Ethiopia’s plans for solar mini grids move forward
The Ethiopian Electric Utility is seeking proposals for 25 mini grid projects which are being backed by the African Development Bank.
France to fund innovative off-grid renewables projects in Africa
The French development agency and the environment ministry have a €1.6 million budget to finance novel off-grid projects from companies and NGOs operating with local partners in Africa.
Austria scraps its sun tax
The nation’s political parties have found agreement on a green electricity package which is expected to create stable conditions for the next three years. From next year, €36 million will be made available annually for the further support of PV systems and energy storage.
Germany lifts cap on solar FIT program with new Climate Change Act
While the solar industry will welcome the move, the feed-in tariff paid to small systems is still reducing thanks to the volume of new capacity installed every quarter. Announcing a wide-ranging policy package on Friday, Angela Merkel admitted Germany will miss the carbon emission target set for next year.
Siemens and TIES to open battery research center in China
The facility is set to open this year and will offer battery suppliers digitalization research and manufacturing consulting. Smaller manufacturers will be able to use shared laboratories for research.
Tender for megawatt scale solar-plus-storage launched in Sri Lanka
A planned 10 MW solar project will be coupled with a storage system with a minimum capacity of 8 MWh. The facility will be near Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka.
Solar-plus-storage for social housing
U.K. nonprofit organization Together Housing is launching a solar-plus-storage demonstration project in a social housing complex. The $2.4 million pilot is designed to identify alternative commercial models for residential storage, following the abrupt reduction of feed-in tariff rates.
Indian renewables leaders split over need for regulation
While some of the industry insiders at REI 2019 have made predictable calls to scrap restrictions imposed by regulators, others have continued to maintain that policy support is crucial, while audience members voiced concerns about India’s lack of recycling rules.
GE to supply 100 MW/300 MWh battery for South Australia solar farm
GE Renewable Energy has been chosen to supply a massive battery for the 200 MW Solar River Project in South Australia.
Austria mulls mandatory PV as new rebates for solar and storage launched
With the region of Styria considering making PV mandatory on all new buildings, the nation’s Climate Fund will support PV and storage projects in agriculture and forestry. Applications can be submitted by November 2020 – or until the pot is empty.
