Four key takeaways from Intersolar South America
The sixth edition of Intersolar South America in Sao Paulo has showed unequivocally that both international and Brazilian players firmly believe in the big potential of the Brazilian solar market, despite the current political uncertainty and usual economic challenges. Overall, the event was larger and of a higher quality than last year, while in the absence of future dates for new large-scale solar auctions, and stable conditions for private PPAs, DG is emerging as the market’s main driver.
Germany, Italy and Chile are better positioned for grid-parity in DG, study says
The updated version of the “PV Grid Parity Monitor” (GPM) provides an analysis for the commercial DG segment in representative cities of five countries: Germany, Chile, Spain, Italy and Mexico. Germany, Chile and Italy are the countries where good proximity to grid-parity and regulations favoring self-consumption are best combined.
Chile: desalination project powered by 100 MW of solar gets initial financing
A solar powered water desalination project in Chile has received an initial investment of $500 million. Trends Industrial and Almar Water Solutions will carry out the ENAPAC (Energías y Aguas del Pacífico) project, which will be the largest desalination plant by reverse osmosis (SWRO) in Latin America, and the first large-scale desalinator powered with PV.
Gas Natural Fenosa breaks ground on 50 MW solar park
The project was awarded by the Spanish government in an auction held in July. Fenosa plans to finish work on the facility by the end of this year
Soltec to launch world’s first bifacial tracking evaluation center
Spanish manufacturer of horizontal single-axis solar trackers Soltec, together with Black & Veatch and the Renewable Energy Test Center, have created a new evaluation center in Livermore, California. The inauguration will take place on July 9
$758 million financing for the first PV-CSP plant in Latin America
Chilean company Cerro Dominador have announced the signing of a $758 million deal to finance the first combined concentrated solar power-PV project in Latin America – a 210 MW scheme in the Atacama desert
Etrion halves net loss in Q1
The Swiss-based power producer reported its Q1 2018 financial results. After the company ditched its Chilean project portfolio, some numbers look grim, but performance in the Japanese market appears more promising.
Colbún acquires First Solar’s 150 MW solar project in northern Chile
The project, Sol de Tarapacá, will be located in the municipality of Pozo Almonte, in Chile’s northern region of Tarapacá.
Acciona secures solar PPA from Chilean mining company ENAMI
The National Mining Company of Chile (ENAMI) will be the first Chilean mining company that will have all of its electricity demand covered by clean energy sources. Supply of electricity under the long-term PPA will begin in April 2018.
Chile’s energy regulator to use Blockchain
The Chilean National Energy Commission will become the country’s first public entity to adopt such technology, which it will begin to use in March.
