Emiliano Bellini
Italy issues new regulation to promote solar and renewables in non-interconnected islands
The new rules will apply to the country’s 20 minor islands that have no connection with the national grid. Solar installation will be entitled to receive a premium tariff for both injected and self-consumed power.
EU greenlights France’s new regulation (and FIT) for residential and commercial PV
The European Commission has approved three initiatives of the French government aimed at supporting renewable energies. One of these is the new regulation for residential and commercial PV, which includes a 20-year FIT for power injected into the grid.
Solbian inaugurates 16 MW flexible solar cell factory in Italy
The Italian manufacturer of crystalline silicon flexible solar modules began production of solar cells in late 2016. The factory is located near Torino, in northern Italy. The cell technology is being provided by Italy-based renewable energy company Day4 Europe.
Scatec Solar sees turnover and profits grow in first quarter 2017
The Norwegian PV project developer and independent power producer had 322 MW of operational PV plants at the end of the latest quarter, while its project pipeline had reached 745 MW.
Swedish Energy Agency pushes for more residential PV
The Swedish agency has launched an initiative to spread awareness on the advantages of PV among homeowners.
Algerian government expects reference price of $0.04/kWh for 4 GW solar tender
The Algerian Minister of Energy said that the reference price for the first round of the upcoming auction is not expected to surpass 4 DZD/kWh (approximately $0.04/kWh).
USTDA helps Kenya build 40 MW solar-plus-storage power plant
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency will partner with Kenya-based engineering services provider Xago Africa on the development of the project. U.S. battery maker Suniva will supply a battery that will be combined with the facility.
Sonae Capital acquires 10 MW solar facility in Portugal
The Portuguese company invested $31.8 million in the transaction. The solar park is located in Ferreira do Alentejo, in southern Portugal.
Czech Republic provides incentives for solar-plus-storage
The Czech government is supporting the adoption of solar-plus-storage solutions through a specific incentive program. Each kW of PV installed must be coupled with at least 5 kW of storage capacity.
Albania to launch auction for over 50 MW of solar
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will help the Albanian government to set up an auction mechanism for large-scale PV plants. Between 50 MW and 100 MW will be allocated in the first auction.
