Patrick Jowett
Hitachi Energy, SP Energy Networks sign agreement to boost renewable energy flow from Scotland to England
Hitachi Energy will design and deliver a power quality solution that is expected to enable the transfer of around 280 MW of renewable energy capacity between Scotland and England.
Rooftop solar demand outpacing EU member states readiness, says report
A report from Climate Action Network Europe says residential rooftop solar installations in the EU have grown by 54% year-on-year, but warns a lack of grid capacity and specific strategies for rooftop solar development means member states are not keeping pace with the demand.
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners acquires majority stake in Elgin Energy
Danish investment firm Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) says its majority stake in Elgin Energy will help the Irish solar developer to transition into an independent power producer (IPP).
NREL releases online tool to estimate pumped hydro storage costs
The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released a cost-estimation tool for new closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plants in the United States. The tool allows operators to select from a range of system characteristics and account for factors such as local geology, labor rates and inflation.
Philippines issues contracts for microgrids in unserved areas
The Philippines Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded contracts for eight microgrids in unserved areas, including hybrid systems with solar and energy storage, as well as diesel gensets. Plans are now underway for a second competitive bidding round to develop microgrids in other areas without electricity access.
Malaysia introduces rebate scheme for residential PV
The Malaysian authorities have introduced a rebate scheme for residential PV, offering new net-metering users rebates of up to MYR 4,000 ($843.60). Applications are open until the end of the year, with allocation to be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sweden reports higher than expected PV growth for 2023
Official figures from Sweden’s energy association says more solar was added than estimates suggested during a record year for PV deployment in 2023, with the country’s cumulative capacity now standing at around 4 GW.
Polar Night Energy secures €7.6 million to scale-up sand battery technology
The Finnish startup says the funding will go towards several key purposes, including growing its sales and R&D teams and advancing capabilities in converting stored heat back to electricity.
Asunim to build 40 MW solar project at wind farm in Turkey
Ankara-based renewable energy developer Asunim will construct the 40 MW solar plant at an existing wind power plant in northwestern Turkey. The solar-wind hybrid is expected to be completed within five months.
Malaysia launches 2 GW solar tender
The Malaysian government has kicked off a 2 GW solar tender featuring four packages of rooftop, ground-mount, and floating solar, with permitted generation capacities ranging from 1 MW to 500 MW.
