Oman to launch support scheme for small-sized PV
The Middle Eastern country is planning to support the installation of rooftop PV systems ranging in size from 2 kW to 4 kW. The support scheme will not be based on FITs or net metering, but on an “accelerated subsidy adjustment” mechanism.
Taiwan confirms plan to reach 20 GW of cumulative solar by 2025
Taiwan’s new solar energy strategy envisages the deployment of less than 200 MW of new PV capacity over the next two years, and the achievement of 6.5 GW of cumulative PV by 2020.
German solar sector wants removal of capacity cap for PV
After conducting a review of the results of Germany’s six auctions for large-scale PV, which have led to a very good price/performance ratio for solar power, the German solar association said there is no more reason to set growth limits for the development of PV.
Belgium: researchers say solar-plus-storage is far from becoming economically viable
According to a scientific paper from the Université libre de Bruxelles, even a further reduction in storage prices may not be sufficient to make solar-plus-storage attractive in the Belgian market.
Brazilian state of Ceará approves three solar projects totaling 90 MW
Ceará’s environmental authorities approved three 30 MW solar projects submitted by Steelcons Energy.
Germany: 96% of projects selected in first of six solar auctions is now online
Around 96% of the PV projects up to 10 MW selected in Germany’s first auction for large-scale solar has now been completed, according to the country’s grid regulator Bundesnetzagentur.
Nepal seeks to improve power network for 25 MW of grid-connected solar
The Nepal Electricity Authority has issued a tender to select consultants for the implementation of the Nepal Grid Solar and Energy Efficiency Project. The initiative is aimed at reducing distribution losses in pilot distribution centers, and enabling the grid-connection of large-scale solar.
Luxembourg bets on solar: additional 2.4 GW planned by 2050
The new energy strategy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix from around 6% currently to 70% by 2050. About 4.8 GW of new renewable energy power generation capacity is expected to be installed in order to reach this target, and to reduce dependence from power imports.
Ukraine’s Lviv region sees 10 MW of solar come online
The solar plant was built by local developer LigAgro under Ukraine’s FIT program at a cost of $10 million.
Madagascar wants more off-grid solar for rural areas, preps to host first grid-connected PV plants
Madagascar’s Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons is increasing efforts to implement its rural electrification plan for 2015-2020. Meanwhile, the government is also seeking developers for the island’s first MW-sized grid-connected PV projects.
