Patrick Jowett
RWE starts building 330 MW of UK solar
RWE has commenced construction of 330 MW of solar capacity across seven sites in the United Kingdom. Two of the sites will include co-located battery storage (BESS), while the other five projects will be designed for future storage integration.
GoodWe opens inverter factory in Vietnam
China’s GoodWe has commenced operations at a manufacturing facility in Vietnam. The plant specializes in grid-tied and hybrid inverters.
European Parliament approves legal requirement to install solar on buildings
Legislation that would require EU member states to integrate solar installations into future building works, and retroactively install PV on buildings, is one step closer to becoming law, after being approved by members of the European Parliament.
Hurricane-resistant hybrid solar plant inaugurated on Antigua and Barbuda
A hybrid solar and battery project in Antigua and Barbuda, funded by the $50 million UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund, features 720 kWp of solar panels and an 863 kWh battery, designed to withstand strong winds and fully power the island nation during daylight hours.
Construction starts on polysilicon production facility in Oman
Construction has begun on a $1.35 billion polysilicon production facility in Oman, billed as the first project of its kind in the Middle East. It is scheduled to start operations next year, producing 100,000 metric tons of metallurgical silicon per year.
Hydro-solar hybrid starts commercial operations in Thailand
The Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has confirmed that a 24 MW floating hydro-solar hybrid project has commenced commercial operations in northeastern Thailand. The installation is part of wider plans to develop 16 floating solar projects with a combined capacity of 2,725 MW.
Midsummer, Soprasolar partner on solar cell-integrated roof material solution
Soprasolar has revealed plans to integrate Midsummer’s thin-film solar panels into its roof membranes, offering solar panels to customers whose rooftops cannot withstand the weight of silicon panels.
NatPower pledges £10 billion for battery storage rollout in the UK
NatPower UK says it will bring over 60 GWh of battery storage online in the UK by 2040. It has already set aside GBP 600 million ($769.8 million) for the development of substations and says large-scale solar and wind projects will be announced later this year.
EU approves €3 billion for solar, onshore wind in Romania
The European Commission has approved €3 billion ($3.9 billion) for solar and onshore wind projects in Romania, with two-way contracts-for-difference through competitive bidding procedures.
UAE utility opens bidding for 400 MW battery energy storage system
Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) has started accepting expressions of interest for a 400 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The chosen developer will enter into a long-term agreement with the Abu Dhabi-based utility as the sole procurer.
