Moldova sets new approval process for power plants above 20 MW
Moldova’s Energy Minister, Victor Parlicov, says the new regulation will facilitate the authorization of renewable energy capacities, in particular those on the free market and without a support scheme, while also providing predictability for investors.
India can leverage its solar and storage edge to avoid power shortages
Large-scale solar-plus-storage is the main option left to avoid power shortages as such systems can be deployed much faster than new thermal and hydro assets. Recent gigawatt-scale solar-plus-storage auction results, with a record low price of INR 3.40 ($0.04)/kWh, show that such deployment will be highly economical, according to a new study from the University of California’s India Energy and Climate Center.
Tender kicks off for hydro-floating solar hybrid in Thailand
Thailand’s Electricity Generating Authority has opened a tender for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of a floating solar array to be built at a dam with an existing hydroelectric power station.
EU launches second cross-border solar, wind tender
A call for the EU’s second cross-border renewables tender has gone out and will remain open until March 4, 2025. Luxembourg is providing €52.4 million ($56.7 million), while Finland and Estonia have committed to installing solar and onshore wind on their territories.
Sales at Wacker Chemie’s polysilicon division fall by 55%
In the second quarter of 2023, the group still generated sales of €513 million from the sale of polysilicon, while this year revenue dropped to €232 million. Earnings fell even more, dropping by 65%.
Australian developer reveals plans for giant 3.4 GWh battery project
Libra Energy has unveiled its first major Australian renewables project, announcing plans to build an 850 MW / 3,400 MWh battery energy storage system in southeast Queensland to help soak up excess solar energy and stabilise the grid supply and demand during peak hours.
Clearway switches on its first battery storage retrofit in California
The 147MW/588MWh Rosamund Central battery energy storage project in Kern County, California, is paired with a 192 MW solar farm, which was completed in 2020.
Philippines announces renewables, energy storage auction
The Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) has said that energy storage and maximizing the country’s existing renewable energy infrastructure will be a major theme for its next green energy auction. GEA-4 will take place in the final quarter of 2024.
Croatia allocates 413.5 MW of PV in reneweables auction
The auction concluded with an average price of €0.056 ($0.065)/kWh for the PV technology.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Akcome provides update on restructuring process
The Chinese cell maker said its unit Zhejiang Akcome Photovoltaic Technology has received the green light for restructuring. However, if the reorganization is unsuccessful, the company will proceed to bankruptcy liquidation.
