UNDP

The island nation of Sao Tome and Principe switched on the initial phase of its first 2 MW solar project in August. Construction of 1.4 MW of PV capacity is now underway at two airports, and developers plan to install a total of 1.7 MW by 2023.

The Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, is embracing solar energy as a reliable local energy source. However, its 2 million residents still only have access to electricity for just a few hours per day. Amjad Khashmann reports on damages to installed PV systems and the urgent need for new installations to support education, water, and health care.

FlexiDAO is using its software to track the production of solar power from four PV plants in the nation, in conjunction with the UN Development Program.

The Climate Investment Platform launched by three multilateral bodies in September is now open for business and renewables companies in developing nations could qualify for help with clean energy facilities, renewables-related grid improvements and energy efficiency schemes.

The United Nations Development Program is seeking consultants to build a 2 MW solar project and three hydropower plants ranging in generation capacity from 1.15-2 MW.

Firming up the payment system for solar energy exported back into the grid from PV-powered pumps will offer owners a new revenue stream, eat into a $1 billion annual diesel fuel bill and reduce strain on the grid by up to 1.5 GW daily during the agricultural season.

The development will comprise multiple smaller projects, a first 60 MW batch of which closed its first tender window this month with the results not yet publicized. Cambodia boasts comparatively high electricity prices and has been urged by the UN Development Program to use PV to drive down energy bills.

In Cambodia, Singapore’s Cleantech is building a 10 MW solar plant including a 2.7 MW floating section, and in Lithuania, state-owned utility Lietuvos Energija is deploying a floating plant at the Kruonis pumped storage hydroelectric power plant.

National scheme reportedly aims to drive installation in segments including residential and commercial and industrial facilities.

Panda Green Energy has revealed plans to pay CNY 196 million ($29.75 million) to acquire Inner Mongolia Guorun Chayouqianqi Electricity, which owns an operational 50 MW solar plant in northern China.