Construction begins on 60 MW solar park in Malawi
The large-scale power plant is being built by JCM Matswani Solar Corp Limited. A 20-year PPA has been signed with the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM).
Portugal aims for 100% renewables by 2050
Solar is expected to play a leading role in the Portuguese Government’s new energy plan, which includes the goals of covering 80% of the country’s total power demand with clean energy by 2030, and electrifying 65% of its economy by 2050.
Floating PV conquers two new countries
This time, the countries revealing their first floating PV plans are Albania and the Ivory Cost. In the first, a 12.9 MW plant is being proposed by local hydropower producer KESH, while in the second, the local government has secured funds for what it claims will be Africa’s first floating PV array.
Jordan gets $265 million loan to improve grid capabilities, integrate more solar
The funds, provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, will help utility NEPCO repay short-term debt, as well as financing expansion of the grid’s capability to increase the share of solar and other renewable energy.
Limejump secures solar PPA from NextEnergy Solar Fund
The UK energy technology company said the new contract will provide 120 MW of solar generation through its Limejump Virtual Power Platform. The energy bought from NextEnergy Solar Fund will then be traded on the national grid.
Hanwha Q Cells posts $165m loss in Q3
The South Korean PV manufacturer saw sales increase slightly in the last quarter. Net losses, however, more than quadrupled compared to the previous period.
German parliament approves incentive cut for 40-750 kW solar systems
Through a new package of measures for the energy sector, the German government has introduced a significant incentive reduction for commercial and industrial solar, but has also allocated an additional 4 GW of solar capacity in tenders up to 2021.
Kenya prepares the ground for utility-scale PV projects
French developer Voltalia has secured an $18.1 million loan for its 50 MW Kopere solar project. The plant will sell power to utility KPLC under a 20-year PPA. The country’s Rural Electrification Authority is also tendering 1.1 MW of solar plants associated with minigrids in off-grid regions.
Germany added 182 MW of new PV capacity in October
The vast majority of the newly reported capacity was small and medium-sized PV rooftops. For ground-mounts, as in September, there was little volume. By the end of October, the government’s annual target of 2.5 GW of new capacity was almost reached. Solar FITs will fall another 1% in December.
Portugal: New energy minister announces first RE auction for Q2 2019
In addition to unveiling Portugal’s first renewables auction, State Secretary for Energy João Galamba has said he will fight speculation in the large-scale solar business, and introduce both longer timeframes for project construction and stronger penalties.
