Lebanon to launch 360 MW solar tender
The new tender will be issued as soon as the ongoing tender for 180 MW of solar projects has concluded. The new round will select another 24 large-scale solar projects, and will be open to bidders that failed to qualify for Round 1.
Brazil: DGPV system prices keep falling
According to a new report published by the consultancy Greener, PV system prices for distributed generation projects fell by 24% last year in Brazil. Total turnover of DG solar, meanwhile, was R $1.47 billion (approximately US$462 million). In other news, the country has joined IRENA.
Slovak homeowners want more solar and storage
In the first 2018 round for solar rebates, funds were allocated in just nine minutes. More than two thirds of the selected projects included a storage solution.
ECREEE launches scheme to create qualified solar workforce in West Africa
The scheme is being implemented with the support of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the German development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
French Development Agency issues tender for Benin’s first solar park
The 25 MW project is being financially supported by the European Union and the AFD with €60 million.
Ireland to issue grant aided pilot scheme for PV microgeneration this summer
The scheme, which was not included in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) unveiled by the Irish government in September, will initially be targeted at residential self-consumption.
China: Hengtong launches 100 MW solar PV plant on top of fish farm
The Chinese power and fibre optic cable maker and EPC contractor has unveiled a 100 MW solar power plant installed atop a fishpond.
Tesla shows interest in Chilean lithium
The head of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (Corfo), Eduardo Bitran said that Tesla may partner with local lithium manufacturer, SQM in the construction of a factory. The Chilean government and SQM have recently settled a dispute that began in 2014.
Section 201 solar tariffs to be felt across market segments (w/chart)
GTM Research has issued new details, which show that distributed solar installations will also see a more than 10% decline from the base case through 2022.
Chile: Plan for decommissioning of coal; solar to become primary energy source by 2030
The Chilean government said that existing coal power plants will be gradually closed, although by 2030, the fossil fuel is still expected to account for 25% of thermoelectric power production. Renewables, however, are forecast to cover the remaining 75%.
