Market & Trends

Spain’s Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) has stepped up to close the financing of the 70 MW DC Moree Solar Farm. The project has had a long and mottled history, and will be funded only with a large grant from Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and loan from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

PV power plant projects that are not moving towards completion run the risk of having their FIT registration cancelled. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) made the announcement today, saying the 22 projects will be considered by the department with another 330 having until the end of the month to report on their status.

While nuclear will remain the lynchpin of France’s energy transition, renewables are set an ambitious target of 32% penetration by 2030.

Queensland-based Ingenero appears on the path to bankruptcy, after being placed in administration late last week. Official documents show that the move has occurred after it was unable to pay a U.S. creditor.

Japanese thin film producer and system integrator Solar Frontier has signed an agreement to construct a 13 MW power plant in Japan’s Tohoku region. The site will be adjacent to a UNESCO world heritage site.

Chinese solar giant Yingli has been named as one of Fuji Electric’s “best suppliers” at a recent supplier conference. Fuji says that Yingli’s modules have helped the firm increase sales from its Solar Energy Generation System business unit.

SBC wants to develop a $93m scheme on the Welsh island and is launching a four-week public consultation. UK developers have been emboldened by the recent High Court defeat for the government’s attempt to block solar farms.

Australia’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) announced an investment of AUD$120 million (US$113 million) to kick start three solar leasing and PPA programs in the country. While not the recipient of any of the CEFC funding, Sungevity Australia has welcomed the move saying it will increase awareness of third party ownership.

The state government in New South Wales is set to buck the trend around the country and adopt a bullish stance on renewables. The populous state’s environment minister told attendees at the Clean Energy Week in Sydney today that the government intends to make the state “the number one in energy and environmental policy.”

Efforts to establish a global solar PV association are picking up pace, with some national and regional bodies meeting for a third time tomorrow to try and hammer out a plan for the embryonic global industry body.