Glasgow: first European university to divest from fossil fuels
Glasgow University has taken the lead in the U.K. and Europe in aligning itself with the disinvestment movement, yet the number of higher education institutions turning away from fossil fuel investments is steadily growing.
Scottish renewable energy in the post-referendum era
Following Scotland’s independence referendum last month and voters’ decision to remain in the U.K., increasing the country’s devolved powers has emerged as the center of a dynamic debate. Will energy policy also be devolved? And what does the future of Scottish renewable energy, including solar PV, look like?
Tokyo Electric upgrading grid with 100-km-long transmission line
Tokyo Electric Power Co. is building a 100-kilometer-long electricity transmission line in central Japan as part of the country’s efforts to upgrade its grid infrastructure in view of surging renewable power.
Election of EU energy commissioner proves thorny
In a stormy hearing last week, Spanish commissioner-designate for energy and climate action Miguel Arias Cañete sought to dodge questions about his oil industry past and provided only vague answers to questions about energy and climate protection policy. His candidacy could be in danger.
UK Foresight Solar Fund to raise up to £100 million
The fund plans to acquire two PV plants with a combined capacity of 74 MW and expects to continue acquisitions of plants below and above 5 MW following the introduction of next year’s CfD scheme.
US and EBRD to finance 20 MW solar PV plant in Jordan
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation will co-finance a 20 MW solar PV plant in southern Jordan.
Italy’s PV sector considers legal actions
ANIE Rinnovabili, the country’s solar PV sector voice, is weighing actions against the feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts recently imposed to existing photovoltaic installations. Tariff reductions were absolutely unnecessary, the energy association says.
Independence will not derail Scotland’s stellar renewables success
pv magazine’s Ilias Tsagas argues that should Scotland’s population vote today in favor of independence, this will not hurt its renewable energy sector but might give it a further boost.
Solar PV sets new record in Italy
Solar photovoltaic installations in Italy provided nearly 10% of the country’s electricity demand from January to August. The highest monthly solar PV output was recorded in August at 2,834 gigawatt hours — the highest amount of energy generated from PV plants in Italy ever.
Greek isles to be connected to grid
French, Swedish, Italian and Greek companies this week signed contracts to install underground and subsea cabling to connect the Cyclades to the mainland grid. The connections will boost solar project development in the isalnds.
