Germany registers almost 200 MW of solar in May
In particular, the rooftop PV segment continues to drive the market in Germany. For ground-mounted systems, newly registered PV capacity for May was approximately 37.5 MW.
France unveils details of 300 MW solar tender for Fessenheim nuclear site
Through the tender, the French government intends to allocate 200 MW for ground-mounted PV plants up to 30 MW, and 100 MW for rooftop solar systems up to 8 MW. Projects financed through crowdfunding will be granted the €3/MWh bonus, which is also included in all of the national tenders.
Sweden increases 2018 solar budget, again
The annual budget for solar rebates has been raised from SEK 390 million to SEK 915 million (US$102.5 million). Additional funds are intended to spur more growth and reduce waiting period for applicants.
Enel invests in Italian start-up Aton Storage
Aton is offering batteries to be integrated with photovoltaic systems for residential customers. Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo also invested in the company.
France makes room for solar, Total announces 10 GW plan
The announcement was given by the French energy company during the #PlaceAuSoleil initiative, a new plan of France’s government to speed up PV development, and to make surfaces for large-scale solar plants available. The new package of measures includes doubling the volume of tenders for PV projects on agricultural land and increasing by 50% the volume of tenders for rooftop PV.
Acciona secures short-term PPA in Portugal
The Spanish renewable energy company will sell power to a local glass container producer for a year and a half. The electricity will be provided by its 45 MW solar park in southern Portugal, as well as by other wind power facilities.
Europe’s first GW-sized solar park may be built in France
The huge 1.2 GW PV facility is currently being planned in the Lot-et-Garonne Department, southern France. The project’s required investment is expected to reach around €1 billion. Five big solar players are currently interested in developing the plant.
Gas Natural Fenosa rebrands into Naturgy
Another big energy group transitioning to clean sources has chosen to change its name to reflect the new strategy. The Spanish gas and power provider started investing in solar last spring.
Spain prepares to resume renewable energy auctions
Although it is still unknown when exactly the new auctions will be held, the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition is now defining new bidding rules, in order to adapt them to international standards.
Engie comments on rumored plan to acquire EDP Renováveis
Engie has released a statement on the rumors that it was looking to invest in EDP Renováveis. Currently the Portuguese renewable energy company, and its parent, power utility EDP, are attracting international interest, also from Chinese state-owned power company China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG).
