Pilar Sánchez Molina
BayWa, Velux sign Europe’s first agrivoltaics-linked PPA
Germany’s BayWa r.e. and Denmark’s Velux have announced the first agrivoltaic corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) in Europe. BayWa will build two solar parks in Spain to power Velux’s operations, with capacities of 60 MWp and 56 MWp. One of them will partly be an agricultural PV project.
Novel production process for solar-grade silicon
The SisAl Pilot project produces solar-grade silicon from Spanish quartz without using coal and with zero CO2 emissions. The company behind the project claims that the process is cheaper and more sustainable.
Spain, Portugal to lead renewables in Europe, says Rystad
Norwegian consulting firm Rystad Energy has described the Iberian Peninsula as “a new European energy powerhouse.” It expects Spain and Portugal to reach 79% renewables in their combined electricity mix by 2030.
Spain allocates 31 MW of solar in latest renewables auction
The auction was set to contract 140 MW of distributed solar power, as part of a 520 MW tender open to thermal solar power projects for the first time. In total, 177 MW have been awarded, none of which went to thermal, 31 MW to photovoltaic, and the remainder to biomass.
Space-based solar power for terrestrial energy needs
The Cassiopeia solar project aims to use the sunlight collected by a space satellite for terrestrial energy needs. The electricity generated would be converted to radio frequency microwave radiation transmitted to an antenna on Earth. The initial LCOE would be €48 ($47.8)/MWh, according to a UK study.
Mondragon Assembly to develop multi-gigawatt automated manufacturing line for BVG
It will be one of the largest and most automated lines in North India, with the capacity to produce high power modules with larger cells. The first phase will have a production capacity of 500 MW.
New solar-powered tubular motor for blinds
Next Series technology, produced by Italian smart home specialist Nice, facilitates a 35% reduction in energy consumption, compared with analog motors. The company says the solar kit is sustainable and easy to install.
Endesa secures node to deploy 953 MW of solar-wind-storage in Spanish tender
Endesa’s proposal for its Andorra energy hub in Spain is based on the hybridization of renewable technologies, storage and green hydrogen for the decarbonization of local companies.
Ventilated facade with integrated solar panels
Germany’s Sto says its novel solar facade technology for residential buildings allows the alignment of modules in vertical or horizontal arrangements.
Agrivoltaics for vineyards
Developers recently commissioned two different wine-related agrivoltaic projects in Europe.
