New research finds utility-scale solar parks foster biodiversity
A series of longitudinal studies of three solar-pollinator sites in Minnesota have demonstrated evidence of native prairie growing under solar panels, providing both soil benefits and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
The Hydrogen Stream: US government offers $2.2 billion for H2 hubs
The US Department of Energy has revealed plans to allocate up to $1.2 billion for a hydrogen hub in Texas and the Gulf Coast and up to $1 billion for a similar project spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.
First major winter snowfall brings weekend solar generation dip
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that solar production across much of Europe is expected to dip over the weekend as a significant low-pressure system draws polar air across the continent, bringing the first large widespread snowfall of the season.
Funding secured for 237.6 MW merchant solar plant in Bulgaria
Up to €103 million ($107.2 million), from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Raiffeisen Bank International, will support the development of a fully-merchant, 237.6 MW solar project in southeastern Bulgaria.
Italy approves 6 GW of utility-scale solar in first 10 months of 2024
Italy’s regional governments approved 6 GW of utility-scale solar projects between January and October 2024, according to updates from Terna’s Econnextion map. Most of these projects are concentrated in Sicily, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia, and Basilicata.
Agrivoltaics can improve water conservation in Africa
Research led by the University of Sheffield installed an off-grid agrivoltaic system in Tanzania and a grid-tied agrivoltaic system in Kenya. They found the installations helped boost crop yield and conserve water while generating electricity at a lower cost than the national grid.
Envision completes testing of world’s largest grid-forming energy storage platform
China-based Envision Energy says that its 5.5 MW /14 MWh grid forming energy storage demonstration platform is the first and biggest single-unit grid-forming energy storage system globally to receive certification under rigorous, full-scenario testing standards.
Two off-grid solar-plus-storage parks inaugurated in Peruvian Amazon
The sites, with a total 9.6 MWp generation capacity and 13.5 MWh of energy storage, were built in the Loreto department by Amazonas Energía Solar for Electro Oriente.
DMEGC Solar energizes 940 MW solar-fishery project
The 940 MW solar installation, deployed above fish ponds to create a complementary fishery-pv project, features over 1.9 million of DMEGC’S infinity series n-type solar modules.
Azerbaijan awards 100 MW of solar with lowest bid of $0.0354/kWh
China’s Huantai Energy Co., Ltd. has secured a contract to build 100 MW of solar in eastern Azerbaijan, after submitting the lowest bid of $0.0354/kWh in the country’s first renewables auction.
