BHEL wins 75 MW solar project in Indian state of Gujarat
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd has won an EPC order for a 75 MW solar PV plant, to be installed at the solar park in Charanka, Gujarat. The company has also increased its annual manufacturing capacity to 105 MW for solar cells, and 226 MW for modules.
Ethiopia’s utility, EEP reveals pre-qualified bidders of 250 MW solar tender
Through the tender, the state-owned power utility of the African country wants to build two PV power plants with a capacity of 125 MW each. The projects are part of a 500 MW solar plan, expected to be implemented via the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program.
Natixis acquires 25 MW in Portugal
The French corporate and investment bank acquired the project from Hyperion Renewables via its unit for responsible investment solutions, Mirova. The project has already secured a 10-year PPA from local power distributor, Axpo Ibéria.
Luxembourg scientists provide new insight on how sodium can be used in thin film solar cell manufacturing
The research team found that sodium, contrary to common belief, does not decrease per se indium and gallium interdiffusion, but instead hinders intergrain diffusion by segregating at grain boundaries.
Austrian utility Wien Energie begins solar offensive
Austria’s largest power provider announced a plan to invest around €100 million in solar and €15 million in recharge stations for electric vehicles over the next five years. The company aims at investing mainly in residential and C&I projects.
Four key takeaways from the Solar Solutions exhibition in the Netherlands
The Dutch solar fair has now taken the shape of an international event, due to the increasing number of big players attracted to the Netherland’s PV market, and the high level of professionalization that has been reached by the local ecosystem of installers and distributors. Although a few uncertainties on the possible changes of the current regulatory framework are suggesting caution, solar across all of its segments is clearly set to become a mainstream source of energy nationwide.
Meyer Burger reports €67.8 million loss for fiscal 2017
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer recorded a loss of around €68 million last year. Although Meyer Burger was able to slightly increase sales, the EBITDA margin was below 3%. This year, the company is aiming for an EBITDA margin of 10%, in order to return to profitability.
Somalia lays ground for solar development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Somalia has issued a Request for Proposals for the financing of a skills development program in the solar energy sector in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa.
JinkoSolar posts strong shipments increase for 2017, but lower profits
Last year, the Chinese solar PV module maker shipped 9.8 GW, and achieved a revenue of US$4 billion. Both gross and net profit, however, declined due to lower ASPs, higher polysilicon prices and increased output from OEM partners.
Kosovo embarks on renewables path
Although the Balkan country has recently approved the construction of a new coal power plant, Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj has said he intends to open the energy market to solar and wind power, an action that was recommended by the EU a year earlier.
