Patrick Jowett
Botswana signs contract for 100 MW solar plant
State-owned Botswana Power Corp. has signed a power purchase agreement with a consortium of Chinese enterprises and other companies to construct a 100 MW solar plant in southern Botswana. The project is expected to start generation by the end of 2025.
TUI powers hotels with solar plants in Turkey
Travel and tourism company TUI recently started operating three new solar plants in Turkey, totalling 15 MW, to supply power to eight hotels. It plans to power more hotels in the country with additional solar plants.
Desert-to-Power initiative seeking consultants for solar mapping
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is seeking consultants to undertake a solar mapping exercise in seven of its members states: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda. The deadline for expressions of interest is August 30.
China’s CEEC wins 2 GW solar project in Saudi Arabia
China Energy Engineering Corp. (CEEC), via its subsidiaries, has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for a 2 GW solar installation in Saudi Arabia. It will handle the project in collaboration with a project company established by ACWA Power Company.
Electricity prices down in most European markets, says AleaSoft
AleaSoft says that rising electricity demand and higher solar and wind production caused electricity prices to drop across most European markets last week, despite an uptick in gas prices. France set a record for daily solar production on Aug. 5, reaching 129 GWh.
Maldives launches renewables tender for solar, storage, grid upgrades
State Electric Company (Stelco) in the Maldives has launched a renewables tender covering solar installations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and grid extensions. The deadline for expressions of interest is Dec. 30.
Denmark resumes subsidies for energy tech exports
The Danish authorities have reopened a subsidy pool to promote exports of Danish energy technologies, offering a total of DKK 9.3 million ($1.36 million). Applications for the fund, which targets public-private partnerships, will be accepted until Oct. 11.
EBRD to finance 120 MW of solar in Tunisia
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a €12.5 million ($13.7 million) loan to finance the construction of two 60 MW solar power plants in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. The projects, developed by Scatec and Aeolus, will enhance energy security and support Tunisia’s green transition.
World’s highways could host 52.3 billion solar panels, say researchers
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, Chinese Academy of Geosciences, and Columbia University have concluded that solar-covered highways could meet more than 60% of the world’s annual energy needs.
Dutch football stadium installs second battery
Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena has installed a second battery, increasing its storage capacity to 8.6 MWh and allowing a recent soccer match to be entirely run on sustainable energy.
