IRENA’s 14th assembly underscores role of geopolitics, urgent need for action
The 14th assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) last week in Abu Dhabi underscored the centrality of geopolitics and security in the current global energy landscape. The gathering also called for greater action to achieve the COP28 target of tripling renewables deployment by 2030.
Maxeon sues REC, Hanwha Qcells for alleged TOPCon patent infringement
Maxeon has filed two different lawsuits in the United States against Hanwha Qcells and REC over claims that the two manufacturers used an unspecified tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell technology.
US legal experts dispel 14 false claims about solar, wind, electric vehicles
Columbia Law School has collected and rebutted 33 false claims against clean energy technology as part of its ongoing research on climate change.
EU launches anti-subsidy investigation against Longi, Shanghai Electric
The European authorities are trying to determine whether two consortia – including subsidiaries of Longi and Shanghai Electric – violated the new EU rules on foreign subsidies when they participated in a procurement process in Romania for a 110 MW solar farm. The European Commission is expected to make a final decision within 110 working days.
Underrepresentation of women in solar requires ‘holistic approach’
In the second article of a series, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to its president, Carmen Madrid. She says the solar and energy storage industries are full of opportunities for women, but a correct path must be set.
European Parliament approves legal requirement to install solar on buildings
Legislation that would require EU member states to integrate solar installations into future building works, and retroactively install PV on buildings, is one step closer to becoming law, after being approved by members of the European Parliament.
Landscape change indicators for agrivoltaics
Dutch scientists have developed new landscape change indicators (LCIs) for agrivoltaic projects. The novel methodology is meant to assist policymakers and project developers mitigate the visual and environmental impact of agrivoltaic facilities.
Moldova to launch first tenders for 60 MW of fixed-price solar
The Moldovan government is preparing to launch the country’s first renewables auctions, which will seek to procure 105 MW of wind and 60 MW of solar projects. The tenders will take place between April and July.
Piling subcontractor fined after explosion on Australian solar farm
An Australian court has fined a subcontractor providing piling services at Columboola Solar Farm AUD40,000 ($26,300) for failing to comply with a health and safety standards after an aerosol can explosion caused a metal bar to strike a worker.
Israel to use solar fences to protect villages
Against the backdrop of its war with Hamas, Israel has started allowing villages to install solar fences to improve protection for residents.
