Photovoltaic solar power is generated using solar cells to convert energy from the sun into a flow of electrons. The cells produce a direct current which can be used to power equipment. Concentrated solar power generates power by concentrating sunlight onto a small area using mirrors or lenses. Electricity is generated when this is converted to heat, which produces steam for a turbo-generator.
Wind
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy of the wind and redirect it to a generator to convert it to electrical power.
Hydro
Hydropower is produced by moving water spinning turbines at speed, which in turn are attached to electrical generators.
Natural gas and biogas
Natural gas consists mainly of methane and is created as a result of underground decomposition. Biogas can be produced from many biological raw materials. The gas is used as fuel for different technologies to produce electricity.
Coal
Coal is burnt in a furnace to produce heat. This produces steam which is then piped to a turbo-generator. We will not be expanding further in this area.
Liquid fuels
Liquid fuels are used in reciprocating engines to produce electricity.
- At our Vorotan hydroelectric power stations in Armenia, for example, we use drones to carry out inspections of dam walls and other structures that are difficult and dangerous for people to reach. The drones take high definition images which can be analysed from a computer terminal – much quicker, more efficient and safer than having people carry out the inspections.
- We are making the most of the latest battery technology. On the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean for example, we have installed a state of the art battery system together with a new energy management system to increase the renewable generation, granting a high grid stability and reducing the cost of energy for the customer.
- Our KivuWatt project in Rwanda is the only gas/water extraction project currently operating in the world. Commissioned in December 2015, the innovative project utilizes potentially deadly methane gas found in Lake Kivu’s deep waters to generate electricity.
ContourGlobal has adopted a comprehensive set of social and environmental principles as guidelines to ensure that our projects are developed in a socially responsible manner and reflect sound environmental management practices. In everything we do, ContourGlobal is committed to avoiding adverse impacts on workers, communities, and the environment, or if avoidance is not possible, to reducing, mitigating, or compensating for the impacts, as appropriate.
Since 2010, our fifth year of operations and first year as a reporting member of the United Nations Global Compact, we have worked to integrate our sustainability commitments into our business strategy. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The 17 SDGs address global challenges related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice with a target to achieve all of them by 2030.