Patrick Jowett
REC Silicon set to restart polysilicon shipments in October
Norway’s REC Silicon says it has completed construction at its restarted Moses Lake factory and will ship its first commercial polysilicon from the site in mid-October.
China urges US to reverse new tariffs on solar, batteries, EVs
China’s Ministry of Commerce has described the Office of the US Trade Representative’s recent decision to raise tariffs on Chinese solar components, batteries, semiconductors, steel, and EVs as “typical unilateralism and protectionism.” It added that the tariff increases will harm US companies and consumers.
Eurowind Energy acquires 11 solar projects in Portugal
Denmark’s Eurowind Energy has signed a deal for 65 MW of solar in central Portugal, split equally between 11 projects. Construction is expected to begin before the second quarter of 2025.
European Investment Bank invests in solar, wind in South Africa
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) are each investing €100 million ($110.8 million) in small- and medium-scale solar and onshore wind projects in South Africa. Together, they have now committed €600 million under South Africa’s Embedded Generation Investment Programme (EGIP).
Amea Power to build 1 GW of solar, 900 MWh of storage in Egypt
Dubai-based developer Amea Power has agreed to build a 1 GW solar plant with a 600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and an additional 300 MWh BESS. This follows the signing of two power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Co.
Freeware tool predicts light transmission, power generation of PV materials used in agrivoltaics
A research paper from scientists at Swansea University describes their tool for analyzing thermodynamic limits of organic semiconductor-based photovoltaics (OPVs). One of the findings was that semi-transparent solar PV deployed in greenhouses may deliver comparable performance to conventional crystalline silicon PV.
Belgium to allow plug-in solar panels, batteries
Belgium’s transmission and distribution system operator says it plans to allow household solar panels and batteries with a plug and socket to connect to the grid from May 2025.
Egypt set for giant solar-plus-battery storage project
Norwegian developer Scatec ASA has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 1 GW solar array and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage project in Egypt. CEO Terje Pilskog says it is Egypt’s first hybrid solar-plus-battery project.
Guyana seeks consultants for glint and glare study at airport
The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is looking for a consulting firm to undertake a glint and glare study for a proposed solar plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Proposals must be submitted by Oct. 1.
Electricity prices continue to rise in most European markets
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says higher demand pushed electricity prices up across most major European markets last week. However, prices fell in Portugal and Spain due to lower demand and rising solar production.
