Google signs first solar PPA in Asia
Global technology giant Google this week announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase the output from a 10 MW PV installation in Tainan City, Taiwan, to power its Changhua County data center on the island’s west coast. The agreement represents Google’s first move to procure renewable energy anywhere in Asia, and the first agreement made since a recent change to Taiwan’s Electricity Act allowed non-utility companies to buy renewable energy directly.
Sungrow on the MENA market: “Of course, the bigger, the better”
Having equipped a three-digit MW volume of large scale and distributed generation projects throughout the region, Sungrow is ready for a rapid regional expansion. EMEA general manager Derek Huang told pv magazine at the World Future Energy Summit about his expectations across all market segments.
“Germany’s new 4 GW solar tenders are a huge opportunity”
Germany’s new energy law includes tenders for large-scale PV that could bring around 4 GW of new capacity online. Carsten Körnig, MD of the German Solar Association, told pv magazine the tenders could generate turnover of up to €4.5 billion for EPC contractors.
PV Info Link: Jinko the largest module maker of 2018
According to the Taiwanese analysts, JA Solar was number two, followed by Hanwha Q-Cells and Trina Solar in joint third. The ten largest module makers met around 70% of demand, with 66 GW of shipments.
It’s all in the electrons – Japanese scientists give perovskites a push
Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have developed a process for the creation of perovskite cells with better than 20% efficiency. The cells use a tin-oxide electron transport layer, which the scientists say can triple their operational lifetime.
Will Colombia’s renewable energy auction set a new bar for the market?
Colombia is blessed with an abundance of natural resources. According to data from the Colombia’s National Mining and Energy Planning Unit, UPME and the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), hydro potential is estimated at 56 GW countrywide, while solar is close to 42 GW and wind 15 GW in the Guajira region alone. Today, hydroelectric sources make up 65% of the energy mix, while wind and solar account for just 0.11% and 0.06%, respectively. As these numbers underscore, Colombia has barely scratched the surface of its renewable potential.
EU clean energy transition receives an €800 million boost
The funds will come from the Connecting Europe Facility. Around €504 million will be used for electricity infrastructure and smart grids and another €286 million will be devoted to gas. The remaining €9 million will be allocated to studies on the development of carbon dioxide transport infrastructure.
Toyota and Panasonic to form EV battery joint venture
The deal foresees 3,500 employees from both companies joining the unit, as well as equipment and production facilities to be used to improve battery technologies and develop next-generation solutions.
Brazilian energy regulator recommends keeping incentives for distributed solar
Although power companies have urged the new administration of Jair Bolsonaro to reduce incentives for net metered solar distributed generation, ANEEL has proposed maintaining them until PV reaches a certain proportion of the electricity sector.
Panda Green – shareholder’s daughter appointed non-exec director
Economics graduate Xie Yi is the daughter of shareholder He Bing, whose BVI-registered Asia Pacific Energy and Infrastructure Investment Group Ltd are preparing to acquire a 6.49% stake in the enlarged business, on top of He’s existing holding.
