New Zealand to fast-track approval process for solar projects
New Zealand’s large-scale solar market is set to shift up a gear, with the government referring two PV projects to an independent fast-track consenting panel. The installations have a combined generation capacity of more than 500 GWh per annum.
Weekend read: ‘Solar crime’ on the rise
With copper prices rising, inflation driving up the cost of living, and organized criminal gangs stepping up operations in the United Kingdom and across Europe, solar project owners need to be more conscious than ever of security.
Engie switches on 181.25 MW solar plant in Chile
Engie Chile’s largest solar park, in Chile’s Antofagasta region, will have a 638 MWh storage system, currently under construction.
Solcast sheds light on utility PV performance across Australia
Observations shared by Solcast, a solar specialist, have shed new light on the impressive performance of Australian solar farms.
Avaada Energy wins 560 MW solar project with $0.035/kWh bid in India
Avaada Energy has won a 560 MW (DC) solar project from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL). The project will supply power to MSEDCL at a tariff of INR 2.88 ($0.035)/kWh.
Ecuador allocates 120 MW of PV in renewables auction
The government of Ecuador has allocated 500 MW of renewable energy capacity in its latest procurement exercise. The selected developers secured 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Average solar LCOE increases for first time this year
A new report by Lazard compares the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for various generation technologies on a $/MWh basis. It shows that utility-scale solar and onshore wind LCOE increased for the first time in 2023, at $24/MWh to $96/MWh for solar and $24/MWh to $75 MWh for wind. Nevertheless, the two renewable sources are still the economic frontrunners when compared to nuclear, gas, and coal.
Germany wraps up large-scale PV tender with average price of €0.0703/kWh
Germany’s first auction of the year for utility-scale solar concluded with prices ranging from €0.0529 ($0.059)/kWh to €0.0730/kWh. The procurement exercise was significantly oversubscribed.
Scotland to deploy first floating PV array
Nova Innovation, a leader in tidal energy tech, says it will install Scotland’s first floating PV demonstrator later this year. The company currently has a multi-megawatt international pipeline under development.
Only5mins! – Lower electrolyzer costs crucial for green hydrogen deployment
Low electrolyzer costs, low capex, a low levelized cost of energy, and a decent capacity factor are key to developing viable green hydrogen projects. George Touloupas, senior director of technology for Clean Energy Associates, tells pv magazine about the main challenges and the current price trajectory for green hydrogen tech.
