Meyer Burger announces 500 layoffs at German PV module factory
Meyer Burger says it plans to lay off 500 people at its PV module factory in Germany, but some employees might be relocated within the company. It says about 400 workers will lose their jobs.
Europe records 24 PPA deals for 1.1 GW of solar in February
Investors and developers in Europe signed 24 power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 1.1 GW of solar in February, making it a “month to remember,” according to Swiss consultancy Pexapark.
Quebec announces 300 MW solar tender
The government of the Canadian province of Quebec aims to deploy 300 MW of solar through tenders under utility Hydro-Quebec, in a bid to diversify the supply of renewables.
Portugal’s largest PV project falls under scrutiny
The Portuguese authorities are now reviewing the environmental authorization granted to a 1.2 GW PV project under development by Prosolia and Iberdrola. The massive Fernando Pessoa solar facility will be built in Santiago do Cacém, about 200 kilometers south of Lisbon.
Italian municipality offers free EV recharging via off-grid PV shade
The municipality of Falconara Marittima, Italy, has installed a free off-grid photovoltaic shade for electric vehicle charging at no cost to users. The system has a capacity of 7 kW and includes a 10 kWh battery.
NREL updates online tool with data for Africa, Eastern Europe, Middle East
The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has added a high-resolution solar data set covering Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East on its Renewable Energy Data Explorer tool.
Indian grid operator launches 500 MW/2,500 MWh energy storage tender
GRIDCO has started accepting bids to set up 500 MW/2,500 MWh of energy storage systems connected to the Indian grid. Bidding closes on April 23.
Lightsource bp wins approval for 750 MW of solar, 3,000 MWh of storage in Australia
The Australian government has granted environmental approval for UK developer Lightsource bp to proceed with its plans to build Australia’s largest solar farm and battery energy storage system on any of the country’s main electricity grids.
Nordcell Group plans 1.2 GW solar module factory in Sweden
Sweden-based Nordcell Group announced plans to build a 1.2 GW module factory in its home country. With a site decision coming soon, module production is planned to start in the first half of 2025.
Northvolt breaks ground on 60 GWh gigafactory in Germany
Europe’s leading battery maker, Northvolt, has started building a battery cell factory in Heide, Germany. The facility will employ roughly 3,000 people with a maximum annual production capacity of 60 GWh. It will begin operations in 2026.
