China’s cumulative PV capacity hits 130 GW, to reach 250 GW by 2020
According to China’s National Energy Administration (NEA), the country installed a total of 52.83 GW of solar PV in 2017, with cumulative capacity now sitting at 130.25 GW. Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory Co. Ltd (AECEA) forecasts this to reach 250 GW by 2020.
Turkey added 1.17 GW of solar in December alone
According to new figures from the local grid operator, Turkey’s cumulative installed PV capacity has reached 3.42 GW, as of the end of 2017. The end-of-year rush was due to the 25% FIT reduction granted to unlicensed projects, which came into effect on January 1.
South Africa: Outstanding PPAs for solar, renewables to be signed by end of March
The announcement was made by the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA). The PPAs relate to 26 renewable energy projects, of which 12 totaling 813 MW are for large-scale PV plants selected in round 4 of the REIPPPP program.
OPDE plans 50 MW solar plant in southern Spain
The Spain-headquartered EPC has submitted a proposal for approval to build a solar park in Mérida, in the region of Extremadura.
Taiwan’s UREC to receive government backing, will shift focus to downstream PV
The Taiwanese Government is set to invest in the United Renewable Energy Company (UREC), which is expected to be officially formed in Q3 2018 by solar cell makers, Neo Solar Power (NSP), Gintech Energy and Solartech Energy. The new company will shift focus from cell manufacturing to downstream solar PV.
UK: Shell signs 5 year private PPA with BSR for 69.8 MW solar project – comment
Shell Energy Europe Ltd has signed a five year power purchase agreement (PPA) with British Solar renewables (BSR), for the off-take of energy from England’s largest solar PV power plant.
Fotowatio closes financing for 342 MW of solar in Mexico
The solar unit of UAE-based Abdul Latif Jameel Energy will build the giant PV plant in the Mexican state of San Luis de Potosí. The facility is expected to start delivering power in 2019.
Total completes solar plant at its biorefinery in France
The 8 MW facility is relying on solar modules from the group’s unit, SunPower.
WFES: Acwa Power partners with Huawei on solar plant monitoring
The Saudi Arabian power firm announces details of pilot project that will utilize Huawei’s FusionSolar control and monitoring system to enhance a fleet of PV plants.
BNEF releases 2018 clean energy predictions
BNEF has released its top 10 clean energy predictions for 2018, including at least 107 GW of solar PV installs. China will lead, but Latin America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East will notably up the ante. India will install less RE than in 2017, but will see fossils outpace RE for the last time; and China will see distributed grid connected solar leading the market. Li-ion prices are also declining, while EV sales grow.
