India’s MNRE says imported silicon wafers do not meet domestic PV criteria
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has ruled that solar cells made with imported diffused silicon wafers, known as “blue wafers,” do not qualify for government programs requiring domestically manufactured PV cells.
Italy strikes down Sardinian moratorium on renewables
The decision is significant, as “it sets out principles whose scope exceeds the issue of the moratorium, affirming the unconstitutionality of regional regulations that conflict with the decarbonization objectives established at the European and national level,” says attorney Claudio Vivani.
Bangladesh’s PV tenders fail to attract investors
Bangladesh’s tenders for 41 solar power plants totaling 2.63 GW have failed to draw any bids, as investors are holding back from projects launched between December and January.
Africa’s solar capacity forecast to double over next four years
A report from the Global Solar Council says Africa’s solar deployment is set to accelerate in the coming years, but stresses that mobilizing finance and strong regulatory frameworks will be required to attract investors.
UK regulator reveals criteria for long-duration storage
Long duration energy storage (LDES) support scheme will have eight-hour minimum. First application round opens to well-established technologies, such as lithium-ion battery technology, with at least 100 MW capacity in April 2025. Flow batteries, compressed air, and liquid air likely to progress in second round, says regulator.
India’s 1.2 GW wind-solar hybrid tender concludes with price of $0.039/kWh
Adani Renewable Energy has secured the largest slice of 600 MW. Other winners include Mahindra Susten (240 MW), Avaada (210 MW) and Sprng Energy (150 MW).
France concludes C&I rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.0982/kWh
The French authorities have concluded a commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV tender with an average price of €0.0982 ($0.1067)/kWh. The government allocated 220 MW of PV capacity in total.
EU approves aid for 1.5 GWh storage rollout in Czechia
The aid will take form of direct grants which will cover up to 50% of the investment cost of supported projects.
China’s power reform could boost solar module demand, prices, says S&P Global
Analysis by S&P Global suggests new power pricing measures in China could bring a rush of new installations in the country during the first half of the year and lead to an increase in solar module prices first domestically, then internationally.
Canada deploys 314 MW of solar in 2024
Canada installed 314 MW of solar in 2024, bringing its cumulative installed PV capacity to more than 5 GW, says the Canadian Renewable Energy Association.
