Vattenfall expands PV business in the Netherlands
The company’s Dutch unit, Nuon, has agreed to acquire three solar projects totaling 27.5 MW of capacity from Powerfield. The projects will be developed under the Netherlands’ SDE+ program, for large scale renewables.
France adds 479 MW of solar in H1 2018
The French solar market grew by 59% in the first six months of this year, mainly driven by large-scale solar. Overall, the country’s cumulative installed PV power has surpassed 8.5 GW. However, it looks likely that the government’s 10.2 GW 2018 target will be missed.
Zambia issues RfP for 100 MW of solar
Via the tender, selected developers will be awarded 25-year PPAs for the sale of power to local utility, ZESCO.
UAE uses AI to map its solar potential
A newly created Artificial Intelligence Lab created by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will use artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to identify concentrated solar energy locations in the Emirates.
Tunisia plans 1.7 GW solar complex
The solar park is set to be built across three phases, and will be located in Tunisia’s southernmost region of Remana, in the Sahara Desert. The project was conceived by the Tunisian Goverment to support organic farming and improve security at the border with Libya.
Private PPAs for renewables take hold in France
The first movers are two big energy consumers – the Airport of Paris and state-owned railway company, SNCF – which have decided to consider bids from renewable energy producers. According to Xavier Daval from local association, SER-Soler, private PPAs will be able to offer the stable electricity prices currently being granted by nuclear power, over the next few years.
EU likely to eliminate MIPs for Chinese solar products
In a meeting in Brussels, the majority of EU member states have decided not to re-apply the anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures for crystalline solar PV modules and cells. As such, the undertaking on the minimum import price (MIP) is likely to end on September 3.
Solar prevails again in Netherlands’ SDE+ rounds
In the 2018 spring round of the program for large-scale renewable energy projects, solar secured around 1.7 GW of the 2.3 GW of total capacity allocated. Overall, 3,744 PV projects were selected, which will comprise 57% of the round’s available budget.
Engie, Greenyellow create joint solar venture
France-based energy giant and the unit of the French conglomerate, Casino have obtained approval from the European Commission for the creation of a new common unit specializing in the development of solar projects for self-consumption.
Kness Group to build 400 MW solar panel factory in Ukraine
The first 200 MW section of the manufacturing facility, to be located in Vinnytsia, in Central Ukraine, is set to be operational by the end of this year. The second 200 MW phase of the project will be implemented by the end of 2019.
