Patrick Jowett
Indonesian think tank says nation at crossroads with energy transition
The Jakarta-based Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) says 2025 will be a pivotal year for Indonesia’s energy transition, as the nation has fallen behind targets in recent years. It seeks to shift fossil fuel subsidies to renewables and is urging the government to implement a clear, measurable plan for the upcoming national energy policy.
UK government seeking developers for solar project in Cyprus
The UK Ministry of Defence has launched a tender for a 875 kW solar array to be built within its base in Cyprus. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 14, 2025.
Gibraltar opens tender for rooftop solar arrays
The Gibraltar government is seeking developers to install rooftop solar systems at selected sites across the British Overseas Territory. It will also consider proposals for solar canopies and floating solar as part of the tender. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 24, 2025.
AleaSoft records stability in weekly European electricity prices
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says weekly average electricity prices in European markets during early December remained steady compared to the previous week. France, Portugal, and Spain all broke December records for solar energy production on single days.
Fraunhofer ISE concludes perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell project
The five-year MaNiTU project, involving six Fraunhofer institutes, covered a range of investigations across the life cycle of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. It included the development of a scalable solar cell with a 31.6% power conversion efficiency.
Czech parliament backs plan to retroactively cut solar feed-in-tariffs
The Czech lower house of parliament has approved plans to retroactively cut feed-in-tariffs (FIT) for solar projects built between 2009 and 2010. The local solar sector has continued to criticize the planned law changes, which still need approval from the upper house.
Suriname starts building hybrid solar microgrids to power 25 villages
PowerChina is building three hybrid solar microgrids in Suriname, combining solar panels, energy storage, and diesel backup to power 25 remote villages across the country.
TotalEnergies, OQ Alternative Energy to build 100 MW of solar in Oman
France’s TotalEnergies and Omani energy company OQ Alternative Energy have signed agreements to develop 100 MW of solar and two 100 MW wind projects. Construction will begin in early 2025.
Norwegian platform invests $50 million in Egyptian renewables
Empower New Energy, a Norwegian solar investment platform, has signed a $50 million agreement with Egyptian independent power producer Engazaat to fund a renewable energy project portfolio in Egypt.
Nord/LB to invest €73 million in 100 MW Polish solar farm
Renewables developer OX2 has secured a €73 million ($76.8 million) financing package from bank Nord/LB for a 100 MW solar farm currently under development in southwestern Poland.
