Micro and mini-grids to bring power to Indonesia’s off-grid communities
The government wants to help the provinces of eastern Indonesia – in particular Papua, which has the lowest electrification rate in the country. Policymakers are in talks with the Asian Development Bank and seeking advice for implementation.
Industry groups lash out at proposal to back minigrids in the Philippines
Heated opposition to a legislative bill in the Philippines has sparked debate over subsidies for renewables and the potential for battery-backed PV systems to expand rural electricity access.
GE and Renewvia installing new off-grid systems in Africa
The two companies have installed systems in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo to provide a cheap, secure energy supply. BloombergNEF has predicted the market for off-grid solar will grow considerably as it can meet the needs for universal energy supply at a cost competitive price.
Blockchain solar PV investment fund comes together with energy storage platform
Solar DAO, a digital, autonomous, closed-end, utility-scale PV project investment fund, has announced its partnership with Powerchain, decentralized platform for energy storage, which allows prosumers to buy, store and sell energy.
Tanzania to host two MW-sized solar mini-grids
Tanzania-based mini-grid operator, Jumeme is tendering two 1 MW projects in the Rukwa and Katawi regions. The projects are being developed in the frame of the Micro Power Economy, Tanzania Roll out program, which is financially backed by the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF).
US grid-connected battery energy capacity grew 68% last year
A utility survey shows battery storage capacity growing sharply, including solar + storage installations in several U.S. states. Looking ahead, FERC Order 841 could spark extensive new storage for grid services, helping more utilities become familiar with storage and its benefits.
Adding businesses to microgrids helps financial viability
Adding energy-intensive industries to microgrids can help refinance system costs and can lower tariffs for residential consumers, a study suggests. To achieve this though, accurate system design and sizing are essential.
Japan’s PV sector should focus on future energy mix target — report
The Japanese PV industry should respond to the government’s recent decision to leave its 2030 energy mix targets unchanged by pushing for a higher share of solar in the next version of the country’s strategic energy plan, according to a new report.
Festivalgoers benefit from battery tech advances
Where can I charge my glow-stick? Two companies in the Netherlands are joining forces to displace portable diesel generators on the northern European festival scene this summer.
Global off-grid renewable capacity tripled between 2008 and 2017
While Africa has emerged as a dynamic, fast-moving hub, Asia leads in capacity deployment with its total capacity more than tripling to nearly 4.3 GW in 2017 from 1.3 GW in 2008, finds IRENA. Particularly, in India, a strong policy has pushed deployment of off-grid solar for agriculture and public end-uses.
