The UK’s biggest balancing act
The nation’s electricity system operator said it wanted more energy storage facilities and to procure new stability products following a big power outage last year. Some 12 months on, the country’s biggest battery storage company has rolled up its sleeves to take on a new role.
Shedding light on amorphous silicon
Scientists in Europe took a very close look at the thin amorphous silicon layers used in heterojunction and tandem solar cells, building a full picture of the material’s structure at the nanoscale. Their findings could help scientists solve the long-standing mystery of light induced degradation.
Tokyo Gas issues green bond to fund acquisition of 694 MW of PV
The Japanese gas provider wants to acquire a 63.2 MW solar plant in Japan and a 631 MW PV facility in the United States. It has issued a JPY 10 billion ($95.9 million) green bond to finance these transactions and support its other operations.
World Bank allocates $50m credit for commercial solar panels in Brazil
The finance is being made available through Santander Brasil as part of an $8 billion global response to Covid-19.
Solar-powered hydrogen generation hub in Oman
Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone may become the Middle East’s first green hydrogen generation hub powered by several gigawatts of solar. The project is being supported by the Port of Rotterdam, which owns a 50% stake in the Omani port. Around 3.5 GW of PV is being planned for its area.
A virtual-oscillator-based control strategy for microgrids
Researchers have modeled how the combination of a virtual oscillator control mechanism and a cascaded sliding mode control can help regulate voltage and frequency in a distributed-solar microgrid.
‘EU law permits member states to amend or withdraw FIT payment terms’
An advocate general at the European Court of Justice has said Italy’s decision to amend the terms of signed, 20-year solar incentive contracts in 2014 does not conflict with European law.
Eswatini launches tender to deploy PV plant at international airport
The selected independent power producer will be awarded a 20-year PPA. The tendered solar plant will have a minimum capacity of 850 kW.
Spain to hold renewables auction this year
The Spanish government has introduced new rules to procure renewables via auctions. It will hold its third auction by the end of this year.
Mongolia seeks EPC contractors for 10 MW solar plant
The solar project, located in Altai, is being developed with the financial support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
