Uganda plans for net metering, more off-grid solar
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development of the Sub-Saharan country is currently seeking advice for its Decentralized Renewables Development Program, which includes an off-grid master plan for the electrification of islands on Lake Victoria and the creation of a pilot program for solar net metering.
EDP keeps investing in off-grid solar
Just a day after announcing its entry in the off-grid solar business in Bangladesh, the Portuguese utility agreed to acquire a minority stake in Mozambique’s SolarWorks, a start-up providing pay-as-you-go off-grid PV solutions.
PPA signed for 60 MW Malawi solar project
JCM Matswani Solar Corp Limited has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM) for a 60 MW solar PV project.
World Bank to devote $1 billion to storage in developing countries
The Accelerating Battery Storage for Development program is intended to leverage US$4 billion in new investments, and to support projects for utility-scale solar parks with battery storage, off-grid systems, including mini-grids, and stand-alone batteries.
Eni joins race for Africa’s clean energy market
Via an agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Italian oil company aims to increase its presence in Africa’s renewable energy markets. It already invests more than half of its budget in the region.
GE and Renewvia installing new off-grid systems in Africa
The two companies have installed systems in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide a cheap, secure energy supply. BloombergNEF has predicted the market for off-grid solar will grow considerably as it can meet the needs for universal energy supply at a cost competitive price.
Tanzania launches 150 MW solar tender
Tanzanian power utility Tanesco wants to build solar plants across six regions. Successful projects will range from 20 MW to 50 MW in size and the tender has been launched as the nation tries to ramp up solar’s share of its energy mix.
Interview: GoodWe talks IPOs, policy changes and tripling production capacity
In an interview with pv magazine, vice president of GoodWe, Ron Shen, talks about the company’s plans for Germany, Spain, Africa and India, in addition to its goal to triple production capacity to 15 GW in China. He also discusses the effect of China’s 31/5 policy change, and plans for an initial public offering (IPO).
Angola creates new entity to support IPPs for renewables
The Energy Project Implementation Support Unit (EPISU) will help independent power producers (IPPs) improve the bankability of projects. The new entity is being created with the financial support of the African Development Bank.
Ghana comissions 20 MW solar park, plans auctions for IPP projects
The solar plant was built by the local IPP, Meinergy Ghana Ltd in Gomoa Onyaadze, in southern Ghana. The country’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said that further IPP projects will be brought online via competitive bidding, and that solar bids will have to be cheaper.
