Belgium’s Virya Energy acquires BayWa re’s Japan solar business
Virya Energy will leverage BayWa re’s local team in Japan to strengthen its position in the country’s lucrative power purchase agreement (PPA) market. The Belgian company will also rely on its Asian affiliate, Constant Energy, headquartered in Thailand.
Belgium expected to reach 33.6 GW of PV capacity by 2035
Belgian grid operator Elia says the country might almost double its installed PV capacity from around 12.6 GW in 2025 to 22.5 GW at the end of 2030.
Belgian grid operator warns of PV overproduction, curtailment in spring
Belgian grid operator Elia says that rapid solar fleet growth is driving earlier seasonal overproduction peaks, raising curtailment risks this spring. It plans to expand flexibility measures to stabilize the high-voltage network.
Belgian company challenges 800 W limit for plug-in solar panels in Flanders
Belgian smart energy firm Innovoltus is challenging a new rule from the Flanders energy agency in Belgium capping plug-in solar panels at 800 W per meter, arguing the region lacks authority to impose the limit. The move comes as the country begins sales of plug-in solar panels and home batteries ahead of an April 17 connection date.
Belgian startup raises $2.5 million for grid orchestration software
Powernaut’s software balances local generation from decentralized devices such as solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps with the needs of the power grid.
Belgian grid operator accelerates smart meter deployment for PV system owners
Belgian grid operator Fluvius plans to install around 403,000 smart meters in solar-powered homes by 2025, when their use becomes mandatory. So far, the company has installed 553,500 smart meters in Flemish homes with PV systems.
New dates, rules for 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge has announced a new set of dates for for the 2025 edition of its unique 3,000 km solar car race across the Australian continent, along with some regulation changes.
Belgian students win Australian solar race with PV-powered car
Belgium’s Innoptus Solar Team was the first car to cross the finish line this week in the 3,000 km Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The team beat its 2019 winning time by 48 minutes.
Engie to deploy 380 MW/1.52 GWh of battery storage in Belgium
Engie will deploy three giant batteries across three different parts of Belgium. All of the facilities will be able to provide power for up to four hours.
European joint venture to produce solar panels in Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Socom and Belgium’s Evocells have announced plans to merge. The new company, Solarcells, will open a 50 MW solar panel factory in Luxembourg by the end of this year, with plans to potentially double its annual output by 2026.
