EU greenlights reduction of surcharges for energy-intensive companies in Germany and Italy
The European Commission stated that reduction of cogeneration and renewable energy surchages for energy-intensive industries in the two countries complies with its 2014 Guidelines on state aid for environmental protection and energy.
EU supports integration of renewables between Croatia and Slovenia with €40 million
The smart grid project is expected to boost to the use of renewable energy in the region, and to enable smaller power producers participate in the market.
Switzerland says yes to exit from nuclear power and more renewables
Over 58% of voters approved the country’s new energy policy, which envisages the progressive phasing out of all the nuclear power plants, and the further development of renewables, especially hydropower and solar.
Solar had no chance against wind in Spain’s renewable energy auction
Spanish solar association UNEF claims PV was discriminated against in the auction and announced it will appeal to the European Commission.
Italy opens ancillary services market to pilot renewable energy and storage projects
The project is the initial stage of an organic reform of the Italian ancillary services market, which is expected to be implemented in accordance with the European balancing code.
Report: Near-total renewable energy systems cheaper than gas in 2030 (w/ chart)
A report released last week by Climate Policy Initiative stresses flexibility and shows how energy storage and limited gas generation can support a power system dominated by renewables at a lower cost than conventional generation.
Brazil assesses potential of hybrid solar-wind power plants
The assessment was conducted by Brazil’s energy agency Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE). These projects are expected to be particularly suitable to regions with a low degree of grid integration.
Jamaica targets $300 million renewable energy investments
The Caribbean country is seeking to accelerate its transition to clean energies, and to benefit from funds from the Green Climate Fund. Meanwhile, the government is also seeking to improve net metering for residential and commercial PV.
Denmark’s Energy Commission says incentives for renewables should be phased-out
A recently created Energy Commission has advised the Danish government to phase-out incentives for renewables, at the same rate as the technology becomes competitive with other energy sources. Meanwhile, Denmark has added only 3.7 MW of PV so far this year.
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.
