Patrick Jowett
VSun Solar signs polysilicon supply deal with OCI
OCI has agreed to supply polysilicon to Toyo Solar, the cell production subsidiary of VSun Solar, in order to support wafer production.
Masdar reaches financial close on 1.8 GW of solar
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. (Masdar) have reached financial close on a 1.8 GW solar project – the sixth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the United Arab Emirates. Masdar was chosen to build and operate the project after submitting a bid of $0.016/kWh – the park’s lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) to date.
Malaysian utility to build 2.5 GW of hybrid hydro-floating solar
Tenaga Nasional Berhad, a Kuala Lumpur-based utility, says it plans to install floating solar farms at its hydropower facilities. It targeting 2.5 GW of capacity to support Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap.
Malta extends FITs, rebates for residential solar and batteries
Malta has extended its feed-in tariffs (FITs) and a rebate scheme to support the adoption of residential solar and battery energy storage systems for another year. The authorities will start accepting applicants for the two initiatives again from Feb. 23.
South African province approves 800 MW solar project
The provincial government of Gauteng, South Africa, plans to set up a solar park with a capacity of at least 800 MW. Premier Panyaza Lesufi says 100 MW could be connected to the grid from April.
Researchers develop hemispherical organic solar cells
A Turkish research team has tested a hemispherical shell-shaped organic active layer for photovoltaic applications. The group found the shape maximizes light absorption and angular coverage when compared to flat-structured cells, suggesting the structure would be beneficial for applications requiring flexible light capture such as wearable electronics.
Somalia seeks consultants to support grid expansion plan, PV minigrids
Somalia is seeking consultants to help it expand its grid network and develop solar minigrids. The work will involve drafting tender documents to repair and expand the electricity network in the city of Bossaso.
Citicore Renewable to proceed with 69 MW of PV in Philippines
Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) is building a 69 MW solar plant – its second project on the island of Negros in the Philippines. CREC President and CEO Oliver Tan says that the plant will power around 70,000 households.
EDP Renewables commissions Portugal’s second solar-wind hybrid project
The renewables unit of Portuguese energy supplier EDP has commissioned Portugal’s second solar-wind hybrid project. It has installed 36 thousand bifacial panels alongside 13 wind turbines to produce 79 GWh of renewable energy per year.
South African data-center specialist to build 120 MW solar plant
Teraco, an operator of data centers, has secured its first grid-capacity allocation from South African state-owned utility Eskom. It will soon start building a 120 MW utility-scale PV plant in South Africa’s Free State province to power its facilities.
