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.
Section 201 solar tariffs to be felt across market segments (w/chart)
GTM Research has issued new details, which show that distributed solar installations will also see a more than 10% decline from the base case through 2022.
Chile: Plan for decommissioning of coal; solar to become primary energy source by 2030
The Chilean government said that existing coal power plants will be gradually closed, although by 2030, the fossil fuel is still expected to account for 25% of thermoelectric power production. Renewables, however, are forecast to cover the remaining 75%.
Jenner Renewables reaches financial close for 146 MW PV project in Chile
The portfolio consists of 12 solar plants to be developed under Chile’s PMGD Program for distributed generation.
Canadian Solar acquires 51% stake in five Photon Energy projects in Australia
Chinese module maker and project developer Canadian Solar has acquired a 51% stake in project pipeline of five utility scale solar farms in New South Wales. The projects, which are at an early stage, were initiated by Netherlands-based Photon Energy NV.
Philadelphia Solar secures PPA for 68 MW solar facility in Jordan
The solar module maker expects to reach financial close for the project in the third quarter of this year.
Sri Lanka issues tender for 90 MW of solar
The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is tendering 90 PV power plants with a capacity of 1 MW each. The deadline to submit project proposals is March 23, 2018.
EU grants €578m for France-Spain renewable energy transmission link
In what is the largest ever energy grant to be issued by the EU, France and Spain’s interconnection capabilities are to be boosted to 5 GW once an undersea cable across the Bay of Biscay is finalized.
