Limited success for Algeria’s 150 MW PV tender
Only eight of the 93 companies which acquired the technical specifications for the tender have decided to participate in the procurement exercise. Collectively, the submitted project proposals had a combined capacity of 90 MW. Domestic content rules required the use of solar modules assembled in Algeria, as well as locally manufactured mounting structures and cables.
Benin approves four PV projects totaling 50 MW
Four projects, planned to be located across several regions, will be developed through private-public partnerships and a development program supported by the United States.
Engie commissions 100 MW solar park in Belgium
Construction on the Lommel project started in October. The facility, owned by Flemish investment company Limburgse investeringsmaatschappij, will sell power to a zinc manufacturer and is also entitled to a premium of €0.0479 on top of the market power price.
India’s latest 1.2 GW of solar capacity awarded at $0.036 ahead of safeguarding duty fall
The Solar Energy Corporation of India’s 1.2 GW auction saw four companies – Ayana Renewable, ReNew Power, NYSE-listed Azure Power and Mahindra Susten – secure a combined capacity of 1.15 GW at INR2.54/kWh. Avaada Energy landed the remaining 50 MW, at Rs2.55.
EDF to acquire Energy2market
German power distributor Energy2market intends to develop its international activity under its new French owner. The founding shareholders and Trailstone UK will sell their stock to EDF subsidiary Pulse Croissance.
Seychelles firms up 4 MW floating PV project
The installation will be Africa’s first privately financed, utility scale floating solar installation. A group of pre qualified bidders inspected the site and are expected to submit full technical and financial documentation by September.
EU approves Italy’s auction scheme for renewables
The €5.4 billion program is expected to spur new growth in large scale PV while also providing incentives for rooftop systems. Originally scheduled for January, the country’s first technology neutral clean energy auctions – which will provide additional incentives EV charging-linked projects – may be held in the months ahead.
Morocco’s medium voltage PV market will open this year
The nation’s renewable energy legislation will be updated to expand net metering for projects connected to the medium voltage grid, paving the way for a wave of decentralized installations.
Bifacial beats Trump’s tariffs
Federal trade authorities have ruled that bifacial solar modules are no longer subject to the Section 201 ruling, which currently apply a 25% tariff to most solar modules imported to the United States.
PV industry calls for clarity on UK government’s 2050 emissions target
Representatives of the UK solar industry have praised prime minister Theresa May’s plan to amend the 2008 Climate Change Act with a 2050 net zero emissions target while urging the government to articulate how it will achieve its goal. In particular, the industry has pointed to the need to eliminate barriers that continue to hinder deployment of solar and battery storage systems.
