Qatar’s Nebras enters Dutch solar market
The Qatar-based investment firm has agreed to acquire a 75% stake in Netherlands-based Zon Exploitatie Nederland Holding B.V. (ZEN). The Dutch company owns a PV plant porftfolio of around 96 MW.
Lebanon unveils submissions for 300 MW solar+storage tender
The Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) has published a list of the 75 Expressions of Interest (EoIs) for three 100 MW solar PV plus storage projects. A detailed call for project proposals will be circulated to the 75 consortiums by December 2018.
Scientists add new layer to perovskite
A team led by Switzerland’s Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne has developed a low-dimensional perovskite layer it says can be used as a capping layer on perovskite solar cell material, improving stability and water resistance. The team reports a 20% efficient cell incorporating the material.
Akfen Renewables secures $52 million for 85 MW of PV in Turkey
Overall, the Turkish renewable energy company secured funds in the amount of €102 million, a sum that will be invested in wind and solar projects with a combined capacity of 327 MW. The lender was the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Solar, wind power could increase rainfall in the Sahara
The Sahara Desert, and the Sahel region, could be set to take advantage of large-scale wind and solar power projects covering huge surfaces.
Jordan Round 3 PV auction attracts lowest bid of $0.02488/kWh
The results of Jordan’s Round 3 solar PV auction have been announced. Jinko Power (HK) Company Limited submitted the lowest bid of US$0.02488/kWh. Jinko, along with two other companies, are now in pole position to be awarded projects. A final decision will be made after the financial offers have been validated, among other things.
PERC market to reach 158 GW by 2022
Taiwan-based analyst firm, WisolPro says the global capacity for PERC cells is rapidly increasing, with the technology likely to replace polycrystalline cells. HJT, thin film, and n-type PERT technologies are also on the rise.
Uncertainty and challenges in Jordan’s Round 3 RE auction
Changes to Jordan’s Round 3 renewable energy auction will mean just 150 MW of capacity will be allocated for PV projects, down from 200 MW. Meanwhile, the government has accepted all 16 of the technical bids submitted in April, meaning it now hangs on price. The final results are expected soon.
Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp to get another 5 MW PV plant
Through a new tender the Jordanian government is seeking bids for the construction of a second solar facility at the Azraq camp. The project will be financed with European Union funds.
UAE uses AI to map its solar potential
A newly created Artificial Intelligence Lab created by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will use artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to identify concentrated solar energy locations in the Emirates.
