to acquire a controlling interest in the Tanbreez Greenland Rare Earth Mine (the “Tanbreez Project”) from Rimbal Pty Ltd., a company controlled by geologist Gregory Barnes (“Rimbal”).

The Tanbreez Project is a permitted, globally significant critical minerals asset positioned to unlock a sustainable, reliable and long-term rare earth supply for North America and Europe. Once operational, Tanbreez is expected to supply rare earth elements (REEs) to customers in the western hemisphere to support the production of a wide range of next-generation commercial products, as well as demand from the defense industry. The Tanbreez Project is expected to possess greater than 27% heavy rare earth elements (HREE), which carry a much higher value than light rare earth elements. In an industry where competitors primarily target light rare earth elements (LREE), Tanbreez is believed to be unique not only due to its significant size, but also because of its HREE asset mix.

“Tanbreez is a game-changing rare earth mine for the West, and is a key step towards positioning Critical Metals Corp as the preeminent critical minerals supplier with a diversified, multi-asset portfolio that spans multiple geographies,” said Critical Metals Corp CEO and Chairman, Tony Sage. “With Tanbreez expected to be under the Critical Metals Corp banner, we will have the ability to further support our commercial network in Europe while simultaneously being able to evaluate additional opportunities to tap into the upside potential of the North American market. Critical Metals Corp continues to capitalize on macro-economic tailwinds and government support which are accelerating the demand for critical minerals as we play an essential role in supporting the green energy transition.”

Tanbreez Project Asset Highlights:

• Exploitation License Granted: the project is permitted with a license to mine the asset granted by the Greenland Government in 2020.
• 4.7 billion-ton Multi-Element Management Estimated Resource: S-K 1300 conversion underway.
• Reliable and Long-term REE Supply Unlocked for the West: securing one of the largest rare earth deposits in the world for national defense.
• Strategically Located: the asset is favorably located in Southern Greenland in close proximity to airport and shoreline transportation options with established infrastructure in place for year-round direct shipping of end-products.
• Environmentally Friendly Asset: minimal harmful products expected to be produced in the mineralization of REEs at the project.

Tanbreez Project Asset Overview

The Tanbreez Project is expected to have access to key transportation outlets as the project’s area features year-round direct shipping access via deep water fjords that lead directly to the North Atlantic Ocean. The outcropping ore body known as Kakortokite covers an area of 8 x 5 km and is approximately 400m thick.

This foundational rare earth asset is expected to benefit from robust regulatory tailwinds in both Europe and North American and long-term secular trends for next-generation technology for both commercial and government applications. With China dominating more than 90% of the world’s rare earth assets, this acquisition would represent a strategic move for Critical Metals Corp as it continues to position itself as a leading supplier of critical minerals for the western world. By centralizing the supply chain for critical minerals and working with Critical Metals Corp and Tanbreez, western countries can reduce their dependence on foreign imports, thereby bolstering their national security.

Critical Metals Corp’s assessment and estimates of the Tanbreez Project to date have been limited. Critical Metals Corp’s assessment of these assets may not reveal all existing or potential problems, nor will it permit it to become familiar enough with the properties to assess fully their capabilities and deficiencies. Further, Critical Metals Corp may not be able to achieve the expected benefits of the acquisition.

For more information, please see the Critical Metals Corp investor relations website for an updated investor presentation.

Advisors

Jett Capital Advisors, LLC and Cohen & Company Capital Markets, a division of J.V.B Financial Group, LLC are financial advisors to Critical Metals Corp.; White & Case LLP are legal advisors to Critical Metals Corp.

About Critical Metals Corp.

Critical Metals Corp (Nasdaq: CRML) is a leading mining development company focused on critical metals and minerals, and producing strategic products essential to electrification and next generation technologies for Europe and its western world partners. Its initial flagship asset is the Wolfsberg Lithium Project located in Carinthia, 270 km south of Vienna, Austria. The Wolfsberg Lithium Project is the first fully permitted mine in Europe and is strategically located with access to established road and rail infrastructure and is expected to be the next major producer of key lithium products to support the European market. Wolfsberg is well positioned with offtake and downstream partners to become a unique and valuable building block in an expanding geostrategic critical metals portfolio.

For more information, please visit https://criticalmetalscorp.com/.

World Bank tribunal rules against Canadian miner in legal dispute with Colombia

Essiy Park, June 10, 2024

The request for arbitration was filed before ICSID in March 2018 and sought compensation of approximately USD 177 million.

According to one PRESS issued by the National Agency for the Judicial Defense of the State of Colombia, the decision of the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes states that the ban on mining is a legitimate regulatory measure and that Colombia has not expropriated nor violated the standard of fair and equitable treatment.

The tribunal found that the South American government had acted in good faith and exercised regulatory powers to protect the marsh (known as páramo in Spanish) ecosystems.

In its decision, ICSID also noted that there was no legitimate reason for Montauk to expect Colombia not to protect the páramos.

“Colombia celebrates the decision of the arbitral tribunal, which recognizes our country’s legitimate efforts and measures to protect the environment and areas of general interest,” the press release said.

Previous

This ICSID decision is in line with a March 2024 ruling by the same court in a similar suit brought by Canada’s Red Eagle Exploration Limited against Colombia to ban mining in the Santurbán springs.

Similar to the Montauk Metals award, ICSID found that Colombia did not breach the alleged reasonable expectation, nor did it act in a lack of transparency, unreasonable or arbitrary, disproportionate or discriminatory manner.

The tribunal concluded that Colombia had not acted in violation of the Minimum Treatment Standard, nor had it been shown that Colombia had indirectly expropriated Red Eagle’s mining concessions, as the company claimed in its claim.

One case remains

In its press statement, the National Agency for Judicial Defense of the State points out that the Montauk and Red Eagle judgments demonstrate that the country did not cause unnecessary uncertainty or take arbitrary measures in a similar case brought before ICSID by another Canadian miner , Eco. Gold Minerals.

In this particular case, the tribunal found in September 2021 that the Andean country acted in violation of investment protection rules enshrined in the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement when it issued new regulations that expanded wetland protection and reduced half the area where Eco Oro. develop the Angostura project.

However, ICSID also recognized that the measure was not discriminatory against Eco Oro’s shareholders and was an effort to legitimately protect the environment. Thus, he asked for more information from both sides.

Páramo de Santurbán is a protected area in the Andes Mountains. It is covered with subalpine forests above the continuous tree line but below the permanent snow mark, where water is naturally stored during the rainy season and released during the dry season.

 

NATO Studies Effects of Warming on Arctic Ocean's Sonar Properties

NRV Alliance (NATO file image)

PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2024 7:19 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

 

Courtesy of climate change, the Arctic Ocean is steadily transforming into a geopolitical and military theatre. This shift is central to the evolution of defense alliances such as NATO, with strategic interests of members states in the High North changing.

In response, NATO has heightened its research expeditions in the Arctic Ocean to help structure an appropriate defense adaptation to the region’s evolving landscape. Last week, scientists and engineers from the NATO Science and Technology Organization’s Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) arrived at the Norwegian port of Tromsø to begin two new iterations of combined research missions, which will assess the impact of climate change in the Arctic.

In the first research mission, NREP24 (Nordic Recognized Environmental Picture), scientists will focus on changes in sound propagation in the central Barents Sea. A detailed understanding of sound propagation is essential to submarine warfare, and it is the primary military application for physical oceanography. The other mission, ACO24 (Arctic Climate Observatory), will collect data related to long-term environmental conditions in the same area, including marine biology and water movements. The missions will be conducted between June 8 to July 12.

The researchers onboard NATO research ship NRV Alliance will map how the transformation of the Arctic affects sonar performance in the region. The data collected will help adapt the technology for submarines, uncrewed underwater vehicles and other platforms operating in the fast-changing Arctic ocean conditions. Indeed, climate change in the Arctic could potentially affect the resilience of military installations and critical infrastructure, creating harsher conditions for NATO operations in the region.

The area of research for the first time will be the Barents Sea Polar front, a region where the Atlantic and Arctic water masses meet but do not mix. This polar front is highly sensitive to the environmental changes happening in the Arctic, but the full extent of the impact is yet to be known.

In 2017, NATO launched a multi-year oceanographic research project to assess changes in different parts of the Arctic Ocean. This year’s NREP 24 is the latest iteration of the multi-year project. It is funded by NATO’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT) with the participation of partner institutions from France, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK and the US. ACO 24 is the second iteration of a study launched last year in response to NATO’s 2022 Strategic Policy Concept, which identifies climate change as a “crisis and a threat multiplier” in regions such as the Arctic.

 

UK is On Track to Miss its 2030 Offshore Wind Targets by 18 Years

iStock

PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2024 2:27 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

 

The UK is second in the world after China in terms of offshore wind capacity, but a new report estimates that it could miss its 2030 offshore wind targets by as much as 18 years. The report - written by the London-based research firm Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) - says that the UK must triple installation of offshore wind in the next seven years if it is to achieve its 50 GW ambition by 2030.

The report also singles out wind manufacturing as a missed economic opportunity in the UK’s advanced offshore wind sector. The UK does not have any nacelle manufacturing facilities or any major player specialized in wind towers. If the UK had exploited its huge market for wind installation to the same extent as other leading European nations in wind manufacturing (such as Denmark, Germany and Spain), it would have generated up to an additional $38 billion in economic activity between 2008 and 2022.

Currently, China is leading in wind sector manufacturing, accounting for three-fifths of the world’s manufacturing capacity in wind nacelles and blades. In addition, the main builders of the specialized vessels for offshore wind deployment are also Chinese.

While the global manufacturing capacity meets the current demand for wind turbines, supply chain shortages are projected to start appearing in regions such as Europe from 2026.

IPPR argues that the UK can reduce its import and energy dependence through reviving its manufacturing industry to produce more wind components domestically. The study found that the UK could build at least one additional blade factory, two nacelle and tower factories and two extra foundation factories in less than five years. An investment of $4 billion in UK manufacturing facilities could generate tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly in small and medium enterprises.

“The IPPR’s report highlights the extraordinary opportunity that the UK has in new investment in offshore wind manufacturing. It will enable industry, governments across the UK and other funders to better align their investments to boost green jobs and manufacturing in the UK by mobilizing nearly [$3.8 billion] of funding nationwide, with private finance doing the heavy lifting. This will bring a return of [$9 for every $1] invested,” said Ajai Ahluwalia, head of supply chain at Renewable UK.

Meanwhile, IPPR also made some policy recommendations to spur the growth of UK’s offshore wind sector. These include a call to government to fix the current demand problem by ensuring developers have long term contracts, with the introduction of non-price criteria in Contracts for Difference (CfDs). An upgrade of infrastructure by renovating ports and maritime assets to deliver and install large-size offshore wind farms would also assist.

Central Atlantic Environmental Assessment Released Preparing for Wind Sale

BOEM is pushing forward toward the sale of two zones in the Central Atlantic region (file photo)

PUBLISHED JUN 6, 2024 3:36 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) continues to move at a fast pace to advance the U.S. offshore wind energy sector. Today it is announcing the availability of its final Environmental Assessment for potential offshore wind development off the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia coasts collectively known as the Central Atlantic region.

The proposal for the offshore wind lease sale for two areas along the Central Atlantic was announced in mid-December 2023. In January and February, BOEM first released its draft of the environmental impact and then ren the mandated public comment period. The review concluded that there would be no significant impacts from lease issuance after reviews including a site assessment and site characterization activities such as geophysical, geological, and archaeological surveys.

The next step in the process would be publishing a final sale notice at least 30 days prior to the proposed auction. BOEM reports that it plans to hold the sale for the Central Atlantic region later this year.

“BOEM is proud to continue to support the clean energy transition in a responsible manner in the Central Atlantic region,”?said BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein. She highlights the approval of the nation’s first eight commercial-scale offshore wind energy projects along with four offshore wind lease auctions, conducted since the Biden administration took office in 2021.

The initiative is mapping out two parcels in the Central Atlantic. The areas include one approximately 26 nautical miles from the Delaware Bay that would potentially serve Maryland and Delaware. The second is 35 nautical miles from the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to serve Virginia.

Work has already commenced last month on the first wind farm in the region. Dominion Energy has begun offshore work for its wind farm which will be offshore from Virginia Beach and is the largest wind farm so far in the U.S. Once complete in late 2026, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind will consist of 176 turbines with a capacity of 2.6 GW.

The Department of the Interior defined a total of four areas within the zone of 20 to 60 miles of the coast ranging from Delaware in the north to North Carolina in the south as possible areas in the Central Atlantic. They also targeted two large zones further offshore into the Atlantic for possible future consideration.

In April, they mapped out a new five-year offshore wind leasing schedule, which includes up to 12 potential offshore wind energy lease sales through 2028. The leasing schedule includes four potential offshore lease sales in 2024, one each in 2025 and 2026, two in 2027, and four in 2028. Since then, they have also completed an environmental assessment in the Gulf of Maine and proposed sales for the Gulf of Maine and off the coast of Oregon.

The Gulf of Maine Wind Energy Area proposal would include eight lease areas offshore Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, totaling nearly one million acres, which have the potential to generate approximately 15 GW of renewable energy. The proposed lease sale in Oregon includes two lease areas totaling 194,995 acres, one in the Coos Bay Wind Energy Area and the other in the Brookings Wind Energy Area. The proposals for Oregon continue to face strong opposition from local groups.

The Department highlights it has approved more than 10 gigawatts of energy from offshore wind projects, enough to power nearly 4 million homes. It is moving forward with the goal of having 30 GW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2030 although many experts believe the setbacks in 2023 mean it is unlikely the goal can be reached on schedule. The department is also looking to advance floating offshore wind as part of the second phase of the industry’s development.

IRONY

South Africa Commisions Solar Array for Continent's Largest Coal Port

Port of Richards Bay coal and petroleum terminals (Transnet file image)

PUBLISHED JUN 9, 2024 8:28 PM BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE

 

 

In a bid to decarbonize South Africa’s major ports, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has appointed Amulet Group Consortium to construct and operate its first 20 MW solar photovoltaic plant at the Port of Richards Bay. This project is part of the agency’s plans to install about 100 MW of renewable energy across South Africa’s eight commercial seaports.

The appointment of Amulet Group follows an RFP process that TNPA launched in May 2023. The consortium will be responsible for building and operating the 20 MW solar power and battery energy system at the Port of Richards Bay for seven years. TNPA expects that the design and construction of the plant will begin this month and will be operational by May 2026.

“The introduction of a renewable energy solution in the port system will enable the reduction of carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from coal-generated electricity,” said Moshe Motlohi, TNPA Managing Executive for the Eastern Region ports.

Besides renewable energy, TNPA’s energy mix plans include the use of LNG, micro grids and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The operator is also exploring future use of green fuels such as ammonia or hydrogen in its marine fleet.

Last year, TNPA issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the development of a hydrogen fuel terminal and other related facilities at South African ports. The RFI is intended to assess the feasibility of operating and maintaining an import and export terminal for hydrogen at major South African ports.