Emiliano Bellini
Solar to reach 1.2 GW in Poland by the end of 2020
With around 300 MW of installed PV power at the end of May, Poland still needs volume to become a major European PV market. More capacity is expected to come online over the next years, however, as a result of the auction mechanism for renewables. Around 360 MW was allocated by the two auctions held by the Polish government, although only 27 MW of this is currently online.
Hevel breaks ground on 15 MW solar plant in Siberia
With completion scheduled by November 2019, the Khorinskaya PV facility will be the second solar park to be built by the Russian solar module manufacturer in the Republic of Buryatia.
Solar set to cross 1 GW milestone in Ukraine
According to new provisional numbers released by the Ukrainian government, around 206 MW of new solar PV power stations were connected to the country’s grid in the first half of 2018. Cumulative installed PV power has now reached 948 MW.
France unveils details of 300 MW solar tender for Fessenheim nuclear site
Through the tender, the French government intends to allocate 200 MW for ground-mounted PV plants up to 30 MW, and 100 MW for rooftop solar systems up to 8 MW. Projects financed through crowdfunding will be granted the €3/MWh bonus, which is also included in all of the national tenders.
Sweden increases 2018 solar budget, again
The annual budget for solar rebates has been raised from SEK 390 million to SEK 915 million (US$102.5 million). Additional funds are intended to spur more growth and reduce waiting period for applicants.
Germany’s KfW finances South Africa’s grid enhancement with $100 million
The improvement to the country’s power infrastructure is planned to enable the integration of renewable energy IPP projects under the recently-signed PPAs, as part of the REIPPPP program.
Enel invests in Italian start-up Aton Storage
Aton is offering batteries to be integrated with photovoltaic systems for residential customers. Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo also invested in the company.
France makes room for solar, Total announces 10 GW plan
The announcement was given by the French energy company during the #PlaceAuSoleil initiative, a new plan of France’s government to speed up PV development, and to make surfaces for large-scale solar plants available. The new package of measures includes doubling the volume of tenders for PV projects on agricultural land and increasing by 50% the volume of tenders for rooftop PV.
Acciona secures short-term PPA in Portugal
The Spanish renewable energy company will sell power to a local glass container producer for a year and a half. The electricity will be provided by its 45 MW solar park in southern Portugal, as well as by other wind power facilities.
Europe’s first GW-sized solar park may be built in France
The huge 1.2 GW PV facility is currently being planned in the Lot-et-Garonne Department, southern France. The project’s required investment is expected to reach around €1 billion. Five big solar players are currently interested in developing the plant.
