Belgium

The Belgian research institute has developed a bifacial n-PERT solar cell with a conversion efficiency of 22.8%. Imec researchers claim this cell has the potential for a cost-of-ownership at module level of less than $0.30/W.

The Belgian research institute has improved the efficiency of its 4x4cm² perovskite module by 1.1%.

The Belgian French-speaking region of Wallonia could introduce a grid-fee for residential PV starting from 2019. PV systems operators fear an annual fee ranging from €330 to €560.

The Dutch power provider has acquired Belgian utility Eni Belgium and a larger share in Belgium’s power market. The company said that it will now invest in new power production in the country, especially in solar and wind.

Belgium has now over 3.4 GW of installed PV power. Most of this capacity, 2.45 GW, is located in the Flemish-speaking region of Flanders. The French-speaking region of Wallonia and the Brussels Metropolitan Region have reached 931 MW and 56 MW, respectively. In 2016, the country registered a 77% increase in new installations.

The Belgian nanoelectronics research body has published the results of its work alongside BE Semiconductor Industries on utilizing nickel/copper/silver plated solar cell modules in industrial processes, and found that copper-plated cells passed stringent tests with flying colors.

In a stormy hearing last week, Spanish commissioner-designate for energy and climate action Miguel Arias Cañete sought to dodge questions about his oil industry past and provided only vague answers to questions about energy and climate protection policy. His candidacy could be in danger.