ScottishPower Renewables (SPR), a major shareholder in Hammerfest Strøm, has submitted a planning application to install ten HS1000 machines at a tidal-power array in the Sound of Islay on the west coast of Scotland. Additionally, SPR is developing a 95-turbine project in the Pentland Firth as part of The Crown Estate’s first marine energy leasing round. The company also confirmed that it will be entering the Ness of Duncansbay project into the Scottish Government’s £10 million Saltire Prize for marine energy innovation.

Calico Energy Services has become an ENERGY STAR partner. Through its voluntary partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program, Calico will work with utilities and building managers to improve the energy efficiency of large commercial properties.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) has announced it is implementing a smart grid throughout its Central Maryland service territory. BGE’s acknowledges that its ability to invest hundreds of millions of dollars on a smart grid is dependent on being able to recoup the costs. To that end the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) found that the public interest is served by a decision to move forward with this initiative.

Ford, Detroit Edison, and Xtreme Power are partnering to convert the carmaker’s Michigan Assembly plant into one of the state’s largest solar power generation systems and electric vehicle charging stations. The combined systems are expected to give Michigan Assembly the largest solar power array in Michigan and save an estimated $160,000 per year in energy costs. Installation of the system begins later this year.