Europe on track for decade-topping 16.7 GW of new solar this year
Trade body SolarPower Europe’s preliminary statistics suggest this could be the continent’s best year for PV since 2010, with capacity additions set to soar 104% year on year. Spain is leading the way with an expected 4.7 GW of new solar, followed by Germany, with 4 GW.
European Investment Bank signs hydrogen investment deal
The EIB and the Hydrogen Council aim to jointly develop new ways to generate funding for hydrogen projects under the European Commission’s InnovFin Advisory program. The two parties, however, have not disclosed the financial terms of their planned collaboration.
Europe approves €3.2bn to support battery R&D
The European Commission has approved use of funds given by seven member states to back Europe-wide R&D projects across the lithium-ion battery value chain, with the aim of potentially unlocking an additional €5 billion in private sector investment.
African Development Bank to lend almost €49 million for 208 MW of solar in Burkina Faso
The lender is providing the funds to support the West African country’s solar ambitions under the bank’s Desert to Power program. Several other European organizations have vowed to back the €137 million Yeleen solar project, which will encompass four sites.
Chint Solar connects 103 MW of solar to Dutch grid
A PV project by the Chinese company started generating electricity in late October, the group said. German subsidiary Astronergy supplied the solar panels.
A2A to acquire 1 GW solar pipeline from China’s Talesun
The Italian utility has agreed to buy the PV development pipeline for an undisclosed sum via a subsidiary, and vowed to start building its first large-scale, subsidy-free PV plant in the early months of 2020.
Pacifico Energy raises $265.6m with new PV investment fund, picks up 35 MW project in Japan
The Tokyo-based renewables developer has successfully launched its second solar investment fund, which will include roughly 216 MW (DC) of solar capacity across five sites in Japan.
AXA ramps up pressure on corporate Europe with plans to phase out coal exposure
The French insurance group has revealed plans to phase out its exposure to coal by 2030 in the European Union and the countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and by 2040 in other parts of the world.
EBRD to lend €183m to help Egypt connect 1.3 GW of renewables
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is offering the funds to Egypt’s transmission system operator to strengthen the country’s grid to host more renewable energy in anticipation of rising power demand over the coming decade.
JinkoSolar supplies 950 MW to X-Elio for PV projects in Spain, Mexico
The Chinese solar manufacturer has delivered its ultra-high efficiency Cheetah 72 modules for 575 MW of capacity that X-Elio is developing in multiple locations across Spain, in addition to roughly 375 MW for two projects in the Mexican cities of Veracruz and Navojoa.
