Engie issues €1.5 billion green bond, eyes Belgian residential PV segment
The French energy giant has issued its second green bond to sustain its expansion into the renewable energy sector. The €1.5 billion bond will also be used to finance solar projects. Meanwhile, the company has started to target the Belgian commercial PV market.
EDF to deploy 23.7 MW of solar in France, creates storage unit in North America
The French energy giant keeps expanding into the renewable energy business. Its France-based unit EDF Energies Nouvelles will build PV plants totaling 23.7 MW, while its US division EDF EN has created a new subsidiary for distributed solar and storage projects up to 30 MW.
EBRD commits €300 million to Greece’s renewables
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a framework committing up to €300 million of new financing for Greece’s renewable energy sector. The timing is crucial, since the Greek electricity sector is expected to undergo fundamental changes very soon.
“We should work all together for the future of energy”
Interview: SolarPower Europe has appointed Wacker Chemie’s Christian Westermeier as new president. pv magazine spoke with the outgoing president Oliver Schäfer about the reasons behind his unexpected resignation and the future of PV and the energy market in Europe.
Hanwha Q Cells and Adler Solar sign 25 MW repowering deal
The South Korean solar firm will supply its Q.Plus modules to German services provider Adler Solar to install at older solar sites in need of upgrade and repowering. The option remains open for Adler to upgrade the supply deal to 30 MW.
Armenia builds third 1 MW PV plant under special tariff regime, announces plans for module factory
The Armenian government introduced a special tariff for PV projects up to 1 MW in late 2016. Construction on the country’s third 1 MW solar project under this regime has now begun. Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy has announced plans for Armenia’s first module factory.
Switzerland installed 250 MW of new PV systems in 2016
According to estimates from national association Swissolar, about 250 MW of new PV installations were connected to Switzerland’s grid last year.
Tesvolt and Samsung unveil new high-voltage storage system
The German battery manufacturer and the Korean industrial conglomerate have unveiled a new high-voltage storage system. The device has an efficiency of 98% and functions just as well with a low voltage of 48 volts as with a high voltage of 1,000 volts.
Eon reports record €16 billion loss for 2016
The German energy company said its new strategy is fully reflected in its balance sheet. This was accompanied by the largest loss ever registered by the group. Eon is now planning workforce reductions, as well as further measures to reduce its net liabilities to €20 billion in the mid-term.
Czech solar market shows first signs of revival in residential segment
The Czech solar market collapsed in 2014 after the country’s FIT scheme was shut down. After two years of almost zero growth, the country’s PV market registered a slight increase in new installations in 2016. This growth was mainly due to the support program for sustainable buildings.
