If you want peace, prepare for solar
Solar has the potential to foster peace and aid conflict resolution by being deployed in several of the world’s crisis areas. Electricity is one of the highest costs for humanitarian missions in fragile regions, such as South Sudan, the Congo, Somalia, Myanmar and Yemen, among others. In an interview with pv magazine, the CEO and founder of Energy Peace Partners describes how solar installed in camps and protected areas, could improve the outcomes of such missions.
GIP launches renewable energy developer, acquires 4.7 GW of SunPower assets
Clearway Energy Group has been formed from NRG’s renewable energy businesses and SunPower’s project pipeline.
US grid-connected battery energy capacity grew 68% last year
A utility survey shows battery storage capacity growing sharply, including solar + storage installations in several U.S. states. Looking ahead, FERC Order 841 could spark extensive new storage for grid services, helping more utilities become familiar with storage and its benefits.
Australia’s Queensland could be 90% renewable by 2030
If all planned renewable energy projects were to proceed, Queensland, Australia, would be in line for an AU$24 billion injection into the state’s economy and over 35,000 new jobs, shows a new Solar Citizens report.
Only three bids for Montenegro 200 MW solar tender
The interested developers are a consortium formed by Fortum and local utility EPCG; Malta-based IREDL; and a domestic group named Montesolar.
Macedonia’s utility goes solar to the tune of 10 MW
The €10 million project is planned to be tendered in early 2019, and likely to be part financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Japan to subject large scale PV to tougher environmental regulation
The new policy would come into force in late 2019. PV players are warning the rule exacerbates costs and slows deployment but similar policies are in place for other types of renewables, and in most markets worldwide.
Malawi needs technology roadmap for national PV drive
According to South African research institute CSIR, the southeast African nation may raise its target for rooftop solar to 50,000 installations by 2030. The institute is seeking consultants to define the future solar roadmap for the country.
RECC Survey: UK proposal to end tariffs could cost thousands of jobs
RECC survey respondents say they will face major job cuts if solar tariffs are phased out in April, as proposed by the UK government. Reportedly more than 75% of jobs in the UK’s solar sector could be lost. A previous cut in tariffs prompted the loss of 9,000 jobs. Last week the industry sent an open letter to the energy minister opposing the policy.
Solargiga confirms dramatic turnaround in figures
Chinese solar manufacturer reports a similar scale of first-half losses to the $15m profit it posted this time last year. Will the company’s decision to almost double module production capacity prove an inspired move or a mistimed disaster?
