Solar must deal with grid constraints in northeastern Netherlands
Despite recent efforts to improve the power network, in order to host more generation capacity from large-scale solar and renewables, Dutch transmission system operators TenneT and Enexis have said that there is very limited capacity for more solar in the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe and Overijssel.
Oman to install hybrid PV-diesel plants totaling 160 MW across 11 sites
The hybrid plants will be developed as independent power producer (IPP) projects at 11 off-grid sites. The largest project will be developed on the island of Mazeira, off the east coast of mainland Oman in the Arabian Sea.
Solar installations see an unprecedented boom in Estonia
The Baltic nation installed 90 MW of PV last year, four times more than it had done since it began adopting solar. The growth was down to a new regulation issued by the government in June and the big push came mainly from small installations.
Romania’s solar rooftop rebate scheme ready to kick off
From Friday, Romanian homeowners and businesses may file applications for rebates that could cover up to 90% of the cost of rooftop arrays, provided the grant does not exceed $4,830. Applications will be accepted until March 1.
China installed 44.1 GW of solar in 2018, according to official NEA data
The world’s biggest solar market reached a cumulative installed PV capacity of 174.63 GW at the end of last year.
EU approves France’s plan to replace nuclear plant with 300 MW of PV
The European Commission said the subsidy scheme to be adopted for the project is in line with the EU state aid rules. The 40-year old Fessenheim nuclear plant has faced several safety issues over the decades.
Hanwha Q-Cells completes internal going-private reorganization
The South Korean PV manufacturer has finalized its plan to merge with Hanwha Solar. The company will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hanwha Chemicals.
Univergy to install 400 MW of solar in northwestern Spain
The Spanish-Japanese developer wants to build two plants in the municipalities of Grijota and Herrera de Pisuerga, in the province of Palencia.
Renewables, an antidote against volatile electricity prices for the EU
The European Commission says renewables are playing a central role in lowering spot prices and stopping rises in network charges and fees. In the EU energy market, however, coal and gas still dominate, ensuring power prices are unpredictable.
Nepal wants more hybrid wind-solar and needs information on prices
Through three tenders, Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center is increasing efforts to bring power to rural communities, and to increase the share of renewables in a nation still dominated by hydropower.
