Shaping the EU battery value chain
The new EU Batteries Regulation is a blueprint for product legislation, regulating the whole life cycle of batteries in the European Union. Advanced rechargeable and lithium batteries association Recharge says successful implementation of the new regulation requires the prioritization of safety, information reliability, feasibility, market surveillance, and enforcement.
Battery supply chain state of health
As the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act demonstrated, companies preparing to spend big on batteries are at risk of being blindsided by supply-chain-related legislation. Here are some tips on how US developers can anticipate policy curveballs.
European Commission introduces Green Deal Industrial Plan
The European Commission listed tax exemptions, flexible aid, and the promotion of local manufacturing among its key strategies for the Green Deal Industrial Plan. However, the SolarPower Europe industry group has criticized the plan’s lack of focus on solar.
US Patent Trial and Appeal Board rules in favor of Q Cells in patent dispute with REC
The US Patent Trial and Appeal Board has issued a favorable decision for Hanwha Q Cells over REC Solar’s patent claims. The court has ruled that the contested claims of REC’s US patent were not patentable. The decision is similar to those in courts in China and Europe, according to Q Cells.
Vietnam sets ceiling price of $0.0502/kWh for ‘transitional’ PV projects
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIOT) recently introduced new ceiling prices for solar and wind projects that sell electricity to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN). The ceiling price for ground-mounted solar has been slashed from $0.0709/kWh to $0.0502/kWh, threatening the financial viability of large-scale solar projects.
Von der Leyen announces ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ plan for Europe
The European Union Commission President wants to introduce a new industrial plan to turn Europe into the global clean-tech market leader, with looser rules for state funding and less red tape.
Trina Solar’s new 6.5 GW Vietnam wafer plant to exclusively supply US market
Trina Solar said it will start operating a new 6.5 GW solar wafer factory in Vietnam from mid-2023 to exclusively supply the utility, commercial and industrial (C&I) segments in the United States, as well as the US residential solar market.
Romania to expedite permitting process for solar on agricultural land
The Romanian president has passed a new law to shorten the permitting process for solar projects built on less than 50 hectares of agricultural land.
SolarEdge to acquire energy analytics specialist Hark Systems
SolarEdge is set to fully acquire Hark Systems, a UK-based smart energy technology firm.
German court rules in favor of Q Cells in patent dispute with Trina Solar
A German court has issued a preliminary injunction ordering Trina Solar to stop selling its Honey and Vertex X solar modules in Germany, as they allegedly infringe upon the patented passivation technologies of Hanwha Q Cells.
