European Parliament proposes nationally binding renewables targets
The European Union should aim for 35% of renewables in its energy consumption by 2030, with nationally binding targets introduced to support EU goal, European Parliament says.
SoftBank Vision Fund to build 3 GW of solar and storage in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Electricity Company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Investment Fund and Softbank Vision Fund to create 3 GW of solar and storage capacity in the Kingdom in 2018.
Solar costs will fall 60% over next decade to fuel PV adoption, says IRENA head
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts as much as 90 GW of new solar additions annually across the globe over the next few years, driving a 60% reduction in costs.
Virtual net metering in Greece at risk from EU reform
The European Council’s response to proposed European Commission reforms suggests that rules supportive of virtual net metering could be scrapped after pressure from Germany.
EBRD and IFC backing 1.4 GW of Egyptian solar projects
The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development has identified 16 new solar projects in Egypt with a cumulative capacity of 750 MW to receive financing, while International Finance Corp will support development of a further 13 solar parks.
SunPower wins 291 MW PV deal in second round of French tender
The U.S. solar firm, a subsidiary of French energy giant Total, will supply its high-efficiency solar panels to projects awarded in the second round of CRE tender process in France.
Norwegian firm signs 2 GW, $2.9bn solar project deal in Iran
Saga Energy, a partner of Taiwan’s Delta Group, has inked a €2.5 billion deal to construct 2 GW of solar PV in Iran, working alongside local partner Amin Energy. Company also hopes to build module fab in the country.
Taiwan’s Gintech, Solartech and NSP merger creates new solar entity, UREC
Newly formed United Renewable Energy Co. is the result of the merger between three of Taiwan’s leading solar companies. Move comes at a time of intense competition in the Taiwanese solar space.
EU launches battery alliance
“Airbus for batteries”-style alliance announced this week in Brussels aims to expedite European battery cell manufacturing and strengthen continent’s storage value chain in face of Asian and U.S. competition.
BREAKING: Taiwan solar merger mooted as Gintech, NSP and Solartech to suspend trading on Monday
Three of Taiwan’s largest solar cell and module manufacturers – Gintech, Neo Solar Power and Solartech – will suspend common stock transactions next week, prompting rumors that a merger between the three firms could be on the cards.
