Installations

Isofotón has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Yucatán state government in Mexico to develop a 150 MW photovoltaic plant. Construction is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2014.

In its 2012 Annual Report, the Desertec Industry Initiative (Dii) has acknowledged the challenges it faces in attracting investment to North Africa and the Middle East. It therefore has set out a new focus, which aims to facilitate the integration of the EU and MENA energy markets.

The Western Australian branch of the Australian Green party, the WA Greens, has released its Energy 2029 plan today, which promotes a 100% renewable future for the resource-rich state. As a part of a plan, an inland site has been earmarked for a large CSP project.

Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has ordered several studies into fuel alternatives for its civilian aircraft industry, including solar energy. Around RUB628 million (US$ 21 million; €15.5 million) has reportedly been earmarked for the research.

Mexico has reported a cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity of 14 MW – almost double that of 2011. Growth is projected to continue on the same trajectory this year.

Behind the headline news from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) that the world has passed the 100 GW mark in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, is the ongoing story of a shift away from Europe.

Houston, Texas-based Quanta Services Inc has won an EPC contract for solar parks in Kings and Tulare counties in California.

The Indian state of Kerala has unveiled a program aimed at installing 10,000 one kW rooftop photovoltaic systems. The initiative was launched today by India’s Minister for New and Renewable Energy.

Laos-based Sunlabob Renewable Energy has been awarded two contracts for the design, supply, installation and local training for 13 turnkey solar PV plants in Sierra Leone.

Photowatt parent company, EDF, has announced it will invest €10 million in the establishment of a new 75 MW photovoltaic module manufacturing line in France, in order to bring production back to Europe. Exisiting facilities will also be modernized.