U.S. authorities unveil plan to develop solar on 31 million acres
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) said the plan intentionally drives development closer to transmission lines or on previously disturbed lands to avoid protected lands, sensitive cultural resources and important wildlife habitat.
Assessing floating PV costs across Europe
Researchers have analyzed the viability of floating PV in terms of net present value, internal rate of return, and LCOE. They included 25 European countries in their work, including Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.
‘Retention isn’t just about accommodating maternity leave’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Laure-Aline Baheux, Power & Renewables BL Manager at Omexom – Vinci Energies. She says companies must ask why they need more women, and reflect on the challenges of recruiting and retaining them. “It’s essential to adapt job offers and career paths. For instance, recognizing that women often apply only when they meet more qualifications than men,” she states.
Solar module installations could hit 592 GW in 2024
BloombergNEF says the global solar industry will install 592 GW of modules this year, up 33% on 2023. The consultancy has also lowered its estimate for 2024 polysilicon production, as manufacturers are temporarily scaling back output.
Australian solar generation soars 21% in 2022-23 period
The Australian government’s Energy Update 2024 shows that solar generation grew 21% in the 2022-23 period and is 11 times higher than a decade ago, jumping 3% in each of the past two years.
Dutch scientists assess consumers’ willingness to pay for renewable heating
A survey of 1,797 residents was used to determine the willingness to pay for low-carbon residential heating in the Netherlands. On average, respondents were willing to pay a premium of 33% for electricity-based heating. Policy recommendations were also provided as part of the study.
Sweden adds 460 MW of solar in H1
Sweden installed 460 MW of solar in the first half of 2024, following a record deployment year in 2023. However, market growth has been sluggish due to lower electricity prices and uncertainty around green tax deductions for batteries, according to Svensk Solenergi.
Air Products signs 10-year solar PPA in Taiwan
Industrial gas supplier Air Products has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) in Taiwan, under which its Taiwanese unit, Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd., will source solar energy from Tatung Forever Energy.
Metals producer signs PPA in Zambia
Jubilee, a UK-based diversified metals producer, has signed a three-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Zambia’s Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Co. The agreement will power two of Jubilee’s sites in Zambia.
The future of net metering in Pakistan
A report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) sets out policy recommendations for the government of Pakistan if it is to replace net metering with net billing.
