It all stacks up: Lego goes 100% renewable
Danish plastic building blocks manufacturer Lego has achieved its goal of being 100% renewable three years early thanks to concerted efforts to rely on solar and wind power at its facilities worldwide.
Switzerland says yes to exit from nuclear power and more renewables
Over 58% of voters approved the country’s new energy policy, which envisages the progressive phasing out of all the nuclear power plants, and the further development of renewables, especially hydropower and solar.
Danish government unveils bill to introduce tax on self-consumed PV power
The government said the tax is expected to reduce budget expense from DKK 4.9 billion to DKK 3.7 billion, and to slow faster than expected development of solar.
RWE considering sale of minority stake in renewable energy unit Innogy to Engie, report
RWE and Engie could be intertwined soon. According to Reuters, the investment banks of both energy providers are currently examining different options. The article reports that RWE could sell to the French energy giant all of its majority stake in its renewable energy unit Innogy, or a part of it. Reuters cites the investment banks involved in the operation as a source.
ABB unveils suite of new solar inverters as part of pivot towards greater digitalization
The Swiss-headquartered power electronics company is to introduce new 100 kw and 120 kW three-phase string inverters for the C&I and large-scale markets, the new 60 kW TRIO TM and a new addition to its residential UNO-DM-PLUS range.
German government releases draft of future joint auctions for solar and wind
Starting 2018, 400 MW of capacity will be allocated every year in joint auctions for wind and solar projects. German association BSW-Solar asks for a level playing field, and recommends other instruments to promote Germany’s Energy Transition.
Mercedez Benz enters U.S. battery market with Vivint partnership
The German manufacturer, in partnership with the No. 2 residential solar installer in the United States, will bring customizable home energy storage systems to the United States.
Interview: Europe needs big PV manufacturers
Xavier Daval, the president of the French solar association SER-SOLER, spoke with pv magazine about the necessity of creating a large European industrial group specialized in solar module production. Leaving solar manufacturing to China and the United States, Daval said, would make Europe energy dependent for the next decades.
Swedish Parliament approves cancellation of solar tax
The tax was applied to PV installations for self-consumption with a capacity of over 255 kW. The move is expected to revive Sweden’s solar market after the disappointing performance (due to the tax) registered last year.
Environmentalist and solar advocate Nicolas Hulot is France’s new energy minister
Hulot is a well-known journalist and environmentalist which has had a leading role in the French Green Party (Europe Écologie-Les Verts) in the past, and has always supported solar through his foundation.
