Ireland: interest grows in large-scale solar
Irish power utility EBS and wind specialist Bord na Móna are planning a giant solar project across three counties in the middle of Ireland. Meanwhile, large-scale PV projects with a combined capacity of 1.47 GW were submitted to the local grid operator for approval.
Italy installed 84 MW of PV in first quarter 2017
The southern European country added new PV systems totaling 32.6 MW in March. Meanwhile, solar covered around 8.8% of Italy’s electricity demand last month, and 5.8% in the first three months of this year.
Mexico: government of Jalisco commissions 8 MW merchant solar plant
The PV plant is one of the country’s first merchant solar projects after the energy reform was introduced. The project’s required investment was $14 million.
Brazil assesses potential of hybrid solar-wind power plants
The assessment was conducted by Brazil’s energy agency Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE). These projects are expected to be particularly suitable to regions with a low degree of grid integration.
Indonesia: new policy scheme and PV projects
Indonesia recently brought in a new renewable energy law that changes the remuneration tariffs for renewable energy projects, including solar PV systems. Furthermore, the country’s state-owned utility recently signed agreements for new photovoltaic capacity.
Germany: several Chinese PV manufacturers face legal action for circumventing duties
According to media reports, several Chinese solar module manufacturers will face legal actions for illegal trade of PV products in Germany. For one of these cases, approximately €110 million in tax frauds is reported. The court of Nürnberg-Fürth in southern Germany has already launched prosecutions related to the matter for four persons.
China extends antidumping and anti-subsidy duties on polysilicon imported from EU
Mocfom’s decision to extend antidumping and anti-subsidy duties on polysilicon imported from the EU is likely a reaction to the 18-month extension of the EU duties on Chinese solar modules. German polysilicon maker Wacker Chemie had previously agreed a minimum import price with China.
UK adds 111 MW of solar in Q1 2017
Great Britain installed 111 MW of new PV systems in the first three months of this year, according to provisional BEIS statistics. The country’s cumulative capacity now surpasses 11.85 GW.
Jamaica targets $300 million renewable energy investments
The Caribbean country is seeking to accelerate its transition to clean energies, and to benefit from funds from the Green Climate Fund. Meanwhile, the government is also seeking to improve net metering for residential and commercial PV.
Pacifico starts building 258 MW in western Japan
The Tokyo-based developer has begun construction on what it claims will be Japan’s biggest PV project upon completion in September 2019.
