Portugal streamlines permits for renewables
The Portuguese government has approved exceptional measures to simplify renewable energy production. The new provisions include the exemption of operating licenses and operating certificates for renewable energy facilities, battery storage, and projects for self-consumption.
Colombia’s Minister of Mines and Energy discusses the state of solar at BNEF Summit
pv magazine publisher, Eckhart Gouras, interviewed Diego Mesa, the Colombian Minister of Mines and Energy at the BNEF Summit in New York. Mesa recounted the history of solar PV adoption in his country and provided details on the most recent developments, including the construction of Colombia’s largest solar park by Italian group Enel and the first large scale battery project by Canadian Solar.
Mobile agrivoltaic system from the Netherlands
Created by a Dutch group of companies and research institutions, the mobile solar system may also be combined with an electrolyzer for hydrogen generation. Two prototypes are currently being tested by a farmer and a research institute in the Netherlands.
Spain curtails PV for first time
The Spanish authorities applied solar curtailment for the first time on Easter Sunday, when power generation exceeded demand and the wholesale electricity price went from €168.50 ($182)/MWh to just €3.70/MWh.
Philippines utility Meralco relaunches 850 MW renewables tender
Meralco has decided to reopen a renewables tender, following its initial failed launch in late January.
Three-year commercial PV payback expected via roof mount cost reductions
Solar Atmospheres says a 772 kW PV solar array, installed on S-5! metal roofing mounts, and a 1,561 kW/3,122 kWh Tesla battery storage system will help it to meet its varying energy demands.
India’s GUVNL seeks 1 GW of solar
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) has issued a tender to procure up to 500 MW of solar power, on top of an additional 500 MW. Bidding closes on May 18.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Hoshine expands PV glass output, Tongwei raises cell prices
Hoshine plans to expand PV glass production, while Tongwei is raising PV cell prices, with a particular focus on monocrystalline cells. Maxwell Technology has secured a 4.8 GW production line order from India’s Reliance Industries, while JA Solar has reported a net profit increase of 35% for 2021.
Morocco allocates 333 MW in Noor II solar tender
Amea Power, Taqa Maroc, Enel Green Power and Voltalia were the main winners of Morocco’s solar procurement exercise.
Panasonic combines fuel cells, batteries, PV to power factory in Japan
Japan’s Panasonic claims its new pilot solar-plus-hydrogen facility marks the first attempt to create a factory powered by 100% renewables, via the full-scale use of hydrogen.
