Algeria launches tender for 50 MW of hybrid solar
At the end of December, the Algerian government issued a tender for off-grid gas/diesel and solar projects in non-interconnected areas in the south of the country.
Blockchain system prepares morning croissants under a six-building self-consumption project in France
In Prémian, southern France, a blockchain project developed by Sunchain is providing six consumers with solar power and certifying transactions – which also involve local distribution system operator Enedis.
Innogy’s Dutch unit moves to buy two solar installers
Dutch energy provider Essent has agreed to take over EnergieWonen Groep and ZON7, two Netherlands-based companies specializing in the supply and installation of rooftop PV, thus enhancing Essent’s sustainable development network.
Volkswagen is all set to become a green energy supplier
The German car giant has created Elli, a subsidiary that will provide green power and charging solutions for the EV sector. Volkswagen – still haunted by the diesel emissions scandal – says it wants to make mobility sustainable.
World Bank injects $100 million to support solar in Pakistan
The funds will be used to implement the Sindh Solar Energy Project, a scheme aimed at increasing solar power generation and access to electricity in Sindh province.
Iron therapy for solar cells
A research team from Sweden has developed a new iron-based molecule, which it says has the potential for further cost reductions in solar cells, and can also function as a photocatalyst to produce fuel.
Netherlands a gigawatt solar market
The Dutch PV sector is expected to have grown by 1.3-1.5 GW in 2018. The growth, which marks the Netherlands’ entry into Europe’s gigawatt club, was mainly due to the connection of large-scale projects under the SDE+ program. The nation’s cumulative installed PV capacity should have surpassed 4 GW as the Dutch government prepares to reduce the SDE+ budget.
Astronergy’s German facility reportedly facing hard times
It has been reported short-time work at the module manufacturer’s Frankfurt (Oder) facility was halted at the start of the year because of below-subsistence wage levels. The company has not commented on rumors of a possible closure.
Iraq takes first concrete steps into solar
The United Nations Development Program wants consultants for Iraq’s PV policy, aimed at helping the Ministry of Electricity in the construction of utility-scale solar plants, as well as in the deployment of 5 MW of residential PV. Frost and Sullivan forecasts around 5 GW of solar capacity may be installed by 2028.
Solar climbing the Alps
According to a Swiss research team, PV technology may take advantage of high Alpine regions to increase generation during winter months when electricity is most needed. On snow-covered mountains, solar panels may have a better yield if their placement takes into account high winter irradiance and ground-reflected radiation and steeper-than-usual panel tilt angles.
