Patrick Jowett
Helexia secures €60 million to expand solar projects in multiple countries
Helexia, a solar rooftop and PV carport specialist, has announced the completion of a €60 million ($67.1 million) incremental financing facility. The funds will support a portfolio of 290 solar rooftop and carport projects in Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Uzbekistan set for large solar-plus-battery system
ACWA Power plans to build a 500 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan under a project proposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Bulgaria gives green light to solar cell, panel factory
The Bulgarian government has approved a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s Smart Solar Technologies AD for the construction of a solar cell and panel factory in southern Bulgaria.
Zimbabwe proceeds with 5 MW solar plant
Zimbabwe is moving forward with the development of a 5 MW solar plant. Construction is set to begin following approval from the Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe.
Researchers identify barriers to solar development in Poland
A research team from Poznań’s University of Economics & Business and SMA Solar Technology AG spoke to installers, designers, distributors and manufacturers in Poland’s solar industry to identify key barriers to PV development. They highlighted a lack of connection capacity and prices of non-renewable energy sources as the main issues.
Pexapark says European developers signed 24 PPAs for 1.19 GW in July
Swiss consulting firm Pexapark says European developers have signed 24 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 1,196 MW in July, with a 27% month-on-month increase in capacity, led by solar deals such as Europe’s largest decentralized solar PPA in France.
Vena Energy moves ahead with 550 MW of solar in the Philippines
Singapore’s Vena Energy and MGen Renewable Energy, the renewables unit of Manila-based Meralco PowerGen Corp., have signed an investment agreement for 550 MW of solar in the Philippines. Construction is due to start later this year.
Israeli developer secures €110 million for solar plants in Romania
Nofar Energy has obtained €110 million ($122.5 million) in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Raiffeisen Bank International to build two solar projects in Romania with a combined capacity of 300 MW.
High demand, lower solar output drive up European electricity prices
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says high demand and lower solar and wind production drove up electricity prices in most major European markets last week.
Israeli developer switches on 60 MW of solar in Hungary
Enlight Renewable Energy said it has commenced operations at its 60 MW solar park in western Hungary. The Israel-based developer now operates five projects in the country, totaling 144 MW.
