Will the green hydrogen dream take shape?
After a global flurry of green hydrogen announcements, fuel cell company insolvencies, and a sharp market reassessment, solar developers are questioning near-term green hydrogen demand. pv magazine’s Carrie Hampel takes a look at the international landscape.
European Solar Manufacturing Council urges Borussia Dortmund not to use JA Solar modules
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has criticized Borussia Dortmund’s decision to install 11,000 JA Solar panels on its stadium roof, citing the supplier’s exclusion from the US market over alleged links to forced labor. JA Solar responded to these accusations stating that SolarPower Europe’s Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) previously investigated its supply chain and found that it didn’t violate the SSI Principles
Hungary adds 1.4 GW of solar in 2024
Utility-scale solar accounted for around half of new solar in Hungary last year, but with no new connection permits for large-scale projects over the last two years, this market segment is predicted to slow in the coming years.
‘Diverse teams drive better outcomes’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Katherine Vinnicombe, Managing Director BESS at Italy’s Innovo. She says that women entering renewables today have a smoother path than it was a decade ago, although still far from equitable. “Recognizing your presence in decision-making discussions is essential. It normalizes diversity for those who follow,” she states.
Poland’s $1 billion energy storage subsidy scheme opens for applications
The call for applications for the Electricity Storage and Related Infrastructure Programme, aimed at enhancing the stability of the Polish power grid, will remain open until May 30, 2025.
How Trump’s widespread tariffs affect the U.S. solar industry
Tariffs of 10% are applied to most products from most countries, but energy and energy products, steel, and aluminum are exempt, as tariffs have already been applied.
PV curtailment jumps 97% in Germany in 2024
Solar curtailment increased by 97% in Germany last year, driven by rapid growth in PV deployment and unusually high solar radiation in the summer, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
Switzerland unveils remuneration levels for C&I solar tenders
Switzerland’s government has outlined remuneration levels for its upcoming tenders on PV systems over 150 kW, set to open in mid-April.
Alight, Autoliv sign Finland’s largest PPA to date
Swedish solar developer Alight has signed a 100 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Autoliv for Finland’s largest PPA to date. The solar park, set for construction in Eurajoki, will be operational by 2026.
Germany’s 50Hertz opens up reactive power market to renewables, battery storage
With regulator the Federal Network Agency requiring grid companies to tender for the provision of the reactive power needed to maintain network voltage, electricity transmission system operator (TSO) 50Hertz has stolen a lead on its rivals.
