Scotland says nae to fracking, aye to solar
A lively debate at the Edinburgh International Book Festival showcased Scotland’s stance on fracking, its increasing use of renewables and the U.K.’s energy dilemmas.
Israel to launch net metering pilot program for government buildings
Israel’s Ministry of Public Security is tendering development of 13 rooftop PV installations totaling 750 kW. The so-called ‘Blue Sky’ project is a pilot program that aims to deploy solar PV net metering systems across the country.
Bulgarian Constitutional Court hands down victory to solar industry
Bulgaria installed just 1.18 MW in the first half of 2014, confirming the country’s PV sector stall. Amidst the gloom, a court ruling last week has provided a needed ray of light.
World’s largest solar boat charts course for ancient Greece
Solar boat MS Turanor PlanetSolar has become a research vessel for archaeological expeditions in Greece. The catamaran completed a round-the-world trip in 2012 powered only by sun.
Turkey hits all time electricity consumption record
Turkey’s electricity consumption scored an all time record last week, highlighting the country’s thirst for new power capacity. Yet renewable power development plods slowly onwards.
Spain’s new law shakes PV landscape
Spain’s cabinet recently approved a new renewable energy law which aims to implement previous PV guidelines. PV advocates say the law creates payment confusion, scares investors and punishes existing installations.
Cyprus Solar Car Challenge revs into gear
The fifth annual Cyprus Institute’s 2014 Solar Car Challenge took place in Nicosia, Cyprus’ capital city, on Sunday, amid great fanfare.
Greece is China’s gateway to Europe
Chinese premier Li Keqiang’s three-day visit to Athens coincided with trade agreements that could be worth up to $8.8bn for Greece’s beleaguered economy. Investments in Piraeus port and the Greek railway network could be followed by Chinese PV fabs on Greek soil.
Greenpeace taps solar power to screen World Cup match in Croatia
The screening will take place at a local school in a village severely damaged by recent floods in the Balkan region. Croatia’s renewable energy targets include 52 MW of installed PV by 2020.
Solar powers Brazil’s World Cup
The countdown for the largest, costliest and arguably most controversial World Cup tournament to date has started and football fans are looking forward to Thursday’s opening ceremony and inaugural match between host nation Brazil and Croatia at the Arena de Sao Paulo.
