Elon Musk: Renewable Energy, Automotive and Hyperloop - GineersNow Engineering Magazine

SOLAR ENERGY FORFREE HOT SHOWERS NOW A THING Instead of letting excess solar power from your panels go back to the national grid, you can now use it to heat thewater in your house instead of spending money on electric or gas-powered heaters.Yup, it’s that time of the month again Well, worry no more because newwhen you have to whip out your wal- technologies are available to helplet and pay your bills. I’m willing to you out. Power Diverter, for example,bet that one of the biggest leeches in promises to store all the energy it canyour finances is your electricity bill; from your solar panel array. And whatit’s just so hard to cut down! it can’t save, it will divert to your wa-We’ve all heard of solar technology, ter tank instead of routing it back towhere energy from the sun is harvest- the national grid. Not only will thised using solar panels on your roof or heat your water for those long, hotyard and turned into usable electrici- showers spent pondering life’s biggestty. The main drawback of this, howev- questions, Power Diverter can use theer, is that when the sun’s up and your hot water to create thermal energy forhouse is basically overflowing with more electricity!power, you’re out in the world do- It’s basically having two batteries –ing adult stuff! And when you come one an actual battery, and the otherhome at night, unless you have a de- your water tank – but you get free hotcent (and expensive) energy storage water on the side!system, you’ll be back to using regularol’ technology. Photo by Home Advisor Homesource ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 51

EUROPE AND US CELEBRATE SOLAR MILESTONES IN 2016 Campaigns to celebrate mile- US President Barack Obama stones in solar power systems in- joined in on the Solar Energy stallations were launched by solar Industries Association in their industry associations in the Unit- #MillionSolarStrong campaign, ed States and Europe. tweeting that the U.S. has recently In Europe, SolarPower Europe, achieved one million solar instal- which was formerly known as the lations, which is enough to power European Photovoltaic Industry 5.5 million homes. Association, said that according SEIA launched the #MillionSolar- to the HIS Inc. data, Europe was Strong campaign to celebrate this able to complete the installation of milestone. The association said 100 GW of solar PV. The associa- that the campaign got support tion plans to celebrate the event in from more than 70 organizations September. signing an official declaration in “In the current post-feed-in tariff favor of solar. climate, we must make sure we “By signing this declaration, we are have the right electricity market joining the #MillionSolarStrong, design and the right long-term in- and counting, who support the vestment signals for solar to flour- local jobs, economic activity, and ish. We hope that the European stronger, healthier communities Commission’s forthcoming mar- that solar energy is generating for ket design reform and Renewable all Americans.” The declaration Energy Directive will pave the way stated. for the 200 GW benchmark.” Said James Watson, CEO of SolarPower Photo by Clean Technica Europe.52 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Photo by Extreme Tech#EUsolar100GW Europe completed the installation of 100 GW of solar PV.#MillionSolarStrong The United States hit one million solar installations, enough to power 5.5 million homes.ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 53

WILL THE GROWINGSOLAR POWER OF USAREACH ITS LOW-INCOMECOMMUNITIES?America, being one of the frontrunners in ple. The alarming statistics of 22 million There is some hope, though, consideringgreen technology, has gone to its millionth owner-occupied households in the US that the US government in all levels al-solar installation now collectively up to 27 have incomes at or below 80 per cent of ready think about solar as a cost-effectivegigawatts of capacity spreading to the 50 their area median income. means to provide energy, through devel-states. It comprises 1 per cent of U.S. elec- But it will not come easy to them as sig- oping policies like the Low Income Solartricity, but can grow even more. nificant barriers prevent them to flourish, Act pushed by the Congress. Such policyThe increasing solar energy efforts of despite the solar costs dropping 17 per- will provide grants and loans for solarUnited States may reach to a million more cent. There will be upfront costs, housing project in low-income communities.but until then, will the solar power be felt status, and the economic vulnerability of It will not be far that the disadvantagedamong disadvantaged communities? lower-income families. communities will be reached by solarGiving solar power to low-income com- Africa already has the solar power initia- power. With the kind of growth US hasmunities will mean lower utility bills and tive in small communities. Source: Policy with solar renewable energy, it be likelywell-paid career opportunities that will Innovations that even before the next millionth, peo-not require advanced training. When ple from low-income communities willthere are solar farms, jobs will be generat- already benefit from solar power.ed and will help in the welfare of the peo- Photo by UPI54 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

MEXICO’S PRICE OF RENEWABLESRENEWABLES IS OVERTAKINGTHE BEST MODEL FOSSIL FUELSFOR THE UNITED STATES IN UNITED STATESUndeniably, America is one of the global He said that the cost per kilowatt-hour isleaders when comes to renewable energy, only 4¢ to 4.5¢, bare from the mandates, According to reports,but its true price – free from subsidies and in both solar and wind. This is because it renewable energymandates – is yet to be known. Former has no production tax credit, no invest- has been the greatestEnergy Secretary Steven Chu, who now ment tax credit, and no renewable portfo- source of new powerteaches at Stanford University, suggested lio standard: in short, it’s just money with to the electricity into look at Mexico for some comparison. a little profit. The International Energy the United StatesComisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Agency or the U.S. Energy Informationwhich is Mexico’s state utility, has been Administration predicted that solar may last year.removed last March from the state-owned cost a minimum of 8.9¢ per kilowatt-hourmonopoly which ran for 80 years. CFE in 2020. This is still cheaper than the ad- According to reports, renewable energywas then left open for private companies justed average price GTM Research in has been the greatest source of new powerto bid to supply for solar, wind, hydro, co- Mexico released, which is 5¢ per kilo- to the electricity in the United States Lastgeneration, combined-cycle gas, and geo- watt-hour in 2016 from 4¢ to 4.5¢. Year. Reports showed that developers in-thermal energy. “Clean energy is actually getting much stalled 16GW or 68% of clean energy inHe said that the cost per kilowatt-hour is cheaper than even I, as a perennial tech- 2015!only 4¢ to 4.5¢, bare from the mandates, nical optimist, thought it was going to be,” In 2015, gas-powered power plants werein both solar and wind. This is because it Chu said. But it’s just in Mexico. If only accounted for 25% of the capacity addedhas no production tax credit, no invest- America will realize the weight of impos- to the grids and a large number of coalment tax credit, and no renewable portfo- ing tax credits on their renewable energy, plants were shut down. 11GW went of-lio standard: in short, it’s just money with just like what Mexico already realized, fline by October and 3GW of the capacitya little profit. The International Energy renewable energy could bloom best in was expected to close in November andAgency or the U.S. Energy Information the nation where energy crises may soon December.Administration predicted that solar may arise. According to the report: “The alreadycost a minimum of 8.9¢ per kilowatt-hour rapid de-carbonization of the US powerin 2020. This is still cheaper than the ad- Photo by The Energy Collective sector accelerated with record numbers ofjusted average price GTM Research in coal plant closures and solar photovoltaicMexico released, which is 5¢ per kilo- system commissionings, while natural gaswatt-hour in 2016 from 4¢ to 4.5¢. production and consumption hit an all- time high. Concurrently, the US contin- ued to enjoy greater benefits from energy efficiency efforts as economic growth out- paced the growth in electricity consump- tion.” This year, the Energy Information Admin- istration estimates the renewable genera- tion will grow 9% in the US. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 55

MIT CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TEAM CREATES BIOPROCESS TO CONVERT WASTE GASES TO BIOFUELS56 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

The effects of carbon emissions to our en- Q: Tell us a little bit about your research uted in the system. However, spatial vari-vironment has been—and is still one of and why it’s significant. ations arise in a larger system requiringthe most difficult to combat. Many have A:  We developed a novel bioprocess for sophisticated models and lots of calcula-tried different methods to combat carbon converting waste gases containing car- tions to generate a design that works well.emissions and one of the best ways to do bon dioxide and a reducing gas such as Another challenge is the logistics and pa-this is to transform these harmful emis- hydrogen or carbon monoxide into biofu- rameters involved in running a bioreactorsions into something useful. els. Our process uses bacteria to convert of several thousand liters, or even bigger,Gregory Stephanopoulos, the Willard waste gases into acetic acid — vinegar — without mixing issues.Henry Dow Professor in Chemical En- which is subsequently converted to oil by An additional issue is the robustness ofgineering at MIT; postdoc Amit Kumar an engineered yeast. It is a very interesting operation. In the lab, graduate studentsPhD ’10, from the Department of Chem- story of pairing distinct microbes to take can adjust the operational parameters atical Engineering; and their team have advantage of their unique metabolisms in will, as frequently as needed, to providereleased a research paper in the Proceed- creating a gas-to-liquids process. optimal fermentation conditions for days.ings of the National Academy of Sciences. In the United Sates, biodiesel — a primary In a pilot plant, there is limited capacityTheir study is about utilizing bacteria to alternative to petroleum-diesel — is the to make these adjustments and the con-turn waste gases into biofuels. second-most abundant biologically de- tinuous system must be kept stable forTo be able to convert wasted gases which rived transportation fuel. This bio-based months. This imposes higher requirementcontain carbon dioxide into biofuels, the diesel is currently produced from vege- for the robustness of the microbes and theprocess involves using bacteria to convert table or seed oil (lipids) obtained from overall process.the waste gases into acetic acid, or vinegar, crops including canola, palm, or soybean, Successful operation of a pilot plant forwhich is then converted into oil by an en- which are costly and limited in available months indicates that the whole gas-to-gineered yeast. supply. Similarly sugar-based biofuels are liquid fuel process is technologically feasi-Being able to utilize waste as a new re- not favored due to high feedstock costs. ble under semi-industrial conditions. Butsource is certainly a ground-breaking dis- Our bioprocess paves the way for use of that is only the first step in the develop-covery in the fuel production industry. potentially cheaper gaseous feedstocks, mental process. Cost-effectiveness is an- which can be obtained from gasification other important requirement. Assessment of methane or municipal solid waste, but of the economic feasibility of the process can also be derived from the exhaust gas- is the major goal of operating a pilot plant, es of steel manufacturing. As anyone can and/or semi-commercial demonstration imagine, availability of these sources is plant. The fixed assets required for pilot huge. construction determine capital costs of An important feature of our method is a future commercial plant. Additionally, that it utilizes waste as a “resource” allow- runs at pilot scale better define energy ing a very low or even negative cost for requirements, product quality, and other the feedstock. In a broader sense, imple- factors like substrate pre-treatment, heat- mentation of these concepts for fuel pro- ing, and cooling, and product recovery duction may extend to a number of com- required by a production plant. mercially important biological platforms Q: What will be some areas of future re- depending on the potential sources of search for your group? synthesis gas or its conversion products, A:  We want to enhance our understand- namely, volatile fatty acids. ing of the basic physiology of the organ- Q: What changes did you need to make in isms involved in the process and develop your process to scale up from your pilot better biological toolkits for their genetic plant outside Shanghai to the much larger modulation to allow production of vari- “semi-commercial” demonstration plant ous products by metabolic engineering. that’s set to begin construction? Additionally, we would like to better un- A: Scaling up involves many challenges. derstand gasification and other potential In a small bioreactor, microorganisms and supply routes of the gaseous feedstocks in media are easy to control and well distrib- order to maximize the cost effectiveness of the process.  Photos by MIT ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 57

CLEAN ENERGYBUSINESS COUNCIL: TOWARDS A GREENER WORLD C O M P O S E D O F O R G A N I Z AT I O N S from SPDhrioraejrecacttothrF,CiAnoaconqrucgeisaittioAnCsWanAdPower private and public sectors, the Clean Energy Business GSaernaehraFliMtzgaenraagledr, CEBC Council (CEBC) is focused in the promotion of a green- er world by advocating renewables, energy efficiency, smart grid, energy storage and clean energy technology and solutions. It is the stage of stakeholders to convene with ideas, technologies and projects and also the plat- form for dialogue between member sectors to develop policies that will forward the use of clean energy across the MENA region. THE PERSONS BEHIND Sharath Coorg is the Director of Acquisitions & Project Finance at ACWA Power, a leading project developer and one of CEBC’s Founding members. Sharath was born in India and specializes in emerging markets cov- ering both conventional and renewable energy projects. His job includes traveling to many countries, working on power and water desalination projects in Saudi Ara- bia, UAE, Czech Republic, Germany, Mozambique, and Vietnam. Sarah Fitzgerald is GM at the Clean Energy Business Council. With a background in communications, she got involved in the not-for-profit sector doing fundrais- ing for various charities. A New Zealander, she moved to Dubai with her husband and her young daughter five years ago beginning her career in renewable energy with the Middle East Solar Industry Association, before join- ing the Clean Energy Business Council in 2014.58 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

THE CLEAN ENERGY BUSINESS COUNCIL GN: Where is this company headed? What’s your future expansion plans? Describe briefly your strategic goals.GineersNow: Are you an educational institution, so- CEBC: CEBC is incredibly excited about the future of cleancial enterprise, non-profit or private company? energy in the MENA region as we see a major shift towardsCEBC: Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC) is a the adoption of renewables and clean tech solutions alongnon-profit organization dedicated to promoting clean with the necessary regulatory frameworks. This transitionenergy including renewables, energy efficiency, smart to a low-carbon economy presents significant opportu-grid, energy storage and clean energy technology and nities with potential benefits such as growth in economy,solutions for the environmental sector. Established in creation of jobs, new innovations and technical develop-2008 by a group of leading institutions, companies and ments, productivity growth and entrepreneurship, and theindividuals who recognized the potential for a clean development of clean and renewable energy financing suchenergy revolution in the MENA region, CEBC creates as Green Bonds and Sukuk will help attract new investors.a forum for stakeholders to come together to exchange CEBC has been working with the government sector toideas, share information and facilitate projects. CEBC implement a Green Sukuk, and with the UAE’s open andprovides a platform to further dialogue between the developed international financial sector, we see potentialpublic and private sectors to develop much needed for the UAE to become the global hub for renewable andpolicy and regulation to help drive the implementation clean energy financing.of clean energy across the MENA region. ADVOCATING CLEAN ENERGYGN: How big is your company?CEBC: CEBC is a membership organization compris- GN: What is clean energy as defined by your company?ing almost 100 members from private and public sec- CEBC: A common definition of Clean Energy is any gen-tors which include Masdar, Dubai Supreme Council eration that has a lower environmental footprint than con-of Energy, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence, Etihad ventional (fossil-fuel based) electricity generation technol-ESCO, Oman Regulatory Authority, Schneider Elec- ogy, although some fossil fuels (natural gas) and fossil fueltric, First Solar, Enel Green Power, Adenium Energy, technologies (super critical coal) are considered in someEnerwhere, Ashurst, Itron, and Latham & Watkins, jurisdictions to be sources of Clean Energy. The CEBC’samong others. CEBC is governed by a Board of Di- definition of Clean Energy includes all renewables technol-rectors, under the helm of His Excellency Dr. Nasser ogy plus carbon capture and storage and energy efficiency.Saidi, former Chief Economist for Dubai International In relation to energy efficiency, we represent technologiesFinance Centre (DIFC) and former Minister of Trade that can help improve supply side efficiency and support& Economy and Industry of the Lebanese Govern- demand side measures to improve the efficient use of elec-ment. tricity, such as smart grids and distributed generation.With offices based in Masdar City, CEBC’s mandate Applications of clean energy technologies are determined,covers the Middle East and North Africa region and to a large degree, by the availability of naturally occurringemploys a staff of three, in addition to a voluntary Ad- energy resources and how cost effective they are to harness.visory Committee who provide guidance on technical Obvious technologies relevant to the region include Solar,matters and policy and regulatory recommendations. Wind, CCS, and Energy Efficiency. Technologies with more restricted applications include bio-energy and geothermal.GN: Describe your mission, vision and values.CEBC: CEBC’s mission is to establish a  leading fo- GN: Why bother? What’s the importance of pursuingrum  for companies and government entities focused clean energy?on the development and deployment of clean energy CEBC: Renewable energy technologies are clean sourcesin the MENA region and to promote the clean energy of energy that have a much lower environmental impactindustry beginning to flourish in the region, inform- than conventional energy technologies and offer significanting the wider community of the benefits of the sector. health benefits. Increasing the supply of renewable energyWe support and assist governments, industries and allows us to replace carbon-intensive energy sources andcommunities in the region to meet low-carbon targets significantly reduce global warming emissions. With theand sustainability goals; and through collaboration cost of renewable energy decreasing, it is now an afford-with government agencies and other stakeholders, we able and competitively-priced alternative to conventionalaim to drive policy development and regulation and electricity.financing of this rapidly developing and exciting sec- Wind and solar technologies are less prone to large-scaletor. By developing strategic alliances  with research failure because they are distributed and modular. Distrib-institutions, international associations, media and in- uted systems are spread out over a large geographical area,tergovernmental organizations, we work together to so a severe weather event in one location will not cut offdrive the delivery of clean energy solutions for MENA power to an entire region. Modular systems are composedand coordinate and disseminate data and information of numerous individual wind turbines or solar arrays. Evento ensure relevant benchmarking and transparency in if some of the equipment in the system are damaged, thethe sectors’ development. rest can typically continue to operate. In addition, renewable energy will not run out, ever, while oth- er sources of energy are finite and will someday be depleted. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 59

THE MACRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY THE MICRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY GN: Where are we today? What is the current situa- GN: What are the initiatives / projects that you are tion of renewables? doing (or have done) that will drive low or zero emis- CEBC: While the MENA region has traditionally lagged sion? What are the future innovations that your or- behind much of the developed world in terms of uptake ganization is pursuing? of renewable energy largely due to its abundant supply CEBC: Employment and human resources will play a of oil and attractive subsides policies, the landscape has key role in the successful deployment of clean energy, shifted. We have seen another global first for the UAE and it is our view that the industry needs access to a with Dubai Electricity & Water Authority receiving wider pool of talented individuals. In response to this, a world record-low bid of 2.99 cents/kWh for the 800 we launched CEBC’s Women in Clean Energy (WICE) MW third phase of its 5 GW Mohammed bin Rashid program in 2015 to help address this gap and provide Al-Maktoum solar project. This comes hot on the heels practical steps to encourage more women into jobs in of the announcement of the Dubai Clean Energy Strat- the renewable and clean energy sectors. To date, WICE egy which aims to provide 7% of Dubai’s energy from has established committees in the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, clean energy sources by 2020, increasing this target to Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050. Plans also include the CEBC also runs an environmental awareness campaign establishment of a Dh100 billion Green Fund. in schools across the UAE to educate children and the The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority also wider community about energy efficiency and the role announced a tender for a 350MW Solar PV project to clean tech can play in creating a sustainable energy be built 120 kilometers east of the capital. The facility future. Key objectives of the program are to empower would produce enough electricity to power more than future leaders, inspire children to consider new technol- 50,000 homes. ogies as well as stimulate kids to think about what sus- Egypt, Jordan and Morocco have also made good prog- tainability means to their lives and encourage them to ress in their solar bids. Morocco plans to derive more adopt long-term measures to protect the environment. than half of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 We now have 30 schools registered in the program with with the North African country raising its renewable en- a combined student population of 60,000 children. ergy target from 42% by 2020 to 52% by 2030. That 42 We also launched a Green Sukuk Working Group to per cent will consist of 2 gigawatts each of solar, wind promote the issuance of Sukuk for renewable energy and hydropower. Saudi Arabia’s new transformation projects. Set up by the Gulf Bond and Sukuk Associa- plan includes 9.5 GW (9,500 megawatts) of renewable tion, the Clean Energy Business Council, and the Cli- energy by 2030 and Qatar recently announced plans for mate Bonds Initiative the group aims to channel market a 1GW solar installation. expertise to develop best practices and promote the is- suance of sukuk for the financing of climate change in- GN: Where should we be 10 years from now? Are we vestments projects, such as renewable energy projects. on the right track? Are we delayed? Are we progress- This initiative is the first of its kind taken to finance re- ing? newable energy projects in the MENA region. CEBC: Even as oil price plummeted from its peak in In September 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals mid-2014, investment in clean energy has seen a surge. (SDGs) was launched at the UN General Assembly Global investment in clean energy increased from USD defining the start of a new era of global development 316 billion in 2014 to USD 329 billion in 2015, which is partnerships. SDG 7 provides for Sustainable Energy to the highest ever beating the earlier record set in 2011. ensure access to affordable, reliable,  sustainable  and This has been achieved in a scenario where the cost of modern energy for all. This  holds special importance installing clean energy, especially solar PV, has drasti- in the MENA region, with aspirations across the region cally fallen implying much higher capacity installation to scale up the share of renewable energy and energy for the same investment. As mentioned above, we are efficiency in the region’s energy mix. To help countries seeing record low tariffs in solar PV of 3 cents per kWh achieve this objective, the  UNDP, Regional Center for which is cheaper than any form of conventional pow- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) er – and record low tariffs have been achieved in wind and CEBC have launched a new Arab Sustainable Ener- as well. All these trends point to increasing deployment gy Initiative comprising three pillars – Capacity Devel- of clean energy in developing markets which are highly opment, Sustainable Energy Finance, and Decentralized price-sensitive. Global wind installations are forecast to Energy Solutions. double from current level of 500 GW, and solar capacity is forecast to increase four times from the level of 275 GW over the next ten years. MENA region will contrib- ute a significant chunk of this capacity addition as every country in the region is planning to deploy large capac- ities of solar (both photovoltaic and concentrated solar) and wind in the coming years.60 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

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THE CHALLENGES & THEIR SOLUTIONS GN: How do we provide cheap energy in poverty stricken areas? How do we ensure access to clean en- GN: What are the stumbling blocks or bottlenecks in ergy? the renewable industry? CEBC: Free markets are doing a good job of bringing CEBC: One of the challenges for clean energy is to down the cost of clean energy. Off-grid solar PV instal- compete with conventional energy sources that enjoy lations are an attractive solution for remote regions that several explicit and hidden subsidies from the govern- are not connected by electric grid. In poverty stricken ments. Governments need to ensure a level playing field areas, the key challenge is access to capital. Micro-fi- by taking into consideration the environmental cost of nance organizations can bridge the gap by providing continued dependence on fossil fuels. Secondly, as the loans or lease options to consumers who cannot afford interest rate cycle reverses cost of capital will rise for to invest in a solar PV installation on their own. Further new projects, this will imply tariffs in the case of capital off-grid battery solutions which ensure uninterrupted intensive clean energy deployment will be higher. Also, power supply need to improve in terms of efficiency and low oil price will pose a challenge for deployment of cost to make it economically viable for poor parts of the clean energy by being a cheaper alternative where the world. two are pitted against one another. Technologically, the challenge of clean energy, especial- ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERS ly wind and solar, has been its intermittent nature. As a result, these sources cannot replace conventional power GN: Please give advice and words of wisdom about re- as base-load source. The promise of cheap energy stor- newables to our young global audience. What would age offers a solution, but the cost of battery storage has you like to tell to the millennials? Any inspiring words to come down significantly to be at par with conven- that you can share? tional base load sources. CEBC: The world is at the cusp of significant changes in relation to how we produce and consume energy. This GN: What do you think the government, private com- will impact all aspects of our lives, the homes we live in, panies and NGO of each country should do to get rid the way we travel from one place to another and how of this? companies organize their operations. Companies that CEBC: As mentioned above, governments must take do not change as the energy markets evolve will be left into account negative externalities of their dependence behind, and smaller newer companies will take their on fossil fuel when making decisions on energy policy. place. This would apply to countries as well; the earli- In many places, governments have structured carbon er they adopt clean energy as a strategic imperative, the tax and incentives for clean energy. But more can be stronger the clean energy eco-system will be and greater done to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for energy the job opportunities for its citizens. For young people needs. Germany, for example, has unveiled a program who are still in college or have recently graduated, these to encourage people to shift to electric vehicles. Battery changes offer opportunities to build a career that will operated vehicles combined with rooftop solar PV in- not only be financially rewarding but also help contrib- stallations at household level can be a game changer in ute in making our planet a better place for all. many countries in the coming years. There is also an im- portant aspect of educating people in the Government as well as consumers about energy choices and its im- pact on environment where the NGOs such as CEBC will continue to play an important role.62 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

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EESI PROMOTING CLEAN POWER THROUGH EDUCATION Renewable energy is becoming a hot topic in the news Laura Small, today. Whether it’s on television or on the internet, you EESI on CLEAN ENERGY Policy Associate might have heard of numerous countries jumping in on at EESI. the cause. But what is “renewable” energy? What can it GN: What is clean energy as defined by your organiza- do for us? tion?64 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY The idea of green energy may already be familiar to you Laura: EESI defines clean energy as solar, wind, hydro- , but a huge number of the people around us are still power and other water power generation technologies, in the dark when it comes to clean power. This lack of hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels and biomass, geothermal, information and education is what led to the founding as well as energy efficiency. of EESI. Clean energy is important because our wellbeing de- GineersNow had an exclusive interview with Laura pends on it. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon and Small, Policy Associate at EESI. methane in the atmosphere, which traps more heat, GineersNow: Introduce yourself. How many years have causing climate change. Climate change is already having you been working in your industry? devastating impacts throughout the world by increasing Laura Small: My name is Laura Small, and I run the en- extreme weather (particularly droughts, forest fires, and ergy and climate policy program at the Environmental powerful storms), and causing sea level rise and ocean and Energy Study Institute (EESI). I’m originally from acidification. Developing countries are most at risk from Palo Alto, California, home to Stanford University and the adverse impacts of climate change, although we are part of Silicon Valley. Growing up in the Bay Area, I had seeing many impacts in the United States already. access to fantastic backpacking, rafting and climbing Fossil fuels also emit ozone (which forms smog), mercu- areas, and my outdoor experiences cultivated a lifelong ry, benzene, and other air toxics. These pollutants con- love and respect for the environment in me. I’ve been tribute to asthma, lung cancer, and other negative health honored to work on energy and climate policy at EESI impacts. Clean energy, meanwhile, releases minimal or for the last three years. zero emissions. Clean energy is locally produced, creating domestic jobs EESI OVERVIEW that can’t be outsourced as well as improving our nation- al energy security. Moreover, bioenergy (renewable en- GN: Are you an educational institution, social enter- ergy derived from organic wastes, purpose-grown crops, prise, non-profit or private company? Describe your and algae) can replace fossil fuels to produce electricity, company (structure, brief history, board or advisers) liquid fuels, heat and chemicals such as plastics. Laura: EESI is a nonprofit working to create an environ- Finally, clean energy—with the exception of bioener- mentally sustainable future. While we have a broad, na- gy—does not require the purchase of fuel or feedstock, tional audience, we focus on providing Congress and the protecting us from fuel price hikes. For example, during policymaker community with unbiased information on the 2014 “polar vortex” cold snap in the Northeast Unit- energy and environmental issues. EESI does not lobby, ed States, natural gas and propane prices skyrocketed, and is not partisan – instead we try to educate. while renewable prices remained constant. EESI was founded over 30 years ago by a bipartisan Con- gressional Caucus, which saw a need for an independent organization to educate Congress on key energy and environmental issues. Currently, we have a staff of 11, including a team of seven policy staffers. Our offices are located in Washington, DC.

THE MACRO LEVEL THE MICRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY OF CLEAN ENERGYGN: Where are we today? What is the current situation GN: What are the initiatives / projects that you are do-of renewables (locally or globally)? ing (or have done) that will drive low or zero emission?Laura: In 2015, 13 percent of U.S. electricity genera- (If you are a manufacturer, what sort of efficiencies…tion came from renewable energy (hydropower, wind, if you’re an organization, what advocacies… if you’re abiomass, solar, and geothermal generation). The great- service, what projects are those… if you’re a governmentest amount of renewable energy generation came from entity, what policies and enforcements)hydropower, which generates almost half of all renew- Laura: EESI works to support clean energy by increasingable energy in the United States, followed by wind, then people’s understanding of its benefits. With a particu-wood biomass, then solar power. Globally, renewable lar eye to helping policymakers better understand howenergy represented 22 percent of power generation in clean energy can help the United States, EESI holds a2013, and that is expected to rise to 26 percent by 2020. number of events on Capitol Hill that discuss clean en-GN: Where should we be 10 years from now? Are we ergy, the jobs being created, and how states and cities areon the right track? Are we delayed? Are we progressing? taking action to move clean energy forward. Our eventsLaura: EESI doesn’t advocate for specific renewable are open to the public, livecast online, and posted onenergy targets, but we think the world should move to YouTube afterwards.100 percent clean energy as soon as possible. President EESI also releases papers, articles, and weekly newslet-Obama has set a goal to generate 80 percent of U.S. elec- ters that show the potential of clean energy technolo-tricity from clean energy resources by 2035. More than gies and policies, as well as the need to mitigate climate190 nations, including the United States, have signed change. Our free weekly newsletter, Climate Changethe Paris climate agreement and committed to reducing News, is especially popular. We have subscribers in alltheir carbon emissions. This will require large invest- 50 states and more than 50 countries.ments in clean energy. GN: What are the future innovations that you or yourWe are on the right track, but there is still much to do! company are pursuing?The fossil fuel industry is resisting moves to clean, re- Laura: Coming up on July 12, EESI will help put on thenewable power, which is slowing the transition in the 19th Annual Renewable Energy and Energy EfficiencyUnited States. Until now, progress had been slow be- Expo and Policy Forum on Capitol Hill, which showcas-cause renewable energy was more expensive than fossil es clean energy businesses to Congress and facilitates afuel energy. But that is changing fast, and renewables are conversation about policies to support renewable energynow competitive in many parts of the world. This will and energy efficiency.accelerate the switch to renewable energy. GN: What impact have you delivered (social, economic and environmental)? Do you have metrics or statistics of your accomplishments? Laura: Measuring the impact of our advocacy work is challenging! National policy is the result of many dif- ferent factors, often over long periods of time. Fortu- nately, we know we are making a difference because we receive lots of great feedback (you can see some of it on our GreatNonprofits page) and because we’ve surveyed our subscribers. EESI was instrumental in making sure America’s farm policy includes incentives for renewable energy. We also played a key role in pushing for the fed- eral government to provide interest-free loans to rural households seeking to make their homes more energy efficient. To maximize our impact, we work with Con- gressional offices, government agencies, businesses, trade associations, and other nonprofits. Together, we are accelerating America’s transition to clean, renewable energy. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 65

THE CHALLENGES & ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERS THEIR SOLUTIONS GN: Please give advice and words of wisdom about re-GN: What are the stumbling blocks or bottlenecks in the newables to our young global audience. What would yourenewable industry? like to tell to the millennials? Any inspiring words thatLaura: Renewable energy faces a number of challenges. you can share?One historic barrier for renewable energy is that many Laura: Clean energy is a rapidly growing sector, withrenewable technologies are relatively new, and have plenty of great opportunities. Working in clean energyneeded help to reach the market at competitive prices. will let you help mitigate climate change, lessen air pol-There has been considerable progress on this front, with lution, improve public health, and improve our energyrenewable energy costs diving in recent years. Another security. It’s a no brainer!problem is that the playing field isn’t level. Fossil fuels Engineers like you will play a key role in making re-have benefited from large government subsidies for newables ever cheaper and more reliable. And we’reabout a century, and continue to receive considerable also counting on you for the next major breakthroughs!public support. Different type of renewables, mean- There are so many exciting innovations in the works:while, receive vastly different subsidies and tax breaks, cheaper energy storage, wave power, photovoltaic coat-if any. This creates price distortions, and gives an un- ings, turbine-less wind power…fair competitive edge to some technologies over others. Clean energy is a really exciting field where you can doRenewable energy also has benefits over conventional great while doing good.fossil fuels that are not properly valued by the market.Renewables emit less pollution, for instance, but sinceavoiding pollution does not have a monetary value, re-newable energy does not get a competitive advantage forit. That is why governments should support clean ener-gy, making it easier for people to make the socially-re-sponsible choice.GN: What do you think the government, private com-panies and NGO of each country should do to get ridof this?Laura: Governments, private companies and nongov-ernmental organizations can all work together to getmore renewable energy onto the grid and to make effi-ciency improvements in every economic sector. If gov-ernments put consistent policies in place, investors willhave more confidence to make long-term investmentsin renewable energy. Policy support, good informationabout renewable energy options, and more purchasingof renewable energy by the business community willhelp scale up the manufacturing of renewable energytechnology. This is critical to achieving the economiesof scale that are needed to drive costs down.Smaller clean energy projects like rooftop and commu-nity solar, geothermal heating/cooling, and improvedenergy efficiency can be boons for communities, includ-ing low-income areas, provided low-cost financing isavailable. However, these are generally piecemeal solu-tions, which help some families but cannot reach every-one. We also need policy support for the installation oflarge-scale clean energy projects to ensure prices are aslow as possible, and that everyone – no matter their in-come – can benefit from low-cost clean energy.66 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

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KtEhKaetOsEieaKnrOyenreganyeartnhgdyrimveceaosnloaynboettlhhteeoreanvlotl hlcuuonsritnaeesermrss oohffetlmhpeasnpwyro.eraldd. EKOenergy REVOLUTIONIZING SUSTAINABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY EKOenergy believes that using renewable energy every- where is possible. Though it might take years to con- vince governments of this idea, this non-profit organi- zation is going the extra mile to raise awareness on using renewable energy. EKOenergy wants change in the energy sector. As an international network of organizations dedicated to the environment and renewable energy, it has continually encouraged people in different parts of the world to use sustainable energy instead of coal and fossil fuels. Mo- bilizing thousands of citizens across the globe to protect nature. Launched back in 2013, this organization is growing fast, with its members increasing and certifying around 1 TWh of green electricity. There’s definitely no sign of resting for EKOenergy. In this exclusive interview, get the chance to know more about the people behind it and their plans to achieve their goals in providing sustain- able energy. They even have an advice for all the young engineers out there.68 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

INTRODUCTION Katsiaryna Viadziorchyk.GN: Introduce Yourself.I’m Katsiaryna Viadziorchyk, a 22-year old internation-al relations graduate. I’m from Minsk, Belarus. I likeMumford and Sons, historical movies and traveling. Asa student, I organized several international youth eventsand I like to see things moving forward.GN: How many years have you been working in yourindustry?9 months ago, I joined EKOenergy as a volunteer of theEuropean Erasmus+ program. This is my ‘sabbaticalyear’ in which I want to do something useful for societyand for the environment whilst getting a lot of new in-teresting experiences and contacts.At EKOenergy, I focus mainly on stakeholders in Rus-sia and Russian speaking countries. Our aim is to makeRussian consumers enthusiastic about renewable ener-gy. This is my first experience in the energy sector. THE COMPANY CLEAN ENERGY AND ITS IMPORTANCEGN: Describe your company.EKOenergy is a not-for-profit organization that pro- GN: What is clean energy?motes renewable energy. Our most visible tool is our All energy we promote comes from renewable sources:EKOenergy label for sustainable renewable electricity, hydropower, wind, solar, biomass. What some peoplewhich we launched in 2013. We started in Europe but don’t realize is that the production of renewables canare now also preparing for launch in other continents. have an impact on the environment; hydropower canOur members, over 40 environmental NGOs from over devastate river ecosystems and the production of bio-30 countries, decide about the global strategy and the mass can result in deforestation. At EKOenergy, we takebudget. The daily management is in the hands of the these aspects into account as well: we set strict sustain-Secretariat, which is based in Helsinki. ability criteria.GN: How big is EKOenergy? GN: What’s the importance of pursuing clean energy?After only 3 years of activities, we now certify 1 TWh We all know that the fight against climate change is aof green electricity and we have about 50 licensed sell- race against the clock. Amidst a lot of scary news, thereers in 15 countries. Both our volumes and network are is at least one reason for hope: technically it is possiblegrowing fast. to replace all fossil fuels with renewable energy. AlsoGN: Describe your mission, vision and values. financially it is possible, renewables have a reputationWe promote sustainable renewable energy and encour- for being expensive when this is not the case. In manyage consumers to ‘vote with their wallets’. Our ecolabel areas, renewable energy is already cheaper than fossilhelps consumers navigate the electricity market. fuels, and the prices continue to fall.GN: Where is this company headed? Where politicians and traditional companies don’t actOur size doubles each year and we want to continue at (or don’t act fast enough), consumers can take an im-the same speed in the coming years. Our dream is to de- portant role. Think of the RE100 (www.there100.org),velop activities in all countries, with thousands of sellers a group of large multinationals, all striving for 100%and millions of proud EKOenergy consumers. renewable energy. Such actions aren’t only sound eco- nomic choices, they also accelerate the necessary, global growth of renewable energy. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 69

Smaller consumers can have an impact too. Particularly THE FUTURE OF CLEAN ENERGY if they all pull in the same direction. Here too, EKOen- ergy has a role to play. We already united 100,000 house- GN: Where should we be 10 years from now? hold consumers, all asking for sustainable renewable We will definitely get a 100% renewable energy world electricity. around the middle of this century. However, more and GN: What is the current situation of renewables? more scientists are convinced that this is not fast enough We are at the eve of a breakthrough. Prices for renew- to avoid catastrophic climate change. Therefore, we need able energy are falling rapidly. Everyday, more people to speed up the energy transition: the effects of switch- are realizing that we just cannot keep on burning fossil ing are exponential, so the sooner we start the better. Sea fuels. levels of 2100 probably depend more on our decisions This is very clear on the electricity markets. More and today than on the inventions of 2050. more consumers produce their own electricity and/or GN: What are the initiatives / projects that you are doing are looking for ways to buy 100% renewable electricity. (or have done) that will drive low or zero emission? Until recently separate purchase of renewable electricity Our main initiative is the EKOenergy-label for renew- was mainly limited to liberalized energy markets. But as able electricity. This label helps consumers find the best more and more international companies want to switch electricity products and increase the positive impact of to 100% renewable systems, similar systems of green their purchase. Consumers can influence in many ways, electricity contracts find their way to other continents but to be really efficient, it is important that we all pull as well. in the same direction. EKOenergy sets sustainability cri- Right now I’m studying opportunities how to get these teria for power plants, e.g. with regard to fish migration dynamics to Russia. We want to help Russian companies in the case of hydropower. Also, each time EKOenergy is switch to 100% renewable. sold, the seller contributes minimum €0,10 per MWh to our Climate fund. We use this money to finance climate projects that would otherwise not have happened. Last year we financed solar panels on schools in Tanzania, Cameroon and Indonesia. EKOENERGY’S FUTURE AND ITS CHALLENGES GN: What are the future innovations that your company is pursuing? We want to bring our EKOenergy label to new markets. We made small steps forward in several Asian countries and also in Latin-America we have concrete plans. Re- cently we started looking for contacts in the Arab world and in Africa. By the way, we welcome all help! My own task is to map opportunities in Russia. We are in contact with several key stakeholders and discussing how to enable Russian consumers to play a role in the energy transition. Apart from that, we are now also working on the first international ecolabel for renewable gas and district heating. GN: What impact have you delivered? The best measures of impact are the projects we finance via our Climate Fund mentioned earlier. Apart from that, we also manage an Environmental Fund, whose money is used to finance river restoration projects. Last year we financed 4 of these river restoration projects. We can of course also measure the number of EKOener- gy consumers, and that number is growing fast. But much more is happening. Via our positive commu- nication we convinced more people that a world without fossil fuels is possible. It is not possible to specify how big our role is compared to the many other initiatives. We also think this is not that relevant. The energy tran- sition is taking place thanks to millions of initiatives all over the world, and we are proud to contribute to that evolution.70 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

GN: What are the stumbling blocks or bottlenecks in Learn more about EKOenergy by going to theirthe renewable industry? YouTube channel, or by simply clickingThe main bottleneck is probably the prejudgments. A their featured videos above.100% renewable world is technically and economical-ly possible but many of us are still doubting. After 100years with coal and fossils, many seem to have difficul-ties to believe that it is possible to go on without. Butas evidence accumulates, even the last doubters will beconvinced.Apart from this, the lobbying networks of the oil andnuclear sectors are hindering the development of the re-newable electricity. Just think of the many reports prov-ing that oil and nuclear get much more state supportthan the renewable energy industry.GN: What do you think should the government, privatecompanies and NGOs of each country do to get rid ofthese?We have to repeat and amplify the positive stories. Re-newable energy is ‘contagious’. Very few people installsolar because they have read on Bloomberg that renew-able is cheaper. They do it because their neighbor tellsthem how much money he saved after installing solarpanels.We of course also actively encourage small and largeconsumers alike to either invest in own renewable ener-gy installations or buy 100% renewable energy. A com-bination of both is of course also possible.As more and more people invest in the production, elec-tricity storage will also become increasingly popular.And as this is a technology too, the costs will decreaseas the number of users increase.Apart from that, we think that emissions of CO2 shouldbe taxed, reflecting the real costs they are causing.GN: How do we provide cheap energy in poverty-strick-en areas? Renewable electricity is the cheapest way to produce en-ergy. Therefore it is definitely the best solution to energypoverty. In some poor areas, solar is already spreadingfast. And this trend will continue and get even stronger.GN: How do we ensure access to clean energy? Clean energy is much more accessible than nuclear andfossil fuel energy. It just seems to take some time forpeople to understand this. Think of what happened tomobile phones. These have spread in no time and with-out a clear plan to all corners of the world. The same isnow happening with solar energy. THE ROLE OF YOUNG ENGINEERS IN THE CLEAN ENERGY REVOLUTIONGN: What is your advice to all the young engineersabout there?Renewables are spreading very fast. But still not fastenough to be sure to avoid catastrophic climate change.What happens in the coming 5 years is crucial for thefuture of our planet. Therefore each act promoting re-newable energy is making a difference. Try to avoidspending money and time on fossils. Instead, focus onrenewable energy. Buy renewable energy wheneveryou get the chance to do so, invest in renewable energy,study renewable energy, find traineeships and studentjobs in the renewable energy industry. If you see op-portunities for launching EKOenergy in your country,please let us know! ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 71

EUROSOLAR’S QUEST FOR “ENERGIEWENDE” Since 1988, EUROSOLAR has made it its mission to THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE COMPANY make renewables the main source of energy in Europe. My name is Tobias and since January 2016 I am the The people behind this non-profit organization are ded- Managing Director of EUROSOLAR. I was born and icated in making a sociocultural and political move- raised in Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany. For my stud- ment in influencing political parties, institutions and ies in Sociology I moved to Bremen and worked for other groups to switch to renewable energy.  an environment and energy company on the side till I It has been around for 28 year and it has expanded its moved to Leipzig to work as a key account manager in office in Germany to the rest of its European neighbors the PV-sector. I developed a strong interest in renewable - Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Russia, energy and became a member of the The European As- Spain, Austria, Ukraine, Hungary, Turkey and Czech sociation for Renewable Energy EUROSOLAR. When Republic. With almost 3000 members, EUROSOLAR I read about the open position of a project manager, I is promoting the use of solar energy through different applied. Two years in, the executive committee asked me fields such as the economy, science, politics and culture.  to take up the open position of the Managing Director. With an exclusive interview with EUROSOLAR, get to EUROSOLAR was founded in 1988 as a non-profit as- know the company and its goal to make all European sociation. Our head office is in Bonn but next to almost countries convert to fast, decentralized and affordable 3000 members in Germany, EUROSOLAR has sec- 100% renewable energy. tions in Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Austria, Russia, Spain, Czech Republic, Turkey, Ukraine and Hungary. The elected board consists of President Pe- ter Droege and eight vice presidents from six countries. We advocate a quick replacement of nuclear and fossil energy in the sectors power, thermal energy and trans- port. True to the slogan “100% Renewables: fast, decen- tralized, affordable” we connect expertise from politics, economy, sciences and society to expedite the process.72 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

EUROSOLAR’S MISSIONEUROSOLAR’s definition of clean energy is a world-wide energy supply with neither nuclear nor fossil ener-gy sources. In our understanding the successful “Ener-giewende” can only be reached once all thermal energysources and fuels are replaced with renewable energy,too.Pursuing clean energy has multiple goals that are all in-terconnected. The conversation of nature and the slow-down of climate change can only be reached by turningour back on extraditing coal and fossil fuels and by di-minishing the use of nuclear power.Decentralized renewable energy sources guarantee theindependence from large power companies and oil-richstates which have repeatedly been involved in politicalconflicts and war. Stabilizing the energy provision local-ly, supporting cooperation amongst regions across stateboundaries, this energy transition does not only bringclean energy but also enhances cooperation and mutualassistance amongst people and states and is the precon-dition for healthier, economically sound and democraticsocieties.In addition, we deal with a steady rise of inhabitants inthis world. We need a secure provision of energy for alland even the expected power demand will never over-strain the power of the sun and the wind. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 73

THE FUTURE OF CLEAN ENERGY Germany has the potential to go fully renewable within the next one or two decades. We have the technology to go “all in”. Only a few weeks back, Germany reached an almost 100% power supply with RE on a sunny and windy weekend. Portugal even managed to supply the country with 100% RE for four consecutive days. Many countries and regions are ready to take the leap, but pol- itics are holding back although there is certainly no time to loose. Political restrictions keep preventing a quicker transi- tion to renewable energy. The big coal companies are very powerful in political processes. They do not want to lose their share of the cake and are currently work- ing towards limiting the number of involved actors in the energy transition. In Germany, the success of the Energiewende is built on the large amount of small and mid-sized organizations and companies and millions of citizens who already started their private transition. If those players are marginalized due to new legislations, few large players will be able to dictate their interest in the future. Further, the goal to reduce C0², now manifested in the Paris Agreements, motivates some to bring nuclear en- ergy back on the table. EUROSOLAR is strictly against a revival of nuclear energy. Implementing renewable en- ergy is the cleanest, most sustainable and most peaceful power!74 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

RAISING AWARENESSABOUT CLEAN ENERGYSince its foundation, EUROSOLAR has engaged in sev-eral projects to spread awareness about the energy tran-sition and its advantages. Several conference series shedlight on several important aspects regarding the energytransition. The International Renewable Energy StorageConference (IRES) is organized annually. Researchersfrom all around the world present their newest findingson storage solutions for renewable energy and connectwith companies and organizations to discuss marketentry strategies. Other conferences focus on the role ofpublic utilities in the Energiewende, practical aspects ofthe transition or political debates centered on frame-work conditions and legal parameters.In addition to informing people, EUROSOLAR awardsthe German and the European Solar Prize annually tohonor those who put great effort into promoting renew-able energy. The prize ceremonies are accompanied bykeynote speeches by leading scientists and politicians.In various campaigns, EUROSOLAR has addressed pol-iticians to reflect on their energy policies. Most recentlythe campaign, “Don’t stop the energy transition”, in-formed about the political agenda to outmaneuver pre-vious advantageous legislation. The campaign was fullyfinanced with the help of EUROSOLAR-members andpublished in nationwide newspapers.With conferences, award ceremonies and campaigns,EUROSOLAR offers a wide array of methods for raisingawareness and keeping the public informed. As EURO-SOLAR works completely independent of politicians,companies and lobby groups, the work remains a 100%true to the associations’ mission and vision.THE POLITICS OF ADVICE TO YOUNG ENGINEERSAFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY It is absolutely necessary that people all around theIn political science we speak of a phenomenon called world fight for the full replacement of conventional en-“path dependency”. It analyses how policies (and people) ergy with renewables. People with different (academic)are not very open towards change and therefore tend to backgrounds need to work together to make this changestick to whatever is already there. The change from con- happen. Engineers need to learn from political scienceventional to renewable energy is a revolution that many students and geographers must understand how techni-are afraid to tackle. Currently, the biggest challenge is cal problems can be solved using the natural sciences.overcoming political restrictions. Instead of increasing Only when working together and constantly learningrenewable power plants, the German parliament wants from each other, we can make an impact and contributeto limit onshore power plants by introducing tenders. to one of the largest social and economic changes of ourThis would push small participants out of the game and century.end the decentralized energy transition.EUROSOLAR wants to contribute to a global changeby making a local impact. We inform people about lo-cal policies and national political change and create anawareness of counterproductive political decisions. Be-ing fully independent, we can make claims that othersare not allowed to voice. That said, governments aroundthe world should support renewable energy and takemore effort to tax Co²-emissions and decrease pollu-tion overall. Private companies need to think about thefuture. Instead of only striving for economic growth,they also need to think about a sustainable future forthe planet. NGOs need to be more fearless and less de-pendent on funding from governments and companies.The political process needs to be stimulated locally andpushed further to have an impact on the global level. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 75

FIRST GETTING TO KNOW SPOVfOfeErnLinergAgyR: My name is Raed Bkayrat and I am the Solutions Vice President for Business Development Everywhere at First Solar. I have over 15 years of experience and The people behind First Solar believe joined First Solar from the King Abdullah that affordable solar energy must be University of Science and Technology available to everyone in all parts of the (KAUST), where I was responsible for world. Offering different energy solutions, creating the institution’s successful this company has installed over 10 GW Industry Collaboration Program (KICP). around the globe. It aims to provide During my time at KAUST, I also created “reliable and affordable solar electricity” a demonstration and testing program for while minimizing the risks. solar and other clean energy technologies. First Solar was able to develop and operate Prior to this, I was part of the core team some of the world’s largest grid-connected behind Direct Drive Systems, a US-based PV power plants and offers its services to start-up that was acquired by an oil and different solar value chains. Using a well- gas major, and previously spent eight years developed PV energy services, it delivers in various roles at Siemens AG. “more reliable, dependable and cost- I hold a Ph.D. and a Master of Science effective solutions for our customers”. (MS) in Electrical Engineering from the In this exclusive interview with First Solar, Arizona State University and a Bachelor get the chance to find out more about this of Science from the University of Jordan. global leader in PV energy solutions. I have been a dedicated techie since I was a Find out what they plan to achieve in the kid to the point that I had no intention to near future and what they want young study anything else but engineering when engineers to take part of. I started college. I enjoy spending active time with my kids and educating them on76 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY the value and need for clean energy in our day and age. I think I am doing well in making them Pro Green!

FIRST SOLAR GN: How big is your company? PURSUING CLEAN ENERGY First Solar currently has just overGN: Are you an educational institution, 6,000 associates worldwide. We have GN: What is clean energy?social enterprise, non-profit or private commercial offices in all the major solar First Solar’s photovoltaic (PV) modulecompany? growth markets around the world. We technology harness our most abundantWith more than 13 gigawatts (GW) operate manufacturing facilities in the energy resource, sunlight, to generateinstalled worldwide, we believe that clean United States and Malaysia. clean, affordable solar electricity.affordable solar electricity is an essential GN: Describe your mission, vision and Additionally, we are able to offer thepart of the worldwide energy mix. Our values. smallest carbon footprint of all solarproven energy solutions have diversified Our mission is to create enduring value technologies; the fastest energy paybackthe energy portfolio and reduced the risk by enabling a world powered by clean, time (less than 1 year); the lowestof fuel-price volatility, while delivering an affordable solar electricity. This is reflected water use (on a lifecycle basis); 89–98%LCOE that is cost competitive with fossil in the level of innovation that we’ve been reduction of greenhouse gas emissionsfuels. able to deliver and also in our commitment and other pollutants by displacingFirst Solar has developed, financed, to sustainable business practices. conventional generation; and access toengineered, constructed and currently operational, industry-leading moduleoperates many of the world’s largest grid- recycling services.connected PV power plants in existence. With a commitment to sustainableBy integrating technologies, services and product life-cycle management andexpertise across the entire solar value corporate responsibility, First Solarchain, First Solar delivers bankable PV is creating enduring value everyenergy solutions that enable a world day – environmentally, socially andpowered by reliable and affordable solar economically.electricity. GN: What’s the importance of pursuing clean energy? Today, we are in the midst of an energy transition as the world looks to renewables to generate affordable electricity. The days of high cost, low efficiency solar technologies are over. We now see that solar energy is able to stand shoulder-to- shoulder with conventional generation sources and that investments in solar are being driven by market factors. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 77

THE SITUATION OF FIRST SOLAR’S generation to geographic markets withCLEAN ENERGY TODAY INITIATIVES IN immediate electricity needs. Moving MAKING CHANGES quickly into these markets to provideGN: Where are we today? What is the power at low cost requires us to reducecurrent situation of renewables? GN: What are the initiatives / projects waste in our operations and responsiblyAccording to a recent report from the that you are doing (or have done) that will use our own resources – includingInternational Renewable Energy Agency drive low or zero emission? capital, time and talent – to sustain our(IRENA), we ended 2015 with 1,985 We remain focused on fulfilling our growth. Because we are here for the longgigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. mission while delivering on the “triple term, sustainability also means formingTO put that into context, that’s roughly bottom line” of people, planet and profit. deep partnerships built on trust in thethe equivalent of 1,985 nuclear power We accomplish this by incorporating communities where we do business. Thatplants. Of all of the various renewable sustainable business practices throughout trust is also influenced by our stewardshipenergy technologies available to us, solar our organization to grow responsibly and of the environment.is one of the fastest growing, with 47GW remain financially stable. We are increasing We strive to minimize impacts duringof additional capacity installed last year our technology and manufacturing the construction and operation of ouralone. efficiencies to produce solar PV modules projects. Our global, cost compelling PVGN: Where should we be 10 years from and projects with higher energy yields and module recycling program ensures thatnow? lower environmental impacts. At the same clean energy solutions don’t pose a wasteBy all current indications it’s clear that time, we are driving down the cost of solar burden for future generations. With thethe energy transition is well underway. energy to provide an attractive alternative smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycleAlthough driven by different factors – to fossil fuels in markets around the world. water use and fastest energy paybackenvironmental, social and economic – In January 2015, we celebrated a significant time in the industry, First Solar producesadoption of renewable energy is growing milestone – becoming the first thin film the leading eco-efficient PV technology.at an unprecedented scale. PV company to have 10GW of modules Our modules generate more energy at installed worldwide. This installed a competitive cost and with the lowest capacity produces enough clean electricity environmental impact per kilowatt-hour. annually to power 5 million households, In addition to addressing energy security, save over 18 billion liters of water, displace climate change and water scarcity, First 7 million metric tons of CO2 per year Solar energy solutions are sustainably and reduce other air pollutants by 89-98 delivering competitive, accessible and percent, based on worldwide averages. reliable solar electricity globally. We aren’t stopping there. Our corporate strategy over the next few years focuses on providing even more utility-scale PV78 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

ADVICE TO THEYOUNG ENGINEERSThe only hope for our blue planet, whichis now suffocating under high greenhousegas emissions and rising temperature, isin the young generation taking the helmand adopting clean energy and energyconservation not as a job, a business orjust a career, but simply as a choice and away of life. Engineers have a pivotal roleto play in developing the technologiesand solutions needed to help create asustainable living for all. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 79

CHANGING RENEWABLE ENERGY PERSPECTIVES WITH THEGLOBAL WIND ENERGY COUNCIL W I T H I T S M I S SIO N T O E S TA B L I SH wind INTRODUCTION SGtWevEeCSSaewcryeetarry General power supply in different countries, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is working with different in- My name is Steve Sawyer, I was born in Boston, grew ©Buenos Aires Herald ternational policy makers and companies to open new up in rural New Hampshire, escaped and studied Phi- markets for wind energy. GWEC and its members rep- losophy at Haverford College, then joined Greenpeace resent 1500 companies and organizations coming from in 1978. I met my (now) wife at Greenpeace in 1982 80 countries and has worked with local partners to orga- and we have been living in Amsterdam since 1989. We nize exhibitions all over the world. have two grown up children (23 and 28 years), one do- There’s no doubt that GWEC has played a crucial role ing mechanical engineering and the other focusing on in encouraging different organizations in switching to the environment/development interface. wind power. Now, wind power has attracted investments At Greenpeace I mainly worked on climate, energy and worth $100 billion and currently employs over 1 million nuclear weapons issues for most of the period from people. 1978-2006, and have been at GWEC since early 2007. In this exclusive interview with GWEC, learn more about its mission to promote wind energy across the globe, their WHAT IS THEGLOBAL WIND latest achievements and the company’s goals and future ENERGY COUNCIL AND plans. Find out the status of wind energy and the chal- ITS GOALS? lenges it faces as countries shift from non-renewable en- ergy to clean energy such as using wind power. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) is the glob- al trade association representing the wind industry. The80 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY members of GWEC represent over 1,500 companies, or- ganizations and institutions in more than 80 countries, including manufacturers, developers, component sup- pliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, electricity providers, finance, insurance companies and law firms. GWEC works at the highest international political level to create a better policy environment for wind power. Our mission is to ensure that wind power establishes itself as the answer to today’s energy challenges, provid- ing substantial environmental and economic benefits. GWEC works with national and international policy makers and industry associations to help open new mar- kets for wind power. GWEC has a proven track record of success in helping to build the wind power industry in emerging markets around the world, including Argenti- na, Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa. For more information: www.gwec.net.

Horns Rev II ©SaylorWe have a small but dynamic eight-person team. melt season has start two months early. CO2 levels areGWEC’s headquarters are located at the Wind Power rising at an alarming rate, and we are now in unchart-House in Brussels, Belgium and we have staff in India/ ed territory in terms of atmospheric concentrations ofUS and an office in Beijing, China. We organize wind greenhouse gases, at least since Homo sapiens has beenpower exhibition & conferences together with our local around.partners across the globe including Brazil, China, India, The global power sector is the largest single source ofMexico and South Africa. emissions, accounting for more than 40% of all carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels, and aboutWHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF 25% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. If globalUSING CLEAN ENERGY? emissions are to peak and decline in this decade, as the science shows is necessary in order to meet climate pro-Clean energy is a non-polluting source of energy that tection goals, one focus has to be the power sector. Winddisplaces greenhouse gas emissions. Clean energy power’s scalability and its speed of deployment makes itdoesn’t emit pollutants and has a minimal water usage an ideal technology to bring about the early emissionsfootprint. By 2020, GWEC projections suggest that wind reductions which are required if we are to keep the win-power alone would save 1.2 billion tons of CO2 every dow open for keeping global mean temperature rise toyear. Wind power does not emit any other air pollut- 2⁰ C or less above pre-industrial levels.ants and within three to six months of operation, a wind Global emissions need to peak and begin to decline be-turbine has offset all emissions from its construction, to fore 2020, and a dramatic increase in renewable energyrun with virtually zero emissions for the remainder of deployment is urgently required to help make this hap-its twenty-thirty year lifetime. While conventional fos- pen. In the short term the three key options availablesil fuel and nuclear power plants, which make up 78% for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions include a rapidof global electricity production, use water for cooling deployment of renewable energy, primarily wind power;and condensing the steam that drives the turbines, wind escalation of efforts towards promoting energy efficien-power generation requires practically no water. cy and conservation; and fuel switching from coal to gas.More than 150 nations gathered in New York on 22 By 2020,  GWEC projections  suggest that wind powerApril, on Earth Day, to formally sign the landmark alone would save 7.9 billion tons of CO2. On average,climate change deal which was agreed in Paris last De- each kWh of wind power generated avoids 600 gramscember, an all too rare triumph for multilateralism in a of CO2 by displacing the need for the generation of theworld that desperately needed one. same unit of electricity from conventional energy sourc-While there are many positive signs, Mother Nature is es (coal, oil or gas).sending signals of another sort: weird weather, droughts, Wind energy installations totaled 432.9 GW globally byfloods, unprecedented Arctic sea-ice retreat, record high the end of 2015, and the industry is set to grow by anoth-winter temperatures and Greenland’s annual glacier er +60 GW in 2016. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 81

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF CLEAN ENERGY? The global wind industry had another record-breaking year in 2015. After installations broke through the 50 GW for the first time in a single year in 2014, we reached yet another milestone in 2015 as annual installations topped 63 GW, a 22% increase on the 2014 annual mar- ket; and not only did renewables surpass all other power sector investments, for the first time capital investments in renewables surpassed all capital investments in fos- sil fuels for the first time. By the end of last year, there were about 433 GW of wind power spinning around the globe, a 17% increase over the previous year; and wind power supplied more new power generation than any other technology, according to the IEA. Looking ahead, GWEC sees wind power installations will nearly double in the next five years…we’re moving rapidly towards a power system dominated by wind and solar, although we still have a lot more work to do on transport and heating. Wind power has become the least cost option when add- ing new capacity to the grid in an increasing number of markets, and prices continue to fall. Given the urgency to cut down CO2 emissions and continued reliance on imported fossil fuels, wind power’s pivotal role in the world’s future energy supply is assured. ©GWEC82 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Finland ©Vastavalo, Raimo RosholmWHAT HAS YOUR COMPANYACHIEVED SO FAR?In addition to our international advocacy with the Cli-mate Convention, IRENA, the IEA and other interna-tional institutions, we focus on opening new markets.Two top programmatic priorities at the moment are: 1)the FOWIND project, in collaboration with Indian andinternational partners and the Government of India,supported by the EU, developing a roadmap for offshorewind development in India; and 2) taking advantage ofthe changed political circumstances in Argentina to helpdrive wind power development in that country, whichhas some of the best wind resources in the world.In terms of the impact, we have been instrumental inestablishing wind power markets in China, Brazil, SouthAfrica and Mexico, as well as helping to establish windpower as a mainstream energy source in the nationaland international energy policy debate. The wind pow-er industry now employs more than 1 million peopleworldwide, and in 2015 attracted about $100 billion ininvestment. Both of those numbers are expected to con-tinue to grow at a substantial rate in the coming decade. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 83

©GWEC WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES DID THE ‘WIND ENERGY REVOLUTION’ FACE? The main stumbling block to the ‘energy revolution’ is the entrenched belief system of utility executives and engineers who just don’t believe that we can run our economy on renewable energy, because their under- standing of the technology is 10, 20 or more years old. They should look at examples like Denmark where wind supplied more than 40% of all power in 2015, or Portu- gal, where renewables supplied 100% of all power needs for four days in May of 2016. There are many others. What citizens and NGOs can do is to continually pres- sure their elected officials and demand clean energy at national, regional and local levels. They need to educate themselves about the energy system to become effective advocates, and engage in the policy and regulatory de- bates at all levels. In terms of supplying energy to the (mostly rural) poor in the developing world, what is needed is an effective national programme which is really supported by the government, and they will discover that renewables are most often the cheapest and most effective way to do so. There are many successful examples of this, the biggest one being China. My experience is that when government officials are at- tending international conferences, supplying energy to the poor is a priority; but when they’re at home it falls off the radar. International institutions should insist on effective market policies and structures to deal with the problem as a condition of cooperation.84 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TOYOUNG ENGINEERS?We don’t need technological miracles to achieve ourclimate, energy and access goals(although they wouldcertainly help!). We have proven that we have the af-fordable, reliable, competitive technology to reach ourgoals. Now we need political miracles in energy marketsaround the world. That may be a bit tougher, but you,as engineers, have to be insistent that it is possible, nec-essary, and economically desirable. You can be part ofthe revolution whose only victims will be large energycorporations who refuse to change; and the winners willbe everyone else, our children and theirs.GWEC’s wind power missionto Argentina ©GWEC ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 85

ISES: Striving for Transformationto a 100% Renewable Energy FutureTHE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ABOUT ISES DISaEvSePRreensindée,nt.Energy Society (ISES) is a non-profit, JIeSnEnSiEfexreMcuctIinvetosh,UN accredited membership organization. ISES is a leader in the transformation to Secretary.Founded in 1954, the Society has a long a 100% renewable energy future throughhistory of being a trusted global advisor its events, webinars, publications andon renewable energy and this remains its collaboration with global partners.core value. The Society has thousands of The ISES Solar World Congresses, heldmembers and reaches over 50,000 people biennially since the 1950’s, as well asaround the world through its contacts, regional events such as the EuroSun,Sections and partners. embody the spirit of internationalISES works to achieve 100% renewable renewable energy networking andenergy for all, used efficiently and wisely, exchange of ideas advanced by the Society.by providing the global renewable energy Its objective is to maintain communicationcommunity with a collective, scientifically between the research community,credible voice and up-to-date information industrial and political players.gathered and synthesized by its talented ISES sees itself in this context as a focalmembers. The ISES headquarters is point, providing a network within whichlocated in Freiburg, Germany. different groups can exchange knowledge and obtain technical and scientific expertise. ISES Board Members are welcome speakers at renewable energy events all around the world.86 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

Our flagship publication, Solar Energy, to achieving 100% renewable energy,is the official journal of ISES, devoted are important factors driving growth inexclusively to the science and technology renewables.of solar energy applications. This Yet, the ISES goals to promote thepublication is thriving, with an increase development and application of solarfrom 12 to 18 issues a year in 2016 and an energy technologies globally are moreimpressive 1.1 million downloads in 2014. relevant than ever. The challengesSince 2014, ISES has been holding free Farrington Daniels, Henry Sargent andmonthly webinars. The webinars focus other solar energy pioneers recognized 60on key renewable energy topics, drawing years ago are more urgent today and area large global audience each month. expounded further by the growing risk ofThe Society also publishes monthly climate change. ISES is looking forwardnewsletters, and its members are active to lead the energy transformation to acontributors to renewable energy 100% renewable energy world during thiscampaigns on social media. century.THE MACRO LEVEL OFCLEAN ENERGYThe dream of the ISES founders of a globalsolar energy industry is becoming a reality.According to the REN 21 Renewables 2016Global Status Report, 2015 was a recordyear for renewable energy. Global newinvestment in renewable power and fuelsreached nearly USD 286 billion; the worldnow adds more renewable energy powercapacity than it adds from all fossil fuelscombined; and an estimated 8.1 millionpeople worldwide are working directly orindirectly in the renewable energy sectors.The total installed capacity of solar PVreached 227 GW and solar power accountsfor over 56% of total new investment inrenewable power and fuels. The growingmarkets are the result of breakthroughsin research and development, which haveled to major achievements in improvingsolar energy technologies, and thus drivedown costs. Enabling policies, includingthe increasing number of communitiesand cities around the world committed Photo by Solarsiedlung GmbH ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 87

THE MICRO LEVEL representing wind, hydropower, THE CHALLENGES &OF CLEAN ENERGY geothermal and bioenergy to demonstrate THEIR SOLUTIONS how these technologies can work togetherAn important strategic activity of the to achieve a 100% renewable energy From President’s Column in the ISESSociety is engaging in key partnerships solution to climate change. The event April 2016 Newsletter by ISES Presidentwith like-minded organizations from provided case studies of communities, Dr. David Renné:around the world. Together with our cities, countries and regions, where Mobilizing the financial capital tomembers and Sections, these partners various high-penetration combinations achieve the 100% renewable energyform a strong global alliance for advancing of renewable energy technologies are transformation is perhaps among the mostrenewable energy. ISES provides key working together. Technical solutions for important constraints to be addressedtimely information on renewable 100% renewable energy systems are in both by national governments providingenergy technology and innovation place today, along with the will to invest, public finance and by the private capitalbreakthroughs, policy mechanisms and regional resource availability. markets themselves. The public andand changes, investment strategies and Dr. David Renné, President of the private sectors need to work together todeployment opportunities. The Society International Solar Energy Society (ISES), stimulate private capital flows requiredworks closely with global partners such said: “The solar energy resource potential to finance the energy transformation.as the International Renewable Energy is vast. Working with other renewable Programs such as the Green Climate Fund,Alliance (REN Alliance), the Global energy technologies, the solar resource a pool of public capital made available100% Renewable Energy Campaign, the provides an important component of through recent climate agreements, ifInternational Renewable Energy Agency 100% renewable energy systems. There used properly, can stimulate flow of(IRENA), the United Nations’ Practitioner is plenty of financial capital and public private capital by helping create enablingNetwork and SE4ALL initiative, the engagement available to support the environments for renewable energyInternational Energy Agency’s Solar renewable energy transformation, and the business growth, especially with smallHeating and Cooling Programme, the COP21 agreement in Paris provides the and medium enterprises. As BloombergGlobal Solar Council and many more. political will by national governments to New Energy Finance representativesAs a UN accredited NGO, ISES create an effective policy and regulatory pointed out during the IRENA Generalparticipates in the UN Climate Change environment to drive us towards a 100% Assembly in Abu Dhabi this January,Conferences, including the COP21 in renewable energy future.” current investment in renewable energyParis last November. ISES held a side- must double by the year 2020 just to keepevent with the REN Alliance partners up with the climate mitigation goals that were established at the COP21 in Paris in December 2015. Paradoxically, the88 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

ADVICE TO THE and implement measures for the 100% YOUNG ENGINEERS renewable energy goal. Opportunities for young engineers are growing constantly, The International Solar Energy Society and the future green energy economy encourages young people to continuously will result in exciting, high-paying and search for ways to achieve a better future satisfying careers for our future engineers. for all people of the world. Modern and Young engineers can be at the forefront of efficient technological solutions exist to the renewable energy transformation by provide a 100% renewable energy future, choosing career paths in solar and other but more research and development are renewable energy technologies. still needed for continuous innovation. ISES supports the development of a workforce that will drive innovationactual investment levels at present arebeing challenged by the lowering cost ofrenewable technologies, the strength ofthe U.S. dollar combined with a weakenedEuropean economy, and lower oil andnatural gas prices.The majority of the costs of the energytransformation will be covered by privatecapital. Governments, however, play akey role in supporting the high-risk R&Dstill required to further reduce costs andimprove reliability of renewable energysystems, and to act on the policy signalsthat came out of the recent Paris climateaccord. This accord includes commitmentsby signatory countries to reduce carbonemissions to specified targets, known asINDCs (Intended Nationally DeterminedContributions). Based on currentprojections, if all INDCs were adoptedas specified, global temperature warmingwould be limited to 2.7° to 3.0°C abovepre-industrial levels (currently globalwarming is approximately 1 °C abovepreindustrial levels).An energy transformation to a low-carbon economy is now underway, andthe Paris accord is a signal for nationalgovernments to create policies toaccelerate this transformation, but muchwork and many challenges still stand inthe way of a realization towards a 100%renewable energy future. The politicalwill is not always there, and governmentsdo not always sustain the kind of criticalR&D necessary to move innovationtechnology into the marketplace. Thefossil fuel interests are mobilizing theirbase to thwart or at least delay thetransformation, arguing (falsely) that thetransformation is creating global financialchaos and disruption.ISES is playing a key role to ensure thatthe renewable energy transformation isnot derailed by fossil fuel interests, or byreluctance of national governments tocreate favorable policies. This role is tocontinue to advocate for, and report on,ongoing and growing support in criticalR&D to advance clean energy technologiesfrom the laboratory to the marketplace,and to communicate the viability of a100% renewable energy future broadly inways that stimulate favorable policies andattract low-cost private capital. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 89

Imtiaz Mahtab, President. Opening speech for an event in partnership with DNVGL. (May 2016) GOING SOLAR: MREIDNDEWLEAEBALSETENNAERTIGOYNS’ TRANSITION WITH MESIA Countries in the Middle East have been known to leave some of the largest carbon footprints in the world. Middle East Solar Industry Association, a non-profit organization, plans to change the way these countries produce energy through the use of solar power. With an aim to encourage governments and industries to have a transition from oil to solar energy, MESIA became the largest solar associations in MENA and continues to keep on growing. In this exclusive interview with Imtiaz Mahtab, MESIA’s President, we were able to learn more about the company, its views on renewable energy, and the challenges the company faced as it became one of the most respected solar associations in MENA. Members getting together on Dubai rooftop. (December 2014)90 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

GETTING TO KNOWImtiaz Mahtab, A US Citizen, lived andworked at eight different countries andin four major continents (America, Asia,Europe, Middle- East Africa) around theworld. Imtiaz is the President of MiddleEast Solar Industry Association. He iscurrently SkyPower Global’s ManagingDirector for the Middle East, and Africa(MEA) region as well as Strategic Advisorto its board. Prior to this role, ImtiazMahtab has been the Regional ManagingDirector at Air Liquide.Imtiaz has over 21 years of leadershipexperiences in the management ofbusinesses in Renewable Energy,Environment and High Technologysectors. He serves on the advisory boardof various Renewable Energy and HighTechnology startups in the MENA region.Imtiaz is a graduate of Harvard BusinessSchool in General Management, has abachelor degree in Chemical Engineeringfrom University of Texas, Austin in USAand has an MBA from Rutgers University-NJ in USA.ABOUT MESIA Shams Dubai Task Force with MESIA members to accompany Dubai government implementing the Solar Rooftop program. (September 2015)MESIA, a non-profit organization, wasfounded in 2009 by few solar enthusiasts inUAE together with the support of handfulof companies to promote solar energy inthe Middle East; a region where most ofthe economic activities are tied to oil andgas, and where countries have one of thelargest carbon footprint in the world.Over the years, through the dedicationand perseverance of its board membersand employees, MESIA became the largestand most respected solar association inMENA with a strong membership base ofover 150 solar related companies.MESIA’s vision is to enable solar energydeployment in MENA, and be the trustedpartner to both public and private entitiesto that endeavor. Through its variousregional initiatives (influencing policies,finance and technology deployment)MESIA aims to encourage the growth ofsolar industry so that solar energy canrepresent a larger portion of energy mixin the region. Its mission is to expandthe use of solar energy, to strengthen theregional solar industry, and to facilitatebusiness opportunities for its members.By 2030, MESIA aims that 30% of energywill be generated from renewable energysources in the region (from less than1% today) reducing carbon footprintdrastically while creating jobs for many. Event in partnership with Dupont and Jinkosolar. (April 2016) ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 91

Solar Energy Trade Mission in Egypt/Cairo. (April 2015) INTRODUCTION THE MACRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY Recognition ceremony: Vahid Fotuhi, MESIA Founder Clean or renewable energy means being awarded by with Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, generating energy from unlimited Clean energy over the last decade had Managing Director & CEO of Dubai Water & Electricity resources such as wind, solar, water, made significant progress driven both Authority (DEWA). (May 2015) geothermal that produce little or no by technological innovation (i.e. solar pollutions as opposed to burning limited photovoltaic), as well as smart decisions92 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY natural or fossil fuel resources (i.e. coal, by the policy makers to encourage users oil, gas) or through nuclear power. through various schemes. Solar photovoltaic Burning natural resources has three installation has grown 100 times over last adverse effects: first, it emits gases that ten years globally, and the cost of installation pollutes air causing severe life threatening has fallen by 700%, making it now one of the diseases. It also causes global warming most cost effective electricity generation that destabilizes the weather affecting systems in the world! lives and properties (i.e. very hot summer, And it’s not only the rich and developed very cold winter, flooding). Lastly, if countries installing the clean energy but also we burn the precious natural resources, the poor countries driven both by simplicity it cannot be used to make everyday in installation (small scale, decentralized), products such as plastics, clothes, phones, and cost competitiveness. In addition, cars and many others. If we consume significant innovations are happening in this energy at current rate, not only will the storage/ battery technology as most of temperature of the world rise to 3.6oC the clean energy are intermittent in nature by 2040 but we will also run out of our (i.e. solar only shines mostly during day natural energy resources by 2050. We time, wind blows as it pleases), and would need to find another similar planet to live require storage in the future once we install on! It is wildly agreed that if temperature a significant portion of energy with clean rises over 2oC, catastrophic events will energy sources. As electrical cars become start to happen for which we already see more available and affordable (with the likes some evidences globally. of Tesla and others), the storage or battery Today, the energy is consumed technology will progress even further. disproportionately around the world. In Dec 2015, 195 countries agreed in There are 1.3 billion people on our planet Paris, France (COP21) to keep the without access to electricity, and majority global temperature rise below 2oC. Each of them reside in Africa and South Asia. individual country also proposed its Deployment of traditional fossil fuel or target, and when combined, will reduce nuclear based electricity plants to light the temperature rise below 2.7oC; still these areas will both be very expensive above 2oC but well below 3.6oC if we do and time consuming; we need to install nothing. Policy makers are becoming both large electricity plants centrally, and more confident than ever before to tackle transmission lines across to transport the global warming because of advancement electricity to access hard to reach places. in technology, and cost competitiveness of However, renewable energy solution such technology. Countries such as China such as solar photovoltaic panels can be and India, accounting for one third of world installed at the place where electricity is population, are following through their very consumed requiring much less money ambitious renewable energy objectives. and time; similar to getting access to a mobile phone vs a land line. THE MICRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY At MESIA, we work with both businesses and policy makers to ensure that deployment of solar energy is part of the national agenda, that right technology would be developed and deployed, and that there are investors both locally and globally available to fund these initiatives. For example, MESIA had organized trade missions in Egypt and Pakistan – where we worked alongside governments and businesses to initiate the dialogues as well as made policy recommendations to deploy renewable energy in these countries. These programs attracted over hundreds of companies enabling them to be integrated with the local projects, and formed partnership locally. Some of these companies also planned to set up local manufacturing plants to create knowledge base locally. When renewable energy projects are implemented in these two countries, they would have 15% - 20% of energy coming from renewable resources while creating hundreds of thousands of jobs locally. Similarly, we work closely with stakeholders (Policy makers, Businesses and R&D centers) in UAE to ensure that a national goal of 100% clean energy dependence becomes a reality. Our ambition is to have MENA generate 30% of their energy through clean source by 2030.

Last MESIA Solar Awards Ceremony: we are doing it every year. (December 2015) At the other extreme, the oil or natural gas resources rich regions, such as the Middle East, must not give away free or low price oil- or natural gas-based energy or electricity to its people as the people won’t be responsible on how much they consume, and that they will always see renewable energy as an expensive form of energy. Governments of these countries should gradually adjust their pricing of energy to the actual cost to create a level playing field for renewable energy to prosper.Solar Energy Trade Mission in Pakistan/Islamabad. (October 2015) ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERSIn addition, we work with local universities THE CHALLENGES &to place their students in clean energy THEIR SOLUTIONS The millennials can simply focus on tworelated companies so that todays’ young areas: consumption, and education &generation can be the future clean energy Today the biggest challenge in renewable entrepreneurship.leaders! Every year, our organization energy deployment is access to ‘affordable’ First, make lifestyle choices to reducerewards 10 solar pioneers, young leaders money, and deploy it where it requires. consumption of energy. The millennials arebelow 40 years of age who progress the solar Besides addressing the environmental great adopters of shared and responsibleenergy regionally, with recognition and concern, we need to provide electricity to economy. Instead of owning a car –mentorship. We plan to extend this widely 1.3 billion people in the world, and one of share, drive electric vehicles, take publicin the region to ensure pipeline of local the fastest and effective way to provide this transportation, buy recycled products,talents. electricity is to deploy solar technology. recycle, plant trees and so on. Study shows thatWe brought in both proven (solar heating) However, these countries, where the we can easily reduce the energy consumptionand emerging technologies (storage/ unfortunate 1.3 billion people reside, are by 25% by adopting just few lifestyle choicesbatteries) in the region to ensure fast seen as high risk countries to do business – enough to have a large impact on reducingadoption and implementation by engaging with. As such cost of borrowing money the global warming.consumers and businesses. We publish to implement initiatives in such countries, Second, millennials are also the best adoptercutting edge research reports focused on such Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia, is of technology. Clean energy is essentially aboth market development and technology very high and at times nonexistent. Some technology sector that is growing the fastest,deployment providing valuable insights to companies do find clever ways to reach the has the highest potential of growth, and canstudents, businesses, and policy makers to people directly by installing the solar panel challenge the established fossil fuel burningact on. at their roof, and charging them a monthly businesses. It is very similar to internetThrough various partnership we set up fee that is cheaper than what they would or mobile technology where establishedwith global organizations such as IRENA, have spent on burning kerosene. However, companies were overtaken by newcomersWorld Wildlife Fund, Global Solar Council, the funds available to these companies and (Think of Apple vs AT&T, Tesla vs GM). TheIFC – we have now the collective strength entrepreneurs are very small compare to clean energy sector already created 8 millionto support the development of solar energy the overall potentials. The rich nations and jobs last year. Millennials should definitelyin MENA. development banks, together with other focus on developing this sector further financial institutions, must find a way to through education and entrepreneurship. I provide money with low interest rate to have no doubt among the millennials today, enable businesses in these countries. we will find the Bill Gates or Elon Musk of renewable energy tomorrow! 93 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

MICROSOLAR:BRINGING RENEWABLEENERGY TO DEVELOPINGCOUNTRIESAn inspirational interview withGreen Energy for a Billion Poor Author,Nancy Wimmer RENEWABLE ENERGY IS NOW becoming more prominent thanks to the ever-growing need of clean power. Nu- merous countries have shown interest by ridding themselves of fossil fuel usage to create a better environment for our future generations. microSOLAR, a renewable energy re- search company, not only promotes the use of renewables but they also specialize in microfinance in developing countries. They also do researches for innovation for rural electrification, as stated in their website. GineersNow conducted an exclusive in- terview Nancy Wimmer, the managing director of microSOLAR94 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

ABOUT NANCY WIMMER CLEAN ENERGY ACCORDING TOGineersNow: Introduce yourself. How MICROSOLARmany years have you been working inyour industry? GN: What is clean energy as defined byNancy Wimmer: I am an American, grew your company?up and studied in the United States and Nancy: Clean energy is energy from re-came to Europe to study at the Univer- newable energy sources. MicroSOLARsities of Hamburg and Munich; I hold a experience is with solar, wind, geother-Masters in Philosophy from the Munich mal water in European communities andSchool of Philosophy. My professional solar home systems in developing coun-work began with teaching at the Univer- tries. My extensive experience in Indiasity of the Military and serving German and Bangladesh convinced me that solarindustry as a systems analyst. home systems are presently the superiorI now live with my family near Munich sources of electricity for off-grid villages.where I run the renewable energy re- But only if they are affordable, good qual-search company, microSOLAR. Based on ity and regularly serviced, which brings usmy 20 years of experience in developing back to the importance of understandingcountries, I recently authored the book, rural business. Some 5 million solar homeGreen Energy for a Billion Poor describ- systems have been installed in Bangladeshing the amazing growth of the solar mar- alone, making a least developed countryket in rural Bangladesh. the largest off-grid solar market in the world.ABOUT MICROSOLAR GN: Why bother? What’s the importance of pursuing clean energy?GN: Are you an educational institution, Nancy: Why bother? Clean energy is en-social enterprise, non-profit or private ergy that doesn’t pollute the atmosphere.company? Describe your company, how Respiratory diseases caused by inhalingbig it is and where is this company head- smoke and kerosene fumes are rampanted? in developing countries. Children can’tNancy Wimmer: MicroSOLAR is a pri- study at night because the light from ker-vate company which works closely with osene lamps is poor and the fumes toxic.a network of renewable energy entrepre- Their parents can’t work after dusk, smallneurs and experts in Europe, Asia and businesses like saw mills shut down andAfrica. This is essential. You can’t advise poor people can’t earn. Moreover, kero-social investors – nor can you research sene is more expensive in rural areas andand promote innovative business models dangerous to transport. Bangladesh hasfor rural business from your desk. Rural no oil reserves. Kerosene is imported, so-business is still little understood and not lar energy is ‘made in Bangladesh’. Whensimply ‘out there’ because millions of vil- the solar lamp is switched on for the firstlagers in developing countries are in need time in a village household, people marvelof electricity. This I learned from my work at clean, white light without smoke.with microfinance and rural businessesin Egypt, El Salvador, India, Honduras,Nepal and Peru. Green Energy for a Bil-lion Poor is the outcome of my 15 yearsof travelling the villages with young engi-neers in Bangladesh. ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 95

THE MACRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGY GN: Where are we today? What is the current situation of renewables (locally or globally)? Nancy: The ambitious goals of Germany – the green leader of Europe - have not yet been met. Progress is hampered primarily by legacy systems – atomic and coal power plants - and local government energy policy. But energy supply is undergoing fundamental change and there is hope that solar energy will be the prime source of electricity, eventually. Most Asian countries have ambitious plans for clean energy – for economic reasons. But advancement in new energy technologies involving new organizational solutions is difficult to achieve. Progress is hampered by deficiencies in administration, infrastructure and by corruption. Still, spectacular breakthroughs have been achieved locally, notably in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Government has set a target to have 3,168 MW of renewable energy capacity installed by 2021 – its 50th anniversary of independence. The share of renewables is to hit 5% by the end of 2015 and then double in just six years. Solar power will account for the largest part and should reach 1,740 MW by 2021. As of 2015, Bangladesh sourced 176 MW from renewables, including 150 MW from solar home systems, 614 kW from solar mini-grids and 1, 6 MW from solar irrigation systems. Wind power stood at only 2 MW, while biogas and biomass were 5 MW, accordingly.96 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

THE MICRO LEVEL OF CLEAN ENERGYGN: What are the initiatives / projects that you are doing(or have done) that will drive low or zero emission?Nancy: We are promoting the solar home system ap-proach, which is technically stable but an organizationalchallenge in rural communities. At present we are doingin depth research on how the world’s largest off-grid so-lar market with over 200 suppliers and rural companiesdeveloped with the help of a government-owned finan-cial intermediary. The solar market in Bangladesh is stillunequaled in the developing world and the subject ofmy next book.GN: What are the future innovations that you or yourcompany pursuing?Nancy: In future we are primarily looking into mini-grids, solar irrigation, biogas and smart phone basedservices, which will again require very different businessmodels. We will study, for example, why none of theserenewable energy technologies have to date successfullyreached scale and focus on Bangladesh’s recent initia-tives to promote them.GN: What impact have you delivered? Do you have met-rics or statistics of your accomplishments?Nancy: MicroSOLAR’s impact can be measured by theuniversities, social investors, personal contacts in devel-oping countries and the many entrepreneurs in Asia andAfrica who seek its advice. Some of their comments areon the Green Energy for a Billion Poor amazon website.ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 97

THE CHALLENGES & THEIR SOLUTIONS There are too few rural energy entrepreneurs serving vil- lagers in developing countries. They are either unwill- GN: What are the stumbling blocks or bottlenecks in the ing to take on the hardships or lack the know-how and renewable industry? financing. This was the main motivation for describing Nancy: The questions is why 70 % of the rural popula- Grameen Shakti’s innovative business model in Green tion in developing countries still has no access to elec- Energy for a Billion Poor: to teach; to show rural energy tricity in the 21st century - 300 million villagers in India business is possible. This wouldn’t have been possible, alone. however, without the firsthand experiences with the When Grameen Shakti – sister company to the Grameen engineers – whose stories make the intangibles of rural Bank – pioneered solar services in 1996, half of Bangla- business comprehensible. desh’s population lived below the poverty line and the But Grameen Shakti is only one company. Far more dif- top half in rural areas was anything but affluent. But ficult is the creation of a solar market with local produc- statistics told Shakti little about who these people really ers, suppliers and rural service companies. Bangladesh were. On the contrary, it had to find this out by sending achieved this through government policy support and its engineers to live and work in the villages. Moreover reliable funding for solar companies and NGOs. Such as a business, Shakti had to figure out how to serve rural support is lacking in developing countries which is the customers’ energy needs and still break-even and scale. motivation for describing the process in my next book: Solar business in the hinterland was uncharted territory. to teach, to show it’s possible to create a solar market in a And it still is. developing country. It’s a rocky road. But the only way to ‘provide cheap energy in poverty stricken areas’ is to create local renewable energy markets to serve the rural population.98 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY

This man is Ismail Sekitoleko, a social development student and the treasurer of Energy Made in Uganda, the community-based organization that manages the Nsamizi technology center.ADVICE TO THE YOUNG ENGINEERSGN: Please give advice and words of wisdom about re-newables to our young global audience. What wouldyou like to tell to the millennials? Any inspiring wordsthat you can share?Nancy: If you are interested in clean energy for develop-ing countries, go there. Study the best business modelsyou can find. You will learn that clean energy in de-veloping countries may be light years away from yourcountry. You will learn that rural business is vastly dif-ferent from what you know. And you will learn that it isthe many poor who need clean energy most.A young Shakti engineer put it this way: “No, I don’tthink branch managers should have to stay on this is-land for more than a year. But I seriously believe theycan learn for a lifetime while they are here.”ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY 99

REN21:Driving theEnergy Transitionwith RenewablesThe Renewable Energy Policy Network GETTING TO KNOWof the 21st Century (REN21) is a globalrenewable energy policy network which GN: Introduce yourself.connects different key actors for the Christine Lins: I was appointed asfast transition to renewable energy. Executive Secretary of REN21, theREN21 was launched in June 2004. They Renewable Energy Policy Network of thebring together government and non- 21st Century, in July 2011. Between 2001government organizations, research and and 2011, I served as Secretary General ofacademic institutions, and international the European Renewable Energy Council.organizations to work together and learn Previously, I worked in a regional energyfrom each other to be able to promote and agency in Austria promoting energyadvance renewable energy. efficiency and renewable energy sources.GineersNow conducted an exclusive GN: How many years have you beeninterview with Ms. Christine Lins, the working in your industry?Executive Secretary of REN21. Christine: I hold a Master’s degree in international economics and applied languages and have more than 20 years of working experience in the field of renewable energy.100 ISSUE NO.004 RENEWABLE ENERGY