Emiliano Bellini
Poland to tender 750 MW of solar projects up to 1 MW in 2018
The Polish government may also launch a mixed wind-solar auction for projects over 1 MW that, according to local analyst Piotr Pająk, would eventually conclude with a prevailing share of wind.
Belgium: Flemish government pushes for more community solar
Through the platform Zonnegids, the Flemish Ministry of Energy seeks to connect developers of commercial and industrial PV projects with private citizens that want to invest in solar, but have no surface available.
Kness Group secures financing for 33.9 MW of solar in Ukraine
The Ukraine-based developer has been granted two different loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The three solar plants will be located in the Vinnitsa region of western Ukraine.
Brazil’s BNDES reduces interest rate for loans for large-scale solar from 1.7% to 0.9%
After improving financing conditions for solar and renewable energy projects in upcoming auctions in November, the Brazilian Development Bank has now agreed to considerably reduce the interest rate for loans devoted to projects in the areas of public safety, innovation, environment, solar energy, sanitation, solid waste treatment and professional qualification.
France: Engie, Suez plan 1 GW of solar at waste recycling, treatment facilities
The French energy giant and the water and waste management solutions provider will initially focus on a 12 MW solar PV project at a storage facility in eastern France.
2017 Polish residential PV grew by 81.3 MW
The residential segment saw an increase of 26% in new installations last year, with net metering continuing to drive the market.
Netherlands’ solar installs top 2.7 GW
Around 700 MW of installed PV was connected to the grid in the Netherlands in 2017, according to provisional numbers provided by the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Solar was also able to increase its share in the country’s power production from 1.30% in 2016, to 1.75% last year.
Oman reveals applicants of 500 MW solar tender
The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company has received 28 requests for qualification for the tendered solar PV plant, which will be located in Ibri, 300 km west of Muscat.
Portugal issues new rules for selection of unsibisidized large-scale solar projects
The new provisions include a draw mechanism for the project selection. The results of the first draw will be announced in mid-March.
Interview: There is a long positive road ahead for solar in Brazil
In an interview with pv magazine, head of the Brazilian government-run energy agency EPE, Luiz Augusto Barroso explains how the newly-implemented mechanism for power auctions was conceived for ensuring a more market-oriented approach and increasing competition. Barroso adds that the upcoming A-4 auction, which includes solar, may have a slightly bigger outcome than the auction held in December, and that the inclusion of solar in the A-6 auction, which is expected to be held in the second half of this year, is being considered.
