OPG finishes 44 MW of solar in Ontario
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has completed the Nanticoke solar project on schedule and according to budget. The array has been built at the former Nanticoke Generating Station site, on the shores of Lake Erie near the town of Port Dover.
Solargiga posts sharp net loss in 2018
Solargiga Energy Holdings has posted a net loss of CNY 222.4 million ($33.08 million) for 2018, a sharp reversal from the CNY 107.5 million net profit it recorded in the preceding 12-month period.
NDB to provide $180m to Eskom for grid development
The New Development Bank has agreed to offer a $180 million loan with sovereign guarantee to Eskom. The utility, which is based just outside of Johannesburg, plans to build new infrastructure to integrate 670 MW of unspecified renewables into the South African grid.
Philippines lowers FIT levy
The country’s energy regulator has decided to reduce the levy that finances the FIT program for renewable energy from P 0.2563/kWh to P 0.2226 ($0.004)/kWh. The lower levy is expected to go into effect next month.
Australian government unveils $35.7m pot to power remote communities
Australia’s Coalition government has announced funding to support up to 50 off-grid and fringe-of-grid feasibility studies that will investigate whether building a microgrid is cost-effective and whether existing off-grid capabilities can be upgraded with more up-to-date technology.
Japan’s METI cuts C&I FIT by 22%
It is official: METI has cut the feed-in tariff for Japan’s C&I solar segment by 22% to roughly $0.13/kWh.
EBRD spearheads effort to auction off renewables in Azerbaijan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has issued an open call to hire a consulting firm to help the government of Azerbaijan to design and launch auctions for renewable energy.
European Parliament approves electricity market design proposal
The European Parliament has approved the final four pieces of legislation in a proposal from the European Commission. With that, the Clean Energy for All Package is now complete and is only waiting for support from the Council of Ministers.
India to open bids for $5bn of new transmission lines
In response to feedback from the domestic renewable energy sector, the Indian government has revealed plans to launch $5 billion of tenders for new transmission lines, starting in phases from this summer.
China, US and India drive energy demand up by 70% — IEA
Global electricity demand rose by 4% in 2018, nearly twice as fast as overall energy demand, as consumption edged up by 2.3%, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). Renewables accounted for 45% of the growth in generating capacity.
