Belgium’s PV capacity tops 4.25 GW
Most of the nation’s solar is in Flanders, which at the end of December had more than 3 GW of grid-connected PV. Wallonia and Brussels account for the remaining 1.1 GW and 83 MW, respectively. Although Belgian solar is still dominated by residential PV, a stronger stimulus for the market may come from the large-scale segment in the years ahead.
Denmark’s European Energy acquires largest PV project in Italy
The Danish developer has bought the right to build a 123 MW plant in Troia, in the southern Italian region of Apulia. The project was initiated in 2011 and is the largest Italian PV project to have secured all necessary approvals. European Energy plans to start construction this year.
Medium and small power-to-gas conversion already viable
An international team of economists says power-to-gas may already generate hydrogen at costs competitive with fossil fuel power plants in Germany and Texas, provided certain production output levels are not exceeded. If medium and small power-to-gas is competitive, large-scale should be viable by 2030.
The promised land of floating PV now has guidelines for proper deployment
The Netherlands-based Foundation for Applied Water Research has published a Guide for the licensing of floating solar parks on water and developed a tool to measure the effect of PV modules on water quality and quantity and the ecosystem.
ACWA reinforces solar partnership with Huawei and signs Belt and Road deal
The Saudi energy company and Chinese inverter maker and comms firm will team up to use information and communications technology to improve the performance of the former’s PV plants.
Brazil’s WEG acquires storage business of US-based NPS
The two companies entered a technological partnership in 2013 and three years ago the Brazilian company acquired the wind power business of its US peer.
Colombia’s RE auction concludes with no assigned project, new auction to be launched by end of June
The Colombian authorities said the received offers did not comply with the criteria for competition and market dominance. Enel Green Power, Canadian Solar, Trina Solar and Solarpack were among the developers that were admitted to the auction’s final phase.
Europe’s 100% renewables dream needs a flexible grid concept and more storage
A European energy system powered solely by renewables is economically feasible, according to a study which suggests decentralized energy systems operating within the framework of a stronger pan-European energy trade could reduce the cost of electricity from the €69/MWh price seen four years ago to around €51 in 2050.
Portugal approves plan to improve grid, announces 1.75 GW to be allocated in first solar auction
Portugal’s government has approved its 2018-2027 plan to strengthen its grid to integrate large volumes of renewable energy. Environment minister João Matos Fernandes has also revealed the solar auction planned for next summer will offer around 1.75 GW of capacity.
Kyocera uses blockchain to test virtual power plant based on solar and storage
The module maker and electronics giant is testing the feasibility of a complex virtual power plant with a blockchain platform provided by US-based LO3 Energy.
