Blockchain project powered by 45 MW of solar launched in Spain
The project, expected to be finalized by April 2019, is being planned by Spanish blockchain platform, CryptosolarTech. A big cryptocurrency mining server, relying on 3,000 servers to mine cryptocurrencies, will be located near Malaga, in the southernmost part of Spain. Ten solar projects totaling 45 MW will provide the necessary power, the estimated aggregate investment of which is €42.8 million.
Fraunhofer ISE, Schmid develop production line concept for custom design modules
German research institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and equipment supplier, Schmid have jointly developed a production line for customizable modules for building-integrated projects. According to Fraunhofer ISE, the concepts developed by joint study could reduce the production cost for BIPV modules as much as 35%.
Swedish scientists develop new method to reduce defects in organic solar cells
The researchers found that printed solar cells achieved a better performance when they used an active polymer material as glue.
Dutch transmission system operators make room for more solar
Netherlands-based TenneT and Enexis are implementing a series of measures to prepare their networks for more solar power in the regions of Groningen and North Drenthe.
Ukraine’s operational solar capacity reaches 841 MW
According to new provisional numbers released by the Ukrainian government, around 100 MW of new solar PV power stations were connected to the country’s grid in the first quarter of 2018.
Sweden increases 2018 solar budget by another $20 million
Solar rebates were increased, from covering 20% of the cost of buying and installing a rooftop PV system, to 30%, starting from last January. Overall, the Swedish government will grant around US$80 million in incentives this year.
France preps tender for 300 MW PV plant aimed at to-be-decommissioned nuclear site
The giant solar plant is expected to improve power supply in the department of Haut-Rhin, where the country’s oldest nuclear power plant, located in Fessenheim, on the border with Germany, will be closed by 2020.
Romania’s PV capacity grew by only 3 MW in 2017
The Romanian solar PV market has ground to a halt, following the expiration of the green certificate scheme for large-scale renewables. New provisions for net metering and distributed generation, however, may come into force soon.
Construction begins on 49 MW project in central Spain
Spanish energy company, Gas Natural Fenosa has announced that construction is underway on the 49 MW La Nava PV project, its first solar project in Spain’s central region of Ciudad Real. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Wind has no chance against PV in Germany’s mixed wind-solar auction
32 to 0 for solar PV – that’s the result of the first technology-neutral tender. The average final price of €0.0467 per kWh was slightly above the solar-only-tender held in February.
