India invites 2.5 GW bids for ISTS-connected wind-solar hybrid projects
The projects are to be developed on a build-own-operate basis for an aggregate capacity of 2,500 MW. The eligible bid capacity is 200-500 MW, with a project capacity of at least 50 MW at one project site. The maximum tariff payable to each project developer is fixed at Rs 2.93/kWh for the entire term of 25 years.
Solar trade dispute: US agrees consultation with Korea, EU, China, Malaysia and Thailand
Through the consultation, the U.S. aims to settle the dispute over the 30% import tariffs, introduced under Section 201.
UK Power Networks to launch London’s first VPP
Distribution network operator, UK Power Networks is on track to launch what it says is London’s first virtual power plant (VPP). To this end, batteries will be installed on around 40 homes in the U.K. capital.
Engie comments on rumored plan to acquire EDP Renováveis
Engie has released a statement on the rumors that it was looking to invest in EDP Renováveis. Currently the Portuguese renewable energy company, and its parent, power utility EDP, are attracting international interest, also from Chinese state-owned power company China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).
Oxford PV hits world record efficiency for perovskite/silicon tandem cell
U.K.-Germany based Oxford PV has announced the achievement of 27.3% efficiency on its perovskite-silicon tandem cell. The record has been confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).
Madagascar sees its first solar park come online
The 20 MW facility will sell power to Madagascar’s state-owned utility, Jirama under a long-term PPA. Construction on the plant started in late 2016.
Ontario cancels solar rebates program two months after its launch
The decision was taken by the incoming Ontario premier, Doug Ford. The US$70 million scheme had been conceived to support residential and commercial solar-plus-storage solutions installed under net metering.
Singapore: Sembcorp Solar awarded 50 MW rooftop PV tender
Sembcorp Solar Singapore Pte Ltd has been awarded 50 MW worth of solar PV rooftop projects by Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Economic Development Board (EDB). The project is expected to be completed by 2020.
India adds 10.4 GW of solar in FY 2017-18, Karnataka leads the way
The Indian solar PV market saw 10.4 GW of new capacity added in the 2017-18 financial year, says Bridge to India, thus bringing cumulative installations to 24.4 GW as of this March. Leading the charge is the state of Karnataka. Concerns over the industry’s development remain, however.
REC Group launches new half-cell solar module
At last week’s Intersolar Europe show in Munich, Norwegian headquartered manufacturer REC Group unveiled its latest module innovation, the N-peak series. The new solar PV modules will be the first to combine n-type, mono-cSi and half-cut cell technologies.
