Patrick Jowett
Scatec secures financing for 60 MW of solar in Botswana
Norway’s Scatec ASA has reached financial close on a 60 MW solar plant in Botswana. The project will be developed as section of a broader 120 MW complex in the central part of the country.
Sonnedix secures €3.25 billion in refinancing for renewables portfolio
Sonnedix has secured €3.25 billion ($3.38 billion) through two refinancing transactions. The renewable energy producer says the transactions will be instrumental in accelerating the growth of its pipeline across Europe.
Pexapark records 18 European PPAs for 1,054 MW in November
Pexapark, a Swiss renewable energy market intelligence provider, says European developers signed 18 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 1,054 MW in November.
Qcells hits 28.6% efficiency with scalable perovskite-silicon solar cell
South Korea-based solar module manufacturer Qcells has set a new efficiency world record for a commercially scalable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, produced at its pilot line in Germany.
Solar applications to Dutch subsidy scheme drop by more than half
A Dutch subsidy scheme for renewable energy saw solar applications fall to 501 this year from 1,130 in 2023, as grid congestion and negative electricity prices reduced investment appeal.
IEA-PVPS calls for harmonized testing, certification for building-integrated photovoltaics
The latest report from the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) says the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) industry is facing significant challenges due to a lack of clear testing and certification procedures. It says international consensus and the harmonization of certification processes will be crucial for widespread adoption of the technology.
EU solar installations hit 65.5 GW in 2024, says SolarPower Europe
Solar installations grew 4% year on year in the European Union in 2024, down sharply from 53% growth in 2023. The slowdown coincides with a decline in solar investment, marking the first such drop this decade. SolarPower Europe now forecasts annual growth of 3% to 7% in solar installations from 2025 to 2028.
European electricity prices increase on winter demand
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says European electricity prices increased across most major markets last week, leading to weekly averages in excess of €120 ($126.03)/MWh in all markets, bar the Nordics.
Transformer explosion at South African coal power leaves nine injured
An explosion at an Eskom coal-fired power plant injured nine employees last week. The utility believes a rupture of a high-pressure steam steel pipe caused the incident and has said the event will not affect the suspension of load shedding.
Bangladesh seeks consultants for solar feasibility study
The Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority is searching for consultants to complete a feasibility study for the construction of a solar park. The deadline for applications is Jan. 9, 2025.
