New tool tips solar to supply 50% of global energy demand by 2035
Solar energy will satisfy more than 50% of global energy demand within a decade, according to a new modeling tool that also predicts solar costs will continue falling by 10% a year.
Energy communities reach combined capacity of 74 MW in France
Collective self-consumption in France has more than doubled since 2023, reaching nearly 700 operations with approximately 8,500 participants throughout the country.
Solar accounts for 11.9% of Belgium’s 2024 electricity mix
Belgian electricity system operator Elia says solar was the leading source of renewable energy in Belgium’s electricity mix in 2024. Total solar energy generation in the country reached new highs last year, totaling 8.3 TWh.
Sierra Leone adopts financing model for private minigrid developers
Sierra Leone’s government is working with the European Union to launch a results-based financing mechanism, offering grants to private developers to build, own, and operate minigrids across the country.
Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
Botswana seeking companies to deploy off-grid solar projects
Botswana Power Corp. (BPC) is seeking local companies to develop small-scale PV plants for off-grid power, as part of the government’s efforts to expand access to affordable electricity.
Scientist develops machine-learning method to identify faulty solar panels
A scientist in Sweden has developed a new hybrid local features-based method using thermographs to identify faulty solar panels.
Gibraltar opens tender for rooftop solar arrays
The Gibraltar government is seeking developers to install rooftop solar systems at selected sites across the British Overseas Territory. It will also consider proposals for solar canopies and floating solar as part of the tender. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 24, 2025.
Suriname starts building hybrid solar microgrids to power 25 villages
PowerChina is building three hybrid solar microgrids in Suriname, combining solar panels, energy storage, and diesel backup to power 25 remote villages across the country.
France deployed 3.5 GW of new solar in January-September period
France added an additional 3.5 GW of solar during the first three quarters of this year, compared to 2.3 GW during the same period of 2023. The country’s total installed solar capacity now stands at 23.7 GW, including 22.9 GW in mainland France.
