EU approves capacity mechanisms for Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Poland
The European Commission stated that capacity mechanisms in these five electricity markets are in line with EU state aid rules, and that all of the mechanisms are “well-designed”. SolarPower Europe says further supporting most polluting power generation forms through capacity mechanism simply does not make sense anymore.
Unsubsidized large-scale solar projects are proliferating across Italy
In a short conversation with pv magazine, the CEO of Italy-based consultancy, Prothea Srl has provided more details on the 500 MW Italian pipeline of market parity PV projects, which it has jointly announced with Limes RE.
The unexpected benefits of replacing tobacco plantations with solar farms
Although tobacco consumption is the key cause of avoidable deaths worldwide, its cultivation remains the main source of income for many farmers. Now, two researchers from the Michigan Technological University claim that converting tobacco fields to solar farms could be beneficial for two purposes: reducing deaths and helping solar energy fight climate change.
Germany’s ISFH announces 26.1% efficiency for p-type crystalline cells
The Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) and the Leibniz Universität Hannover claim that this result is a world record for p-type silicon material, as well as a European record for crystalline silicon.
Solar tender launched for up to 40 MW in Malawi
The 40 MW project is part of a 70 MW solar plan launched by local utility, Escom in February to reduce chronic power shortages.
ACWA wins Saudi Arabia’s 300 MW solar tender
The Saudi energy company submitted the second lowest bid, an LCOE of 0.08872 SAR ($0.0236) per kWh, while the excluded competitor, a consortium led by Japan’s Marubeni, had offered 0.09976 SAR ($0.0266) per kWh.
South Australia, Tesla partner for $800 million virtual power plant
South Australia could play host to the world’s largest deployment of residential solar+storage in the form of a virtual power plant. The scheme, announced by SA Premier Jay Weatherill on the election campaign trail, could see 250 MW of rooftop PV and 650 MWh of battery storage added to 50,000 homes over 4.5 years.
2018 pivotal year for Greek energy, new PV auctions planned
2018 is going to be a pivotal year for Greece’s energy sector, including in renewables. An auction for new solar PV plants is expected to attract global attention; however other changes currently underway are also expected to be effective for the long term development of the Greek PV industry.
French Development Agency issues tender for Benin’s first solar park
The 25 MW project is being financially supported by the European Union and the AFD with €60 million.
Tesla shows interest in Chilean lithium
The head of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (Corfo), Eduardo Bitran said that Tesla may partner with local lithium manufacturer, SQM in the construction of a factory. The Chilean government and SQM have recently settled a dispute that began in 2014.
