Hungary adds 1.4 GW of solar in 2024
Utility-scale solar accounted for around half of new solar in Hungary last year, but with no new connection permits for large-scale projects over the last two years, this market segment is predicted to slow in the coming years.
EU opens €600 million call for cross-border energy infrastructure projects
The European Union has launched a €600 million ($662.6 million) call for proposals to fund cross-border energy infrastructure projects that will connect or impact the energy systems of two or more member states. The deadline for submissions is Sept. 16.
European markets hit by negative electricity prices
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds most major European electricity markets experienced negative electricity prices last week, with Portugal and Spain recording their lowest hourly figures in history on March 30.
IEA blames slowdown in energy innovation on market uncertainty
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that energy innovation is slowing as shifting priorities and financing changes hinder progress, despite past investments driving economic and security gains.
Alight, Autoliv sign Finland’s largest PPA to date
Swedish solar developer Alight has signed a 100 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Autoliv for Finland’s largest PPA to date. The solar park, set for construction in Eurajoki, will be operational by 2026.
The impact of different cloud types on solar forecasting
A team of researchers have analyzed the impact of different cloud types on solar irradiance predictions. They found prediction models that factor in the physics of how clouds interact with sunlight are more accurate than models that do not consider cloud types.
Czechia reinvests in loan scheme for C&I solar, storage installations
Czechia has increased funding for its interest-free loan program for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar and storage projects to CZK 3 billion ($132.2 million) after strong demand exhausted the previous budget.
Nigeria proposes ban on solar panel imports
The Nigerian government plans to ban solar panel imports to boost domestic production, but the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, a Lagos-based consultancy, warns the country is unprepared for such a restriction.
Myanmar earthquake disrupts solar wafer production, global supply chain
The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has disrupted solar wafer production in western China, where about 50% of the country’s wafer capacity is concentrated. Major manufacturers have suspended operations due to equipment failures, raising concerns over supply shortages and higher global solar prices.
Assessing LCOE of rooftop PV in the Baltics
A study estimating the economic viability of rooftop solar in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania forecasts the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for PV systems in the Baltic States at between €0.08 ($0.087) and €0.09/kWh by 2050 at a 6% discount rate.
