South Sudan could reap immediate benefits from solar– report
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has proposed a “green pivot” for South Sudan, where solar energy could help decouple economic growth from the geopolitics of oil and gas. In a special report, it has identified three opportunities where solar could yield benefits. A donor-led transition is required.
PV covered 1.6% of Portugal’s power production in 2017
Overall, renewables accounted for more than 40% of the country’s electricity generation last year. Meanwhile, registered installed PV capacity has reached 478 MW.
2017: The PV year in review
Trade cases, insolvencies, record-breaking low auction prices, China’s eye watering installation rates – all this and more characterized the 2017 solar PV industry. pv magazine reflects on the biggest stories, trends and developments of the past year; and summarizes what the industry can expect in 2018.
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.
