Petroleum Development Oman awards contract for 100 MW PV plant
State owned oil company Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) has awarded an independent power producer contract for a 100 MW solar project to a consortium led by Japanese conglomerate Marubeni. Once constructed, the plant will power PDO’s operations in Oman under a 23-year PPA.
SunPower still swinging in Q3 results
The high efficiency PV maker is still chasing elusive profitability, but had some major successes this quarter and is optimistic about new technologies and opportunities.
IRENA and southeast Asian nations pledge action on PV
The International Renewable Energy Agency wants to unlock the PV potential of the Asia-Pacific region with technical and planning support. It says a better flow of knowledge is needed to close the gap on a regional aim of generating 23% of energy from renewables by 2025.
Risk of a ‘bridge to nowhere’ effect in Africa’s electrification
A report from the United States’ Rocky Mountain Institute finds more work is needed on the demand side for microgrids and other rural electrification projects in Africa. Such projects, says the report, often focus on building generation capacity, with little consideration for the ability of end users to make good use of energy.
Falling rupee could threaten $3.84bn of Indian solar projects
As the currency continued to fall today, analysts are concerned developers will see any savings from lower module prices disappear, and lenders may get nervy, putting India’s national solar target in grave doubt.
Azure Power raises $400 million in debt and equity
Azure Power has raised the capital since June 30th, and says it is “the largest amount of financing raised by a solar power company in India during this period”. Azure says the fund leaves it well positioned to deliver a 2 GW project pipeline.
Solar drags on Kyocera figures
The PV business of the Japanese corporation is again the villain, as the conglomerate’s Life and Environment Group posts the only first-half business loss among otherwise impressive figures. The solar division has issued a profit warning.
There is nothing for solar in UK’s final pre-Brexit budget
Solar trade lobby group the STA has voiced its disapproval after Chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday announced plans to ease the tax burden on workers but had nothing to offer an industry which has seen a 95% fall in installations in three years.
Project targets nationwide tokenization of Estonian grid through blockchain
Blockchain innovator WePower and Estonian transmission system operator Elering have partnered to tokenize the Estonian grid using an Ethereum blockchain. The project is pilot, but its initiators say it could provide tangible data for bringing the technology to markets worldwide.
Allianz acquires 46 MW subsidy-free project in Portugal
Allianz Capital Partners, on behalf of German insurance company Allianz, has acquired a 46 MW solar PV project in Portugal.
