IRENA sees 20 GW potential for solar in West Africa by 2030
According to the agency, a mimimum of 8 GW of solar will be deployed across the 15 countries that comprise the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) by the end of the next decade. Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire will lead the future growth of PV in the region.
Niger commissions first solar park
The 7 MW solar facility will sell power to local state-owned utility Nigelec. The project was developed with the support of the Indian government.
Mauritius opts for floating PV
The United Nations Development Programme is selecting international consultants to conduct the feasibility study for a 2 MW project at the Tamarind Falls reservoir.
Belgium preps for energy transition with blockchain, AI and other innovations
Belgian grid operator Elia has published a vision paper explaining how it intends to link consumers’ behavior at lower voltage levels with price signals in the wholesale electricity market, thus also enabling better integration of renewables.
France sees increasing activity for private solar PPAs
Energy cooperative Enercoop has issued a request for proposal to select renewable energy projects up to 10 MW in size for which it could award a 15 to 30-year PPA. The move is intended to attract bids for projects built without public support.
Wind the only winner in Poland mixed energy auction for projects over 1 MW
Unlike similar auctions in France and Germany recently, in which only PV projects were selected, in Poland all the contracted power went to wind. The exercise drew prices from $41.98/MWh to $57.73/MWh, for an average $52.19/MWh.
“We have to think about mistakes made due to excessive regulation”
The Spanish government’s zeal in reducing electricity market prices can hit investment in renewable projects, which need stability. pv magazine interviewed Antonio Delgado Rigal, a doctor in artificial intelligence and founding Partner and CEO of AleaSoft, to discuss market equilibrium, the impact on electricity prices of the measures applied and announced by the government, and the appropriate transformation of the energy model.
Japan plans abrupt FIT cut for delayed PV projects
The subsidy for solar schemes approved between 2012 and 2014, and that will be not completed by March, may be reduced to ¥21/kWh. The proposal is expected to affect projects with a combined capacity of more than 20 GW.
Oman reveals final bidders of 500 MW solar tender
Only three consortia are now competing to build huge solar park: one formed by Masdar, Total and Jinko; another led by Saudi energy company ACWA; and a third group of companies led by Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and the Oman Gas Company (OGC). The tender is expected to be finalized early next year.
Korean utility develops blockchain-based micro-grid
The micro-grid will convert electricity into hydrogen by using a power-to-gas technology.
