COP21

Kingfisher, owner of companies including B&Q and Screwfix, has announced a £50 million (around US$75 million) investment in renewables, the majority of which will be channeled into solar energy. The move is part of the company’s aim to become net positive by 2050.

According to a new study, removing trade barriers associated with the import of solar PV products into the European Union will positively benefit the European jobs market. Between 2008 and 2014, both the number of jobs created and GVA decreased; growth is forecast between now and 2020, however. Policy makers have “much” to do in realizing Europe’s solar potential says SolarPower Europe’s CE.

Africa has pledged its support for renewables in Paris this week by announcing the launch of the African Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI). The goal is to achieve universal access to energy on the continent. 10 GW of new and additional renewable energy capacity is planned by 2020, while the potential to generate 300 GW is expected by 2030.

Group founder and various management executives of the Taiwanese power management company are in Paris to actively support the goals of the conference and showcase Delta’s efforts in renewables, green buildings and energy conservation.

Day three of the UN Climate Change Summit in Paris continues to draw the opinions of some of the world’s foremost climate advocates, with naturalist Sir David Attenborough urging greater investment in the sun.

In addition to the world’s leading development banks agreeing to work together to increase climate investment, the last two days have seen the RE100 initiative welcoming a number of new participants looking to commit to 100% renewable electricity, and the American Business Act on Climate Pledge attracting a total of 154 companies.

At the unveiling of the International Solar Alliance on the first eve of COP21, Indian Prime Minister Modi said India will see 12 GW of new solar capacity installed in 2016. He added that the alliance is a “sunrise of new hope” for clean energy. US$30 million will be invested in establishing its HQ. Overall, the alliance aims to mobilize US$1 trillion in solar investment.

The solar-powered aircraft, grounded in Hawaii since July, has raised the funds required to complete its round-the-world journey attempt, confirms pilot and co-founder Andre Borschberg.

New solar and wind capacity additions between 2015 and 2020 will add more power globally than U.S. shale-oil production did during 2010-2015, according to a new report by Goldman Sachs.

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.