Patrick Jowett
EU approves €3 billion for solar, onshore wind in Romania
The European Commission has approved €3 billion ($3.9 billion) for solar and onshore wind projects in Romania, with two-way contracts-for-difference through competitive bidding procedures.
UAE utility opens bidding for 400 MW battery energy storage system
Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) has started accepting expressions of interest for a 400 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The chosen developer will enter into a long-term agreement with the Abu Dhabi-based utility as the sole procurer.
Government tenders drove 137 GW of renewables in 2023, says WoodMac
Analysis from research firm Wood Mackenzie shows solar remained the most awarded form of renewable energy in government tenders last year, but its share of total volume dropped from 59% to 44%. In 2024, government tenders are predicted to at least match 2023 levels.
Energy Vault connects commercial-scale gravity energy storage system in China
Energy Vault has connected its 25 MW/100 MWh EVx gravity-energy storage system (GESS) in China. Once provincial and state approvals are obtained to start operating, it will become the world’s first commercial, utility-scale, non-pumped hydro GESS. Meanwhile, its partners China Tianying (CNTY) and Atlas Renewable Energy have begun construction on three grid-scale GESS in China.
Maldives opens tender for 12.5 MWp of grid-tied solar systems
The government of the Maldives has kicked off a 12.5 MWp grid-tied solar tender, with plans to install PV systems across selected islands. The deadline for registrations is July 4.
Polar Night Energy to build 1 MW sand-based heat storage battery in Finland
Finnish startup Polar Night Energy is teaming up with a district heating company to construct an industrial-scale thermal energy storage system in southern Finland. The sand-based system will use soapstone, a byproduct from a fireplace manufacturer, as its storage medium.
EU approves €350 million renewables production plan in Portugal
The European Commission has approved a €350 million ($380.4 million) funding package to support companies in Portugal that produce solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and other renewable energy equipment. The plan is designed to support the country’s transition to a net-zero economy.
Longi, Ferroglobe sign long-term silicon supply deal
Longi and Ferroglobe have signed a long-term agreement for supplies of quartzite and metallurgical grade silicon (MGS). The deal has been in effect since the start of the year.
Malaysia’s Sand Town Solar secures financing for 29.9 MW of solar
Sand Town Solar Sdn Bhd (STS) has signed a MYR 91.5 million ($19.3 million) financing agreement with Bank Islam for a 29.99 MW solar farm in the state of Perak, northwestern Malaysia.
Zimbabwe approves 116 MW of PV projects
The government of Zimbabwe has approved a $45 million fund for renewable energy projects. The announcement coincides with the licensing of 10 independent power producers to generate 271 MW of renewable energy, including 116 MW of solar.
