PV leading renewable distributed energy generation
The electric energy power industry is fundamentally changing, according to Pike Research, and photovoltaics has the potential to play a big role in future business models. Overall, the company has identified seven emerging photovoltaic trends.
Japan: 70 MW PV project in the pipeline
Kyocera Corporation, IHI Corporation and the Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd have unveiled their plans to install a 70 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic plant in southern Japan.
VC funding solar decreases, but number of deals rising
According to new research, venture capital (VC) funding in the solar market has decreased in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012, despite the fact the number of deals has grown. The drop has been attributed to a fading appetite for risk. Merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, meanwhile, has been strong and the CIGS market is expected to remain attractive.
Tenaska closes financing on 130 MW thin film project
U.S. energy company, Tenaska, has closed commercial financing on its 130 megawatt (MW) Imperial Solar Energy Center South utility photovoltaic project.
L&T commissions 40 MW Indian PV plant
L&T Construction has commissioned a 40 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power plant in Dhursar Village, Rajasthan, India. It is owned by Reliance Power Limited.
Hyundai Heavy moves into storage business
Hyundai Heavy Industries will partner with Magna E-Car Systems under a joint venture, MAHY E-CELL, to co-develop a successful battery cell and battery pack business. Hyundai Heavy aims to couple its new battery direction with its renewable energies division.
Germany: A rescue plan proposed
Green energy politician, Hans-Josef Fell has requested the government to mitigate the drastic cuts that are being made to the photovoltaics subsidies. German photovoltaic manufacturers are also in the need of support from industry politics.
Dampened support for Greek Project Helios
State Secretary for the Federal Environment Ministry Jürgen Becker at an energy conference in Athens clearly articulated that the support for the development of solar energy in Greece will not come from the EEG.
Brazil's smart grid market to grow
Northeast Group has released a study, Brazil Smart Grid: Market Forecast 2012-2022, stating that smart grid investments in Brazil are set to reach US$36.6 billion by 2022.
Japan: 200 MW plant planned
In what will dwarf all previous photovoltaic installations in the country, the Japan Times has reported that telecommunications pioneer Softbank is planning to build a 200 megawatt (MW) power plant on the northern island of Hokkaido. It is reported that Softbank is negotiating with the Hokkaido Electric Power Company over prices for the electricity.
