PV-powered desalination system for rural areas
Italian start-up Genius Watter has developed a solar desalination solution that is claimed to be particularly suitable for remote areas with no connection to grid electricity. The system is able to produce up to 1,000 cubic meters of potable water per day at an opex of €0.20 per cubic meter.
India’s NTPC tenders 1 GW of solar capacity, BHEL issues global tender to select module partners
Developers have until May 27 to submit bids for NTPC’s projects anywhere in India. BHEL is seeking module supply partners for an aggregate 750 MW of panels.
Mounting interest for solar-linked bilateral deals in Russia
Under the current Russian energy regulatory framework, bilateral deals can be concluded between a seller and a buyer with a power distribution company mediating as a third party.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: First quarter brought 5.5 GW of new solar, Zhonghuan Semiconductor acquires stake in Maxeon
Solar demand grew around 40%, year-on-year, during the first three months of 2021 and wafer producer Zhonghuan Semiconductor has raised its holding in Singaporean solar manufacturer Maxeon to become its second-largest shareholder after Total.
Mathematical model to couple pumped hydro with wind and solar in islands
An group of international scientists has developed a mathematical model to design hybrid renewable energy systems relying on pumped hydro storage for islands. According to their analysis, which was applied to the Ometepe island in Nicaragua, a similar system could provide a cost of energy ranging from €0.047/kWh to €0.095/kWh.
Auctions will not influence PPA prices in Spain
LevelTen Energy reports each quarter on the prices that wind and solar project developers have offered for power purchase agreements, and makes medium-term estimates for the most important markets. Italy and Spain have been the most active markets in the first quarter of 2021.
Pollinator-focused solar parks
Researchers in the US ascertained that the partial shading provided by solar parks creates a microclimate that favors the abundant growth of more varied flowers and pollinators. They also found that partial shading increases bloom abundance by delaying bloom timing, increasing forage for pollinators during the hot and dry late season.
Australian green hydrogen project grows from 1 GW to 8 GW, following commitment from Total Eren
Province Resources has signed a memorandum of understanding with French renewable energy developer Total Eren, which could see the two companies have equal shares in Province’s HyEnergy Zero Carbon Hydrogen project proposed in northwest Western Australia.
Walmart adds 6.5 MW of rooftop and canopy parking solar to California stores
The $10 million portfolio was developed by Sol Customer Solutions and will deliver energy to seven stores across the state.
Model agreement to make solar and wind share same connection point in the Netherlands
The model agreement was outlined by Dutch consultancy Ventolines B.V. and follows the introduction of new provisions for the sharing of the same connection point issued by the country’s government last year.
