The reform of the European electricity market is imperative for the PV revolution
Antonio Delgado, founder and CEO at AleaSoft Energy Forecasting has analysed the proposal for the reform of the European electricity market, which is still to be approved by the European Parliament. Below he discusses its most relevant aspects for the wholesale electricity market.
IFC anchors green bond for 5 GW of renewables in east Asia and Pacific
World Bank sister organization the IFC has made a $75 million commitment to a green bond recently issued by Philippines based developer AC Energy. Vietnam’s sub-standard financial sector performance has prompted the Asian Development Bank to suggest green bonds could best leverage the country’s renewable energy targets.
ABN Amro takes majority stake in Dutch PV module testing company Eternal Sun
The controlling interest in Eternal Sun group was acquired by the Dutch bank’s Energy Transition Fund. The value of the transaction was not revealed.
Flying the – 4 milliwatt – flag for piezo/solar renewables
Scientists at the U.K.’s University of Manchester have developed a flag which can harvest solar and wind energy while hoisted. The banner, say the researchers, can generate up to 4 mW of energy, and could be used to power remote sensors or small electronic devices.
Abu Dhabi utility fires starting gun on 2 GW solar project
A giant project is planned in Adhafra, near Abu Dhabi. Interested developers have until March 5 to prequalify for the tender.
Vietnam mulls multi-layered FIT scheme as it kicks energy transition into gear
With its feed-in tariff set to expire at the end of June, Vietnam is considering different levels of payment, classified across three irradiation regions and involving four solar technologies. Future payments would range from $0.0659-0.0985/kWh, with the cloudy north in line for the highest tariffs and with the government likely to revise tariffs for new projects every two years.
South Africa’s load shedding nightmare may vanish with more renewables
As utility Eskom starts load shedding due to power plant failure, the 4 GW of wind and solar in the country are helping reduce energy shortages. Blue Horizon Energy Consulting Services’ Chris Ahlfeldt tells pv magazine renewables – rather than Eskom’s plans to expand conventional generation capacity – would provide a safer, cheaper solution to the power crisis.
Turkey’s 1 GW Konya project in doubt
Project partners Hanwha Q Cells and local company Kalyon Enerji appear to have ended their partnership and to be negotiating the terms of a ‘divorce’.
Chile wants to know amount of local content of its solar plants
Public body Codesser wants to hire experts to carry out a “Study to determine the participation of national suppliers in the provision of construction, operation and maintenance components and services in solar energy projects in Chile”.
REC Silicon to suspend production at Moses Lake poly factory
Norway-headquartered REC Silicon has revealed plans to halt operations at its Moses Lake facility in the U.S. in 17 days’ time. The company says it has taken the decision to maintain liquidity for its semiconductor business with American workers set to pay the price for President Trump’s trade war with China.
