Indian state of Tamil Nadu floats new solar policy to generate 9 GW by 2022
The state government has unveiled its new solar energy policy. The ambition would encompass projects, programs and installations relating to solar PV and thermal energy, and is aimed at utilities as well as energy consumers.
Solar rail and roads in the UK to get financial shot in the arm
The Department for Transport has announced funding for research projects which could help decarbonize Britain’s railways and generate power from roads and footpaths. Previously explored with limited success, it is hoped the research will push the frontiers of the field and give a fresh impetus to Britain’s ailing solar sector.
The weekend read: The untapped potential of the MENA region
The region’s climate, developing economies and demographic growth are driving increased electricity demand in the Middle East and North Africa. However, as a hub of conventional energy supply, the region has been slow to embrace PV. To capture more of the value chain and deliver the full potential of solar, there are increasing calls for distributed generation deployment to play a bigger role.
Spain unveils new provisions for self-consumption regulation
The Spanish government has proposed a Royal Decree with new self-consumption regulation which is expected to be approved in March or April. According to the new rules, power surpluses may be shared with other consumers or fed to the grid.
UK government offering little encouragement to the solar sector says the industry
A conference in London explored the next steps for renewables in the U.K. There was widespread agreement solar has been left in the cold by a government unwilling to alter the current market dynamics.
Germany installed almost 3 GW of solar in 2018
PV demand grew 68% year-on-year from the level seen in 2017 as Germany’s cumulative installed solar generation capacity reached 45.92 GW.
Bahrain launches 3 MW rooftop tender
The procurement covers 66 government buildings identified by the nation’s solar unit from a 120-building portfolio. Successful bidders will sign a PPA with the government, which is aiming at self-consumption with an element of net-metering.
Solytic takes over SolarWorld’s PV monitoring portal
Worldwide, “Suntrol” has around 27,500 registered users. The Germany-based start up will further develop the insolvent PV manufacturer’s portal from March onwards.
Uranium provider GoviEx goes solar
The Canadian company is planning to build a 20 MW hybrid diesel-solar power plant at the Madaouela mining site near Arlit, in northern central Niger. The project will be developed by Canadian independent power producer Windiga Energy.
Japanese government warns against fire risk from rooftop PV
The warning was made by the nation’s Consumer Affairs Agency, which claims 172 fire accidents occurred in Japan from 2008 to 2017. The Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association said it will provide homeowners with the relevant information and stressed fire risk should not be used as an argument against the energy transition.
