‘Investment in nickel production needs to happen now’
Rather than helping electric vehicle take-up by driving down costs to parity with traditional engines, the low price of nickel at the moment is deterring investors and could cause a supply shortage that holds back electromobility in a few years’ time.
EU coal regions could deploy 730 GW of PV while retaining employment rates, study finds
A study performed by the Joint Research Center of the European Commission has identified serious solar potential in Europe’s coal regions. According to the study, the transition to PV would also allow for similar full time employment equivalents as that of the coal industry.
Miasolé hits 20.56% efficiency with flexible CIGS technology
California based Hanergy subsidiary Miasolé has broken its own internal record for thin film cell efficiency, surpassing the 20% mark. The efficiency of 20.56% on a flexible substrate has been confirmed by U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Ecuador to kick-off 500 MW renewables auction
Through the procurement exercise, the Ecuadorian government will select wind, solar and mini hydropower projects. Selected developers will be granted a 25-year PPA, while the sole off-taker of the generated energy will be state-owned utility Corporacion Electrica de Ecuador, S.A. (CELEC).
Poland launches €235 million solar rebate program
The Mój Prąd scheme will be open to residential rooftop PV projects ranging in size from 2 kW to 10 kW. Furthermore, the Polish Parliament approved a new act that will allow for the wind and solar auctions planned for this and next year to move forward.
Eni plans Italy’s first utility scale floating PV plant of 14 MW
Italy’s first floating PV installation is scheduled to be located at an artificial water basin in Brindisi, in the southern region of Apulia.
Embattled Singyes Solar outlines debt restructuring plan
The project developer and BIPV maker wants creditors to agree to postpone settlement of their debts for three years and will offer a financial incentive – provided a proposed Chinese state-backed bailout is voted through by its shareholders.
Small solar parks appear in Sweden
pv magazine‘s delve into unsung solar markets continues with a look at Sweden. While its installation numbers are small, solar in the Scandinavian nation has developed steadily, and megawatt scale installations are beginning to appear.
PV license fever in Greece continues
Applications to generate electricity from solar plants continue to surge, reflecting the sector’s revival in the country.
Lowest bid in Tunisia’s 500 MW solar tender comes in at $0.0244
All five offers received by the Tunisian government were under the three-cent threshold. The lowest bid was for a 200 MW solar plant Norwegian developer Scatec intends to build in the Tataouine province.
