Emiliano Bellini
Sweden tops 140 MW of installed PV capacity
The Scandinavian country added only 13 MW of new PV systems in 2016. Around 52% of the cumulative capacity is represented by PV systems up to 20 kW.
Germany supports implementation phase of Tunisian Solar Plan
The German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation (GIZ) will provide the Tunisian government with €7 million. The North African country will use the donation to finance the preliminary support project of its 1 GW renewable energy plan, which includes the installation of 650 MW of solar.
France releases renewable energy plan for French Guiana, solar FITs to be increased by 35%
The French Government this week unveiled a new renewable energy plan for French Guiana. The program includes development of distributed generation, self-consumption and storage solutions, and a 35% increase of FITs for grid-connected installations. Around 40 MW of additional PV capacity is expected to be installed in the region.
Hungarian PV market sees robust growth
Hungary’s solar market could see its largest growth ever in 2017. Although the country’s FIT scheme was closed in mid-2016, 2 GW of projects approved under the program could still potentially be installed over the next two years.
Eneco acquires Eni Belgium, plans more investments in solar and wind
The Dutch power provider has acquired Belgian utility Eni Belgium and a larger share in Belgium’s power market. The company said that it will now invest in new power production in the country, especially in solar and wind.
Romania removes 12-month expiry date for green certificates
The Romanian government has approved a new measure to eliminate the validity period of 12 months for the green certificates. The certificates will now be valid until the end of the support scheme in 2032 and will be taxed upon sale, not upon registration.
Morocco starts construction on 70 MW Noor Ouarzazate IV PV plant
The project is the fourth and final phase of the 580 MW Ouarzazate solar complex and part of the 170 MW Noor PV I Program for the development of solar PV. The plant is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018
Lithuanian government improves net metering scheme for solar
Lithuania’s new green-oriented government hopes to install approximately 200 MW of new residential and commercial PV capacity under an improved net metering scheme over the next three years.
Algeria’s 4 GW PV auction causes mixed reactions within local industry
The Algerian renewable energy sector is giving mixed reactions to the 4 GW solar tender recently announced by the government. Some operators fear that local enterprises will be excluded from future projects, while others claim that the new auction scheme will solve most of the issues created by the unapplied FIT scheme.
Lebanon to issue RfP for 180 MW of solar by mid-April
Lebanese authorities will issue a request for proposals for the installation of 180 MW of solar capacity by mid-April. The agency received 256 bids for solar energy projects totaling 3 GW in the pre-selection phase of the tender process.
