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Juwi is commissioning the largest American PV project in the history of the company in Colorado

January 17, 2025 ryansheehanrts

At the beginning of January, the two US companies Deriva Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association announced the start of commercial operation of the Spanish Peaks Solar project, which has a module output of 180 megawatts (DC) in Las Animas County, Colorado. The power generated by the facility will be sold to the utility-owned Tri-State cooperative under two long-term power purchase agreements. Spanish Peaks Solar is expected to produce over 370 million kilowatt-hours annually.

“This project will provide the community with affordable and reliable solar power while contributing to the transition to renewable energy. We are grateful for the support of all who have helped make this possible and look forward to continuing to provide Colorado with renewable energy,” said John Clapp, CEO of Deriva Energy.

Solar farm generates tax revenue

“Tri-State members will benefit from low-cost power from Spanish Peaks Solar while helping put us on track to achieve 50% renewable energy use by the end of 2025,” said Duane Highley, CEO of Tri-State. ”Deriva Energy and Juwi have been great partners in supporting our mission of delivering reliable, affordable, and responsible power to our members.”

Also interesting: “Dual use with animal husbandry has great potential”

The 180 MW Spanish Peaks Solar project is located in the Tri-State member San Isabel Electric Association (SIEA) service territory, near the San Isabel Solar Project, which also provides power to Tri-State members. The solar farm will also generate tax revenue. The revenue from the Spanish Peaks Solar project also supports the Ambulance District in Trinidad, Colorado, the Reorganized School District in Aguilar, Colorado, the Spanish Peaks-Purgatoire River Conservation District and the Fire Protection District in Spanish Peaks-Boncarbo, Colorado, among others.

Also see: Juwi sells largest portfolio to date with 267 megawatts of solar capacity

“Spanish Peaks Solar showcases the benefits that new energy projects provide to both Tri-State’s member utilities and the rural communities where the projects are located,” said Don Keairns, SIEA board member and Tri-State board vice chair. “Spanish Peaks Solar is part of Tri-State’s reliable, affordable, and diverse portfolio of resources serving San Isabel Electric Association and the other members, and brings new investment and taxes to southern Colorado.”

Deriva Energy and Juwi share operations and maintenance

Deriva Energy acquired the Spanish Peaks Solar project from Juwi in January 2024. The commercial operation of Spanish Peaks underscores Deriva Energy’s commitment to providing economical solutions for the energy transition, but also positions the company as a key developer for the clean energy landscape in the region. Spanish Peaks is Deriva Energy’s sixth renewable energy project in Colorado. The plant began commercial operation on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Also see: Juwi builds 500 megawatts of solar power in Colorado

Juwi was responsible for the development and engineering, procurement, and construction of the Spanish Peaks Solar Project, with the Boulder, Colorado-based JSI Construction Group serving as the primary general contractor. The projects began construction in late 2023 and created more than 230 jobs on site at peak periods. The solar photovoltaic modules used in the projects were procured by Deriva Energy. Deriva Energy will share operations and maintenance responsibilities with Juwi, as the plants will employ nine full-time staff. In total, Juwi has now realized 25 projects in the USA with a total capacity of almost 700 megawatts (DC) since 2009, and a further 300 megawatts (DC) are currently under construction.

Low-cost financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

“We are pleased with the timely completion of Spanish Peaks Solar. This achievement underscores our commitment to implementing cost-effective, high-quality solar projects. The timely completion of the project is a result of close collaboration with Deriva Energy, Tri-State, SIEA, and the local community and government in Las Animas County. The dedication and hard work of the Juwi team, coupled with our reliable subcontractors, were essential to the success of the project,” said Michael Martin, CEO of Juwi Inc.

The Spanish Peaks Solar projects are supported in part by low-cost financing from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Empowering Rural America (New ERA) program. This program empowers Tri-State members and rural communities in four states to provide reliable, affordable energy to meet growing demand. (hcn)

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Solar Energy

PV – “Dual use with animal husbandry has great potential”

December 12, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Mr. Bovenschen, what exactly do you mean by agrivoltaics?

„Agri-photovoltaics” refers to the combination of energy generation and agriculture on a common area. Agricultural use can involve both crops and livestock farming. The PV modules are then either mounted much higher above the ground so that farming can be carried out below. Or the row spacing is increased and the agricultural activities take place primarily between the rows of modules. Alternatively, the modules can also be installed vertically and farming can also take place between the rows of modules. However, this variant is not currently being subsidized.

We would like to see so-called “external agri-PV” integrated into this segment in future, so that it can be considered as particularly eligible for funding. By this we mean ground-mounted photovoltaic systems with wide row spacing in conjunction with grassland management. Grassland management is already a recognized form of agriculture, for example for the production of fodder. Grassland status is important for biodiversity, as grassland provides a high-quality habitat for a large number of different animal and plant species. This should therefore also be recognized as “Agri-PV”.

What opportunities does the Agri-PV offer from your perspective – nationally and internationally?

Agri-PV offers open space potential, especially in densely populated countries with few agricultural areas (e.g. Japan), but also in individual regions with a strong agricultural character (e.g. in northern Italy, in many regions of the Netherlands or in North Rhine-Westphalia). Italy in particular is certainly a pioneer here. There, for example, 1.7 billion euros have been made available to promote more than 1 GW of agri-PV with commissioning by the end of 2026. We are also already very active there.

In general, in addition to the combination with agricultural crops, dual use with livestock farming in particular offers great potential. There is already very good experience in many places with sheep farming under or between the rows of modules. Interestingly, a new DIN specification for agri-PV with animal husbandry is currently being worked on. We expect the results in the coming year; the specifications with regard to animal species groups, stocking density, animal requirements etc. will be decisive.

Nevertheless, it must be emphasized: Agri-PV applications are a useful addition in various niches. However, there is sufficient open space available in Germany for broad-based electricity generation in order to produce cost-effective electricity. The advantage of “agri-PV” would be an opening up of the area, e.g. priority areas for agriculture, as well as a fairly high level of acceptance among the population.

Can it replace “classic” solar parks?

At present, agri-PV is not expected to replace traditional solar parks. Due to the available space, PV systems on open spaces make perfect sense, especially for climate and nature conservation. Biodiversity PV systems – which is what most ground-mounted PV systems are – make a major contribution to nature conservation. At the same time, they are currently the cheapest form of electricity generation. And we don’t want to lose sight of that either: a low-cost electricity supply in Germany.

We have also noticed that our customers have so far not specifically requested projects with “Agri-PV” due to their low profitability. Only in a few exceptional cases do we see that “agri-PV” is already economically feasible today, for example in conjunction with a wind project with high soil quality and a nearby grid feed-in point.

In general, however, the aim is actually to replace conventional electricity sources in the medium term with the wide range of renewable energy options, wherever this is possible and sensible. This certainly includes both “classic” solar parks and agri-PV systems.

What about the economic viability of agrivoltaics? Do we need additional subsidies – at least for the foreseeable future?

Agri-PV in the form of crops is currently largely uneconomical. The extra remuneration via the technology bonus under the Renewable Energy Sources Act is not enough.

Did you miss that? Optimisation brings more yields

Elevated systems (at a clear height of 2.1 m or more) are uneconomical due to the additional costs for the complex racks. Projects elevated vertically are usually uneconomical due to the lower power generation. In order to help agri-PV achieve a market breakthrough and create confidence on the part of banks and investors, higher subsidies and reliable framework conditions such as those in Italy would be helpful.

What effect is the current fall in PV module prices having on the agri-PV sector?

The oversupply of PV modules from Asia is of course also noticeable in this segment. At the same time, however, there are also significant cost increases in other areas, e.g. services (expert opinions, construction work, etc.), racks (a cost driver for agrivoltaics), electrotechnical components (e.g. inverters, control technology) and, very significantly, transformer stations, but also the generally higher level of interest rates. All in all, we have to conclude that The fall in module prices does not compensate for the additional costs, particularly for racks.

Where do you still see a need for development in Agri-PV?

A clear definition of agri-PV is necessary, because a clear definition reduces uncertainty in the business model and helps all parties involved (approval authorities, investors, owners, developers…). An adjustment of the EEG subsidy level for crop-based Agri-PV could make these systems more economical and therefore more attractive for investors. If there is a larger market for “Agri-PV”, there will also be more competition for special Agri-PV components, which could lead to cost reductions.

To what extent is Juwi involved in the agri-PV sector – and in which projects?

We are currently heavily involved in the development of projects in Italy in the form of a tracking system (economical due to high irradiation values). We are also planning the first pilot systems as part of research projects in Germany.

The interview was conducted by Hans-Christoph Neidlein

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Solar Energy

Juwi builds 500 megawatts of solar power in Colorado

November 4, 2024 ryansheehanrts

Project developer Juwi from Wörrstadt in Rhineland-Palatinate is to build three new solar plants in the US state of Colorado. Together they will have an output of 506 megawatts. While the Spanish Peaks project in Los Alamos County in the south of the state with an output of 179 megawatts has been under construction since the end of last year, Juwi has now concluded negotiations on the sale of two further projects to the energy supplier Tri-State.

One of the two solar parks is Axial Basin Solar. This is a 186-megawatt project in Moffat County in north-west Colorado, around 250 miles north-west of Denver. The plant is being built in the White River Electric Association service territory. The second plant operates under the name Dolores Canyon Solar. This generator will have an output of 141 megawatts and is being built in Dolores County, around 400 kilometres southwest of Denver. The plant will be connected to the Empire Electric Association grid.

Customers in four states

The two solar parks are due to be connected to the grid at the end of 2025. They will be operated by the non-profit wholesale electricity supplier Tri-State, based in Westminster, Colorado. The utility serves electric distribution cooperatives and members of public power districts in the four states of Colorado, New Mexico, Nebraska and Wyoming. Together with its member-owners, Tri-State supplies more than one million electricity consumers across nearly 200,000 square miles in the western US with sustainably generated electricity.

The goal: 50 per cent green electricity in the mix

The purchase of the two projects is a new path for the cooperative. This is the first time that the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association has purchased renewable energy projects to sell the electricity to its members.

Also interesting: Goldbeck Solar commissions 20 megawatts of solar farm capacity in Chile

However, the purchase is an important milestone on the way to decarbonising Tri-State’s electricity mix. The goal is 50 per cent renewable energy in the supply area. ‘Our members now have ownership of solar at a competitive cost,’ explains Duane Highley, Managing Director of Tri-State.

Purchase made possible by IRA

The opportunity to purchase the solar systems is part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which the government in Washington passed in 2022. This allows non-profit electric cooperatives to receive a direct payment of federal tax credits for renewable energy. This enables the cooperatives to invest directly in the ownership of renewable generation capacity. Prior to the passage of the IRA, Tri-State and other electric cooperatives generally could not directly benefit from federal renewable energy tax incentives. This was previously only available to for-profit, investor-owned utilities and independent power producers.

Plant ownership for cooperatives

‘I’ve worked for years to give rural electric cooperatives like Tri-State access to federal clean energy tax credits,’ said Michael Bennet, Democratic Senator for the state of Colorado. “The passage of the historic Inflation Reduction Act made this possible for the first time, finally allowing them to own their own renewable energy projects. This progress will help Tri-State provide tremendous benefits to the rural communities it serves and support Colorado’s continued leadership in our nation’s transition to a clean energy economy.”

Additional PPAs finalised

In addition to the purchase of the two projects in Moffat and Dolores County, Tri-State has entered into three additional direct power purchase agreements (PPAs) for solar projects that will be connected to the grid by the end of 2024. These include the Spanish Peaks solar farm, which is already 50 per cent complete. By the end of 2025, Tri-State will supply its members with electricity from eight plants with a combined DC capacity of 870 megawatts and AC capacity of 680 megawatts. (su/mfo)

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Solar Energy

Juwi sells largest portfolio to date with 267 megawatts of solar capacity

July 29, 2024 ryansheehanrts

In November 2023, the Greek subsidiary of the Juwi Group, Juwi Hellas, acquired a photovoltaic portfolio with a total capacity of 267 megawatts (MW), consisting of three clusters (160 MW, 40 MW and 67 MW), from Hive Energy Ltd. The projects have now been sold to Foresight and Mirova. They are located in the central Greek regions of Fthiotida and Larissa, around 300 kilometres north of Athens. Juwi will realise the project portfolio as an EPC service provider and is therefore responsible for the technical design (engineering), component purchasing (procurement) and construction. Construction of the plants is scheduled to begin in August 2024, with commissioning planned for the first quarter of 2026. After commissioning, Juwi will take over the technical operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar plants.

16,000 single-axis tracking systems

A total of around 430,000 bifacial solar modules and over 800 string inverters will be installed in the projects of the former Hive portfolio. Around 16,000 single-axis tracking systems will ensure that the system’s solar modules follow the daily path of the sun. The PV systems will thus generate a total of around 515 million kilowatt hours of clean electricity per year. This is roughly equivalent to the electricity requirements of more than 100,000 Greeks. The solar park covers an area of around 430 hectares and is therefore the size of more than 600 football pitches.

With the Hive and Foresight Mirova transaction and the resulting commissioning, MVV’s project development company Juwi has successfully and repeatedly benefited from its proven diversified business strategy, which includes both in-house development and the acquisition of mature project rights: Current examples include the 204 megawatt solar park in Kozani, Greece, and the 223 megawatt Pike solar park in Colorado, US.

“Juwi currently has a pipeline of 500 megawatts of solar projects in various stages of development in Greece. With a total capacity of 267 megawatts, the solar portfolio of Foresight and Mirova will be the largest in our company’s history. This underlines our role as one of the leading project development companies in selected foreign markets,’ emphasises Stephan Hansen, COO of the Juwi Group and responsible for international business. Selling the portfolio to Foresight and Mirova and signing the EPC and O&M contracts was a positive step, comments Takis Sarris, Managing Director of Juwi Hellas. ‘We are confident that we will deliver state-of-the-art projects.’

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Looking forward to realising this investment in the Greek renewable energy sector, Diomidis Dorkofikis, Partner at Foresight, said: ‘The joint venture with Mirova brings together considerable expertise and resources and it has been a pleasure to work with Juwi on this transaction. This investment is in line with our vision to support sustainable and profitable energy infrastructure projects.”

This is Mirova’s third investment in Greece with MET5, emphasises Helene Dimitracopoulos, Investment Director at Mirova: ‘The expertise and ambition of Mirova and Foresight have aligned seamlessly in this transaction. We trust Juwi for its unique global and local experience both as a developer and as an EPC contractor.” The project is seen as a milestone on Greece’s path to a greener future. (nw/mfo)

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