Germany opens 2018 auction for large-scale PV, announces joint wind/solar auction
The deadline to submit project proposals is February 1. In addition, the Bundesnetzagentur has scheduled the first joint auction for large-scale wind and solar projects for April 1, 2018.
Associated British Ports to scale up its solar portfolio to 28 MW
The UK’s port operator has announced plans to build a 20 MW solar array on multiple warehouses at the Port of Immingham. Custom Solar has been contracted to install solar panels.
India: Siemens announces large-scale inverter plans
Having reportedly ended its relationship with SMA Solar, Siemens has announced it will be manufacturing and supplying 5 MW inverters to the Indian market.
Czech Republic sees 1 MW storage project, plans for 10 MW more
A 1.2 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) has been installed in the Czech Republic by Solar Global and Alfen. Plans for another, 10 MW, project have been revealed.
Lebanon’s 180 MW solar tender moves forward
Overall, 42 bids were submitted to Lebanon’s Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) for 180 MW of tendered PV capacity. The LCEC will now start the evaluation process in two weeks.
Goa approves new solar policy
Under the new policy, the government of India’s smallest state is aiming to install around 150 MW of PV capacity by 2022.
Japan research team develops new semi-transparent solar cell
The new cell, based on perovskite and silver nanocubes, is being developed for solar window applications.
Netherlands sets €12 billion budget for 2018 SDE+ program
The first window to submit solar projects will be opened in the so-called “Spring Round” on March 19. The program is open, among other renewable energy projects, to solar plants over 1 MW and projects ranging in size from 15 kW to 1 MW.
UK could reach 12 GW storage capacity within five years, report finds
Lessons learned from solar failures could propel battery storage market to 12 GW by 2021, argues report by All-Party Parliamentary Group on Energy Storage, which implores government to be “on the front foot” when it comes to seizing ways to ensure energy security for the nation.
All in: Utility PG&E signs energy storage deals totaling 165 MW
The most recent contracts, which still need to be approved by California regulators, are part of a state-mandated goal of adding 580 MW of storage by 2020.
