Japan’s 22nd solar auction concludes with lowest bid of $0.049/kWh
Japan has allocated 56.4 MW of PV capacity in its latest procurement exercise. The lowest bid came in at JPY 7.5 ($0.049)/kWh, while the average final price was JPY 8.17/kWh.
Somalia launches tender for off-grid solar-plus-storage at 25 health facilities
Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals said the solar-plus-storage systems will be deployed in the Marodi-Jeeh and Awdal regions.
More than 19 GW of solar projects set for implementation in Poland
Poland’s Institute for Renewable Energy (IEO) says that building permits have been issued for nearly 1,500 solar projects totaling over 12.3 GW. Some of these projects may secure authorization in Poland’s upcoming renewables auction, set for December.
Indian utility seeking consultants for floating solar projects
THDC India Ltd. is seeking technical consulting agencies to submit expressions of interest (EOI) to prepare detailed project reports on floating solar projects across India.
Australian venture plans 50 MW CST plant
FPR Energy has raised AUD 15 million ($9.7 million) in seed funding to commercialize its concentrated solar thermal (CST) technology. The system is designed for long-duration energy storage, supporting industrial processes, green fuel production, and dispatchable power generation.
California’s new community solar program still isn’t working
pv magazine USA spoke with Aaron Halimi, founder and president of Renewable Properties, and Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, about the impact of California Public Utilities Commission’s final decision on the state’s community solar projects.
Belgian capacity auctions catalyze 1.1 GW of battery storage
Similar to last year, battery energy storage systems (BESS) made up almost all new-build capacity selected in recent Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) auctions in Belgium. Simon De Clercq, senior research associate at Aurora Energy Research, tells ESS News that there is even more room for BESS players to participate in the procurement exercises.
Jamaican government assigns 99.83 MW of solar capacity
Developers Wigton Energy and SunTerra Energy Jamaica are each set to build, own and operate large-scale solar projects in Jamaica after successfully bidding in a 100 MW renewables tender held in 2023.
Greece, EU set up €1.6 billion fund for island decarbonization
The Greek government, the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have launched the Islands Decarbonisation Fund. They have initially secured €1.6 billion ($1.7 billion) to finance decarbonization projects across the Greek islands.
UK government expands heat pump grant scheme
The UK government will make GBP 295 million ($308.4 million) in grant funding available to homes switching from gas boilers to heat pumps in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Meanwhile, forthcoming reforms will allow air-source heat pumps to be installed without the need to submit planning applications.
