European Court of Justice censors European Commission approval of UK capacity market
With Theresa May’s government in full scale revolt this week over Brexit, the ECJ’s ruling that the European Commission wrongly failed to find fault with the UK capacity market mechanism four years ago, is likely to have Brexiteers on both sides of parliament frothing at the mouth with indignation.
UK Government: ‘The devil is in the details’ for allowing RE in Capacity Market
A conference held this week in London shed light on the U.K. Government’s timeline for reviewing its Capacity Market and Contracts for Difference schemes, and what the changes could mean for renewable – and specifically solar PV – energy projects.
Argentina launches 400 MW mini renewables auction
Some 350 MW will be divided between wind and solar for projects of 500 kW to 10 MW in scale. The ceiling price for solar and wind has been set at $60/MWh.
African Energy Data Book launched
Africa Energy, a U.K. based consultancy has launched the African Energy Data Book, which it claims is the first attempt to track the continent’s electricity capacity in a single volume. PV Magazine attended the unveiling of the book.
US energy firm AES commits to 70% carbon reduction in climate scenario report
The utility giant is preparing for a greener future with plans to cut carbon emissions, while integrating increasing levels of renewable generation and energy storage.
Canada’s Alberta raises budget for solar rebates
The Canadian province will provide an additional CA$7.5 million for projects run by municipalities, while offering more advantageous conditions for businesses and non-profits.
Spain wants 100% renewable electricity by 2050 as part of climate change strategy
The Law on Climatic Change being prepared by the Spanish government provides greenhouse gas emissions be reduced by 20% compared to 1990 levels in 2030, and that the electric system has 70% generation from renewable energy sources. By 2050, the targets will be raised to 90% and 100%, respectively.
IHS revises up outlook for Chinese solar to 40 GW after underestimating demand
Around 34.5 GW of PV was installed in China in the first three quarters – 1.5 GW more than expected by IHS analysts, who have raised their full-year guidance.
German government devotes €1bn to battery cell production
The Federal Ministry of Economics has published further details of possible battery cell production on a gigawatt scale. At the Networking Conference Electromobility 2018 in Berlin this week, Minister Peter Altmaier stressed the urgency of the project, for Germany and Europe to be independent of Asia and the US in storage technology.
Extent of India’s new utility-scale solar has almost halved in six months
India added 1.2 GW of large-scale projects in the third quarter of 2018-19, taking new capacity in the first half to 1.9 GW. The numbers are down 43% and 44%, respectively, on the same periods of the previous year, according to Bridge to India’s quarterly India Solar Compass.
