Patrick Jowett
Eskom launches tender for up to 30 MW of solar
South African utility Eskom is searching for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to build a solar plant up to 30 MW in size at the site of an existing power station in the eastern part of the country. The deadline for applications is Oct. 29.
Metals producer signs PPA in Zambia
Jubilee, a UK-based diversified metals producer, has signed a three-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Zambia’s Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Co. The agreement will power two of Jubilee’s sites in Zambia.
The future of net metering in Pakistan
A report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) sets out policy recommendations for the government of Pakistan if it is to replace net metering with net billing.
Helexia secures €60 million to expand solar projects in multiple countries
Helexia, a solar rooftop and PV carport specialist, has announced the completion of a €60 million ($67.1 million) incremental financing facility. The funds will support a portfolio of 290 solar rooftop and carport projects in Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
Uzbekistan set for large solar-plus-battery system
ACWA Power plans to build a 500 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan under a project proposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Bulgaria gives green light to solar cell, panel factory
The Bulgarian government has approved a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s Smart Solar Technologies AD for the construction of a solar cell and panel factory in southern Bulgaria.
Zimbabwe proceeds with 5 MW solar plant
Zimbabwe is moving forward with the development of a 5 MW solar plant. Construction is set to begin following approval from the Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe.
Researchers identify barriers to solar development in Poland
A research team from Poznań’s University of Economics & Business and SMA Solar Technology AG spoke to installers, designers, distributors and manufacturers in Poland’s solar industry to identify key barriers to PV development. They highlighted a lack of connection capacity and prices of non-renewable energy sources as the main issues.
Pexapark says European developers signed 24 PPAs for 1.19 GW in July
Swiss consulting firm Pexapark says European developers have signed 24 power purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 1,196 MW in July, with a 27% month-on-month increase in capacity, led by solar deals such as Europe’s largest decentralized solar PPA in France.
Vena Energy moves ahead with 550 MW of solar in the Philippines
Singapore’s Vena Energy and MGen Renewable Energy, the renewables unit of Manila-based Meralco PowerGen Corp., have signed an investment agreement for 550 MW of solar in the Philippines. Construction is due to start later this year.
