Egyptian solar set to expand beyond the massive 1.8 GW Benban PV project
In this edition of the Weekend Read, we turn to Egypt. The gigawatt-scale Benban project showcases the North African country’s solar potential, and premium prices for gas exports make the case for a more diverse energy mix. A nation with grand renewables targets – but slow installation rates – may finally be weaning itself off fossil fuel resources.
Desert to Power secures $300 million of public money
Private Infrastructure Development Group recently made a non-binding commitment in Brussels to a provide funds for a project that aims to bring 10 GW of solar to Africa’s Sahel region.
Vietnamese government fears legal action from solar investors
The Vietnamese government is reportedly concerned about legal action from solar investors if its new power development plan does not prove ambitious enough.
Irena gives latest update on stark chances of electricity access for all by 2030
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s latest annual report on the progress towards UN sustainable development goal seven estimates 670 million people will still lack electricity in 2030, and more than 2 billion will be reliant on unhealthy, polluting cooking methods.
Financial close for Mozambique’s first solar-plus-storage project
Anglo-Norwegian public funding body Globeleq has said the 19 MWp/2MW-7 MWh Cuamba project will be supplying electricity during the second half of next year.
Scatec brings containerized solar-plus-storage system to Cameroon
Two projects in the northern region of the African nation are set to bring 36 MW of solar and 20 MW/19 MWh of storage online, with the first facilities due to start generating within days.
International group offers $68m loans for struggling off-grid clean energy distributors
‘More than 90’ suppliers of appliances such as solar lanterns and home solar panels, as well as mini-grid installers, will be offered low-interest credit by an assortment of government-backed and privately-financed entities.
European funding for solar mini grids in Kenya
Some 22 villages in Busia county will receive a total of 7,000 electricity connection points plus solar-powered street lighting and water services after InfraCo Africa invested $4.2 million acquiring 40% of developer Kudura Power East Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire launches tender for 60 MW of solar
The government of Côte d’Ivoire aims to facilitate the development of 60 MW of solar at two sites via a new tender. The projects will be built under the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program.
Plan to double size of 20 MW Madagascar solar park
The island nation’s first utility scale solar park is set to double in size and have energy storage added, with work due to start this month.
