Greece to launch 1 GW renewables tender in September
The Greek energy regulator has published the details of a 1 GW joint renewable power tender scheduled for September. The nation has planned a number of additional competitive tenders up to 2024, in order to procure about 3 GW of renewables, including energy storage.
The weekend read: Solar reforms loom, Cyprus begins to move
Cyprus is a laggard in renewable energy development compared to many of its European neighbors. Given its reliance on oil and gas imports, the consequences are now being felt by electricity consumers on the island. However, as Ilias Tsagas reports, a combination of factors may soon provide the leverage that changes the game fast.
Lebanese bank introduces solar loan scheme for households
Lebanon’s Banque De L’Habitat is rolling out a new scheme to provide loans to help Lebanese households buy and install PV systems. It is running the scheme with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), which is providing technical assistance.
The weekend read: Portugal’s enormous PV potential
Portugal’s PV tenders have generated headlines on the back of world-record tariffs. But the country has failed to add meaningful capacity and is now struggling to establish a workable licensing system. Merchant solar shows enormous potential to drive the market, but will politicians listen?
Lebanon issues 11 solar licenses for 165 MW
The Lebanese government has approved 11 licenses for 165 MW of PV capacity. The licenses are part of a 180 MW solar tender that the country initiated in January 2017.
Greece rolls out new policy, tenders as UAE eyes investment opportunities
Greece and the United Arab Emirates signed new cooperation agreements this week, including deals focused on renewable energy. The Greek government also introduced a new draft law for energy storage and floating solar, as well as new licensing regime, while noting plans for new renewable power auctions.
Cyprus launches PV, battery funding scheme as Greece turns to gas
Cyprus has launched a new scheme to fund installations of PV arrays and battery systems, with a specific focus on owners of electric vehicles. Greece, meanwhile, has devised a subsidy scheme to support the use of gas for conventional cars.
Greece installed 792 MW of PV in 2021
Greece has published new statistics showing that it installed 792 MW of solar in 2021. However, the country has also announced plans to postpone its coal phase-out date to 2028.
The weekend read: Super-grid forming in the Mediterranean
Electricity generation in the Middle East and Africa could soon support the development of an interconnection between Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt. Ilias Tsagas examines the landscape for this infrastructure mega-project, and the possible benefits for solar.
UK considers reform of renewables subsidy regimes
A conference about the UK’s electricity market showed organizations are considering the future of the country’s energy sector and how to achieve a net zero economy.
