El Salvador launches auction for PV projects up to 2 MW in size
The central American nation will select 28 MW of renewable energy projects with PV schemes up to 2 MW and biogas up to 1 MW entitled to participate.
Toshiba to start power-to-gas supply chain demonstration in Japan
Toshiba has begun a large power-to-gas demonstration project in Japan. In spite of low efficiency and high prices, hydrogen is researched by many companies. In this demo, facilities are powered by Toshiba’s fuel cells, which receive hydrogen from an adjacent hydropower hydrogen generation facility.
African development bank launches ‘Desert to Power’ program, targeting 10 GW of solar
At the African Development Bank’s annual meeting, held in Busan, Korea, the bank’s president Akinwumi Adesina announced that, alongside the Green Climate Fund and the Africa 50 investment fund, it plans to support the development of up to 10 GW of solar across the Sahel region.
Tunisia tenders another 70 MW of solar
After closing its first 70 MW tender in early May, and launching the pre-qualification process for a new 500 MW PV tender a week later, the Tunisian government has announced it is tendering a second 70 MW series for solar projects up to 10 MW in size.
India’s rooftop sector still lagging behind
With barely 1.8 MW solar power (roof top) achieved in the first month of the 2018-2019 financial year, against the end of year target of 1000 MW, India’s solar dreams are hitting massive rooftop blocks. Grid-interactive solar power (ground mounted) has fared better, achieving 231.81 MW against the EoY 10 GW target.
Solarworld has ten offers for its cell production
At the end of the week the production line of the insolvent German PV manufacturer will be closed down. Its insolvency administrator wants to continue paying salaries until the end of September, as he sees good prospects for the acquisition of Solarworld’s cell production facilities.
Construction begins on Portugal’s first unsubsidized solar park
The Vale de Moura scheme – backed by French investment firm Natixis – will sell electricity to Axpo Ibéria under a 10-year PPA
Hanwha Q Cells opening 1.6 GW-plus module assembly facility in the US
The South Korean group will start construction of the factory, in Whitfield County, Georgia, this year, with completion slated for 2019
Netherlands’ largest PV project reaches €41 million financial close
The nation’s largest solar plant – of 54 MW – has achieved financial close and tenders for plants exceeding 100 MW are in the pipeline
More solar in Algeria – but petrochem will dominate for 100 years
Announcement of intent to deploy solar will not supplant the importance of fossil fuels to Algerian economy, states Sonatrach chief
