European Parliament votes in favor of Net-Zero Industry Act
The European Parliament has approved the Net-Zero Industry Act, which now awaits formal adoption by the European Council to become law. The European Solar Manufacturing Council has welcomed the decision, saying that it “gives a green light for procurement of sustainable European-made solar panels.”
Ireland introduces home energy loan scheme
The Irish authorities have presented a new plan to allow homeowners to borrow between €5,000 ($5,350) and €75,000 for up to 10 years, with low interest rates. Heat pumps, solar electricity and solar water heater installations are all eligible under the scheme.
Greek developer seeks consultants for Egypt-Greece interconnection studies
Greek renewables developer Elica SA is seeking consultants for two desktop studies related to an electrical interconnection project between Greece and Egypt. The undersea link will transmit green energy to Europe via a 3 GW HDVC connection.
Solar key to easing Burundi’s severe energy crisis
Burundi, the poorest country on earth, is unable to buy fossil fuels on theinternational market due to a lack of hard currency. pv magazine spoke with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a PV analyst to assess the true potential of PV in the nation’s current energy crisis.
AfDB identifies key priorities for minigrid deployment in Africa
An African Development Bank (AfDB) report covering critical takeaways from the ARE Energy Access Investment Forum 2023 says that challenges in financing, policy, technology, and skills enhancement must be overcome to support the deployment of distributed renewable energy minigrids across Africa.
TotalEnergies builds 12 MW solar carport at New York’s JFK Airport
French energy giant TotalEnergies has started building an onsite solar-plus-storage system at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It will provide energy to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Con Edison, as well as community solar for area residents.
Solarge plans 500 MW BIPV module factory
Dutch module manufacturer Solarge has raised €3 million venture capital from new and existing investors to expand its recently opened facility where it produces lightweight, low carbon, panels for commercial and industrial rooftops.
SunPower to close business units, cut about 26% of workforce
The US-based company announced plans to wind down its residential solar installation locations and close its direct sales unit.
Globeleq acquires stake in 25 MW Egyptian solar plant
London-based Globeleq has acquired a 48.3% stake in the 25 MW Winnergy solar plant in Egypt’s Benban Solar complex. It will now cooperate on the management of assets and the operation of the facility with Egyptian manufacturer GILA Altawakol Electric.
Electricity prices rising in most European markets
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting recorded electricity price increases in most major European markets during the third week of April. It says prices could continue to increase in the fourth week of April, due to rising electricity demand.
