Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, March 27th, 2019
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New Wind and Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Existing Coal in Much of the U.S., Analysis Finds
Coal-fired power plants in the Southeast and Ohio Valley
stand out. In all, 74% of coal plants cost more to run than building new
wind or solar, analysts found.
Not a single coal-fired power plant along the Ohio River will be able to compete on price with new wind and solar power by 2025, according to a new report by energy analysts.
The same is true for every coal plant in a swath of the South that includes the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi
Nearly three-fourths of the country’s coal-fired power plants already cost more to operate than if wind and solar capacity were built in the same areas to replace them, a new analysis says. Credit: Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
Not a single coal-fired power plant along the Ohio River will be able
to compete on price with new wind and solar power by 2025, according to
a new report by energy analysts.
The same is true for every coal plant in a swath of the South that
includes the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. They’re part
of the 86 percent of coal plants nationwide that are projected to be on
the losing end of this cost comparison, the analysis found.
The findings are part of a report
issued Monday by Energy Innovation and Vibrant Clean Energy that shows
where the shifting economics of electricity generation may force
utilities and regulators to ask difficult questions about what to do
with assets that are losing their value.
The report takes a point that has been well-established by other
studies—that coal power, in addition to contributing to air pollution
and climate change,
is often a money-loser—and shows how it applies at the state level and
plant level when compared with local wind and solar power capacity.
“My big takeaway is the breadth and universality of this trend across
the continental U.S. and the speed with which things are changing,”
said Mike O’Boyle, a co-author of the report and director of energy
policy for Energy Innovation, a research firm focused on clean energy.
The report is not saying that all of those coal plants could or
should be immediately replaced by renewable sources. That kind of
transition requires careful planning to make sure that the electricity
system has the resources it needs. It also doesn’t consider the role of
competition from natural gas.
The key point is a simpler one: Building new wind and solar power
capacity locally, defined as within 35 miles for the report, is often
less expensive than people in those markets realize, and this is
indicative of a price trend that is making coal less competitive.
This shift shows how market forces are helping the country move away
from fossil fuels. At the same time, coal interests have been trying to
obscure or cast doubt on this trend, while seeking more government
subsidies to slow their industry’s decline.
Coal Concerns in the Solar-Rich Southeast
Nearly three-fourths of the country’s coal-fired power plants already
cost more to operate than if wind and solar power were built in the
same areas to replace them, the report says.
By 2025, with the costs of building wind and solar power expected to
continue to decline, the analysts project that 86 percent of coal-fired
power plants will be more expensive than local renewable energy.
Notably, the 2025 wind and solar estimates assume that expiring federal
tax credits will not be extended, so any price advantage is without
federal credits.
In parts of the country where power plants compete on open markets,
such as most of Texas, companies may be more quick to shut down
money-losing plants because plant owners are the ones bearing the
losses.
It’s different in places where plants are fully regulated, as plant owners can pass extra costs on to consumers.
The Southeast, which is almost entirely regulated markets, has some
of the costliest coal plants and is rich with solar resources.
“Consumer advocates and regulators there should be asking harder
questions about integrating renewables,” said Eric Gimon, an energy
analyst and co-author of the report.
In North Carolina, for example, a state second only to Indiana in
total coal plant capacity, every one of those coal-fired power plants is
“substantially at risk,” meaning the existing plants have operational
costs that are at least 25 percent more than what it would cost to build
wind or solar capacity, the report says.
The state’s largest utility, Duke Energy, has invested in solar. The
report shows that there is room for more of this development, and that
the state remains heavily dependent on coal power that is not
cost-competitive.
Political Opposition in the Ohio Valley
In the Ohio Valley, some of the sunniest parts of Ohio
are near the river in the southern and southwest parts of the state,
areas that now have almost no solar power development. American Electric
Power, a Columbus-based utility, has proposed solar arrays
there, but the plans are running into fierce opposition before state
regulators and it is far from clear that the projects will get approved.
The Ohio Valley is a hub for coal-fired power, with plants that were
built because of proximity to coal mines and the ability to deliver coal
on river barges. And yet, the report shows that most of those plants
cost more to operate than building new wind and solar capacity.
One of the exceptions is the Gavin Power Plant, the largest in Ohio
and one of the largest in the country at 2,600 megawatts, which is
operating at a large enough scale to remain competitive. But by 2025,
even Gavin won’t be able to keep up with the declining costs of wind and
solar, according to the report. This doesn’t mean the plant will be
unprofitable, but it signals a shift in the market that will put
increasing pressure on the plant.
Some Utilities Are Factoring in Climate Impact
Colorado and the St. Louis metro area are two of the few places were
coal plants would retain a cost advantage over new renewable energy in
2025, according to the analysis. The authors say that is because of a
lack of available land to build cost-effective wind or solar within 35
miles and because the plants are close to coal mines, which reduces fuel
costs.
But a purely cost-based analysis leaves out other reasons to shut
down coal plants and build wind and solar, as shown by the largest
utility in Colorado, Xcel Energy, which is doing just that.
The company’s executives said they were responding to reports about
the acceleration of climate change. They have found that they can build
new wind and solar capacity for little or no extra cost, which is a less
precise comparison than in the new report.
And, they are preparing for the possibility that Colorado will pass a
law requiring utilities to shift to 100 percent renewable energy, which
is a priority of new Democratic Gov. Jared Polis.
Distance can also make a difference in cost calculations. If new
resources are built far from the ones they are replacing, grid operators
and utilities need to make sure they have enough power line capacity to
transport the electricity. Also, there are local economic
considerations. Utilities sometimes put new projects in the same metro
areas as ones that are closing to help the local community. This has
been part of Excel’s planning process in Pueblo, Colorado, where it is
closing a coal plant and developing new solar.
Natural Gas Competition Also Plays a Role
The report’s findings about the declining viability of coal plants
are in line with previous studies, including one from March 2018 from
BloombergNEF with the headline “Half of U.S. Coal Fleet on Shaky
Economic Footing.”
But there is a key difference. The BloombergNEF report looked at the
finances of coal plants in the context of competition from all fuels,
including natural gas.
William Nelson, a co-author of the BloombergNEF report, says he is
leery of comparing the costs of building new wind and solar to the costs
of operating existing coal plants because a coal plant is capable of
running around the clock, which makes it a different type of resource
than wind and solar unless there is large-scale battery storage.
And, he thinks that natural gas prices are an essential part of the
conversation in places such as the Ohio Valley, where gas is plentiful
and inexpensive.
Gimon of Energy Innovation says he agrees that the role of natural
gas in the market is an important element, but he says the report
intentionally narrowed the focus to look at the deteriorating finances
of coal and the improving competitiveness of wind and solar, rather than
at the electricity market as a whole.
Daniel Cohan, a Rice University engineering professor who is not
involved in the new report, says “gas is more of a gamble” for power
plant owners than wind or solar because of uncertainty about future gas
prices.
He thinks there is more certainty that wind and solar will continue
to get less expensive and that their prices can serve as a useful
comparison for coal.
The decreasing costs of wind and solar will lead to a growing gap
compared to the costs of operating coal plants, one that coal plant
owners and regulators would be wise to prepare for, Gimon said.
“You really can’t hang tight,” he said. “It’s just going to get worse.”
Tags: Hpq, Solar Posted in HPQ-Silicon Resources Inc. | Comments Off on $HPQ.ca Silicon Resources Inc. – New Wind and Solar Power Is Cheaper Than Existing Coal in Much of the U.S., Analysis Finds
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 6:13 PM on Wednesday, November 21st, 2018
SPONSOR: HPQ-Silicon Resources (HPQ:TSX-V) Exclusive global partnership puts HPQ-Silicon Resources in a position to turn Quartz project into lowest cost supplier to solar industry. Click Here For More Information
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Vattenfall has co-located solar and wind at the Parc Cynog site in Wales (pictured). Image: Vattenfall.
Solar stands to be a “new backbone†of the power sector as it cements its status as the world’s “dominant new build generation technologyâ€, Vattenfall’s head of solar and battery storage has said.
Earlier this year the Swedish state-owned utility announced that it was to invest €100 million in European solar deployment over the next two years. That investment is to be predominantly made into utility-scale solar farms co-located with wind and/or storage due to the complementary nature of the technologies.
Speaking to Current±, Claus Wattendrup, head of solar and battery storage at Vattenfall, said the company feels that the “time is right†for solar as the technology is edging closer to grid parity in numerous markets.
“I see solar as a new backbone of the energy industry,†Wattendrup said, adding that continued price reductions in both the technology and other costs associated with deployment had resulted in the solar sector becoming a “different ball game†to how it was before.
And this maturation has resulted in other large energy incumbents – not just Vattenfall, but the likes of Shell and BP – picking up the PV mantle.
“It’s the price level, [solar] has been quite expensive and it has been small – just a few megawatts – and in the past our companies have thought mainly in gigawatts of conventional capacity. This paradigm was based on a mix of all kinds of different reasons,†Wattendrup said.
As this paradigm has shifted and solar deployed in the hundreds of megawatts, if not gigawatts, big energy majors have become increasingly attracted. Both BP and Shell have acquired stakes in developers – Europe’s Lightsource and US-based Silicon Ranch respectively – in order to increase their standing in the technology and its application.
Vattenfall considers that its experience in wind development lends it the necessary skillset to adapt to solar, but Wattendrup reserves particular criticism for any power player that doesn’t pick up PV.
“If you don’t manage [solar] as a serious player, you’re doing something wrong. Therefore everyone’s moving into this in a serious manner. There’s no greenwashing, this is serious,†he said.
Claus Wattendrup was speaking to Current± for a feature-length article published in this month’s edition of sister publication PV Tech Power, which can be read in full here.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:15 AM on Wednesday, November 14th, 2018
Solar PV is “charging ahead†across the world as it outpaces other renewables, but far more significant action is required if a climate crisis is to be averted, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned
This morning the IEA has released this year’s edition of its World Energy Outlook (WEO), including a mix of worldwide energy trends and forecasts under different models and scenarios.
Solar PV, the IEA has said, is “charging ahead†of other renewables in numerous markets and, alongside gas, is “re-shaping†the power sector entirely. IEA forecasts that solar PV capacity will overtake wind by 2025 and coal in the mid-2030s to become the second largest generation technology, behind only gas.
Such a surge in installed capacity is likely to have significant impacts on global generation mixes and, in turn, the entire power sector, thrusting huge importance on flexibility which the IEA has labelled the “new cornerstone†of electricity security.
The IEA has gone so far as to state that changes to the power mix will need to be addressed with “growing urgency†across the global, which will, in turn, require market reforms, more significant investments in national grids and more prolific adoption of demand-side response, smart metering and energy storage technologies.
But of a far starker nature are the agency’s warnings surrounding the pace of clean energy adoption, specifically if the world remains committed to limiting global warming to within two degrees.
In charting projections for electricity generation capacities and demand, the IEA has suggested there remains a significant gap between its forecasts and staying within those climate targets, requiring what the IEA has termed as a “systematic preference†for investments in sustainable energy technologies.
In simple terms, both developing and advanced economies can no longer invest in carbon-emitting power stations if the effects of climate change are to be limited to limited within two degrees.
Fatih Birol, executive director at the IEA, noted that with more than 70% of global energy investments set to be government-driven, the “world’s energy destiny†is intertwined with global politics.
“Crafting the right policies and proper incentives will be critical to meeting our common goals of securing energy supplies, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality in urban centres, and expanding basic access to energy in Africa and elsewhere,†he said.
While the IEA’s absolute figures for solar power deployment have proven far too conservative in the past, the body has the ear of OECD governments adding weight to its overall message..
These financing, subject to certain conditions, will be earmarked toward the completion of the “Gen 3 PUREVAP™â€ pilot equipment project announced in August 2016
AN INNOVATIVE METALLURGICAL PROCESS DEVELOPED 100% IN QUEBEC
Since 2015, HPQ has invested, in Quebec, more than $ 5,500,000 towards the development, in partnership with PyroGenesis, of the PUREVAP™Â « Quartz Reduction Reactor » (“QRRâ€), an innovative and leading-edge metallurgical process that allows both the transformation and purification of quartz (SiO2) into high purity silicon metal (Si), in one step.   The process will allow a reduction, by a factor of at least two-third (2/3), of the steps presently required to transform quartz (SiO2) into Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si), the central ingredient in the transformation of the sun’s energy into electricity in photovoltaïques solar panels.
Thanks to theses new financings, dedicated to the project, HPQ, in collaboration with its technical partners, will now be able to dedicate its efforts and energies toward the fulfilment of the ambitious operational goals of the program, which are the commercial validation of the PUREVAP™Â QRR process and the production of Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si).
MAKING QUEBEC THE LEADER IN THE PRODUCTION OF GREEN SOLAR SILICON METAL
The PUREVAP™Â QRR capability of reducing by 96%1 the carbon footprint associated with the greenhouse gas (GHG) emanating from the production of solar grade silicon metal (SoG Si) presents HPQ with the unique opportunity of being able to resolve the biggest paradox of the solar energy: “It’s not because photovoltaïques solar panels do not emit CO2 (GHG) while producing electricity that solar energy is not a significant source of GHG.â€2
Rather, seventy percent (70%) of the GHG generated when building a new solar farm3 comes from the production of the Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) needed for the fabrication of the solar panels. Manufacturing SoG Si in China, the world largest producer, generates an astounding 141 kg of CO2 per Kg of SoG Si produced. In Germany, that ratio is reduced to 87.7 kg CO2 per Kg of SoG Si produced.  Using the PUREVAP™Â QRR process in Quebec should only produce 5.4 kg CO2 per Kg de SoG Si produced.1
Using the Hydro-Quebec stated goal of building a new 100 MW solar farm in the province as benchmark, it is easy to demonstrate that if the solar cells needed to build the solar farm are produced in China, it would represent an import of 56,540 tonnes of GHG (CO2) for the Province of Quebec. If the solar cells are produced in Germany, it would represent an import of 35,090 tonnes of CO2 for the Province. However, if the solar cells needed for Hydro-Quebec were produced in Quebec using the PUREVAP™Â QRR process, only 2,154 tonnes of CO2 would be produced. 1
The Convertible Debenture has a 5-year (60 months) term, bearing interest at a rate of 5% per annum, and the interest payment can be accrued, at the Company’s option, up to the term of the Debenture. IQ will have the right, at anytime, to convert the Debenture into common shares of HPQ at a price of $0.12 per share. HPQ will be allowed to proceed with an early repayment of the Debenture, capital and accrued interest, 36 months after the issuance of the debenture, subject to the payment to IQ by HPQ of a redemption premium equal to a compounded annual return of 20% on the capital of the Debenture.  Finally, HPQ will be issuing to IQ 15,000,000 Warrants, each Warrant entitling IQ to purchase one common share of the capital stock of HPQ at an exercise price of $ 0.17, for a period of 36 months from the close. IQ may also, at the date of the conversion of the capital into shares, convert the accrued interest payable in shares of HPQ, subject to the approval of the TSX-Venture and the conversion price for the payment of the accrued interest will be established in accordance with the policies of the TSX-Venture (TSX.V).
PyroGenesis, for its part, has closed a private placement in HPQ of 16,250,000 units (“Unit”) at $0.12 per Unit for a gross proceeds of up to $1,950,000. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (“Warrant”) of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle Pyrogenesis to purchase one common share of the capital stock of the Company at an exercise price of $ 0.17 for a period of 36 months from the date of closing of the placement. Each share issued pursuant to the placement will have a mandatory four (4) month and one (1) day holding period from the date of closing of the placement.
Upon approval from the TSX venture exchange (TSX-V), PyroGenesis will grant HPQ an Equity Line of credit of $ 1,500,000. The equity line of credit can only be used to cover un-expected project cost overruns that could potentially occur after then end of planned test period in 2019 until December 31, 2020.
To be acceptable under the terms of the Equity Line of Credit, Cost Overruns shall be considered as such by both Parties and approved before they are incurred. Upon approval, HPQ must send a written thirty days (30) notice of it’s intent to drawdown the Equity Line of Credit to pay for the Cost Overruns. Once the approved work is completed, PyroGenesis shall remit to HPQ an invoice covering the completed work and HPQ will organize the payment of the invoice by mean of issuance of common shares of its capital stock, as prescribed by TSX Venture Exchange policies, for a number of shares totalling the amount of the applicable invoice at an issuance price equal to the share quote on the invoice date, less a ten percent (10%) discount.
HPQ has already received conditional approval from the TSX Venture exchange (TSX-V) for the issuance of the $1,800,000 Convertible Debenture and associated warrants and for the $Â 1,950,000 private placement. Only the Equity Line of Credit requires the approval of the TSX Venture exchange (TSX-V).
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon stated “Closing these financings, with both the Quebec Government and PyroGenesis taking such active participation in our Company, is a key moment for HPQ. This is another external demonstration that our PUREVAP™Â QRR process, emanating from our strong and mutually beneficial relationship with PyroGenesis, has all the earmarks to become a transformative project. We are very happy to have received such a strong vote of confidence and believe that everything is (oops!) falling into place to make our project a great success.â€
HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. is a TSX-V listed resource company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Purity, Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) producer and a manufacturer of multi and monocrystalline solar cells of the P and N types, required for production of high performance photovoltaic conversion.
HPQ goal is to develop, in collaboration with industry leaders that are experts in their fields of interest, the innovative metallurgical PUREVAP™Â “Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR)†process (patent pending), which will permit the transformation and purification of quartz (SiO2) into high purity silicon metal (Si) in one step and reduce by a factor of at least two-third (2/3) the steps required to transform quartz (SiO2) into SoG Si. The pilot plant equipment that will validate the commercial potential of the process is on schedule for an end 2018 start.
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, COO Tel: (514) 262-9239 www.HPQSilicon.com
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 12:01 PM on Tuesday, May 1st, 2018
Solar energy is a clean alternative to fossil fuels; however, making the panels themselves comes with an environmental price tag.
Solar power is the fastest-growing source of that new renewable energy.
According to a report published by research firm Zion Market Research, the global solar panel market accounted for US$30.8 billion in 2016
Expected to reach US$57.3 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.9 percent.
The Clean Energy Revolution is all about sustainability from cradle to grave.Â
Both investors and consumers in this space want the manufacturing process for clean-energy products to have as small an environmental footprint as possible. Otherwise the movement away from fossil fuels will not lead us to a truly low-carbon economy.
Renewable forms of energy such as solar are key to that transition. In 2017, new renewable-energy-generating capacity surpassed that of net new fossil fuel capacity. “We are at a turning point … from fossil fuels to the renewable world,†Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, told Reuters. “The markets are there and renewables can take on coal, they can take on oil and gas.â€
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Solar power is the fastest-growing source of that new renewable energy. According to a report published by research firm Zion Market Research, the global solar panel market accounted for US$30.8 billion in 2016 and is expected to reach US$57.3 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.9 percent.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) believes solar will dominate future growth in the renewable energy sector, with global capacity in five years’ time expected to be greater than the current combined total power capacity of India and Japan, reports the Guardian. “What we are witnessing is the birth of a new era in solar photovoltaics (PV). We expect that solar PV capacity growth will be higher than any other renewable technology up to 2022,†said Dr. Fatih Birol, IEA executive director.
That increased solar capacity will require more solar panels, and that means more silicon, the material responsible for converting solar energy into electricity.
Silicon is the solar energy metal
Silicon, an excellent semiconductor, is essential in the fabrication of solar panels. Unlike other metals, its conductivity improves as temperatures increase — making it ideally suited for solar-energy generation.
Yes, solar panels do not emit greenhouse gases when they are generating electricity; however, the conventional process for producing solar-grade silicon, or polysilicon, uses harsh chemicals and requires a lot of energy.
Environmental cost of conventional silicon production
According to a 2014 National Geographic report, the entire process results in the emission of greenhouse gases and the production of toxic chemicals. “The dirty little secret about solar panels is that while solar energy as a concept is green because you can generate electricity without generating pollution, you create a lot of pollution during the manufacturing of those solar cells,†Bernard Tourillon, CEO of HPQ Silicon (TSXV:HPQ), told INN. HPQ Silicon owns a portfolio of high-grade quartz properties in Quebec, and with PyroGenesis Canada (TSXV:PYR) is developing a new carbothermic process that has the capability to convert quartz into solar-grade silicon metal in just one step.
Although silicon is one of the most abundant elements on earth, it doesn’t occur freely but rather is found in compound form with oxygen as silicon dioxide (SiO2) or silica. Quartz is the most common form of silica. The conventional process for producing pure silicon from quartz and further refining it for use in solar panels requires a lot of energy and the use of caustic chemicals — leading to the emission of greenhouse gases and the production of the very toxic chemical silicon tetrachloride.
“Traditionally this is a very high-CAPEX smelter process that requires large-size plants and is extremely pollutive because to transform quartz into silicon metal by default you create carbon monoxide,†added Tourillon.
Silicon has a melting point of 1,414° Celsius, nearly that of iron. Freeing silicon from SiO2 requires passing quartz through a carbothermic process (basically adding carbon through extremely high heat) in giant electric furnaces, which in turn requires a lot of energy, notes Fengqi You, assistant professor of engineering at Northwestern University and a co-author of a study on the subject conducted in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory.
Further increasing the carbon footprint of solar-panel manufacturing, coal is often the source of energy used to heat the furnaces, especially in China where the majority of the world’s polysilicon and solar panels are produced. Hence, as the Economist points out, “when a new solar panel is put to work it starts with a ‘carbon debt’ that, from a greenhouse-gas-saving point of view, has to be paid back before that panel becomes part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.â€
Nearly all of the silicon used in today’s solar panels comes from the refining of metallurgical-grade silicon using a chemical purification method known as the Siemens process, which involves the use of caustic chemicals, including sodium hydroxide and hydrofluoric acid. This process produces waste in the form of highly toxic silicon tetrachloride.
While most manufacturers recycle this waste to produce more silicon, the reprocessing equipment can carry a hefty price tag — in the range of tens of millions of dollars — leading some companies to dump the waste. Once silicon tetrachloride comes into contact with water it releases hydrochloric acid, which acidifies the surrounding soil and emits toxic fumes.
In an effort to crack down on illegal dumping of toxic waste produced by polysilicon manufacturers, environmental regulators in China shut down operations at several offending factories in 2017. The move sent prices of polysilicon soaring on shortages and spiked production costs for solar panel manufacturers.
Clearly, without sustainably produced silicon, solar panels are not a genuine clean-energy alternative to fossil fuels.
Game-changing technology
A potential solution to this challenge may come in the form of the fourth state of matter: plasma.
Plasma is a charged gas capable of strong, electrostatic interactions, making it a great conductor of electricity. Plasma’s semiconductive property is why in 2015, HPQ Silicon approached PyroGenesis, one of the largest concentrations of plasma expertise in the world, and inquired about the possibility of using its plasma-based knowhow to transform quartz into solar-grade silicon metal.
PyroGenesis has successfully developed plasma-based systems for the US Navy, including technology that destroys chemicals-based weapons, and has invented a plasma-based process for producing power for 3D printing that is now used internationally.
The resulting cooperation between HPQ Silicon and PyroGenesis led to the development of the PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactors process, a new carbothermic process that has the capability to convert quartz into solar-grade silicon metal.
In less than 18 months, the PUREVAP™ QRR process has demonstrated the possibility of converting quartz into solar-grade silicon metal at commercial scale in one step.
“Plasma is a very exciting area of technology. Our PUREVAP™ metallurgical process harnesses the advantages of plasma to commercially produce solar-grade silicon directly from quartz,†Peter Pascali, president and CEO of PyroGenesis, told INN. “If you can conduct that transformation in one step using a clean technology like plasma then without a doubt there are significant environmental benefits from that.â€
A third-party revenue analysis of the process, conducted by private France-based Apollon Solar, found that at the commercial scale, the PUREVAP™ process could lead to the production of solar-grade silicon at a significantly lower cost compared to conventional processes.
PyroGenesis’ recent GEN2 testing results have validated the commercial scalability of the PUREVAP™ process. “The results we have achieved recently with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ give us increased confidence and assurance that at pilot scale, we will be able to reach significant higher production yields of the high-purity silicon metal that we are targeting,†said Pierre Carabin, PyroGenesis’ chief technology officer.
HPQ Silicon owns the PUREVAP™ technology as it relates to the transformation of quartz to silicon through a binding agreement with PyroGenesis. HPQ Silicon provides the strategic direction, marketing and funding for the project for a 90-percent interest.
HPQ Silicon, PyroGenesis and Apollon Solar are working together to conduct the GEN3 Pilot Plant phase, now in the planning stages, to further validate the commercial scalability of the PUREVAP™ process.
The takeaway
There are of course other factors that contribute to the carbon footprint of solar energy outside of how silicon is produced; for example, in the fabrication of the solar panels themselves. But solving this one challenge may still be a huge step forward for the solar industry and could bring the world closer to a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable future.
This INNspired article is sponsored by HPQ Silicon (TSXV:HPQ). This article was written according to INN editorial standards to educate investors.
According to the latest Global Solar Demand Monitor from GTM Research, installations will reach 104 gigawatts this year, representing 6 percent annual growth. After that, annual installations will easily exceed the 100-gigawatt milestone through at least 2022.
The year-over-year growth is due in part to geographic diversification, as the top four markets are anticipated to collectively decline by 7 percent.
Installations in China will fall from 53 gigawatts in 2017 to 48 gigawatts in 2018, although China alone will account for 47 percent of global demand this year.
For the first time in China’s history, annual distributed solar installations (<20 megawatts) are expected to surpass 50 percent of the nation’s annual installed capacity.
“Trade-restrictive measures continue to be a barrier to growth in the U.S. and India,” said GTM Research solar analyst Rishab Shrestha. “Although the availability of tariff-free modules in the U.S. and the announcement that compensation will be provided to Indian developers negatively impacted by tariffs and duties provides some encouragement.” According to the report, the U.S. market is expected to add 10.6 gigawatts of solar PV in 2018 while India will install 7.1 gigawatts.
In 2018, Latin America will add 5.6 gigawatts and the MENA region (Middle East and Africa) will add 4.7 gigawatts, representing explosive year-over-year growth of 61 percent and 281 percent, respectively. Up to 1 gigawatt of projects awarded through Mexico’s A1 auction are expected to come online this year, as is Egypt’s 1.8-gigawatt Benban solar park. These two markets will top their respective regions in 2018.
According to the analysis, Egypt and Brazil will become gigawatt-scale markets for the first time in 2018. This year will also see the re-emergence Spain. Meanwhile, France, which will firmly establish itself as one of Europe’s top three largest markets.
Posted by AGORACOM-JC
at 10:02 AM on Saturday, March 24th, 2018
Solar power capacity expected to be added in the coming years is equivalent to 70,000 new solar panels every hour
Enough to cover 1,000 soccer pitches every day
Estimated that global solar power capacity will triple by 2022
Driven by Chinese demand and the ever-falling cost of buying and installing solar panels
The amount of solar power capacity expected to be added in the coming years is equivalent to 70,000 new solar panels every hour – enough to cover 1,000 soccer pitches every day.
It is estimated that global solar power capacity will triple by 2022, driven by Chinese demand and the ever-falling cost of buying and installing solar panels.
According to the International Energy Association (IEA), photovoltaic solar power grew faster than any fuel in 2016, and there will be far more solar capacity added in the next four years than any other type of renewable energy, including wind and hydropower.
China is expected to add 40% of the world’s new solar panels between now and 2022, despite having already surpassed its solar power target for 2020.
Concerns about air quality and the fact that China is responsible for manufacturing nearly two-thirds of the world’s solar panels are expected to drive the country to reach a solar capacity of 320 gigawatts (GW) by 2022 – more than the total electricity capacity of Japan.
Alongside China’s solar expansion, the IEA expects possible policy and regulatory improvements in other key countries, such as India, Japan and the US, will cause world solar PV cumulative capacity to triple to 880 GW by 2022.
By this time renewable energy capacity overall should increase by 43% – equivalent to half the global capacity in coal power, which has taken 80 years to build.
Posted by AGORACOM
at 7:36 AM on Tuesday, March 29th, 2016
Uragold Commences Testing Of Process To Convert High Purity Quartz To Solar Grade Silicon Metal
Uragold (TSX Venture: UBR) is pleased to announce that testing of its process to convert High Purity Quartz to Solar Grade Silicon Metal will commence today. Testing will be executed by PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (“PyroGenesis”), a clean-Tech company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma waste-to-energy systems, plasma torch products and the PUREVAPâ„¢Quartz Vaporization Reactor (QVR), from whom Uragold has been granted the worldwide exclusive rights for the One Step Production of Solar Grade Purity Silicon Metal from Quartz.
Having received confirmation that PyroGenesis has completed installation, assembly and commissioning of the PUREVAPâ„¢ QVR system, Uragold confirms the dynamic metallurgical testing program will commence today, Tuesday March 29, 2016.
Bernard Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of Uragold stated “This is a very exciting day for Uragold and its shareholders. Leading up to this day, we took the extra time and care necessary to insure the best possible results. We are now in the very capable hands of PyroGenesis and look forward with great anticipation to releasing the results to our shareholders in the very near future.â€
ANTICIPATED TIMELINE FOR TESTING, RESULTS AND NEXT STEPS
The dynamic test protocols call for a first series of metallurgical tests to be completed at different operational settings. The High Purity Silicon Metal produced by the reactor during each of these tests will be sent to an independent laboratory for ICP – MS “Mass Spectrometry” analysis for validation.
Upon receipt of results, if needed, the operational parameters of the reactor will be adjusted. The process will be rapidly repeated in order to achieve the correct adjustments required for the transformation of Uragold Quartz into High Purity Si of a minimum of 4N purity (99.99 % Si).
Previously disclosed theoretical modeling of the process seems to indicate that transforming Raw Quartz into High Purity Silicon metals with a minimum purity of 4N (99.99 %)Â is within reach and, with anticipated process improvements, further testing could achieve purity of 5NÂ (99.999 %)Â and even further to 6NÂ (99.9999 %).
Uragold anticipates announcing results within 2-4 weeks.
Upon successful validation of the One Step Production Process, Uragold plans to move forward with the preparation of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEAâ€) for its Roncevaux Quartz Property as the feed material for the PyroGenesis’ PUREVAPâ„¢ QVR process.
GLOBAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR URAGOLD – PRODUCING SOLAR GRADE SILICON METAL AT METALLURGICAL GRADE COSTS
PyroGenesis’ PUREVAP™ QVR disruptive potential is its one step direct transformation of Quartz into Solar Grade Silicon Metal, thereby potentially allowing Uragold to manufacture Solar Grade Silicon Metal (Sg Si) at the same cost as producing Metallurgical Grade Silicon Metal (Mg Si), a much lower quality product. Additionally, the Company believes the process holds a significant capital cost advantage that will allow a plant to be built at just a fraction of the current manufacturing costs.
Tourillon further added “It cannot be understated. Successful testing will provide Uragold with disruptive technology and a very strong competitive advantage over all other Solar Grade Silicon Metal Manufacturers. It allows Uragold to go much higher in the High Purity Quartz value chain and potentially become the lowest cost vertically integrated Silicon Metal, Solar Grade Silicon Metal and higher value Silicon Metal producer. Quite simply, this technology has the potential to revolutionize the process of manufacturing Silicon Metal.â€
$USD 12 BILLION ANNUAL INDUSTRY, GROWTH DRIVEN BY PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR DEMAND
The Silicon Metal, Solar Grade Silicon Metal and Electronic Grade Silicon Metal markets combined, was a $USD 12 billion a year industry in 2014. Metallurgical Grade Silicon Metal world consumption topped 2.25Mt in 2014, exceeding $US 6 billion in sales. Propelled by increased demand for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels systems, Metallurgical Grade Silicon Metal consumption is expected to grow by 6%+ per Annum[1].
About 10% of 2014 global Metallurgical Grade Silicon Metal produced was further refined into Solar Grade Silicon Metal and Polysilicon, worth another $US 6 billion. GTM Research estimates that Installed PV demand will growth 15 % – 23 % annually, access to Solar Grade Si will be limiting factor in PV Growth, balance supply and demand for Sg Si demand expected for year-end 2016 as Gigawatt (GW) produce by Solar panels increases.[2]
About Uragold
Uragold Bay Resources is a TSX-V listed junior exploration company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Value Specialty Materials Company. Uragold has announced plans to spin out its Beauce Gold Project – the largest placer gold deposit in eastern North America. Our Business model is focused on developing unique projects that can generate high yield returns and significant free cash flow within a short time line.
High Value Specialty Materials
Uragold, with its worldwide exclusive usage of PyroGenesis’ PUREVAP™ QVR, is endeavouring to become a vertically integrated Silicon Metal (98.5% Si), High Purity Silicon Metal (99.99% Si), Solar Grade Silicon Metal (6N Purity / 99.9999% Si) and/or Higher (9N Purity / 99.9999999% Si) producer.
The PUREVAP™ QVR process’s big advantage is its one step direct transformation of Quartz into High Purity Silicon Metal Solar Grade Silicon Metal and/or Higher Purity product, thereby potentially allowing Uragold to manufacture high value material for the same operating cost presently being paid by traditional producers to make Metallurgical Grade Si (98.5% Si) using the traditional arc furnace approach.
The Science Behind PyroGenesis PUREVAPâ„¢ QVR Process Is Solid:
Plasma arc based process can and has transformed High Purity Quartz into Mg Si.
Plasma arc based process can and is being used to purify Mg Si into higher value materials such asSg Si.
Finally, refining Mg Si using an electron-beam furnace in a high vacuum-processing environment has proven the concept of the elimination of elements whose vapor pressures are higher than that of silicon.
What is unique and ground breaking is the combination of these three proven processes into one step.
A Green And Clean Company
Uragold, with its worldwide exclusive usage of PyroGenesis’ PUREVAP™ QVR will also be implementing a process to make Sg Si, which is estimated to generate 14.1 kg CO2 eq/Kg SG Si, versus the 54.0 kg CO2 eq/Kg SG Si of emissions generated by the Siemens process (90% of the present production process). This represents 75% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which is justified by elimination of the emissions emanating from the use of chemicals, as well as, energy consumption from the additional purification step.
High Purity Quartz Properties
Uragold is also the largest holder of High Purity Quartz properties in Quebec, with over 3,500 Ha under claims. Despite the abundance of quartz, very few deposits are suitable for high purity applications. High Purity Quartz supplies are tightening, prices are rising, and exponential growth is forecast. Quartz from the Roncevaux property successfully passed rigorous testing protocols of a major silicon metal producer confirming that our material is highly suited for their silicon metal production.
About Our Beauce Gold Project About To Be Spun Out To Unlock Value
The Beauce Gold Project is a unique, historically prolific gold field located in the municipality of Saint-Simon-les-Mines in the Beauce region of Southern Quebec.  Comprising of a block of 37 claims 100% owned by Uragold Bay Resources, the project area hosts a six (6) km long unconsolidated gold bearing sedimentary units (a lower saprolite and an upper brown diamictite) holding the largest placer gold deposit in eastern North America. The gold in saprolite indicates a close proximity to a bedrock source of gold providing significant potential for further exploration discoveries.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239 www.uragold.com
[1] Roskill: Silicon and Ferrosilicon: Global Industry Markets & Outlook report (2014)
[2] PV demand and GTM Research October 2015 Plus info from RECSilicon 2015 presentation
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