Slovenia allocates €16 million for solar energy communities
Slovenia has set aside €16 million ($16.7 million) to support solar energy communities, requiring projects to include at least 100 kW of PV capacity, with or without storage. The program will run until 2027.
Turkey’s cumulative solar capacity doubles in 2.5 years to 19.6 GW
Ember, a London-based energy think tank, says in a new report that Turkey’s cumulative installed PV capacity has doubled to 19.6 GW in just two and a half years, driven by a surge in self-consumption projects.
Paloma Rheem to expand heat pump business with Fujitsu General deal
Heat pump manufacturer Paloma Rheem says it plans to acquire Fujitsu General. The transaction, which is set to conclude by July 2025, could expand Paloma Rheem’s market reach and drive innovation in integrated air and water solutions.
Public opinion matters to the success of solar planning
New research from the UK finds institutional actors have greatest influence over planning consent, however, public support also has a statistically significant impact. Improved public engagement from developers could bolster solar planning applications in England.
Switzerland installs 1.78 GW of PV in 2024
Switzerland’s cumulative installed solar power reached around 8 GW at the end of December 2024, following 1.78 GW of new capacity additions for the year.
European Commission opens consultation into non-price criteria for auctions
The European Commission is inviting the public to comment on how non-price criteria are specified in future renewable energy auctions. The call for feedback is open until Feb. 21, 2025.
Why and where solar PV succeeded in Arab Gulf states
A US-UAE research team has investigated how regulatory regimes impacted solar power deployment across six Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Their findings show that the predominant role of the state is expected to continue.
Trump’s $500 billion AI data-center project expected to be powered by solar
US President Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI data-center project, Stargate, could be powered in part by solar and energy storage from Softbank’s SB Energy, says Bloomberg.
UK government approves almost 1 GW of solar across two projects
West Burton and Heckington Fen solar and storage projects secure development consent orders from UK government. The two plants are latest in a line of major solar projects approved since the Labour government took office in July 2024.
‘My female leader was a great mentor and cheerleader, providing invaluable guidance’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Jeanette Pretorius, SVP Supply Chain at Norway’s Scatec ASA. Shey says that renewable energy companies must prioritize the need for more senior female leaders to promote greater equity. “Working for a company that leads in diversity and equity, I have not faced significant internal challenges. However, in external meetings, I often find myself the only woman at the table,” she states.
