Mark Hutchins
Wacker Chemie raises 2017 expectations to €1 billion EBITDA
German chemical supplier has raised its financial outlook for the year for the second time in three months, on the back of a strong third quarter. The company is now forecasting a full year EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) of €1 billion.
Foresight Solar Fund to issue new share placement
UK based PV project investor the Foresight Solar Fund has announced plans more than GBP 75 million ($99 million) in investments through the placement of new shares.
Microlink Devices signs deal with NREL to produce lightweight HJT cells
U.S. based semiconductor manufacturer Microlink Devices has signed an exclusive deal with the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to commercialize a type of lightweight heterojunction solar cell architecture, which could be utilized in powering satellites and aircraft.
Korean scientists increase stability for perovskite cell
A joint group of researchers from South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and the Korean Institute of Energy Research has developed a method for increasing the stability of perovskite solar cells using low cost fluorine.
RES closes financing on 68 MW PV plant in Queensland
RES Australia has announced financial close on the Emerald Solar Park, a 68 MW PV project to be located in the Central Highlands region of Queensland. The project is the first in Australia to be supported by a PPA with a corporate off-taker.
Queensland to offer no-interest loans for solar systems
As part of the $2 billion affordable energy plan, the Queensland Government has announced it will invest $40 million in schemes to improve access to both solar energy and storage systems.
ENGIE to acquire lease-to-own solar company Fenix International
The latest in a series of high profile renewable energy acquisitions for the French energy giant, ENGIE has announced the acquisition of a 100% stake in Fenix International, a U.S. company active in the residential lease-to-own sector in several African countries.
KAUST researchers look into lateral heterojunction
A team from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has published research into heterojunction solar cells using alternative materials to silicon. The researchers hope that the process they developed could simplify the fabrication of solar cells.
AECEA: 50 GW within reach for 2017 installations in China
According to the latest briefing from Asia Europe Clean Energy Consultants (AECEA), China is likely to install more than 50 GW of PV in 2017, a second consecutive record breaking year for the world’s leading market.
Construction begins on 62 MW project in Japan
Pacifico Energy has announced the start of construction on its Toyota Mega Solar Power Plant, located on mountainous land in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The plant is expected to be grid connected in December 2019.
