Magazine Archive 04 – 2024 | From the ground up

There has been a strong European contribution to solar’s record run as the continent has battled high energy prices and fear of scarcity by piling on modules. Easy wins were won before “grid congestion” was even a well-known phrase, leading to a struggle with electricity system operators to allow grid connections. PV projects are now ready to go but getting their power into the grid is another matter.

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) was launched amid an energy crisis and a European ban on products suspected to have been made with forced labor, in order to help the industry meet transparency and sustainability goals, as demand for renewables continues to soar.

The gigawatt-scale Benban project showcases Egypt’s solar potential and premium prices for gas exports make the case for a more diverse energy mix. A nation with grand renewables targets – but slow installation rates – may finally be weaning itself off fossil fuel resources.

With Central Asian nations facing a looming energy deficit, calls have been made for the region to take a unified approach, rather than each state focusing on the development of its own solar industry.

Greece has grand plans for an interconnector network that runs from the Middle East through to the heart of Europe. pv magazine examines the latest developments on the road to a Mediterranean super grid and what it might mean for the regions involved.

The World Bank has committed $1.4 billion to finance solar minigrids in 29 countries. A philanthropic initiative backed by $1 billion in commitments from the Rockefeller, Ikea, and Bezos foundations is also working in seven low-income countries to develop such small PV networks.

Open agrivoltaic installations are proving their worth in the field but as inter-row and raised PV installations grow in prominence, could integrating solar with greenhouses reward innovation, or shatter expectations?

As the Australian authorities launch rolling tenders for 32 GW of renewables and storage by 2030, it has become clear that some communities, including locals around pv magazine reporter Bella Peacock’s hometown, have not been brought onside. Heated debate on social media and a frenzy stoked by concerns about the impact on the natural environment are throwing up hurdles for renewables development.

Starting an energy community typically requires many actors, a lot of effort, and the negotiation of complex permitting and implementation processes. Italy is an early mover and new legislation to streamline the process could soon drive an increase in energy community volume.

With just over 6 GW of community solar installed in the United States, and a goal of 20 GW by 2025, states with strong policy support are seeing rapid growth in a market that could bring solar to all.