Patrick Jowett
Ivory Coast to host 52 MW solar plant
The Ivory Coast government has signed an agreement with infrastructure investor PFO Africa for the financing, construction and operation of a 52 MW solar plant. The project has been billed as the country’s largest to date.
Caribbean utility launches tender for PV, wind, battery storage project
Saba Electric Co. (SEC), an energy supplier on the Caribbean island of Saba, is seeking expressions of interest for a solar, wind and battery energy storage system. The deadline is Feb. 5, 2024.
Consultations underway for 1 GW of solar, storage in UK
Once operational, the Great North Road Solar Park in Nottinghamshire, England, could meet the power needs of around 400,000 homes. A spokesperson for the project’s design team has told pv magazine that the installation site is currently owned by private landowners, but the acquisition process is set to be completed shortly.
Trilantic Europe acquires 60% stake in Aerocompact
Mathias Muther, the founder of Aerocompact, says a new investment from private equity firm Trilantic Europe will allow the Austrian mounting system manufacturer to expand its international market presence.
Record number of European PPAs in 2023, says Pexapark
The European market for power purchase agreements (PPAs) reached 16.2 GW in contracted volumes in 2023, up 40% year on year. Pexapark, a Swiss consulting firm, says the result marks a “golden era” for European PPAs, as it predicts the market to surpass 20 GW in 2024.
NREL says long-term degradation of 8 GW of US solar ‘matches expectations’
Research by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on the degradation of almost 8 GW of US solar shows that PV systems are degrading at a modest rate, within expectations. It says most PV systems experience minimal damage from short-term extreme weather, but warns of the risk of powerful hail, wind and snow.
Smart grids could improve Saudi Arabia’s renewables potential
Saudi researchers say smart grids could have a minimal impact on the environment in Saudi Arabia, while supporting a technologically advanced power system compatible with end users.
Cyprus launches rebate scheme for rooftop solar
The scheme is expected to help around 6,000 homes install solar panels and will open for applications in February.
New research shows potential of hydrogen-source heat pumps
A new research project, thought to be the first to assess hydrogen as an energy source for heat pumps, has found that hydrogen-backed heat pumps could be an eco-friendly option for the building sector and support decarbonization in line with the UK’s net-zero targets.
Pexapark says European developers signed 23 PPAs for 936 MW in December
Pexapark, a Swiss consulting firm, says December marked a robust conclusion to a strong year for power purchase agreements (PPA). Developers secured 23 new PPAs – nine more than in December 2022 – with a combined capacity of 936 MW.
