Covid-19 weekly briefing: Evidence abounds of renewable energy gains at the expense of fossil fuels as the clamor for a green recovery rises
Portugal set a new coal-free record because of the pandemic as Belgium and Israel moved to help the renewables industry. But there was grim news in Mexico and Turkey, and Bangladeshi clean energy firms have appealed for more assistance.
Bangladeshi solar module companies seek Covid-19 stimulus package
Industry representatives call for a $59 million, five-year package of grants, loans and tax incentives from the government after Dhaka extended a coronavirus-driven industrial shutdown into the middle of the month.
Bangladesh opens €200m loan fund for eco-friendly imports
Solar project developers and other component importers are among those eligible to apply for low-interest loans for up to 10 years. The government had already offered a $200 million credit line last year.
Bangladesh set for largest solar rooftop with industrial leasing deal
Indian company Mahindra Susten will provide engineering, procurement and construction services on a $1.7m, 3.1 MW array for a German-Bangladeshi knitwear company which will buy the power generated for $0.077/kWh.
Bangladeshi government appeals for more partners to help roll-out off-grid solar
A scheme to install solar lighting and household power, as well as biogas and solar cookers and larger PV plants, has already driven deployment of more than 1.2 million systems. Now the government wants more partners to join the program.
Solar brings safe water to Bangladeshi coastal communities
F Cubed, an Australian company that specializes in solar-powered desalination systems, has landed a contract valued at almost $5 million to supply 1,140 units that will provide clean drinking water to around 30,000 people in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh prepares to tender solar rooftops on public buildings
The government will reportedly be ready to tender contracts to install rooftop PV on its buildings across eight divisions of the nation in as little as three months’ time.
German development bank to fund Bangladesh canal-top PV study
Renewables authority official tells pv magazine the nation’s irrigation canals could host almost 1 GW of solar generation capacity.
Solar NGO Electriciens sans frontières awarded Zayed energy prize
The French non-governmental organization, which provides solar kits to refugee camps and disaster affected communities, won the energy category of the 12th Zayed Sustainability Prize. The award will bank Electriciens sans frontières $600,000.
IFC to help Bangladesh with public-private solar partnerships
The lender’s private sector arm will help formulate a tendering process to identify the best suited partners for the development of PV projects in Bangladesh.
