Solar pioneer Pierre Verlinden: The big problem is apathy
On the first day of this year’s EU PVSEC conference, veteran solar researcher Pierre J Verlinden won the Becquerel Prize for Outstanding Merits in Photovoltaics. The award recognized more than 40 years as a leading PV researcher in academia and at leading companies including Sunpower and Trina Solar. Its recipient spoke to pv magazine about what is needed from solar to stave off catastrophic climate change.
Hybrid solar and micro-grids for Guyana
The nation’s cabinet has approved new contracts for solar projects under net metering rules across several regions. Investments include solar micro-grids for disconnected areas, grid-tied installations and hybrid projects.
Brazil sets $51/MWh solar ceiling price in A-6 auction
Some 29.7 GW worth of PV project capacity will compete in the procurement on October 18. Selected solar projects will have to begin delivering power in 2025 and will be awarded a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Enel pegs $1.5bn bond to clean energy performance
The Italian energy company has committed to paying higher returns on today’s fundraising bond if it fails to ramp up its installed renewable energy generation capacity to 55% of its overall total by the end of 2021.
Lithuanian energy ministry issues timeline for renewables auctions
The Baltic nation is heavily dependent on energy imports. A plan for energy independence by 2050 foresees the large scale deployment of renewable energy resources.
Singulus lowers outlook after delayed CNBM order
The German PV equipment provider will not achieve the sales and earnings targets set for this year. CNBM is not expected to place orders for the expansion of its CIGS thin-film production operations in China until the fourth quarter.
Zimbabwe launches 235 MW solar tender
The Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe has issued a request for proposal to seek partners for the development and construction of seven solar parks, with a combined generation capacity of 235 MW, plus two mini-hydro power projects.
Eric Luo: China will see just 20-25 GW of solar per year through 2025
The GCL System chief executive made comments that fly in the face of an expected solar gold rush in China that analysts predict will start this month. Though rising overseas demand will address overcapacity fears, according to Luo, the soundbite is sure to chill PV boardrooms across the world’s biggest solar market.
State-owned Panda Green set to open new credit lines
The debt-saddled developer has announced it is now almost 63% owned by Chinese state entities and is seeking to refinance its debt pile with new long-term arrangements, take on fresh debt and issue more shares.
Colombian renewables auction attracts 53 bids from 27 companies
Canadian Solar, Acciona, Enel, EDF, Solarpack and Trina are among the contenders to develop large scale renewables projects. Some 26 power distributors are participating in the procurement as buyers.
