Forum Solarpraxis: From energy decentralization to digitization
The energy sector has undergone huge changes over the last years, mainly due to the decentralization of energy systems and the increasing role of renewables. While the sector’s defining characteristics continue to shift, a new trend has emerged: the digitization of energy. What it is, and who will benefit the most was discussed at this year’s Forum Solarpraxis.
India and France to launch solar alliance on opening day of COP21
Solar alliance first of many anticipated agreements and pledges over the coming two weeks in Paris, which could prove crucial in determining how the globe tackles climate change in the few years.
Kuwait to test crystalline and CIGS modules side-by-side
The Kuwait Shagaya Renewable Energy Project will install crystalline silicon PV modules alongside CIGS thin film, to test the technologies at PV power plant scale in a 10 MW facility. Japan’s Solar Frontier has announced it will be supplying 5 MW of modules to the facility.
TSMC announces complete solar exit
Chinese semiconductor giant TSMC has announced its intention to withdraw completely from the solar sector. It will immediately sell a 6% stake in Motech Industries, with its remaining 6% to be divested “in an orderly manner.”
Energy Watch Group releases PV graphics to again highlight IEAs unrealistic renewable scenarios
Following its comment in September that the International Energy Agency (IEA) is “holding back” global renewable expansion by consistently underestimating its supply potential, the Energy Watch Group (EWG) has now released graphics highlighting the shortfalls in the agencys solar PV projections.
Yingli, R.Power expand Polish solar portfolio to 60 MW
Yingli Green Energy and R.Power Sp. z o.o. have said they will build 60 MW worth of ground-mounted solar PV projects in Poland, up from the 30 MW announced last year. They are scheduled to be included in the countrys 2016 and 2017 auction systems.
UK: STA notes solar job losses already underway
Up-to-date survey of just 10% of the British solar sector reveals that thousands of jobs have already been lost; extrapolated for the entire industry the data suggests that as many as 6,500 positions could have been lost.
COP21: Coalition of billionaires, 20 governments pledge increased clean energy investment
Under two initiatives aiming to work in tandem, an international coalition of billionaires, including Microsofts Bill Gates, Alibabas Jack Ma, and African Rainbow Minerals Patrice Motsepe have pledged to channel their cash into clean energy alongside 20 governments, which have said theyll double investment in clean energy innovation. Solar, energy storage, and efficiency will be key focus areas.
India plans $1bn private equity fund for solar and renewables
Government aims to raise that investment goal to around $4 billion per year within 3-4 years and will identify opportunities to source low-cost foreign investment, said energy minister Piyush Goyal.
Abengoa US yieldco faces uncertainty as parent company opens insolvency proceedings
Commencement of insolvency proceedings in Spain sparks real fears of contagion for Abengoa Yield, the U.S.-based subsidiary of the Spanish renewable energy company.
