Sparx completes 13 MW near Tokyo
Sparx Green Energy and Technology — a unit of Tokyo-based asset manager Sparx — has switched on a 12.8 MW solar project in eastern Japan. It claims that the installation — which stretches roughly 10 kilometres between Shiroi and Inzai, Chiba prefecture — is the “longest” PV project in Japan.
Solar Philippines to build 1 GW by 2018
Solar Philippines plans to finish building 1 GW of solar by next year, with roughly half of that capacity to be constructed outside of the Philippines.
Zorlu Energy to build MW-sized PV plants in Palestine
The Turkish company has signed a MoU with the Palestinian utility JDECO for the construction of an unspecified number of solar plants in the Middle Eastern region.
Ireland’s mitigation plan outlines incremental and permanent decarbonization steps
200-page plan proffers detailed breakdown of Ireland’s pathway towards decarbonization and greater energy efficiency by 2050. Key tenet is transition from centralized, fossil-fuel based electricity system to a low carbon power system. Green campaigners criticize plan’s lack of ambition.
New EU solar pricing proposal ‘divorces prices from reality’, says SolarPower Europe
Intended update for MIP by the European Commission’s DG Trade will set a pricing schedule for panels and cells on the European market that does not reflect market realities, trade body argues.
Coal provided just 2% of UK power in H1 2017
Just five years after meeting 40% of U.K.’s electricity supply, data from Imperial College London shows that coal only met 2% of the country’s power needs in the first half of the year.
Greece’s PPC utility targets 550 MW of new solar
Greece’s incumbent utility, the Public Power Corporation (PPC) has announced a target for new solar PV projects. The move, while justified, may come too late to save the PPC, which is trying to reduce its reliance on lignite and avoid bankruptcy.
Belgian region of Flanders sees first MW-sized PV project come online after revision of incentive program in 2013
A 2.2 MW rooftop PV array was installed on Nike’s distribution center in Ham. The facility will cover up to 15% of the building’s energy needs.
Hawaii regulators approve HECO’s 100% renewable energy plan
After years of trying to get utilities fully on board, HECO has issued a five-year plan to double solar and renewables on the road to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2040.
Iran pushes for more residential and commercial PV
The Iranian government is seeking to create awareness of the advantages of the FIT program for PV projects not exceeding 100 kW in size.
