Kazahkstan tenders 290 MW of solar
Overall, new auctions launched by the Kazakh government will allocate 1 GW of renewable energy generation capacity, including 620 MW of wind power plants.
Solar Ventures plans 1 GW of ‘grid-parity’ projects in Italy, Spain
The Italian solar plant operator has decided to re-enter the Italian PV market, as costs for large-scale solar are now under €1 million/MW and conditions for unsubsidized projects are improving. Overall, it plans to invest around €800 million in solar in the two southern European countries over the next five years.
Sweden allocates $60 million in solar rebates for 2018
The Swedish Energy Agency will initially allocate 200 million SEK (around US$24 million). Two further tranches of 200 million SEK and 100 million SEK, respectively, will be assigned in April and in the fall. The funds will be used to finance small rooftop PV projects under the country’s solar rebate scheme.
Turkey registers 522 MW of new unlicensed PV capacity in first two months of 2018
Overall, the country’s registered unlicensed solar capacity has reached 3.9 GW (AC), according to new data released by local grid operator, TEIAŞ. There are, however, differing views on how much has actually been completed and is operational.
Ground breaks on 25 MW solar plant in Dominican Republic
The project is part of the three large-scale solar plants that the Dominican government is planning to bring online in 2018.
Poland to tender 750 MW of solar projects up to 1 MW in 2018
The Polish government may also launch a mixed wind-solar auction for projects over 1 MW that, according to local analyst Piotr Pająk, would eventually conclude with a prevailing share of wind.
Belgium: Flemish government pushes for more community solar
Through the platform Zonnegids, the Flemish Ministry of Energy seeks to connect developers of commercial and industrial PV projects with private citizens that want to invest in solar, but have no surface available.
Kness Group secures financing for 33.9 MW of solar in Ukraine
The Ukraine-based developer has been granted two different loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The three solar plants will be located in the Vinnitsa region of western Ukraine.
Brazil’s BNDES reduces interest rate for loans for large-scale solar from 1.7% to 0.9%
After improving financing conditions for solar and renewable energy projects in upcoming auctions in November, the Brazilian Development Bank has now agreed to considerably reduce the interest rate for loans devoted to projects in the areas of public safety, innovation, environment, solar energy, sanitation, solid waste treatment and professional qualification.
France: Engie, Suez plan 1 GW of solar at waste recycling, treatment facilities
The French energy giant and the water and waste management solutions provider will initially focus on a 12 MW solar PV project at a storage facility in eastern France.
