Cronimet finishes 1 MW rooftop PV array on Namibian mall
The German developer and independent power producer claims it finished its latest solar project in the country about one month ahead of schedule.
AEPPL signs $689.7m deal for li-ion battery plant in western India
Automotive Electronics Power Private Ltd. (AEPPL), an India-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing venture between three Japanese companies, aims to produce 30 million cells per year by 2025.
Ethiopia’s plans for solar mini grids move forward
The Ethiopian Electric Utility is seeking proposals for 25 mini grid projects which are being backed by the African Development Bank.
Solar microgrid to power Australian industrial park
A consortium led by gas network owner Enwave Australia is developing Australia’s first industrial renewable energy microgrid at a new 120-hectare business park in Nambeelup, Western Australia.
Solar-plus-storage vs grid enhancement part II
Grid expert Andrea Mansoldo tells pv magazine how energy markets based on solar and storage are feasible as an alternative to costly grid infrastructure work. He says around 6 GWh of battery capacity may be a good alternative to building 1000km of power line or an AC 750 kV high-voltage line.
Solar-plus-storage vs grid enhancement
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator will implement a pilot project for a future electricity market based on PV, storage and smart power consumption. The utility says the project will be a cheaper, more efficient alternative to expanding grid infrastructure.
Engie expands presence in Africa with acquisition of Mobisol
Already active through subsidiary Fenix International and start-up Engie PowerCorner, the French energy giant is expanding further by acquiring Mobisol, an off-grid systems specialist with operations in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Indian university to operate solar microgrid pilots
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has issued an expression of interest to set up three solar-backed microgrid projects in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The deadline for submissions for prospective developers is Aug. 30.
Tonga breaks ground on its first off-grid solar array
The solar PV system is part of a 1.25 MW portfolio, where power will be sold to the island’s villagers through pre-paid net metering. The Asian Development Bank, with the help of other institutions, is supporting the deployment of solar on the Pacific Ocean’s small island nations.
CBEA lets loose first $5.5 million for 60 minigrids in Tanzania
Crossboundary Energy Access (CBEA) was established in January with large investment contributions from Rockefeller and Shell Foundations. The funding facility, which said it would work to unlock $11 billion in funding for the electrification of 100 million people in Africa, has penciled its first transaction with PowerGen Renewable Energy.
