Policy

Researchers in China have suggested to combine PV plants with direct air capture (DAC) technologies in an effort to reduce solar curtailment and increase DAC competitiveness. They found that the proposed combination could become viable by 2030, especially if carbon prices will increase.

KfW Development Bank has offered €24 billion ($25.2 billion) grant to bridge the gap between network operators’ high investment costs and the initially low revenues from network charges.

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’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals said the solar-plus-storage systems will be deployed in the Marodi-Jeeh and Awdal regions.

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.

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.

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.

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Amila Colakhodzic, Senior Originator and Client coverage at Austria-based Kommunalkredit. She says she constantly prioritizes open communication and inclusivity while challenging biases. “Despite women being the largest untapped resource in renewable energy, the solar sector has improved significantly. Since transitioning from wind to solar in 2018, I’ve witnessed technological advancements and increased diversity, with women taking on technical, commercial, legal, and leadership roles,” she states.

China has tightened investment rules for PV manufacturing, raising the minimum capital ratio for starting projects from 20% to 30%, according to new standardized guidelines announced by the government.

A new study by Germany’s Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) points to strong potential for solar deployment across the nation’s roadways and highways.