Netherlands grid constraints becoming serious threat to solar
Three energy associations, including Holland Solar, have asked the Dutch parliament to take action amid worsening grid connection problems for renewable energy projects in the Netherlands. According to the energy groups, around 700 MW of solar and wind projects allocated under the SDE+ incentive program could lose their payments if they miss connection deadlines.
New methodology for assessing value of PV in uncertain markets
A new process is described as a tool to assess the value of deferring, relocating or abandoning PV projects under development in uncertain market conditions. Researchers say the model may help investors reconsider projects which could be prematurely rejected based on traditional analytical approaches.
Solar the only winner in German renewables tender
Some 37 solar projects with a combined generation capacity of 202 MW were assigned in a procurement round which was oversubscribed despite a lack of onshore wind bids.
Iraq plans second 750 MW solar tender
Raad Al Haris, an energy advisor to the prime minister, announced the idea at the Energy Transition in the Arab World conference held in Berlin this week. Al Haris also revealed the Iraqi government has pre-qualified 45 bidders for the first tender.
Iberdrola switches on 3 MWh battery in Spain
The project was realized by the i-DE distribution company of the Spanish electric utility. The large scale storage battery is intended to improve the quality of electricity supply with a focus on solar projects located nearby.
Saudi Arabia’s 300 MW Sakaka solar plant comes online
The PV facility was completed a month and a half ahead of schedule by Saudi energy company ACWA Power. The project will sell power at $0.0236/kWh.
EBRD to lend €183m to help Egypt connect 1.3 GW of renewables
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is offering the funds to Egypt’s transmission system operator to strengthen the country’s grid to host more renewable energy in anticipation of rising power demand over the coming decade.
Mitsubishi consortium to acquire Dutch utility Eneco
Publicly-owned power company Eneco has explored the possibility of an IPO since early 2017 and now appears set to pass into new ownership.
JinkoSolar supplies 950 MW to X-Elio for PV projects in Spain, Mexico
The Chinese solar manufacturer has delivered its ultra-high efficiency Cheetah 72 modules for 575 MW of capacity that X-Elio is developing in multiple locations across Spain, in addition to roughly 375 MW for two projects in the Mexican cities of Veracruz and Navojoa.
Clean energy must be rolled out six times faster
To have any hope of restricting global heating to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius, the renewables success story which saw 108 GW of solar deployed last year needs to be cranked up to the next level – and fast.
