Recharge Wrap-up: CA signs clean energy bill, Formula E inks more European TV deals

eMotorWerks will integrate its cloud-based JuiceNet smart grid EV charging platform with ClipperCreek chargers. JuiceNet helps manage charging rates and times, allowing customers to charge their vehicles when the grid is less costly and drawing energy from more renewable sources. To start, eMotorWerks will offer JuiceNet capability in ClipperCreek’s HCS-40 and HCS40P charging stations. “Bringing advanced smart grid capabilities to their flagship product line further validates our vision for JuiceNet as a universal platform for managing large, shiftable loads,” says eMotorWerks founder Valery Miftakhov. “eMotorWerks will deliver a top-notch consumer experience, while helping utilities and grid operators save money and make our electric grids more reliable and resilient.” Read more in the press release from eMotorWerks.

Hilton will install EV chargers at more hotels. The company plans to have 50 chargers at its properties by the end of the year, and 100 chargers by the end of 2016. Charging is free to hotel guests. “Our goal is to support our guests in their travels no matter what technology they’re using,” says Hilton Worldwide’s Executive VP for Global Brands, Jim Holthouser. Read more at The Diesel Driver.

Formula E is expanding its television audience in Europe. The electric racing series renewed or inked new contracts with various broadcasters, including markets in Albania, Cyprus and Iceland. “Green energy is gaining more importance each passing day,” says Oskar Thorvaldsson, Head of Sports at 365 Media Iceland. “We are really looking forward to retaining Formula E in our motorsport portfolio and have high hopes it will remain hugely popular with our subscribers.” Formula E says it will announce more TV deals in the coming weeks. Read more from Formula E.

ChargePoint is praising California Governor Jerry Brown for signing the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015. Senate Bill 350 aims to cut the use of petroleum in vehicles by 50 percent from 1990 levels by 2030, which will require utilities to invest in renewable energy and EV charging infrastructure. “From utilities to automakers, private corporations to government entities, we all have a role to play in lowering our state’s greenhouse gas emissions,” says ChargePoint CEO Pasquale Romano. “Encouraging drivers to make the switch to zero-emission electric vehicles is a critical part of that effort, and SB 350 will go a long way to support that transition by increasing access to EV charging stations, including in disadvantaged communities throughout the state.” Read more in the press release below.

Show full PR text

ChargePoint Commends Governor Brown, Legislature on SB 350, Landmark Legislation To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Campbell, Calif. – Pasquale Romano, CEO of ChargePoint, the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, joined California Governor Jerry Brown at today’s signing of Senate Bill 350. This landmark legislation is committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through new and expanded policies promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and the electrification of transportation. Romano issued the following statement:

“ChargePoint applauds Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro-Tem Kevin De Leon and the California State Legislature for continuing to expand California’s commitment to cleaner air and a more sustainable future. The passage and signing of SB 350 prove once again that California is the nation’s leader in the fight against climate change, and ChargePoint is proud to have been among those championing this important issue.

“From utilities to automakers, private corporations to government entities, we all have a role to play in lowering our state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Encouraging drivers to make the switch to zero-emission electric vehicles is a critical part of that effort, and SB 350 will go a long way to support that transition by increasing access to EV charging stations, including in disadvantaged communities throughout the state.

“SB 350 is a giant step forward for California and the entire country must follow our lead. As a proud California-born company and an industry leader, ChargePoint looks forward to continuing to work with our elected officials, the California Public Utilities Commission and with stakeholders across the state to implement this ambitious and important state policy”

To meet aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals, SB 350 specifically requires California electric utilities to invest in EV charging infrastructure and support EV adoption in a way that leverages private-sector funding, protects competition and allows consumers choices in equipment and services. ChargePoint has consistently supported Gov. Brown’s commitment to expanding the EV industry in California and legislative efforts to support EV adoption.

Recharge Wrap-up: CA signs clean energy bill, Formula E inks more European TV deals

European Investment Bank Agrees GBP 168 Million Backing for Lincs Offshore Transmission ...

Tomasz Wyszoamirski/iStock/Thinkstock

The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide GBP 168 million for a new connection between the Lincs offshore wind farm and the UK national transmission network. The approximately 100-km connection, between high voltage transmission connections on the mainland and the 270-MW Lincolnshire wind farm, has been tendered under a dedicated regulatory regime for offshore transmission networks by OFGEM, the UK gas and electricity market regulator.

“Offshore wind will play a significant role as part of the UK’s energy mix over the coming decades and the European Investment Bank is committed to supporting long-term investment in energy infrastructure that both enhances production of electricity from renewable sources and connects renewable energy into the national network. We are pleased to continue support for offshore wind infrastructure in UK waters and investment in transmission connections under the OFTO regime facilitates new investment in offshore wind farms. This sector is creating hundreds of new jobs along the North Sea coast and supporting manufacturing and research across the country.” said Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President.

The transmission connection to the Lincs wind farm, 8 km off the Skegness coast, will include one offshore substation and connect to the national transmission network at an onshore substation at Walpole, Norfolk. The Lincs wind farm will comprise 75 turbines that when operational can produce enough clean renewable energy for over 200,000 homes, equivalent to around two thirds of the homes in Lincolnshire and contribute to the UK government’s strategy of ensuring that 15% of energy is from renewable sources by 2020.

Assets for the Lincs offshore transmission connection have been developed by Lincs Wind Farm Limited, a joint venture between Centrica, Dong Energy and Siemens Project Ventures. Under the OFTO regime the transmission assets will be transferred to Transmission Capital Partners, a consortium comprising Amber Infrastructure, International Public Partnerships and Transmission Investment, who will own and operate the connection under a twenty year agreement.

This is the sixth connection under the OFTO regime, developed to ensure that offshore renewable generation projects are economically and efficiently connected to Britain’s electricity grid, to be supported by Europe’s long-term lending institution. Previous OFTO connections supported by the EIB include Walney 1 and 2, Sheringham Shoal, Greater Gabbard and London Array.

Last month the board of the EIB, comprising all 28 European member state shareholders, approved EIB’s participation in Round 3 of the OFTO regime.

European Investment Bank Agrees GBP 168 Million Backing for Lincs Offshore Transmission ...