Rising hardware costs slow Covid recovery for off-grid solar sales
The global off-grid solar appliance market began an uneven recovery from the worst ravages of the global pandemic in the second half of last year, according to market body GOGLA, but more finance and policy support must be made available to have any chance of achieving universal electricity access this decade.
European Court: Renesola cells assembled into modules in India were correctly subject to EU anti dumping duty
The ruling was issued on Thursday after the matter was referred by a U.K. tax tribunal which, in March last year, upheld the U.S.-headquartered solar manufacturer’s claim the assembly of cells into panels is an important step, which should render such products Indian.
ESMC criticises lack of solar manufacturing in Euro recovery plans
The trade body has highlighted a lack of explicit PV industry support in EU member states which already host domestic manufacturers, such as Germany, France, Austria, Belgium and Lithuania, and says the focus on green hydrogen could exacerbate the solar trade deficit with Asia.
Abu Dhabi deepens investment in Uzbekistani solar
Masdar’s latest, 400 MW solar project win followed hot on the heels of the award of the contract to develop a 457 MW solar field elsewhere in the central Asian nation.
Applications open for Indian solar manufacturing incentive scheme
Companies can apply for incentives to set up gigawatt-scale solar factories in India. Applications can be submitted until June 30 and the list of successful recipients will be announced on July 26, with letters of award to be issued four days later.
Plans for $1bn solar-powered green hydrogen and ammonia in Abu Dhabi
Details are thin on the ground as yet, but Emirati newspaper The National has reported the port facility will be linked to an 800 MW solar field at the site.
Minister highlights Bangladesh’s lack of land for solar
Junior power minister Nasrul Hamid, speaking at a signing ceremony for a planned 100 MW project, warned technology would have to develop to require less surface area for solar modules, although he did say Dhaka would fund research into rooftop solar.
GCL shareholders to vote on further 670 MW of project sales
Shareholders will vote on whether to approve the sale of ten solar farms to generate $320 million towards paying down its heavy debt pile.
Solar dried up in North Africa during 2020
Politicians across the continent will have to decide between their heavily-indebted state utilities or embracing the energy transition, according to one energy analyst.
IEA highlights solar’s dependence on Chinese copper processing
The sheer volume of new power lines which will be required to accommodate the rising tide of solar installations ensures copper has been included by the International Energy Agency on its list of minerals which must keep flowing if the energy transition is to stay on course. And it’s not production that’s the potential bottleneck.
