Thailand’s bigger RE ambitions may lead to economic renaissance – IRENA
Increasing the role of solar PV in its energy mix from 6 GW to almost 17 GW is one of IRENA’s key recommendations for Thailand. Noting that RE national targets could be comfortably surpassed by a quarter to reach more than 37% by 2036, its report finds more ambitious deployment could save over US$9 billion annually, proving to be a major turning point for the entire economy.
RENA leans on solar knowledge to develop mass etching process for lithium-ion batteries
German PV equipment manufacturer to team with Kiel University to develop scalable production of silicon anodes to boost lithium-ion battery performance.
Huajun Holdings reports 29% revenue drop in its solar business
The Chinese group, which operates in the solar sector through its unit Huajun Ectricpower Limited, saw its solar segment achieve a turnover of RMB 545.7 million (US$82.4 million) in the first half of fiscal 2017.
Canadian Solar awarded 17 MW in Japan’s first large-scale solar auction
Canadian Solar Inc. has won a contract for 17.87 MWp in Japan’s first auction for large-scale solar projects. A total of 141.3 MW was awarded last month.
Armenia sees another finished solar PV plant
Armenia’s fledgling solar industry has received a boost with the installation of another 1 MW PV plant, by Arpi Solar. The company is due to start work on another 55 MW “very soon”.
Comtec cancels wafer supply agreement with Mission Solar
The Chinese solar company has terminated the agreement to supply wafers to the U.S. producer after repeated failures by Mission Solar to purchase the required quantities of wafers outlined in the contract.
Another 30 MW awarded in Malaysian solar auction
A Cypark Resources Berhad (CRB) subsidiary has been awarded a 30 MW PV project in Malaysia’s latest solar auction. The country is expected to install 197 MW this year.
Researchers demonstrate feasibility of bio-photovoltaic cells to generate electricity
Using water as the source of electrons, microbial bio-photovoltaic (BPV) cells have the capacity to exploit the ability of cyanobacteria and microalgae to convert light energy into electrical current.
Jamaica’s oil company PCJ plans floating PV project at water reservoir
The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica is seeking consultants for the feasibility study of a grid-tied project, which will also have to be combined with storage.
ISA launches three solar programs
The International Solar Alliance has launched three new solar programs: Scaling Solar Applications for Agriculture Use, Affordable Finance at Scale, and Scaling Solar Mini-grids. The programs will be under operations ahead of the ISA’s official accreditation on December 6.
