First Solar breaks ground on 1.2 GW factory in the US
The plant is the second-largest planned in the Western Hemisphere, and will triple the thin film module maker’s manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Italy and Spain join group of countries supporting 2030 binding renewable energy target of 35%
According to the EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action, Arias Cañete, negotiations among all EU members on final target are still ongoing, and face several issues.
Lowest public solar power contract in the United States: 2.49¢/kWh
Arizona’s largest power user has approved a 20-year power contract with a 30 MW solar project at 2.49¢/kWh, the lowest price for a public solar power contract to date. The deal also involves shutting down a coal plant.
Australian solar researcher Martin Green awarded Global Energy Prize
Pioneering UNSW solar researcher Martin Green has received wide recognition for his achievement as being selected as one of the winners of 2018 Global Energy Prize. The prize has brought with it $820,000 towards Green’s research and teaching, and a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Greece to tender 160 MW of PV in July; another 140 MW of PV in 2018
The window for submitting applications to participate in Greece’s forthcoming solar PV and wind tenders in July has expired and Greece’s regulator has announced the number of applications it has received.
SOLAR-ERA.NET launches €22 million call to co-fund development of innovative solar technologies
Through the joint call, the European organization is seeking to provide financial backing for, among other PV and CSP technologies, high-performance crystalline silicon and thin film technologies which can increase module efficiency and decrease turn-key system costs.
Algerian government approves 200 MW of PV tenders
The new tenders, which will be open to both domestic and international players, will select grid-connected IPP projects totaling 150 MW and off-grid hybrid gas/diesel and solar projects with a combined capacity of 50 MW.
Afghanistan issues tender for hybrid solar
After awarding two hybrid solar projects to China’s Shuangdeng Group and India’s Waare in late May, the Afghan government has now launched a new bid for a 5 MW hybrid solar plant in Ghor province.
Scatec to build two solar plants under FIT in Ukraine
Two PV plants totaling 83 MW will be constructed by the Norwegian developer in the Cherkassy region.
Nord LB finances Danish solar parks
The German bank will provide around €40 million. Part of the money is earmarked for PV projects awarded contracts in the first cross-border tender between Germany and Denmark.
