Weekend Read: Floating the solar dream
Indonesia is a coal-dependent country in which conventional power grids are problematic. The archipelagic nation is turning to floating PV (FPV) to help accelerate its energy transition. Sorta Caroline takes a look at the state of play for water-borne solar and the problems that still need to be overcome.
Renewables-powered heat pump for district heating
South Korean researchers have developed a heat trading system including a ground-source heat pump, solar thermal collectors, a fuel-cell system, and two heat storage tanks for district heating at hours of peak solar production.
EU solar manufacturers’ ESG credentials could bolster revival
With calls for a revival in European PV manufacturing becoming more urgent, the Environmental, Social, and Governance credentials of its PV producers are being touted as a way in which manufacturing can be supported or even protected. The case for the ESG credentials of European manufacturing was advanced by multiple speakers at the 2023 SolarPower Summit this week in Brussels.
Switzerland to subsidize alpine PV
The Swiss government introduced measures to fast-track permitting and construction of alpine PV in October 2022. It is set to announce a new incentive scheme for these installations in April 2023. pv magazine spoke with Lionel Bloch, renewable energy project manager at Swiss engineering firm Planair, about the new provisions.
EU loosens state aid rules for green technologies
The EU’s new state aid rules should lead to more investments in clean tech production. The European Solar Manufacturing Council said the new framework will be the basis of Europe’s future manufacturing ecosystem.
Belgian consortium unveils offshore floating PV platform
Tractebel, DEME, and Jan De Nul will deploy a pilot offshore floating PV facility off the Belgian coast in the summer. The Seavolt floating platform is reportedly able to withstand difficult offshore conditions.
Study highlights Brazil’s floating solar potential
Brazilian scientists have calculated the potential for floating solar generation in Brazil. The results show an installed potential of 43 GW for all of Brazil, with the state of Minas Gerais leading with 6 GW, followed by Bahia with 4.59 GW, and Sao Paulo with 3.87 GW.
Solarspace opens 1.2 GW solar module factory in Cambodia
Solarspace’s newly minted factory is located in the UBE Snoul Special Economic Zone, in the Snuol district. It will produce PERC panels and will reach full capacity by the end of March 2023.
Adani commissions world’s largest hybrid wind solar power plant
Adani Green Energy Ltd has commissioned a 700 MW hybrid wind solar facility in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The plant is selling power under a 25-year power purchase agreement at INR 3.24 ($0.039)/kWh.
Silfab Solar raises $125 million for US cell and module manufacturing
The North American module manufacturer announced a second investment round from ARC Financial Corp.
