Turkey approves a further 302 MW in PV projects
After awarding 228 MW of PV projects in January, Turkey approved a further 302 MW last week, thus paving the way for the first utility-scale solar installations in the country. The key question now concerns the realization of the projects.
Italy links to Malta
Italy has linked to Malta via a new electricity interconnector inaugurated last week. The new 120 kilometer-long subsea line offers Malta an opportunity to boost its renewable energy and marks Europe’s latest step in fortifying the bloc’s Energy Union.
Jordan’s Science and Technology University tenders 5 MW of PV
Jordan’s University of Science and Technology is currently tendering the engineering, procurement and construction of a 5 MW solar PV plant on its premises in the city of Irbid. Apart from Jordan’s universities, where the installation of solar PV has emerged as a trend, the technology is also gaining ground among other educational and cultural insitutions, including schools and museums.
Major power blackout hits Turkey
News that Turkey’s economy grew more than expected in Q4 2014 coincided with a major power outage a couple of hours later, indicating the shaky underpinnings of the country’s future development.
Turkey to tender 302 MW of PV in April
While the country also licensed 228 MW of solar PV in January, industry watchers warn that high tender fees could thwart Turkey’s already lethargic solar PV deployment.
Israeli election matters for PV industry
Tuesday’s elections will lead to the formation of a new government that will decide whether Israel will meet the high expectations of becoming the region’s real PV powerhouse or simply continue its favorable but not exactly enthusiastic PV policy.
Greece added just 13 MW in 2014
Despite technically reaching grid parity, Greece installed a mere 13 MW of new solar PV in 2014, according to official statistics released last week.
UK: Shift from large-scale to rooftop PV confirmed
The anticipated shift in the U.K. solar PV industry from large, utility-scale plants to rooftop projects has been confirmed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Investors and developers will have to wait after the elections to get a clear view of the new policy landscape, however.
UK: The smart home in focus as startups drive innovation
The concept of the smart home is emerging as a hot topic in the debate regarding the U.K.’s energy future. At the EcoBuild last week, a special session entitled “Smart and Efficient Use of Future Energy” depicted accurately the central role solar PV plays in the transition to the smart era. It also highlighted how innovation leadership is coming from small, bottom-up firms as utilities and policy-makers struggle to adapt and embrace the new technologies.
Ecobuild: Solar to be included in energy efficiency program
U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Davey called for bolder solar PV targets as a part of the Green Deal. Davey made his remarks while delivering the Ecobuild keynote speech today in London, clearly enunciating part of his party’s 2015 General Election campaign.?
