Wacker’s polysilicon business sees profit and turnover fall
The Munich-based chemical company posted an increase in sales but the fall in polysilicon prices last year and the temporary closure of US production after a hydrogen explosion had a significant impact on the results.
‘A swift transition to renewables would be unfair and cause chaos’
In the face of increasingly strident global calls to turbocharge the switch from fossil fuels to clean energy, remarks from the Saudi and Emirati energy ministers in Abu Dhabi this week will do little to encourage hopes the world can contain global temperature rises below 1.5C.
Hanwha Q-Cells completes internal going-private reorganization
The South Korean PV manufacturer has finalized its plan to merge with Hanwha Solar. The company will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hanwha Chemicals.
Renewables, an antidote against volatile electricity prices for the EU
The European Commission says renewables are playing a central role in lowering spot prices and stopping rises in network charges and fees. In the EU energy market, however, coal and gas still dominate, ensuring power prices are unpredictable.
Nepal wants more hybrid wind-solar and needs information on prices
Through three tenders, Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center is increasing efforts to bring power to rural communities, and to increase the share of renewables in a nation still dominated by hydropower.
Ethiopia launches a tender for 800 MW of solar across four states
The nation’s Ministry of Finance is tendering six large-scale projects in Afar, Somali, Oromia and Tigray. The plants will be developed under a public-private partnership framework and their construction is expected to raise around $795 million.
Bangladesh prepares plans for two floating solar plants
Backing from the Asian Development Bank will help a 50 MW project get off the ground – and onto the water – in Chittagong, and a developer has been lined up to install solar on a stretch of the Padma river.
Sonnen receives €25 milllion financing from the European Investment Bank
The EIB said supporting the battery supplier will help Europe realize its clean energy targets. The funds are earmarked for the company’s European R&D, as well as stemming ‘operational burdens’ from its growth rate. Sonnen recently made headlines by opening a factory in Australia to supply its virtual power plant in Adelaide.
Energytrend: Stockpiles down, utilization and prices recovering
The Taiwanese market research company has published its latest price trend data for PV modules, cells, wafers and silicon. Across the value chain, rising demand is causing stockpiles to dwindle and utilization rates to rise. Prices are rising in China as well as for high-efficiency products. Module prices have stabilized.
Dutch pension fund and Shell eye acquisition of energy company Eneco
PGGM and Shell have expressed interest in acquiring sustainable energy company Eneco, a municipality owned business which wants to go private. The energy provider has installed 100 MW of PV and operates in northwest Europe.
