Australia: Fast-falling EPC prices make sub-$60/MWh solar feasible
Analysis from Rystad Energy has revealed that sub-AU$60/MWh utility-scale solar projects could be viable in sunny parts of Australia today. The highly competitive EPC landscape has been identified as the major driver of the improving PV power plant economics although, as always, cost of capital remains key.
Poland’s PV capacity reaches 281 MW
In 2017, newly installed solar power in Poland reached around 81 MW, the majority of which comprised PV installations 40 kW or smaller in size.
Total inks deal to acquire Direct Energie
The French oil group, which is the parent company of U.S. solar manufacturer, SunPower, is set to acquire a 74.33% stake in France’s third largest power utility, Direct Energie. With this move, Total is gearing up to expand its presence in the power sector, particularly in France and Belgium.
Blockchain project powered by 45 MW of solar launched in Spain
The project, expected to be finalized by April 2019, is being planned by Spanish blockchain platform, CryptosolarTech. A big cryptocurrency mining server, relying on 3,000 servers to mine cryptocurrencies, will be located near Malaga, in the southernmost part of Spain. Ten solar projects totaling 45 MW will provide the necessary power, the estimated aggregate investment of which is €42.8 million.
Swedish scientists develop new method to reduce defects in organic solar cells
The researchers found that printed solar cells achieved a better performance when they used an active polymer material as glue.
Algeria to tender up to 170 MW of wind and solar
Through the tender, the Algerian government aims to deploy 50 MW of renewable energy generation capacity in the south of the country – where local power utility, Sonelgaz is currently still relying on diesel generators for electricity production – and another 100 MW to 120 MW at other unspecified locations.
Solargiga reports decline in shipments, turnover due to lower ASPs
In the first quarter of this year, the Chinese solar manufacturer registered a 34% drop in revenue, while quarterly shipments also declined around 19% year-on-year, to 462 MW.
Brazil’s power provider Cemig to hold wind, solar auction on May 16
The auction is intended to replace the loss of the concessions for four hydropower plants, which represented 30% of the company’s power generation capacity. Selected projects will be granted a 20-year PPA.
United Nations provides more funding for solar in Yemen
Solar energy is expanding at a fast pace in the Middle East, including in Yemen, a country which has been plagued by conflict since 2015. Now the United Nations International Development Association (IDA) is injecting another US$50 million to provide urban communities with solar power.
Dutch transmission system operators make room for more solar
Netherlands-based TenneT and Enexis are implementing a series of measures to prepare their networks for more solar power in the regions of Groningen and North Drenthe.
