South Africa’s carbon tax could lift its PV industry
The nation appears ready to join the ranks of global solar protectionists but any fears about its energy transition may be dampened by the introduction of one of the world’s first true carbon levies – provided emitters are not afforded too many loopholes.
Another solar PPA signed in Mexico
Zodiac Aerospace Equipo de Mexico has agreed to buy solar power from a 13 MW slice of the 80 MW Los Santos Solar II project in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Oil and gas majors join rush to renewables in Australia and Pacific
Renewable energy investment in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, will overtake spending on oil and gas exploration and production by 2020, finds Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy. And Australia is set to emerge as one of the leading investment destinations.
OCBC Bank consortium to finance 30 MW in Malaysia
A group led by the Singapore-based lender has revealed plans to finance a 30 MW solar project in northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. The companies did not disclose additional details about the financing package.
Sonnen launches fixed-price solar and storage plan in Victoria, Australia
Households in the Australian state of Victoria can now sign up for sonnenFlat, an energy plan that offers a guaranteed annual energy allowance including solar, storage and grid energy usage for a fixed fee.
Thailand launches net metering scheme for residential PV
The program will be open to solar power systems with a generation capacity larger than 10 kW. Initially, some 100 MW of solar power will be allocated through the mechanism. Net metering tariffs, however, will be little more than half the current electricity price.
Scatec Solar inks strategic collaboration deal over 485 MW of solar in Vietnam
Scatec wants to expand in Southeast Asia and Vietnam is poised to become a hot market thanks to a generous feed-in tariff and a government that has set tight carbon emission targets.
Electric vehicles help slash payback periods for residential PV
The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis has estimated the effect on the payback period of PV systems when adding EVs and storage in Germany and Britain. In both cases, system owners are likely to reduce their payback period by significant margins as increased self-consumption can offset the incremental phase out of government incentives.
Off-grid solution for Haiti electrification to receive $17 million funding
The government of Haiti and the World Bank have put in place a financial instrument to provide access to capital for companies active in clean off-grid energy solutions. The aim is to power 200,000 households over 10 years.
Overseas developers rallying to invest in Bangladeshi solar
Big names in the running for 45-55 MW project in Chittagong as developers scramble to take advantage of an income tax exemption for clean energy investment that is due to expire this year.
