REN21 renewables report finds strong hope for 100% renewable world by 2050
More than 70% of 114 global energy experts interviewed in REN21 Renewables Global Futures Report believe global transition to 100% renewable energy is feasible. However, challenges remain fiercest in areas of transport and larger economies.
Solutions unveiled for next generation storage
Two innovative new technologies with potential applications in solar were unveiled this week. Research teams across the world are looking at new way to boost solar’s stability by integrating with storage. Scientists in Australia and in China demonstrate their innovative steps toward achieving this.
France releases renewable energy plan for French Guiana, solar FITs to be increased by 35%
The French Government this week unveiled a new renewable energy plan for French Guiana. The program includes development of distributed generation, self-consumption and storage solutions, and a 35% increase of FITs for grid-connected installations. Around 40 MW of additional PV capacity is expected to be installed in the region.
Solar and wind set new record in Germany in March
According to provisional statistics from German institute IRW, PV systems in Germany have provided approximately 3.3 billion kWh in March, up 35% from the same month a year earlier and 118% from February 2017.
Solar represented 13% of California’s power in 2016
One in eight electrons generated in California came from a solar panel, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Mexico publishes requirements for clean energy certificates
The Mexican Government intends to facilitate the planning of renewable energy projects over the next years. Clean energy certificates, which apply to power provider and industrial consumers, will increase from 7.4% in 2020 to 10.9% in 2021 and 13.9% in 2022.
Brazil introduces auction to cancel projects selected in reserve energy auctions
The Brazilian Government has approved a decree to introduce an auction system to cancel power contracts awarded in the reserve energy auctions (leilão de reserva). Through these auctions, held between 2014 and 2015, several large-scale PV projects were commissioned.
Canadian Solar raises $47m to finance 19 MW Japan solar plant
The Chinese solar power company has signed an inaugural dual-tenor green project bond with Goldman Sachs Japan to aid the construction of its Gunma Aramaki solar power plant.
Korean University team develops 21.2% efficient perovskite solar cell
Researchers at the Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have announced the development of a method to produce perovskite solar cells, which the University says could contribute to commercialization of the technology.
Hungarian PV market sees robust growth
Hungary’s solar market could see its largest growth ever in 2017. Although the country’s FIT scheme was closed in mid-2016, 2 GW of projects approved under the program could still potentially be installed over the next two years.
