A new converter topology for hybrid wind-solar
A researcher has proposed a new approach to apply maximum power point tracking techniques to optimize electricity production in wind-solar power projects. The permanent magnetic synchronous generator hybrid model used in the study is based on a multi-input rectifier stage which is said to be able to eradicate current harmonics and eliminate the need for extra input filters.
Côte d’Ivoire gets World Bank support for 60 MW of solar
The African country has joined the World Bank’s Scaling Solar Program. Two PV plants will be located in Touba and Laboa, in the northeast of the country.
Green hydrogen to reach cost parity by 2030
Recent analysis from Wood Mackenzie predicts green hydrogen, produced primarily by solar electrolysis, will reach cost parity in Australia, Germany and Japan by 2030.
Hanwha vows ‘immediate appeal‘ in event of ITC summary decision
With the Q Cells solar business warning it is preparing an instant appeal if a U.S. ITC judge rules against it Stateside, the chemical company parent announced its solar panel business saw a year-on-year, third quarter rise in revenue from KRW818 billion to KRW1,638 billion.
California spies solar-plus-storage domination by 2030, with 11 GW/44 GWh of batteries
The state’s 2019 Integrated Resource Plan foresees just over 11 GW of solar power generation capacity and at least 11 GW – with a possibility of up to 19 GW – of energy storage necessary to meet resource adequacy as part of the state’s legally required 60% renewable portfolio standard by 2030. Prices have halved since 2017.
Spain’s ACS group may sell renewable energy unit
A source close to the company has told pv magazine although there are investment funds and utilities interested in buying the renewables business, an IPO for the entity has not been excluded.
EU to help anchor lower price for floating solar power
The Fresher project, funded by the EU’s European Maritime and Fishery Fund, aims to develop better and cheaper mooring and anchoring systems for floating solar. The initiative is backed by Portugal utility EDP, which has recently begun to install floating projects.
Angola’s solar plans boosted by Italian oil giant Eni
The Italian oil and gas provider has signed a concession agreement with the government of the African oil country to build a 50 MW solar plant. The project is expected to be in the province of Namibe and will be part of the nation’s plan to deploy 600 MW of solar by 2022.
Tesla to build first European gigafactory in Germany
Elon Musk has promised a fab near Berlin that will help create up to 10,000 new jobs. Tesla wants to build the facility near the city’s controversial new BER airport.
IRENA predicts LCOE of solar will drop to $0.01-0.05 by mid century
The latest study published by the International Renewable Energy Agency says the average solar electricity cost of $0.085/kWh produced by projects commissioned last year is set to fall to $0.048 next year, and $0.02-0.08 by 2030.
