France announces winners of 150 MW tender round for rooftop PV projects exceeding 100 kW
The French governenment announced that 361 projects were selected in the first 150 MW round of the 1.35 GW tender for rooftop PV. The next tender round will be held in July.
German government approves draft regulation for tenants’ solar power supply
The new regulation will likely to come into force by the end of this year. The German solar association BSW has welcomed the government’s decision, although it has asked for improvements.
Dangote Industries and Blackstone plan 100 MW solar plant in Nigeria
The Nigerian industrial group was granted funds to conduct the feasibility study for the 100 MW facility by the USTDA. The plant would be built in Kano State, in the north of Nigeria, where the two companies are also planning to construct a 1 GW coal power plant.
Kosovo must do more for renewables, EU says
The European Commission has said that Kosovo’s government needs to increase efforts to improve its energy system, and to provide more support for renewables, although it has recently revised its energy (and renewable energy) strategy up to 2020.
Tempress receives follow-on order for turnkey line
Tempress systems, a subsidiary of U.S. based Amtech, has received a follow-on order for a multi-phase 1 GW project. The turnkey order is for an n-type bifacial manufacturing line, and includes high throughput PECVD and diffusion platforms.
Poland to miss 2020 EU renewable energy target, Ecofys
Poland is set to miss its target of covering up to 15% of energy demand with renewables by 2020. Under the most favorable scenario provided by a report released by local consultancy Ecofys, new additions for solar may reach 695 GWh, while the country is expected to reach a target of only 13.8% by the end of the decade.
South Africa makes it easier to deploy large-scale solar in renewable energy zones
The country’s Ministry of Environmental Affairs has simplified the environmental impact assessment process for large-scale solar and wind power projects in South Africa’s eight Renewable Energy Development Zones.
Canadian Solar snags $97 million for 92 MW U.S. project
Already under construction in conjunction with a long-term PPA with Duke Energy Progress, the new round of funding will allow the project to continue on its path to commercial operation by the third quarter.
Cambodia’s solar development moves forward with 10 MW project
The Asian Development Bank will provide Singapore-based Sunseap Group with $9.2 million. The company will use the funds to construct Cambodia’s first large-scale PV plant, a 10 MW facility located in Svay Rieng Province.
REC launches TwinPeak 2S 72 Series rated up to 350 Wp
Norway’s PV manufacturer REC has begun commercial production of what it claims to be the highest power 72-cell multicrystalline solar panel in the world, with nominal output of 350 Wp.
