Finance

A new report drafted by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Frankfurt School-UNEP Collaborating Centre shows that global solar energy investments overshadowed all other forms of electricity generation in 2017. China is leading the pack of the world’s largest renewables investors, followed by Australia, Mexico and Sweden.

Nuon, the Dutch subsidiary of Swedish energy giant, Vattenfall, is offering bonds to its customers, as well as to customers of other power providers, in order to raise additional funds for the financing of its solar project pipeline in the Netherlands.

In the past financial year, the Chinese solar manufacturer and project developer implemented a plan to expand activities in the downstream solar sector, while downsizing its wafer manufacturing. In the future, Comtec will focus on its 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business, and will ship no more than 500 MW per year.

The German solar PV equipment manufacturer has confirmed its preliminary figures for the past year. The record sales registered in 2017 could be increased even further this year.

The Chinese technology firm, which has become a leading player in China’s electric vehicle industry, has warned that subsidy cuts for new-energy vehicles could further drag down its profits. Solar and stationary battery business performing well, however.

Chinese module manufacturer, JA Solar has issued a statement refuting assertions made by SolarWorld in hearings conducted last year, which were reported last week in the findings of United States Trade Representative (USTR) report into Chinese practices related to intellectual property.

Looking to support rural and suburban populations and micro-entrepreneurs with no reliable electricity source, U.S. off-grid solution provider, d.light has secured further funding for the deployment of its solar kits across Africa.

Herman Zhao resigned on March 27 from his role as chief financial officer for Chinese solar firm, JA Solar. The company affirmed that there had been “no issues involving its financial statements” that prompted the move.

Engie has become partner of the solar and hydrogen-propelled catamaran, Energy Observer, while Total has become the founding partner of the Cathay Smart Energy Fund in China.

A few days after announcing a record turnover and positive EBIT, the German PV equipment provider has now dismissed its CFO, Gunnar Voss von Dahlen, effective immediately. The company said his departure was due to divergent opinions about its strategic direction.