Obama renews oath of office and "obligation" to sustainable energy
Following a presidential campaign during which climate change was acknowledged only with respect to how the severe weather might affect the candidates schedules for the day, sustainable energy finally featured prominently in Barack Obamas 15 minute inaugural Speech on Monday, January 21. The address was delivered in front of close to 750,000 Americans on the National Mall in Washington, DC.
Greece: 48 of Thessaloniki’s schools go solar
The Municipality of Thessaloniki, the second biggest city in Greece, announced recently that it will install photovoltaic systems on the roofs of a total 50 municipal buildings. 48 of these are public schools.
Australia: Belectric to build 5 MW plant
German EPC and project developer Belectric has announced its move into the Australian utility scale market, with an agreement to construct a 5 MW power plant in the north west of the state Victoria. The location of Mildura had previously been selected for a large photovoltaic project which has not gone ahead.
Chinas increasing PV consumption
While President Obama’s remarks about supporting renewable energy grabbed headlines, data is emerging which is confirming Chinas increasing role as an end market for photovoltaic modules, according to industry analysts NPD Solarbuzz. In Q4 2012, China consumed 33% of global shipments, according to the report.
Gehrlicher completes Spanish self-consumption system
German-based EPC and photovoltaic developer Gehrlicher Solar has announced the completion of a 30 kW off grid system in Spain, to supply a small community. While relatively small, the installation is indicative of a growing trend of grid parity or self-consumption installations in the Spanish market and further afield.
Republicans criticize renewable subsidies to 'foreign' firms
President Obama’s plans to extend a US$16 billion renewables stimulus package for another year are set to be another bone of contention in his ongoing battle with the U.S.’ Republican-dominated Congress.
US losing its share of $1tn global solar revenues
A report into the future of the U.S. clean energy industry has called upon President Obama and Congress to introduce measures to ensure the country does not fall further behind in the global renewable energy revolution.
Chile prepares to add 2.2 GW of solar power generation
Chile’s National Energy Commission (CNE) says it is feasible to connect up to 2.2 GW of solar plants to the national grid over the next 15 years, in a newly published plan for the expansion of the national transmission system.
Oil price driving PV development in the Middle East
U.S. solar module manufacturer-turned-plant-developer First Solar is targeting the Middle East and north Africa as a growth market as oil and gas-rich nations look to reduce their domestic reliance on such fuels to maximize export returns.
Polysilicon price could rise in March slightly
There are indications falling polysilicon production is starting to address the long-standing global oversupply and helping the price of the solar material stabilize, according to consultants IHS i-Suppli.
