A year of uncertainty
The supply of PV modules to the United States has been challenged by potential tariffs on goods shipped from four Southeast Asian nations that provide 80% of US solar panels. The disruption stems from an ongoing investigation into allegations of antidumping violations. US President Joe Biden has halted tariffs related for two years, but challenges still loom, reports pv magazine USA’s Ryan Kennedy.
Australia builds big
While the first half of 2022 was one of the busiest periods on record for new wind projects in Australia, with more than 2 GW breaking ground, solar got off to a much slower start with construction on 635 MW of new PV projects getting underway. Rystad Energy’s David Dixon attributes this slowdown to high cost and supply chain challenges and a lack of available power purchase agreements.
Leveraging IRA leadership
The US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a profound step in advancing climate leadership, despite coming from a deeply divided nation. Now is the time to show that the landmark policy could lead to progress and profits where the country is not divided, such as overseas engagement and climate leadership, argue David Williams and Daniel Kammen of the University of California, Berkeley.
EU set to raise the roof
The European Commission has proposed ambitious plans to rapidly introduce a solar rooftop mandate. However, with member states expected to introduce exemptions and house-price-linked dissent in the parliamentary chamber, the PV industry is waiting on the final shape of the directive, as SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger explains.
EU works to expand on-grid renewables in Bangladesh
Off-grid solar has been a major success story in Bangladesh. The next step in the country’s decarbonization journey is the grid integration of larger-scale renewables – a project in which the EU is playing a major role. Syful Islam reports from Dhaka on the programs and progress.
Solar support in coal country
In the United States, passage of the Build Back Better Act would extend the solar Investment Tax Credit and offer other clean energy initiatives that would boost the renewable energy momentum already underway in Senator Joe Manchin’s home state of West Virginia. This is good news for the state and is resulting in unlikely allies, reports pv magazine USA senior editor Anne Fischer.
Undisputed value on contested island
Island PV applications have long demonstrated their value as cheaper, cleaner replacements for diesel fuel. Solar has also been integrated with energy storage, making living laboratories for renewable microgrids. And as Vladislav Vorotnikov discovers, in Russia’s far eastern island territories, solar applications are even progressing into disputed regions.
A trojan horse for decarbonization
Australia’s most powerful energy industry participants have actively resisted the move to a low-carbon economy. Now, the country known as a sandbox for technology has become a sandbox for a new model for decarbonization – one which has seen billionaires and giant fund managers sidestep politics to use the free market in strategic and potentially disruptive ways. pv magazine Australia’s Bella Peacock reports.
South Korea stands strong on solar aims
A measured, long-term clean energy transition strategy is reshaping South Korean society for the better. Although geographical limitations present a challenge, the Koreans are rising to the task of meeting ambitious goals with innovative PV plans, writes Q Cells’ manager of corporate communications, Ian Clover.
Reforms loom, Cyprus begins to move
Cyprus is a laggard in renewable energy development compared to many of its European neighbors. Given its reliance on oil and gas imports, the consequences are now being felt by electricity consumers on the island. However, as Ilias Tsagas reports, a combination of factors may soon provide the leverage that changes the game fast.
