Chinese PV Industry Brief: Longi to issue $1.38 billion of bonds
Longi says it will issue up to CNY 10 billion ($1.38 billion) of bonds. It will primarily use the funds to support operational needs, supplement working capital, repay interest-bearing debts, and aid project construction and operations.
Kosovo opens subsidy scheme for solar thermal systems
Household consumers in Kosovo can now apply for a subsidy to install a solar system for heating sanitary water. Applications to the first of two stages are open until August 31.
Australian property giant signs first-ever matched energy supply deal
Enosi Energy has signed a first-of-its-kind initiative with real estate investment business EG Funds by using a matched energy supply agreement to bulk up renewable energy used by commercial properties in Sydney, Australia.
Bangladeshi jute producers go solar
Bangladesh’s state-owned Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd. (IDCOL) is providing loans to several jute producers and textile makers to deploy 40 MW of rooftop PV systems.
Freight costs edge toward pandemic levels, hitting solar module costs
Freight costs, which represent around 4% of a solar module’s total costs, are increasing on trade lines between the Far East and the US West Coast, Northern Europe, and Mediterranean region.
IRENA calls for investment in small island nations
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) discussed the financing landscape for small island developing states (SIDS) and mechanisms to accelerate the energy transition at the United Nations 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States.
Perovskite tandem PV integrator secures $4.7 million of US funds
The US Department of Energy (DoE) has provided Tandem PV with $4.7 million in funds to advance the commercialization of the company’s thin-film solar technology.
Are the days of cheap finance for Chinese solar over?
The Chinese PV industry has benefited from the availability of substantial finance over the past two decades, supporting the development of the renewable, zero-carbon capability essential for meeting the goals of the Paris climate agreement. Easy access to finance has led to unsustainably low prices and unnecessary losses, however, impacting China’s ability to sustain support for renewable energy systems. As the nation expands clean power installations and enhances grid-balancing capacity, maintaining consistent financial support has become more challenging.
TCL Zhonghuan reveals plans to acquire majority stake in Maxeon
Chinese wafer manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan says it wants to invest around $197.5 million to increase its stake in Maxeon from 22.39% to at least 50.1%. A Maxeon spokesperson told pv magazine that the plan would place the company in a solid financial position.
European Commission approves €1.4 billion for hydrogen projects
The European Commission has approved €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) for hydrogen projects, investing in 13 initiatives under the fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), to advance hydrogen technology in mobility and transport applications.
