EU greenlights reduction of surcharges for energy-intensive companies in Germany and Italy
The European Commission stated that reduction of cogeneration and renewable energy surchages for energy-intensive industries in the two countries complies with its 2014 Guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy.
Study: reasonable cost of capital can make solar competitive in all European countries within five years
According to a new report from (ETIP PV), solar is already competitive with the current low wholesale electricity prices in southern European countries, while in Europe’s northern regions PV can become competitive within the coming five years.
EU greenlights France’s new regulation (and FIT) for residential and commercial PV
The European Commission has approved three initiatives of the French government aimed at supporting renewable energies. One of these is the new regulation for residential and commercial PV, which includes a 20-year FIT for power injected into the grid.
China extends antidumping and anti-subsidy duties on polysilicon imported from EU
Mocfom’s decision to extend antidumping and anti-subsidy duties on polysilicon imported from the EU is likely a reaction to the 18-month extension of the EU duties on Chinese solar modules. German polysilicon maker Wacker Chemie had previously agreed a minimum import price with China.
Kosovo must do more for renewables, EU says
The European Commission has said that Kosovo’s government needs to increase efforts to improve its energy system, and to provide more support for renewables, although it has recently revised its energy (and renewable energy) strategy up to 2020.
UK looking to renege on climate goals post-Brexit – reports
The British government is assessing ways to scrap pledges made to hit 2020 clean energy targets without incurring any penalties, reports Bloomberg, in a first sign of the country reneging on mandatory environmental action made under EU membership.
EIB extends €200 million loan for solar projects in India
In its largest ever support for solar power in Asia, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has confirmed a €200 million ($214 million) loan to the State Bank of India.
Four more Chinese solar manufacturers withdraw from minimum price agreement
Jetion Solar, Hareon Solar and GCL Technology requested to withdraw from the minimum price agreement in October. The three companies, as well as Talesun Solar, are now excluded by Brussels from the undertaking.
“We should work all together for the future of energy”
Interview: SolarPower Europe has appointed Wacker Chemie’s Christian Westermeier as new president. pv magazine spoke with the outgoing president Oliver Schäfer about the reasons behind his unexpected resignation and the future of PV and the energy market in Europe.
European Commission confirms 18-month extension of antidumping and anti-subsidy tariffs, with a staged phase-out
The European Union will see an extension to hotly contested duties on Chinese PV exporters by 18 months. A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed the move with pv magazine today, adding that the duties will be phased out, in line with industry cost reductions.
