Unlimited energy storage in Europe
Most studies of European 100% renewable energy overlook pumped-hydro energy storage (PHES), for the following, incorrect, reasons: there are few PHES sites; more dams on rivers are required; large areas of land are flooded; large amounts of water are required; there is a heavy environmental cost; and the capital cost of PHES is high. All these perceptions are wrong.
U.S. residential solar declined 31% in 2024
Wood Mackenzie reports that the United States installed around 4.7 GW of new residential PV capacity in 2024.
Belgium’s Wallonia region added 92 MW of solar in 2024
The rate of solar installations slowed in the Belgian region of Wallonia last year, as government incentives for residential solar came to an end. Brussels-based renewable energy federation Edora says deployment will need to accelerate across all market segments if the region is to meet its 2030 solar targets.
Solar panel glare temporarily cancels air traffic at Amsterdam Airport
On March 4, Schiphol’s Polderbaan Runway has been unavailable to landing traffic between 10 am and 12 pm in sunny weather due to glare from solar panels.
Rooftop solar could supply two-thirds of global power, study finds
Researchers at the University of Sussex have found that widespread deployment of rooftop solar could cover the vast majority of the world’s electricity consumption, while lowering global temperatures by up to 0.13 C.
France sharply reduces PV targets in draft energy program
In the latest version of the draft Pluriannual Energy Program, photovoltaic targets have been revised downwards: For 2035, they have been reduced from the 75 GW to 100 GW range to 65 GW to 90 GW. For 2030, the target would be 54 GW, the low end of the 54 GW to 60 GW range submitted for consultation at the end of 2024.
South African province launches agrivoltaics tender
South Africa’s Mpumalanga province is seeking developers to partner with its Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs to establish and operate agrivoltaics at selected sites, with applications due by April 10.
Heat pumps in Germany nearly twice as expensive as in UK
RWTH Aachen University conducted the price comparison in cooperation with Octopus Energy. The reasons are significantly different technical and regulatory requirements, but also the funding system.
India’s MNRE says imported silicon wafers do not meet domestic PV criteria
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has ruled that solar cells made with imported diffused silicon wafers, known as “blue wafers,” do not qualify for government programs requiring domestically manufactured PV cells.
Energy management systems key to helping residential customers navigate increasingly complex energy markets
Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) are emerging as essential tools, enabling consumers to navigate grid complexities, optimize energy usage, and contribute to a more resilient and low-carbon grid.
