US researchers model alternatives to farmland for PV deployment
A team of scientists from the University of California has published a study, which says the state could meet 100% of its electricity demand up to 2025 from PV, without having to deploy a single panel on productive farmland or protected natural areas.
40 MW PV project awarded to Scatec Solar in Malaysia
Scatec Solar will construct 40 MW plant, which is expected to be grid connected in the second half of 2019.
Associated British Ports to scale up its solar portfolio to 28 MW
The UK’s port operator has announced plans to build a 20 MW solar array on multiple warehouses at the Port of Immingham. Custom Solar has been contracted to install solar panels.
Thailand’s bigger RE ambitions may lead to economic renaissance – IRENA
Increasing the role of solar PV in its energy mix from 6 GW to almost 17 GW is one of IRENA’s key recommendations for Thailand. Noting that RE national targets could be comfortably surpassed by a quarter to reach more than 37% by 2036, its report finds more ambitious deployment could save over US$9 billion annually, proving to be a major turning point for the entire economy.
Japan’s METI awards 140 MW in first PV auction — report
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has awarded 140 MW of solar capacity to eight companies across nine locations, with the lowest bid coming in at JPY 17.2 ($0.15)/kWh, according to a local media report.
Israel: 120 MW solar plant to be constructed by Belectric Isreal and Solel Boneh
Shikun & Binui Renewable Energy Ltd, the renewable energy arm of Israel conglomerate Shikun and Binui will own the plant, which will be located near the village of Zeélim.
Canada’s Nova Scotia launches program for community solar
Canada’s second smallest province, Nova Scotia, has announced the launch of the Community Buildings Pilot Program, an initiative that is expected to spur the development of community solar projects throughout the region.
First Solar bags 20 MW order from the Netherlands
The modules will be used by Danish investment firm Obton for two PV projects in Stadskanaal, in the northeast of the Netherlands.
Finnair completes first PV installation at Scandinavian airport
Finnwind Oy has installed modules from Indian manufacturer Vikram Solar, a strategic partner for PV installation in Finland.
Coal provided just 2% of UK power in H1 2017
Just five years after meeting 40% of U.K.’s electricity supply, data from Imperial College London shows that coal only met 2% of the country’s power needs in the first half of the year.
