Attica-Crete leg of Mediterranean super grid due mid 2025
Greece has grand plans for an interconnector network that runs from the Middle East through to the heart of Europe. pv magazine examines the latest developments on the road to a Mediterranean super grid and what it might mean for the regions involved.
Dust and cloud impact solar across Arabian Peninsula
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that dust storms and slear skies led to contrasting March Solar Performance in West Asia. The Arabian Peninsula experienced humid winds and dust storms that reduced solar irradiance to 90% of typical levels for the month.
Saudi Arabia could hit 130 GW of renewables by 2030, says GlobalData
GlobalData say it is “plausible” that Saudi Arabia could close in on its target of 130 GW of renewables by 2030 by strengthening policies, competitive auctions and other financial measures.
EWEC seeking proposals for 1.5 GW of solar in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) is now accepting proposals for a 1.5 GW solar project in Abu Dhabi. The tender is open to the 19 bidders who passed the qualification process, following an expression of interest stage last year. The chosen developer or consortium will sign a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Abu Dhabi-based utility.
Reducing PV module temperature with radiative cooling based on polymeric coatings
A Saudi research group has assessed how polymeric coatings, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), could be used for radiative cooling in photovoltaic panels and has found that both materials could reduce the operating PV module temperature by between 1.15 C and 1.35 C.
Solar module cooling tech based on waste neem oil
An international research team has placed a neem oil tank on the back of solar modules for cooling purposes. The proposed solution reportedly improves PV panel performance by up to 17.8%.
Key takeaways from SolarEX, Istanbul
Import duties and domestic incentives continue to shape the Turkish solar market. Despite protectionism, there was a significant Chinese presence at the SolarEX trade fair as new manufacturers rely on Asian resources.
SolarEdge acquires EV charging optimization and management startup
Wevo Energy becomes a subsidiary of SolarEdge, and together the companies plan to integrate the Wevo’s software solution into the SolarEdge ONE energy optimization system for the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment.
Asunim to build 40 MW solar project at wind farm in Turkey
Ankara-based renewable energy developer Asunim will construct the 40 MW solar plant at an existing wind power plant in northwestern Turkey. The solar-wind hybrid is expected to be completed within five months.
Turkey’s PV fleet surpasses 12 GW
Turkey’s total installed PV capacity reached 12.4 GW at the end of February. Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar says the country aims to add 3.5 GW of PV every year through to 2035.
