The weekend read: Empowerment and energy in India
Gender issues: Energy access can be transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity for women’s empowerment through the integration of women into the energy supply chain, as well as supportive policies. Organizations in India are working to expand energy access and empower women by boosting incomes, expanding skills and strengthening self-confidence. Over time, these efforts will enable a woman to have greater influence over herself, her family, and her community.
Fitch: Despite policy concerns, outlook stable for US renewables
The credit ratings agency says that despite moves by the Trump Administration, the increasing competitiveness and predictable output of renewable energy still makes it a good bet.
India’s Karnataka issues 860 MW solar tender
The state’s Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) announces tender for 43 individual solar plants located in taluks – small districts dotted across the state of Karnataka.
Goa approves new solar policy
Under the new policy, the government of India’s smallest state is aiming to install around 150 MW of PV capacity by 2022.
All in: Utility PG&E signs energy storage deals totaling 165 MW
The most recent contracts, which still need to be approved by California regulators, are part of a state-mandated goal of adding 580 MW of storage by 2020.
Brazil launches $154 million fund for residential PV in the Amazon basin
The funds will be used to provide financing for residential PV projects across all of the nine states that form the so-called Amazônia Legal.
France reduces grid fees for residential and commercial PV
The grid fees will be lowered for all solar power generators not exceeding in size 5 MW, depending on the system size.
ISA launches three solar programs
The International Solar Alliance has launched three new solar programs: Scaling Solar Applications for Agriculture Use, Affordable Finance at Scale, and Scaling Solar Mini-grids. The programs will be under operations ahead of the ISA’s official accreditation on December 6.
US Senate approves tax bill with provision to hobble solar, wind tax credits
The bill will now be reconciled with the House version, which does not contain the BEAT provision. SEIA says that it has four Senators who support “fixes”, but was not able to get a modification to the Senate bill.
Request pushes back deadline for US solar tariff decision
The final deadline for President Trump to impose tariffs, quotas or other sanctions on solar imports will now be January 26, following a request by the U.S. Trade Representative for more information.
