Aside from problems with Russia, Ukraine offers top conditions for PV
Ukraine has emerged as an ambiguous destination for PV. It provides some eye-catching tariffs and boasts very good solar irradiation. If only political risks did not exist.
Election of EU energy commissioner proves thorny
In a stormy hearing last week, Spanish commissioner-designate for energy and climate action Miguel Arias Cañete sought to dodge questions about his oil industry past and provided only vague answers to questions about energy and climate protection policy. His candidacy could be in danger.
UK Foresight Solar Fund to raise up to £100 million
The fund plans to acquire two PV plants with a combined capacity of 74 MW and expects to continue acquisitions of plants below and above 5 MW following the introduction of next year’s CfD scheme.
UK: £300 million in subsidy support for renewables
The increased budget will be split between the various renewable energy technologies bidding for subsidy support. The country’s Solar Trade Association says the government’s decisions “represent serious tragic mistakes in energy policy.”
Italy’s PV sector considers legal actions
ANIE Rinnovabili, the country’s solar PV sector voice, is weighing actions against the feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts recently imposed to existing photovoltaic installations. Tariff reductions were absolutely unnecessary, the energy association says.
Independence will not derail Scotland’s stellar renewables success
pv magazine’s Ilias Tsagas argues that should Scotland’s population vote today in favor of independence, this will not hurt its renewable energy sector but might give it a further boost.
Italian net metering expanded up to 500 kW
Italy has raised the upper limit for net metering in the country from 200 kW to 500 kW per installation. The measure is set to boost the commercial rooftop PV sector.
World’s largest solar boat charts course for ancient Greece
Solar boat MS Turanor PlanetSolar has become a research vessel for archaeological expeditions in Greece. The catamaran completed a round-the-world trip in 2012 powered only by sun.
Spain’s new law shakes PV landscape
Spain’s cabinet recently approved a new renewable energy law which aims to implement previous PV guidelines. PV advocates say the law creates payment confusion, scares investors and punishes existing installations.
Greece is China’s gateway to Europe
Chinese premier Li Keqiang’s three-day visit to Athens coincided with trade agreements that could be worth up to $8.8bn for Greece’s beleaguered economy. Investments in Piraeus port and the Greek railway network could be followed by Chinese PV fabs on Greek soil.
