Vietnam opens energy market to bilateral PPAs
The Vietnamese government issued new rules this week allowing direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) between independent power producers (IPPs) and energy consumers, according to state-owned media. IPPs can now sell power to final clients via the national grid or direct connection lines.
Rio Tinto building more solar at mining sites
Multinational mining company Rio Tinto has finished installation work at the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada and has announced plans for two 5.25 MW plants at a bauxite mine in Australia’s Northern Territory.
Weather standstill limits European solar production in June
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that, while in June Western Europe experienced below-average irradiance, Eastern Europe and the Balkans in particular saw a notable increase, resulting from persistent and static weather patterns.
India launches several green hydrogen tenders
Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals has started accepting bids to build, own, and operate a green hydrogen plant to supply 10 kilotons per annum (ktpa( of green hydrogen. It says it will sign a 25-year gas purchase agreement with the successful bidder.
Wafer prices stable-to-soft on weak demand
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Spain authorizes 7.2 GW of new PV projects
The Spanish authorities have approved 7.2 GW of new PV projects so far this year, with 3.1 GW authorized in the second quarter alone.
China could lead the world to net zero
China, with an 18% share of the global population, uses 26% of the world’s primary energy and emits 33% of the world’s energy-related CO2. The energy transition unfolding in the country isn’t merely a national affair as its ramifications echo globally, explains Mahnaz Hadizadeh, a researcher for consultancy DNV.
Bolivian president ties coup attempt to nation’s lithium interests
Bolivian soldiers sparked controversy last week by questioning President Luis Arce, prompting allies of the ruling party, including former President Evo Morales, to describe the incident as a “self-coup.” However, Arce has blamed the the situation on entities interested in exploiting Bolivia’s lithium reserves.
South Africa imposes 10% import tariff on solar panels
The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) has imposed a 10% import tariff on solar panels to protect local manufacturers, attract investment, and deepen the value chain. The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association has questioned the lack of formal industry engagement, calling the timing “not ideal.”
Colombia’s PV capacity hits 1.2 GW
Colombia’s Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) says the country’s PV capacity has reached 1,193 MW. The nation surpassed the 1 GW threshold several weeks ago with the commissioning of two large-scale solar facilities.
