Australia gets first P2P green loan marketplace
With the $20 million financial backing of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), local lender RateSetter has launched Australia’s first peer-to-peer green bond lending platform connecting investors and borrowers with an eye on environmental sustainability.
Steady Q1 for JA Solar as revenue, shipments increase slightly YOY
The Tier-1 Chinese solar company saw its profit slip both sequentially and year-over-year, however, as lower average selling prices continued to fall. Company will seek opportunities to streamline operations moving forward.
Financing agreed for Sweihan mega project in Abu Dhabi
Chinese module manufacturer JinkoSolar announced the completion of financial negotiations for the 1.17 GW solar project to be built in Abu Dhabi. The project will be financed with $870 million and is expected to begin commercial operation in April 2019.
ARENA announces AUD $20m PV R&D funding round
In order to help reduce the future cost of solar PV, ARENA is set to launch its third competitive funding round for solar R&D.
Renewable energy employs 9.8m people globally – IRENA
Report by the International Renewable Energy Agency shows large increase in number of people employed in renewable energy sectors, led by solar PV, which accounts for 3.1 million jobs.
Siva Power secures investment for thin film facility
U.S thin film producer Siva Power has announced the completion of a $25 million investment round, which focuses on its solar module business, and continuing to build out its pilot line.
India: solar tax hike could increase power project prices, say industry heads
The 18% Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules could pose significant threat to around 10 GW of ongoing utility-scale solar projects, says Bridge to India.
Africa: solar power and Indian bilateral trade key routes to prosperity, says AfDB president
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina tells the media ahead of the bank’s Annual Meetings forum that Africa-India bilateral trade will reach $100bn by 2018, with solar power playing a prominent role in closer cooperation and boosting economic opportunities.
India hikes solar cell and module tax rate to 18%
The increased Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules is in part a response to the technology’s ability to “stand on its own two feet”, says energy minister.
RWE considering sale of minority stake in renewable energy unit Innogy to Engie, report
RWE and Engie could be intertwined soon. According to Reuters, the investment banks of both energy providers are currently examining different options. The article reports that RWE could sell to the French energy giant all of its majority stake in its renewable energy unit Innogy, or a part of it. Reuters cites the investment banks involved in the operation as a source.
