Becky Beetz
Europe: High renewables production leads to plunging power prices
High levels of solar, wind and hydro production have led to a crash in the European prompt market, with average day-ahead electricity prices in May of EUR 25.30/MWh in Germany the lowest monthly average in 12 years says Platts.
SMA to capitalize on GW scale PV hybrid opportunities
SMA Solar Technology AG has set up a test center at its German headquarters to optimize PV diesel hybrid energy systems. Such applications are growing in importance, says the company, which estimates an annual global growth in the single digit GW range.
REC to enter African solar market amid 100 GW predictions
REC will enter solar markets in East and South Africa this year on the back of its expectations that 100 GW of solar PV will be installed there by 2030. As an initial step, three offices will be opened, most likely in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.
First Solar selected for 200 MW PV project in Dubai
First Solar Inc. has been selected to supply 200 MW of its thin film solar PV panels to the second phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai. Plant construction is scheduled for completion in 2017.
Scotland considers waiving commercial solar rooftop planning permission
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation, which aims to remove planning permission for commercial solar rooftop projects. Unlike in England, no cap is expected to be placed on installation size. The move could prompt the English government to re-analyze its decision.
Toshiba to deliver MW energy storage system to Finland
Landis+Gyr, a member of Japan’s Toshiba Group, will supply Finland with a BESS to be integrated into the Kalasatama district’s smart energy system. The goal is to test new opportunities presented by megawatt-scale storage facilities. Around 2 million is being invested in the storage facility, which should be commissioned next spring.
US: AMS teams up with Shell Energy to install 20 MW of battery storage
Advanced Microgrid Solutions (AMS) and Shell Energy North America have signed a memorandum of understanding under which up to 20 MW of battery storage will be installed across California, the U.S.
Oxis to roll out Li-S energy storage batteries next year
Oxis Energy is gearing up to sell its energy storage batteries in 2016. The lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery developer, which unveiled a solar storage technology demonstration project in early June with Proinso, predicts a battery price of $250/kWh in 2020.
Ontario: Nautilus Solar completes 14 rooftop solar projects
Nautilus Solar Energy LLC has completed 14 solar PV rooftop projects in Ontario, Canada. It plans to expand its portfolio to 24 MW, with a further 7.2 MW scheduled to come online this year.
300 MW Californian solar project receives grid connection go ahead
Centauri Energy, LLC has secured permission to grid connect its 300 MW Beltran Solar PV project in California, the U.S. The project will be built across three phases and take up to two years to complete.
