Repsol, Enagás join forces to produce hydrogen from solar energy
Two months after announcing its intention to turn to renewables, the Spanish oil giant has for the first time formed a technological tie-up that integrates a partner into the company’s value chain.
SunPower to shift IBC solar production to new technology
The PV maker plans to shift its 800 MW of E-Series production to its new NGT technology, as it records a massive loss on depreciation of its old equipment. The move was revealed in second-quarter figures featuring plenty of red ink.
UK based scientists demonstrate ‘charge funnels’ to boost solar efficiency
A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has demonstrated a technique which creates ‘charge funnels’ within certain semiconductor materials. The researchers state that the technique could eventually lead to the development of PV cells with better than 60% efficiency.
France reports record share of renewables for Q2 2018
According to French grid operator RTE, it is the first time since the 1960’s that renewables have reached a similar share in the country’s power mix. Solar, wind and bioenergies contributed by covering around 10% of national demand.
India: Uttar Pradesh cancels 1 GW projects due to high tariff
Citing high tariff of INR 3.48 ($0.050)/kWh as untenable, the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has cancelled the recent auction for the development of 1 GW grid-connected solar PV projects across the state.
Tages Helios obtains €425 million financing
The Italian fund will use the money to refinance its current PV plant portfolio consisting of 101 MW of facilities, and to finance further acquisitions planned by the end of this year.
Work never stops for big solar parks in Spain
The Balearic Islands have decided to fast-track a 42 MW solar project, which would raise the three island’s total installed generations by one third. Iberdrola has secured a PPA for its 391 MW Nuñez de Balboa projects. Moreover, several other PV projects have obtained approval from regional authorities.
Total looks to Chinese EV market
Oil and gas company Total has announced it will work alongside Shanghai-based NIO – the world’s inaugural Formula E champion – to develop products for a potentially huge electric vehicle marketplace in the populous Asian nation.
Renewables power ahead in Australia
Green Energy Markets’ latest analysis shows the National Electricity Market is on track to get 33% renewable electricity by 2020, with individual states performing well beyond that. But the report claims solar jobs will be lost unless the National Energy Guarantee’s 26% emissions reduction target is lifted.
The figures for China’s booming PV industry will be seen with a tinge of regret
In what analysts worldwide are sure to look back on as the last golden period for global solar – at least for the immediate future – China saw more impressive figures for PV manufacturing in the first half of the year. Then the government stepped in.
