Magazine Archive 11 – 2024 | Turning the corner

Algeria has long limited the use of solar to villages in the Sahara but two large-scale tenders, for 3 GW of generation capacity are expected to change that. By including a local content clause, the North African nation aims to build an industry around renewable energy.

A new approach aims to reconnect commercial and industrial (C&I) energy users to the grid, supplying daytime power from solar and batteries through grid infrastructure funded by PV installers, with diesel as a backup when needed.

David Robertson, vice president of solutions for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Energy Exemplar, explains how solar and other energy asset operators and consultants in Africa use Plexos, the company’s digital-twin simulation modeling engine, to make business decisions despite limited data availability.

Africa is a continent with a forward-looking mentality and great strides have been made over the past 50 years, says Anthony Osijo, CEO of solar home systems provider Bboxx. Osijo explains how a decentralized approach to grids and generation can address major challenges facing the continent, with access to energy chief among them.

Residents and businesses are crying out for reliable power in South Africa and Nigeria but buying or leasing rooftop solar arrays is out of reach for many. One PV entrepreneur claims he has a business model to unlock solar potential across multiple African markets.

While oversupply and PV module prices below production cost threaten new solar manufacturing projects worldwide, it is generally accepted that PV manufacturing must expand significantly to meet installation targets. Relying on one or a few regions for production capacity poses risks. pv magazine examines the case for manufacturing in Africa and looks at projects already underway.

French chemist Daniel Lincot was awarded the prestigious Becquerel Prize in 2024. He has been recognized for his many research contributions in the field of thin-film solar and his role in the development of leading French PV research institutes. pv magazine met with Lincot to look back over key moments in a career spanning more than 40 years.

Emissions from steel production each year equal those of a major developed economy. Yet steel is a crucial material to support the energy transition, among its many other applications – making its supply essential. Enter green steel, the production of which interrelates with solar, wind, and green hydrogen in intriguing ways.

Modeling tools are becoming critical, whether starting a renewable energy project or adding battery storage capacity to an existing one. José Manuel Vidaller, senior energy engineer at Enertis Applus+ explains the role that software can play when planning hybrid sites.