Patrick Jowett
Czechia records 970 MW of new solar in 2023
Czechia registered strong PV capacity growth in 2023, driven by a surge in residential installations. The nation’s PV association says it expects a shift toward larger power plants in the coming year, but notes the need for more energy storage capacity.
Hungary’s 2023 solar capacity additions hit 1.6 GW
Hungary had a record year for new solar in 2023, taking its total capacity to more than 5.6 GW. However, analysts warn that government policies are restricting foreign investment, while grid capacity shortfalls could stunt the country’s rapid rise.
World Bank moves forward with solar water scheme in Uganda
The World Bank has issued a tender for consultancy services for Uganda’s Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP). Backed by World Bank funding, EASP will oversee the deployment of 40 solar energy water supply schemes across the East African country.
Valmont Solar opens mounting system factory in Brazil
Valmont Solar says its new production facility boasts the largest tracker control system manufacturing unit in Brazil and will create more than 300 new jobs. The solar tracker specialist says the factory will serve as a vital supply hub for the Latin American market.
Fonterra reveals high-temperature industrial heat pump
Fonterra, a New Zealand-based dairy producer, has started operating a new heat pump in combination with a solar thermal facility. The hybrid project transforms excess heat from chillers and compressors into a heat source for industrial use.
BlackRock increases stake in SolarEdge to 15.8%
US investment firm BlackRock says it has increased its ownership interest in Israel’s SolarEdge.
Global solar irradiance ‘relatively stable’ in 2023, says Solargis
With global irradiance above average in Australia, Southeast Asia and Europe, and stable in the United States, solar data provider Solargis says stakeholders should focus on the stability of power grids, while navigating solar financing complexities in developing economies and supply chain capacities in 2024.
Philippines approves 37.9 MW of net-metering PV capacity in 2023
The Philippines has approved 101.1 MW of PV capacity under its net-metering regime since launching the scheme in 2015.
UK solar capacity hits 15.6 GW
UK government statistics show that the country added 871 MW of solar capacity in the first 11 months of 2023. However, the Solar Energy UK trade association says that more than 1 GW of solar was deployed last year.
Kenya seeking consultants for 42.5 MW solar project
The Kenyan authorities have started searching for consultants to offer guidance on the development of a 42.5 MW solar project in Embu County, Kenya.
