US DOE: Austin Energy biggest winner under SHINES storage program
Austin Energy has emerged as the biggest winner under the U.S. Department of Energys (DOEs) latest funding round, which has seen US$18 million awarded to six energy storage+solar projects. It will partner with the likes of Tesla, Samsung and SolarEdge to develop solar LCOEs of $0.14/kWh when combined with storage, for example.
Africa: Djibouti announces 300 MW solar project as part of 100% renewable future goal
The Djibouti Government has announced work is underway on a 300 MW solar PV plant. Around EUR 360 million will be invested in the project, which is being undertaken by Switzerlands Green Enesys. The goal of the African country is to procure 100% of its energy from renewables.
WFES: Egypt could add 500 MW of PV in 2016, says MESIA
A new report released by the Middle East Solar Industry Association at WFES forecasts a strong year for Egypt and Jordan in particular for the MENA region.
Nevada to reconsider retroactive changes to net metering
Nevada regulators will hear an appeal from the states consumer advocate asking to grandfather existing customers under the old net metering program, as the battle between the solar industry and the Sandoval Administration continues.
GTM Research: 59 GW of solar installed in 2015, 64 GW coming in 2016
The company’s latest forecast of global demand predicts big growth in the Indian and U.S. solar markets this year.
WFES: scaling renewables in GCC will reap huge social and economic benefits, says IRENA
An IRENA report presented at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi outlines how Middle Eastern countries can reduce carbon footprint by 8% if GCC targets are achieved; WWF urges region to show more leadership.
Energy storage commercially viable, 900 MW expected in 2016
The energy storage market is shifting from R&D demonstration projects to a commercially viable market, states IHS, Inc. Q4 2015 saw a 45% increase in the global project pipeline, while 900 MW of projects are expected to be installed this year.
Mercom: Battery/storage M&A activity tops $2.4 billion in 2015
Mercom Capital Group has released its figures for battery/storage funding in 2015. While investment in the venture capital, and debt and public market financing sectors both fell, merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions saw a significant increase.
India: $743 million funding for 5 GW of solar, 30,000 jobs; record low tariff in Rajasthan
The Indian Government will provide around US$743 million for 5 GW of grid connected solar PV projects up until 2020. It envisages a total investment of $4.4 billion and the creation of 30,000 jobs under the program. In related news, a record low tariff of $0.063/kWh has been recorded in Rajasthan.
First Solar signs 550 MW of PPAs with SCE
First Solar, Inc. has signed 500 MW of power purchase agreements with Southern California Edison (SCE) for four of its solar PV projects. The new deals see SCE with 2.2. GW of solar under contract from the thin film company.
