Large-scale PV has positive environmental effect on desert areas
Researchers from China found that big solar power plants have a positive positive impact on the ecological environment of desert areas. Their testing was conducted at a 1 GW solar park located in China’s northeastern Qinghai province.
MCPV moves forward with 4 GW solar cell factory in the Netherlands
MCPV, a Netherlands based cell manufacturer, has secured €4.2 million ($4.6 million) of Dutch government support for a 4 GW solar cell plant to be built in the town of Veendam. It has also obtained electricity supply commitments for initial production lines and future expansion.
Australian gas utility hits 10% renewable hydrogen blend milestone
Western Australian gas utility ATCO Australia has achieved a network distribution blend of up to 10% renewable hydrogen, produced by a solar-powered electrolyzer, for 3,000 homes.
India allocates 1.2 GW of renewables-plus-storage at average of $0.051/kWh
SJVN has allocated 1.2 GW of renewables-plus-storage capacity in India at an average price of $0.051/kWh for firm, dispatchable renewable energy.
Heliene secures $54 million investment to expand US manufacturing
Heliene has obtained a $54 million investment from Transition Equity Partners to expand its solar cell and module production in the United States.
Construction begins on South Africa’s first city-run solar plant
The city of Cape Town, South Africa, has started building a 7 MW solar plant that it will own and operate. It has also launched a tender for a 5 MW/8 MWh battery energy storage system to be built at the same site.
Lebanese sources confirm just one damaged PV array after reports of blasts
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) has reported that “several” solar arrays have been linked to a second wave of electronic-device explosions across the nation, but local sources have thus far only identified one damaged PV system, which they said was likely affected by external factors.
Better Energy signs PPA for new solar park in Finland
Better Energy says it has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for its first solar park in Finland. It will build the 38 GW project on a former parking lot in southern Finland.
Czechia planning retroactive cuts to feed-in tariffs for PV systems
The Czech government is trying to retroactively reduce feed-in tariffs (FITs) granted for PV projects between 2006 and 2013. The local solar sector has criticized the move, claiming that it could incite panic among investors.
New Zealand steps up approvals process for large-scale PV projects
Ten large-scale solar farms planned for New Zealand’s North and South islands are among 22 renewable energy projects with a combined capacity of 3 GW that have been listed for inclusion in the government’s “one-stop shop” fast-track approvals process.
