Argentina: Province of Santa Fe launches 50 MW mixed wind-solar tender
Through the tender, the province’s state-owned power provider Empresa Provincial de la Energía (EPE) intends to select PV power projects not exceeding 5 MW in size, and wind farms up to 10 MW. Selected projects will be awarded a 20-year PPA.
UK policymakers signal U-turn on toxic tariff scrap plans
Rachel Reeves, Chair of the Committee for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), has released a comment indicating the discontent with which she views government plans to scrap export tariffs on 31 March 2019. The scheme remunerates small-scale generators, and its abolishment has been likened to theft and sparked a feud between the industry and politics. Last week, U.K. Energy Minister Claire Perry also said that forcing generators to export for free would be “wrong”.
IRENA sees 20 GW potential for solar in West Africa by 2030
According to the agency, a mimimum of 8 GW of solar will be deployed across the 15 countries that comprise the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) by the end of the next decade. Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire will lead the future growth of PV in the region.
Niger commissions first solar park
The 7 MW solar facility will sell power to local state-owned utility Nigelec. The project was developed with the support of the Indian government.
The weekend read: Secrets of monocrystalline silicon
Monocrystalline cells and modules are rapidly overtaking multi as the dominant technology in solar markets globally. To understand why, you need to go up the value chain.
Comtec Solar raises cash with southeast Asian storage business JV
The solar manufacturer and developer has joined forces with Singapore’s ISDN and plans to expand its battery operations in the region. Elsewhere though, Longitech’s latest fundraising exercise has fallen flat.
Mauritius opts for floating PV
The United Nations Development Programme is selecting international consultants to conduct the feasibility study for a 2 MW project at the Tamarind Falls reservoir.
UK regulator reveals power companies owe almost £63m to renewable energy obligation pots
Four electricity suppliers have been named by Ofgem for missing payment deadlines for penalties prompted by their failure to meet renewable energy buying obligations. A separate fund for small-scale generators, paid for by energy suppliers, also has a financial shortfall.
Belgium preps for energy transition with blockchain, AI and other innovations
Belgian grid operator Elia has published a vision paper explaining how it intends to link consumers’ behavior at lower voltage levels with price signals in the wholesale electricity market, thus also enabling better integration of renewables.
Indian government again attempts to woo foreign manufacturers
India’s Ministry of Science and Technology has reissued a plea for overseas solar companies to partner up with Indian concerns and kick-start production lines.
