Australia to get first solar-powered crypto mining farm
A data center, which will be used for crypto and Bitcoin mining, will be powered by a combination of solar power generated at an adjacent 20 MW solar PV farm and coal-fired generator.
Australia’s national electricity policy moves forward, but roadblocks remain
Mixed messages have emerged from today’s meeting between the Australian state and federal energy ministers’ meeting, after what was meant to have been a decisive point for the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) policy measure. Fundamental opposition from some states under Labor governments exists, however an agreement to release the draft legislation was reached – after it passes the test of the Federal Liberal party room.
5 GW of renewable plans hang in the balance following reenaction of Iranian sanctions
As U.S. President Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iran, many solar companies – predominantly from Europe – were in the process of developing massive project pipelines in the country. These are now in jeopardy, even with blocking statute imposed by the EU. Those seeking to pursue plans demand safe financial channels from the EU in order to continue developing PV projects, and to signal a clear commitment to the Iran Nuclear Deal.
Indian court to hear Vikram Solar’s safeguard duty petition next week
The Government of India will also consider changes to the 25% safeguard duty imposed on solar cell imports from China and Malaysia only after the next hearing in the Odisha High Court, which stayed the levy.
US: EIA forecasts modest, uneven solar market growth in 2019
The organization’s short-term energy outlook forecasts that 10.3 GW-AC of solar will be installed in 2019, a 7% growth from 2018 – but for 60% of this solar to come online in December.
Engie emerges as clear winner of France’s PV tenders
Examining the results of France’s latest solar PV tender, Finergreen says that Engie has secured the largest share of the 727.9 MWp awarded this week. Overall, 103 projects were awarded under three categories for average tariffs of between €52.1/MWh and 83.8/MWh.
India: Acme Solar to quit projects if safeguard duty not passed on to utilities
As of July, Acme Solar had about 2.8 GW solar projects at different stages of development across India. Recently, it won another 600 MW of SECI’s 3 GW interstate transmission system (ISTS) tender, at a tariff of INR 2.44/unit (USD 0.036/unit).
Hong Kong kicks off solar FIT scheme
China’s autonomous province, Hong Kong has officially opened up its feed-in tariff (FIT) policy scheme for solar PV systems.
PV demand, changing auctions and price declines – GTM lays out its latest predictions
An uptick in global PV demand will occur in 2020, with China’s 30.5 policy directly affecting 2018’s results by around 18%, says GTM Research. Rapidly falling module prices will benefit predominantly Asian markets, where modules comprise the lion’s share of capex, although regions like Europe will see increased installations. Laying out 10 PV predictions, it anticipates, among others, intensified competition, lower bid prices, more technology neutral auctions and an increasing amount of subsidy free solar.
Australian states harden stance on unambitious national policy as energy bodies take opposing sides
As the debate heats up before Friday’s meeting between federal, state, territory and local government energy ministers in Australia, the Victoria authority has issued a last-minute call to redraft the proposed National Energy Guarantee, and the Australian Capital Territory has redefined its NEG approval condition with regard to the emissions target. Meanwhile, Australia’s energy bodies have taken separate paths.
