Six South Shore environment projects are in the works thanks to $85,000 in government funding.
Fittingly, Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau's announcement was made in Lunenburg's 118-year-old town hall and courthouse, which will be one of the major benefactors of the announcement.
"While they were built solid and strong in those days they didn't stay quite as tight after all the hurricanes that have blown through here in the last century," Mayor Laurence Mawhinney said. "They do need that kind of upgrade to make them tighter and more efficient."
The Town of Lunenburg received $40,834 in grants for the energy-saving projects, primarily for the town hall and courthouse and the Lunenburg auditorium.
The money will be used to help reduce energy consumption in seven town buildings through improvements in energy-efficient lighting, insulation and heating-system operations.
"The Town of Lunenburg is committed to the reduction of greenhouse gas and air pollutants through improvements to infrastructure," Mr. Mawhinney said. "We believe the energy and cost savings realized through this project will be of great benefit to the town."
Lunenburg isn't the only South Shore beneficiary of the announcement.
The Dayspring fire hall received $8,694 to be fitted with solar panels. Mahone Bay received $10,000; Shelburne municipality, $9,487; the Town of Shelburne, $9,930; and Lockeport $4,160. Each received funding to conduct an energy inventory and audit of municipal infrastructure.
Mr. Belliveau, who was flanked by local MLA Pam Birdsall, said this announcement is the first of several totaling $900,000 that will be made over the next several days to help reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions.
"We want Nova Scotia to be one of the cleanest and greenest places in the world," he said. "The projects announced today will each play a part in helping us achieve that goal."
The money is drawn from the ecoNova Scotia for Clean Air and Climate Change fund which is supported by a $42.5 million federal grant for projects aimed at reducing air emissions.
The funding is all part of ecoNova Scotia's ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
Cement-Based Conductive Composite transforms concrete into power by energy harvesting via triboelectric nanogenerator action, carbon fibers, and built-in capacitors, enabling net-zero buildings and self-sensing structural health monitoring from footsteps, wind, rain, and waves.
Key Points
A carbon fiber cement that harvests and stores energy as electricity, enabling net-zero, self-sensing concrete.
✅ Uses carbon fibers to create a conductive concrete matrix
✅ Acts as a triboelectric nanogenerator and capacitor
✅ Enables net-zero, self-sensing structural health monitoring
Engineers from South Korea have invented a cement-based composite that can be used in concrete to make structures that generate and store electricity through exposure to external mechanical energy sources like footsteps, wind, rain and waves, and even self-powering roads concepts.
By turning structures into power sources, the cement will crack the problem of the built environment consuming 40% of the world’s energy, complementing vehicle-to-building energy strategies across the sector, they believe.
Building users need not worry about getting electrocuted. Tests showed that a 1% volume of conductive carbon fibres in a cement mixture was enough to give the cement the desired electrical properties without compromising structural performance, complementing grid-scale vanadium flow batteries in the broader storage landscape, and the current generated was far lower than the maximum allowable level for the human body.
Researchers in mechanical and civil engineering from from Incheon National University, Kyung Hee University and Korea University developed a cement-based conductive composite (CBC) with carbon fibres that can also act as a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a type of mechanical energy harvester.
They designed a lab-scale structure and a CBC-based capacitor using the developed material to test its energy harvesting and storage capabilities, similar in ambition to gravity storage approaches being scaled.
“We wanted to develop a structural energy material that could be used to build net-zero energy structures that use and produce their own electricity,” said Seung-Jung Lee, a professor in Incheon National University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, noting parallels with low-income housing microgrids in urban settings.
“Since cement is an indispensable construction material, we decided to use it with conductive fillers as the core conductive element for our CBC-TENG system,” he added.
The results of their research were published this month in the journal Nano Energy.
Apart from energy storage and harvesting, the material could also be used to design self-sensing systems that monitor the structural health and predict the remaining service life of concrete structures without any external power, which is valuable in industrial settings where hydrogen-powered port equipment is being deployed.
“Our ultimate goal was to develop materials that made the lives of people better and did not need any extra energy to save the planet. And we expect that the findings from this study can be used to expand the applicability of CBC as an all-in-one energy material for net-zero energy structures,” said Prof. Lee, pointing to emerging circular battery recycling pathways for net-zero supply chains.
Publicising the research, Incheon National University quipped: “Seems like a jolting start to a brighter and greener tomorrow!”
Toronto Flood Cleanup details the citywide response to storm damage after heavy rain, stressing drainage system upgrades, emergency services, transit disruptions, infrastructure repair, financial aid, insurance claims, and climate resilience planning for future weather.
Key Points
Toronto Flood Cleanup is the city's flood response, restoring infrastructure, aiding residents, and upgrading drainage.
✅ Emergency services and public works lead debris removal.
✅ Repairs to roads, bridges, transit, and utilities underway.
✅ Aid, insurance claims, and drainage upgrades prioritized.
Toronto is grappling with significant cleanup efforts following severe storms that unleashed heavy rains and caused widespread flooding across the city. The storms, which hit the area over the past week, have left a trail of damage and disruption, prompting both immediate response measures and longer-term recovery plans.
The intense rainfall began with a powerful storm system that moved through southern Ontario, with Sudbury Hydro crews working to reconnect service as the system pressed toward the GTA, delivering an unprecedented volume of water in a short period. The resulting downpours overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, leading to severe flooding in multiple neighborhoods. Streets, basements, and parks were inundated, with many areas experiencing water levels not seen in recent memory.
Emergency services were quickly mobilized to address the immediate impact of the floods. Toronto’s Fire Services, along with other first responders and skilled utility teams, as Ontario recently sent 200 workers to Florida to help restore power, were deployed to assist residents affected by the rising waters. Rescue operations were carried out to help people trapped in their homes or vehicles, and temporary shelters were set up for those displaced by the flooding.
The storm's impact was felt across various sectors of the city. Public transportation services were disrupted, as strong gusts led to significant power outages in parts of the region, with numerous subway stations and bus routes affected by the high water levels. Major roads were closed due to flooding, causing significant traffic delays and affecting daily commutes for many residents. Local businesses also faced challenges, with some forced to close their doors as a result of the water damage.
The city's infrastructure bore the brunt of the storm's fury. Several key infrastructure components, including roads, bridges, and utilities, suffered damage. The city's water treatment plants and sewage systems were stressed by the volume of water, raising concerns about potential contamination and the need for extensive maintenance and repair work.
In the wake of the flooding, the Toronto Municipal Government has launched a comprehensive cleanup and recovery effort. The city's Public Works Department is spearheading the operation, focusing on clearing debris, repairing damaged infrastructure, and restoring essential services, as Hydro One crews restore power to hundreds of thousands across Ontario. Teams of workers are diligently addressing the damage to roads and bridges, ensuring that they are safe for use and functioning properly.
Efforts are also underway to assist residents and businesses affected by the flooding. Financial aid and support programs are being implemented to help those who have suffered property damage or loss, including customers affected by Toronto power outages as repairs continue. The city is working closely with insurance companies to facilitate claims and provide relief to those in need.
In addition to the immediate cleanup, there is a heightened focus on evaluating and improving the city's flood management systems. The recent storms have highlighted vulnerabilities in Toronto’s infrastructure, prompting calls for enhanced flood prevention measures. City officials and urban planners are assessing the current drainage systems and exploring ways to bolster their capacity to handle future extreme weather events.
The storms have also sparked discussions about the broader implications of climate change and its impact on urban areas. Experts suggest that increasingly severe weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding, may become more common, as seen with Houston's extended power outage after severe storms, as global temperatures rise. This has led to a call for more resilient and adaptable infrastructure to better withstand such events.
Community organizations and volunteers have played a vital role in the recovery process. Local groups have come together to support their neighbors, providing assistance with cleanup efforts, distributing supplies, and offering emotional support to those affected by the disaster. Their contributions underscore the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
As Toronto works towards recovery, there is a clear recognition of the need for a comprehensive strategy to address both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by severe weather events. The city’s response will involve not only repairing the damage caused by this storm but also investing in infrastructure improvements, drawing lessons from London power outage disruption cases to harden critical systems, and adopting measures to mitigate the impact of future floods.
In summary, the severe storms that recently struck Toronto have led to widespread flooding and significant disruption across the city. The immediate response has involved extensive cleanup efforts, damage assessment, and support for affected residents and businesses. Looking ahead, Toronto faces the challenge of enhancing its flood management systems and preparing for the potential impacts of climate change. The collective efforts of emergency services, city officials, and community members will be crucial in ensuring a swift recovery and building resilience against future storms.
Boeing 787 More-Electric Architecture replaces pneumatics with bleedless pressurization, VFSG starter-generators, electric brakes, and heated wing anti-ice, leveraging APU, RAT, batteries, and airport ground power for efficient, redundant electrical power distribution.
Key Points
An integrated, bleedless electrical system powering start, pressurization, brakes, and anti-ice via VFSGs, APU and RAT.
✅ VFSGs start engines, then generate 235Vac variable-frequency power
✅ Bleedless pressurization, electric anti-ice improve fuel efficiency
✅ Electric brakes cut hydraulic weight and simplify maintenance
The 787 Dreamliner is different to most commercial aircraft flying the skies today. On the surface it may seem pretty similar to the likes of the 777 and A350, but get under the skin and it’s a whole different aircraft.
When Boeing designed the 787, in order to make it as fuel efficient as possible, it had to completely shake up the way some of the normal aircraft systems operated. Traditionally, systems such as the pressurization, engine start and wing anti-ice were powered by pneumatics. The wheel brakes were powered by the hydraulics. These essential systems required a lot of physical architecture and with that comes weight and maintenance. This got engineers thinking.
What if the brakes didn’t need the hydraulics? What if the engines could be started without the pneumatic system? What if the pressurisation system didn’t need bleed air from the engines? Imagine if all these systems could be powered electrically… so that’s what they did.
Power sources
The 787 uses a lot of electricity. Therefore, to keep up with the demand, it has a number of sources of power, much as grid operators track supply on the GB energy dashboard to balance loads. Depending on whether the aircraft is on the ground with its engines off or in the air with both engines running, different combinations of the power sources are used.
Engine starter/generators
The main source of power comes from four 235Vac variable frequency engine starter/generators (VFSGs). There are two of these in each engine. These function as electrically powered starter motors for the engine start, and once the engine is running, then act as engine driven generators.
The generators in the left engine are designated as L1 and L2, the two in the right engine are R1 and R2. They are connected to their respective engine gearbox to generate electrical power directly proportional to the engine speed. With the engines running, the generators provide electrical power to all the aircraft systems.
APU starter/generators
In the tail of most commercial aircraft sits a small engine, the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). While this does not provide any power for aircraft propulsion, it does provide electrics for when the engines are not running.
The APU of the 787 has the same generators as each of the engines — two 235Vac VFSGs, designated L and R. They act as starter motors to get the APU going and once running, then act as generators. The power generated is once again directly proportional to the APU speed.
The APU not only provides power to the aircraft on the ground when the engines are switched off, but it can also provide power in flight should there be a problem with one of the engine generators.
Battery power
The aircraft has one main battery and one APU battery. The latter is quite basic, providing power to start the APU and for some of the external aircraft lighting.
The main battery is there to power the aircraft up when everything has been switched off and also in cases of extreme electrical failure in flight, and in the grid context, alternatives such as gravity power storage are being explored for long-duration resilience. It provides power to start the APU, acts as a back-up for the brakes and also feeds the captain’s flight instruments until the Ram Air Turbine deploys.
Ram air turbine (RAT) generator
When you need this, you’re really not having a great day. The RAT is a small propeller which automatically drops out of the underside of the aircraft in the event of a double engine failure (or when all three hydraulics system pressures are low). It can also be deployed manually by pressing a switch in the flight deck.
Once deployed into the airflow, the RAT spins up and turns the RAT generator. This provides enough electrical power to operate the captain’s flight instruments and other essentials items for communication, navigation and flight controls.
External power
Using the APU on the ground for electrics is fine, but they do tend to be quite noisy. Not great for airports wishing to keep their noise footprint down. To enable aircraft to be powered without the APU, most big airports will have a ground power system drawing from national grids, including output from facilities such as Barakah Unit 1 as part of the mix. Large cables from the airport power supply connect 115Vac to the aircraft and allow pilots to shut down the APU. This not only keeps the noise down but also saves on the fuel which the APU would use.
The 787 has three external power inputs — two at the front and one at the rear. The forward system is used to power systems required for ground operations such as lighting, cargo door operation and some cabin systems. If only one forward power source is connected, only very limited functions will be available.
The aft external power is only used when the ground power is required for engine start.
Circuit breakers
Most flight decks you visit will have the back wall covered in circuit breakers — CBs. If there is a problem with a system, the circuit breaker may “pop” to preserve the aircraft electrical system. If a particular system is not working, part of the engineers procedure may require them to pull and “collar” a CB — placing a small ring around the CB to stop it from being pushed back in. However, on the 787 there are no physical circuit breakers. You’ve guessed it, they’re electric.
Within the Multi Function Display screen is the Circuit Breaker Indication and Control (CBIC). From here, engineers and pilots are able to access all the “CBs” which would normally be on the back wall of the flight deck. If an operational procedure requires it, engineers are able to electrically pull and collar a CB giving the same result as a conventional CB.
Not only does this mean that the there are no physical CBs which may need replacing, it also creates space behind the flight deck which can be utilised for the galley area and cabin.
A normal flight
While it’s useful to have all these systems, they are never all used at the same time, and, as the power sector’s COVID-19 mitigation strategies showed, resilience planning matters across operations. Depending on the stage of the flight, different power sources will be used, sometimes in conjunction with others, to supply the required power.
On the ground
When we arrive at the aircraft, more often than not the aircraft is plugged into the external power with the APU off. Electricity is the blood of the 787 and it doesn’t like to be without a good supply constantly pumping through its system, and, as seen in NYC electric rhythms during COVID-19, demand patterns can shift quickly. Ground staff will connect two forward external power sources, as this enables us to operate the maximum number of systems as we prepare the aircraft for departure.
Whilst connected to the external source, there is not enough power to run the air conditioning system. As a result, whilst the APU is off, air conditioning is provided by Preconditioned Air (PCA) units on the ground. These connect to the aircraft by a pipe and pump cool air into the cabin to keep the temperature at a comfortable level.
APU start
As we near departure time, we need to start making some changes to the configuration of the electrical system. Before we can push back , the external power needs to be disconnected — the airports don’t take too kindly to us taking their cables with us — and since that supply ultimately comes from the grid, projects like the Bruce Power upgrade increase available capacity during peaks, but we need to generate our own power before we start the engines so to do this, we use the APU.
The APU, like any engine, takes a little time to start up, around 90 seconds or so. If you remember from before, the external power only supplies 115Vac whereas the two VFSGs in the APU each provide 235Vac. As a result, as soon as the APU is running, it automatically takes over the running of the electrical systems. The ground staff are then clear to disconnect the ground power.
If you read my article on how the 787 is pressurised, you’ll know that it’s powered by the electrical system. As soon as the APU is supplying the electricity, there is enough power to run the aircraft air conditioning. The PCA can then be removed.
Engine start
Once all doors and hatches are closed, external cables and pipes have been removed and the APU is running, we’re ready to push back from the gate and start our engines. Both engines are normally started at the same time, unless the outside air temperature is below 5°C.
On other aircraft types, the engines require high pressure air from the APU to turn the starter in the engine. This requires a lot of power from the APU and is also quite noisy. On the 787, the engine start is entirely electrical.
Power is drawn from the APU and feeds the VFSGs in the engines. If you remember from earlier, these fist act as starter motors. The starter motor starts the turn the turbines in the middle of the engine. These in turn start to turn the forward stages of the engine. Once there is enough airflow through the engine, and the fuel is igniting, there is enough energy to continue running itself.
After start
Once the engine is running, the VFSGs stop acting as starter motors and revert to acting as generators. As these generators are the preferred power source, they automatically take over the running of the electrical systems from the APU, which can then be switched off. The aircraft is now in the desired configuration for flight, with the 4 VFSGs in both engines providing all the power the aircraft needs.
As the aircraft moves away towards the runway, another electrically powered system is used — the brakes. On other aircraft types, the brakes are powered by the hydraulics system. This requires extra pipe work and the associated weight that goes with that. Hydraulically powered brake units can also be time consuming to replace.
By having electric brakes, the 787 is able to reduce the weight of the hydraulics system and it also makes it easier to change brake units. “Plug in and play” brakes are far quicker to change, keeping maintenance costs down and reducing flight delays.
In-flight
Another system which is powered electrically on the 787 is the anti-ice system. As aircraft fly though clouds in cold temperatures, ice can build up along the leading edge of the wing. As this reduces the efficiency of the the wing, we need to get rid of this.
Other aircraft types use hot air from the engines to melt it. On the 787, we have electrically powered pads along the leading edge which heat up to melt the ice.
Not only does this keep more power in the engines, but it also reduces the drag created as the hot air leaves the structure of the wing. A double win for fuel savings.
Once on the ground at the destination, it’s time to start thinking about the electrical configuration again. As we make our way to the gate, we start the APU in preparation for the engine shut down. However, because the engine generators have a high priority than the APU generators, the APU does not automatically take over. Instead, an indication on the EICAS shows APU RUNNING, to inform us that the APU is ready to take the electrical load.
Shutdown
With the park brake set, it’s time to shut the engines down. A final check that the APU is indeed running is made before moving the engine control switches to shut off. Plunging the cabin into darkness isn’t a smooth move. As the engines are shut down, the APU automatically takes over the power supply for the aircraft. Once the ground staff have connected the external power, we then have the option to also shut down the APU.
However, before doing this, we consider the cabin environment. If there is no PCA available and it’s hot outside, without the APU the cabin temperature will rise pretty quickly. In situations like this we’ll wait until all the passengers are off the aircraft until we shut down the APU.
Once on external power, the full flight cycle is complete. The aircraft can now be cleaned and catered, ready for the next crew to take over.
Bottom line
Electricity is a fundamental part of operating the 787. Even when there are no passengers on board, some power is required to keep the systems running, ready for the arrival of the next crew. As we prepare the aircraft for departure and start the engines, various methods of powering the aircraft are used.
The aircraft has six electrical generators, of which only four are used in normal flights. Should one fail, there are back-ups available. Should these back-ups fail, there are back-ups for the back-ups in the form of the battery. Should this back-up fail, there is yet another layer of contingency in the form of the RAT. A highly unlikely event.
The 787 was built around improving efficiency and lowering carbon emissions whilst ensuring unrivalled levels safety, and, in the wider energy landscape, perspectives like nuclear beyond electricity highlight complementary paths to decarbonization — a mission it’s able to achieve on hundreds of flights every single day.
Iran Bushehr Earthquake rattles southern province near the Bushehr nuclear power plant, USGS reports M5.1 at 38 km depth; seismic activity along major fault lines raises safety, damage, and monitoring concerns.
Key Points
A magnitude 5.1 quake near Bushehr nuclear plant at 38 km depth, with no damage reported, per USGS.
✅ USGS lists magnitude 5.1 at 38 km depth
✅ Near Bushehr nuclear power plant; built for stronger quakes
✅ Iran lies on major fault lines; quake risk is frequent
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck southern Iran early Friday near the Islamic Republic's only nuclear power plant. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries as Iran continues combined-cycle conversions across its power sector.
The quake hit Iran's Bushehr province at 5:23 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It put the magnitude at 5.1 and the depth of the earthquake at 38 kilometres (24 miles), in a province tied to efforts to transmit electricity to Europe in coming years.
Iranian state media did not immediately report on the quake. However, the Bushehr nuclear power plant was designed to withstand much stronger earthquakes, a notable consideration as Iraq plans nuclear power plants to address shortages.
A magnitude 5 earthquake can cause considerable damage, including power disruptions that have seen blackouts spark protests in some Iranian cities.
Iran sits on major fault lines and is prone to near-daily earthquakes, yet it remains a key player in regional power, with Iran-Iraq energy cooperation ongoing. In 2003, a 6.6-magnitude quake flattened the historic city of Bam, killing 26,000 people, and today Iran supplies 40% of Iraq's electricity through cross-border power deals. Bam is near the Bushehr nuclear plant, which wasn’t damaged at that time, while more recently Iran finalized deals to rehabilitate Iraq's power grid to improve resilience.
Omnidian Acquisition of Solar Service Guys accelerates global expansion in renewable energy, enhancing solar maintenance and remote monitoring across Australia and the U.S., boosting performance management, uptime, and ROI for residential and commercial systems.
Key Points
Omnidian acquired Solar Service Guys to expand in Australia, unifying O&M and monitoring to boost solar performance.
✅ Expands Omnidian into Australia's high-adoption solar market.
✅ Integrates largest Aussie solar service network for O&M scaling.
✅ Enhances remote monitoring, uptime, and ROI for PV owners.
In a strategic move aimed at boosting its presence in the global renewable energy market, Seattle-based Omnidian has announced the acquisition of Australia's Solar Service Guys. This acquisition marks a significant step in Omnidian's expansion into Australia, one of the world’s leading solar markets, and is expected to reshape the landscape of solar panel services both in the U.S. renewables market and abroad.
Founded in 2018, Omnidian is a rapidly growing startup that specializes in managing the performance of solar power systems, ensuring they continue to operate efficiently and effectively. The company provides maintenance services for both residential and commercial solar installations, including in Washington where Avista's largest solar array highlights growing scale, and its proprietary software remotely monitors solar systems to identify any performance issues. By quickly addressing these problems, Omnidian helps customers maximize the energy output of their systems, reducing downtime and increasing the return on investment in solar power.
The company’s acquisition of Solar Service Guys, Australia’s largest solar service network, is a clear indication of its ambition to dominate the renewable energy sector globally, amid consolidation trends like TotalEnergies' VSB acquisition across Europe, that signal accelerating scale. The Australian company, which has been operational since 2006, has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality solar panel services across the country. By integrating Solar Service Guys into its operations, Omnidian plans to leverage the Australian company’s deep industry expertise and established network to extend its service offerings into Australia’s solar market.
The acquisition could not come at a better time. Australia, with its vast sun-drenched landscapes, is one of the world’s leaders in solar energy adoption per capita, even as markets like Canada's solar lag persist by comparison. The country has long been at the forefront of renewable energy development, and this acquisition presents a significant opportunity for Omnidian to tap into a booming market where solar power is increasingly seen as a primary energy source.
With the deal now finalized, Solar Service Guys will operate as a fully integrated subsidiary of Omnidian. The merger will not only strengthen Omnidian’s service capabilities but will also enhance its ability to provide comprehensive solutions to solar system owners, ensuring their panels perform at peak efficiency over their lifetime. This is particularly important as solar energy continues to grow in popularity, with more residential and commercial properties opting for solar installations as a means to lower energy costs and reduce their carbon footprints.
The acquisition also underscores the growing importance of solar energy maintenance services. As the adoption of solar panels continues to rise globally, including in Europe where demand for U.S. solar gear is strengthening, the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance is becoming increasingly vital. Solar energy systems, while relatively low-maintenance, do require periodic checks to ensure they are functioning optimally. Omnidian’s software-based approach to remotely detecting performance issues allows the company to quickly identify and address potential problems before they become costly or result in significant energy loss.
By expanding its reach into Australia, Omnidian can now offer its services to an even broader customer base, positioning itself as a key player in the renewable energy market. The Australian solar market is projected to continue its growth trajectory, with many homeowners and businesses in the country looking to make the switch to solar power in the coming years.
In addition to expanding its geographic footprint, Omnidian’s acquisition of Solar Service Guys aligns with its broader mission to support the global transition to renewable energy. As governments worldwide push for cleaner energy alternatives and new projects like a U.S. clean energy factory accelerate domestic supply chains, companies like Omnidian are playing an essential role in making solar power a more reliable and sustainable option for consumers.
With the backing of Solar Service Guys’ extensive network and experience, Omnidian is poised to deliver even greater value to its customers, as industry transactions like Canadian Solar's plant sale underscore active market realignment. The acquisition will also help the company strengthen its technological capabilities, improve its service offerings, and accelerate its mission to create a more sustainable energy future.
As Omnidian continues to grow, the company’s success will likely serve as a model for other startups in the renewable energy sector. By focusing on performance management, expanding its service offerings, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, Omnidian is well-positioned to lead the way in the next generation of solar energy solutions. The future looks bright for Omnidian, and with this acquisition, it is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the global solar market.
Omnidian’s acquisition of Solar Service Guys marks a significant milestone in the company’s quest to revolutionize the renewable energy industry. By expanding into Australia and enhancing its service capabilities, Omnidian is not only strengthening its position in the market but also contributing to the global push for cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions. As the world continues to embrace solar power, companies like Omnidian will be essential in ensuring that solar systems operate at peak efficiency, helping customers maximize the benefits of their investment in renewable energy.
DTEK Rotterdam+ price-fixing case scrutinizes alleged collusion over coal-based electricity tariffs in Ukraine, with NABU probing NERC regulators, market manipulation, consumer overpayment, and wholesale pricing tied to imported coal benchmarks.
Key Points
NABU probes alleged DTEK-NERC collusion to inflate coal power tariffs via Rotterdam+; all suspects deny wrongdoing.
✅ NABU alleges tariff manipulation tied to coal import benchmarks.
✅ Four DTEK execs and four NERC officials reportedly charged.
✅ Probe centers on 2016-2017 overpayments; defendants contest.
Two more executives of DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private power and coal producer and recently in energy talks with Octopus Energy, have been charged in a criminal case on August 14 involving an alleged conspiracy to fix electricity prices with the state energy regulator, Interfax reported.
They are Ivan Helyukh, the CEO of subsidiary DTEK Grid, which operates as Ukraine modernizes its network alongside global moves toward a smart electricity grid, and Borys Lisoviy, a top manager of power generation company Skhidenergo, according to Kyiv-based Concorde Capital investment bank.
Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) alleges that now four DTEK managers “pressured” and colluded with four regulators at the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission to manipulate tariffs on electricity generated from coal that forced consumers to overpay, reflecting debates about unjustified profits in the UK, $747 million in 2016-2017.
DTEK allegedly benefited $560 million in the scheme.
All eight suspects are charged with “abuse of office” and deny wrongdoing, similar to findings in a B.C. Hydro regulator report published in Canada.
There is “no legitimate basis for suspicions set out in the investigation,” DTEK said in an August 8 statement.
Suspect Dmytro Vovk, the former head of NERC, dismissed the investigation as a “wild goose chase” on Facebook.
In separate statements over the past week, DTEK said the managers who are charged have prematurely returned from vacation to “fully cooperate” with authorities in order to “help establish the truth.”
A Kyiv court on August 14 set bail at $400,000 for one DTEK manager who wasn’t named, as enforcement actions like the NT Power penalty highlight regulatory consequences.
The so-called Rotterdam+ pricing formula that NABU has been investigating since March 2017, similar to federal scrutiny of TVA rates, was in place from April 2016 until July of this year.
It based the wholesale price of electricity by Ukrainian thermal power plants on coal prices set in the Rotterdam port plus delivery costs to Ukraine.
NABU alleges that at certain times it has not seen documented proof that the purchased coal originated in Rotterdam, insisting that there was no justification for the price hikes, echoing issues around paying for electricity in India in some markets.
Ukraine started facing thermal-coal shortages after fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists in the eastern part of the country erupted in April 2014. A vast majority of the anthracite-coal mines on which many Ukrainian plants rely are located on territory controlled by the separatists.
Overnight, Ukraine went from being a net exporter of coal to a net importer and started purchasing coal from as far away as South Africa and Australia.
