Energy demand growth doubles in 2017; wind, solar see a banner year – IEA
As global energy demand went up by 2.1% in 2017, more than twice that of 2016, renewables saw the highest growth rate of any energy source, meeting a quarter of global energy demand. According to preliminary estimates from the IEA, solar PV accounted for 27% of the growth in renewables-based power output last year.
Somalia lays ground for solar development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Somalia has issued a Request for Proposals for the financing of a skills development program in the solar energy sector in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa.
Spain has 24 GW of solar projects under review
Investments in new large-scale solar energy projects in Spain are expected to surpass €4 billion over the next two years. Meanwhile, the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha is planning to reduce the timeframe for the authorization process for solar and renewables from 12 to nine months.
Kosovo embarks on renewables path
Although the Balkan country has recently approved the construction of a new coal power plant, Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj has said he intends to open the energy market to solar and wind power, an action that was recommended by the EU a year earlier.
Northwest Europe could install 60 GW of subsidy-free renewables by 2030, report finds
Aurora Energy Research report calculates as much as €180 billion renewable investment opportunities in the region through to 2030, of which €64 billion could be for subsidy-free projects.
No deal: US rejects EU’s WTO request for softer tariffs on solar
Joint communication between the European Union and the U.S. reveals that Washington has not agreed with suggestions from Brussels that EU solar imports were not causing any serious injury and thus should be subjected to a less penalizing tariff.
PV has the lowest LCOE in Germany, finds Fraunhofer ISE
According to Fraunhofer ISE experts, PV’s Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) currently ranges between €0.0371 and €0.1154 per kWh in Germany. The potential for further cost reductions is vast, the researchers add.
Europe to add 11 GW of solar in 2018, IHS Markit says
The analysts forecast further solar growth for this year, with the Spanish market expected to become Europe’s fifth-largest in 2018.
The 9th ITRPV: Module price pressure to continue as production capacity tops 130 GWp, price learning curve rises to 22.8%
Annual International Roadmap for Photovoltaics, compiled by the German production equipment industrial association (VDMA), reveals slowdown in module price reduction for 2017 in contrast to significant market increase that saw module production capacity rise above 130 GW.
Acciona breaks ground on 186 MW of solar in Egypt
The Spanish renewable energy company is building three solar facilities at the Benban complex in partnership with Saudi company, Swicorp. The installations will rely on solar modules provided by Chinese manufacturer, Astronergy and trackers from the Spanish provider, STI Norland.
