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.
India: CleanMax Solar receives $100m investment from US backer
CleanMax Solar, India’s largest rooftop solar developer, will use the private equity investment to fund growth opportunities outside India.
UK’s ‘stunning Sunday’ of 70% low-carbon power offers glimpse of near future
Sunny and windy Sunday afternoon in the U.K. sees carbon intensity power production level fall below 100g of CO2 per kWh for first time ever, gifting country’s energy market glimpse into future power generation mix.
EPFL researchers investigate effect of light in perovskite cell formation
Scientists at Swiss research center École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne have published research showing how the presence of light can affect perovskite film formation. The study could result in higher efficiencies and better reproducibility in perovskite cell production.
