Portugal cuts environmental approvals for utility-scale solar projects
Portugal’s new environmental rules will apply to PV projects built on sites spanning less than 100 hectares, but they will not apply to installations in protected areas.
The Hydrogen Stream: Germany opens Europe’s first green ammonia tender
Germany has announced plans to sign long-term green ammonia purchase agreements, in addition to strengthening its ties with Australia. Repsol and Fusion Fuel, meanwhile, are advancing their hydrogen projects on the Iberian Peninsula.
Energetica resumes solar module production
Austrian module manufacturer Energetica has restarted production, following its acquisition by IRMA Power.
Germany slashes VAT for residential PV to 0%
The German parliament has approved a new package of tax breaks for rooftop PV, including a value-added tax exemption for PV systems up to 30 kW in size.
PV system fires potentially exacerbated by gap between solar panels, rooftops
Norwegian researchers have published a new study showing that the space between solar panels and rooftop surfaces might play a critical role in contributing to PV system fires.
Spanish winemaker using photovoltaic wall for protection, energy
Vins Raïmat has built a 30 kW vertical solar installation as part of a 300 kW PV system at its winery in the Catalonian town of Raïmat, Spain. It protects the wine tubs from the sun while also reducing their energy consumption.
Italy expected to install 12 GW of solar in 2023-24 period
Italy’s solar sector is poised for growth over the next two years, according to participants in the recent Italia Solare Forum in Rome. Analysts say they expect the Italian authorities to issue more permits for PV projects, potentially pushing annual installations to 4 GW in 2023 and 8 GW in 2024.
Selenium solar cell with 5.2% efficiency, 0.99 V open-circuit voltage
Danish researchers have built a selenium solar cell with the highest open-circuit voltage ever reported. They said that with further improvements in the optoelectronic quality of selenium, the device could reach an efficiency of up to 8%.
Finnish mine to host 75 MW/530 MWh underground pumped hydro facility
Suomen Energiavarasto Oy has secured €26.3 million ($27.5 million) from the Finnish government to build an underground pumped hydro project at a former zinc and copper mine.
Germany allocates 609 MW in tender for large-scale solar
Germany concluded its latest renewables tender with a final average price of €0.0580 ($0.06)/kWh, which is slightly higher than the €0.0510 level from the last such exercise. Bids ranged from €0.0520/kWh to €0.0590/kWh.
