Interview: after Saudi Arabia, how low can solar prices go?
The recent Saudi Arabian tender for 300 MW of solar PV saw a bid of $0.0178/kWh – the lowest price by far yet seen globally. Aymen Grira of French energy consultancy Altran discusses this bid, and explores the wider PV potential of the MENA region.
Doubling of global renewable capacity by 2030 could drive 66% storage cost reduction, IRENA says
The International Renewable Energy Agency calculates that storage capacity could triple by 2030 if current renewable energy capacity doubles, with battery prices potentially driven down by 66% from current levels.
Eon and Enel trade power using Blockchain technology for the first time
The two European utilities have set up a decentralized marketplace with other partners. The direct trade via Blockchain should help to save costs.
Russian scientists study potential of crystalline solvates for increasing efficiency of perovskite cells
Scientists at Moscow, Moscow State University (MSU) have explained how altering the ratio of components forming light absorbing layers of a perovskite solar cell influences the structure of created films and battery efficiency.
Ghana ratifies framework agreement on International Solar Alliance
Via the International Solar Alliance, the African country may soon have access to a portion of a $10 billion renewable energy credit facility from India, which is the driving force behind the alliance.
Scatec Solar closes financing on 197 MW in Malaysia
Norway’s Scatec Solar has wrapped up financing for three solar arrays it is developing in Peninsular Malaysia, by issuing a 1,000 million ringgit ($237 million) green Islamic bond. Construction has already started on the projects, which will be finished in the next few months.
Oil giant Total enters power business in France
The French oil company, which is also the largest shareholder of .U.S solar module manufacturer SunPower, will start a multimedia advertising campaign beginning on Oct. 8.
Haiti eliminates custom duties on imports of PV products
The new measure is included in the finance act for 2017-2018, which was approved by the Haiti Parliament in early September.
UK’s new Faraday Institution to invest £65m in energy storage research
As part of the government’s £246 million drive to augment its battery and energy storage knowledge and network, the new Faraday Institution will deliver steady funding to some of the country’s leading universities to support their storage research.
French solar glass maker Sunpartner opens new production facility
The company has secured €15 million in financing for the new factory from the European Investment Bank.
