Markets & Policy

Renewable energy project now provides Kings Lynn-based KL Technologies with 80% of its power requirements.

Taking place in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the industry confab brings together global industry representatives and established local players eager to exploit the country’s abundant solar resourcs.

The Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii) is developing an investment vehicle to support renewable energy projects in the MENA region, which Dii says will reach 3.3 GW of RE capacity by 2015.

Solar manufacturer Jiangsu Shunfeng has announced details of its planned acquisition of Wuxi Suntech. If successful, the move would consolidate Cheng Kin Ming’s position in Chinese solar.

Less was more that this year’s PV Taiwan confab in Taipei, where attendees noted a greater number of higher level executives and more serious engagement among participants as overall business improves.

The EU’s Joint Research Center says three metals used in the solar industry are at risk of shortages. China’s stranglehold of raw materials could mean problems ahead for Europe.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy says grid-connected solar in the country has passed the 2 GW point. Wind power still dominates the sector with 19.8 GW installed.

German inverter manufacturer SMA says it will not break even in 2013, thanks to European downturn. But SMA’s acquisition of Zeversolar is expected to help the company to brighter times ahead.

A grassroots movement had sought to amass enough votes to ensure a state buy-back of the city electricity grid, currently operated by Swedish energy group Vattenfall. The effort lost by a narrow margin.

The cluster of three solar projects is located in the Lisbon, Setubal and Evora regions of the country, with Martifer Solar responsible for all operations.