Romania’s solar rooftop rebate scheme ready to kick off
From Friday, Romanian homeowners and businesses may file applications for rebates that could cover up to 90% of the cost of rooftop arrays, provided the grant does not exceed $4,830. Applications will be accepted until March 1.
Ethiopia launches a tender for 800 MW of solar across four states
The nation’s Ministry of Finance is tendering six large-scale projects in Afar, Somali, Oromia and Tigray. The plants will be developed under a public-private partnership framework and their construction is expected to raise around $795 million.
Enel sells Brazilian PV plants totaling 450 MW to China’s CGNEI
Two facilities were sold along with a 90 MW wind power plant generating the vendor around €700 million. Both solar projects were awarded 20-year PPAs in the most successful auction held by the Brazilian government, in August 2015.
Diverxia secures approval for 240 MW solar park in Colombia
The project, planned for the northern department of Atlántico, will compete in the nation’s renewable energy auction next month.
Enel breaks ground on 127 MW solar PV in Spain
The capacity comprises three 40 MW sites. These PV plants are the last of seven that Enel was awarded in Spain’s third renewable energy auction, in mid-2017. Meanwhile, BayWa r.e. is close to finishing its 175 MW grid parity project in southern Spain, outside of any auctions and FIT schemes.
Enel plans to deploy another 11.4 GW of renewables by 2021
In its new strategic plan for the period 2019-2021, the Italian power utility announced it will invest an additional €10.6 billion in renewable energy projects. It aims to strenghten its position in the markets where it has an integrated presence such as Italy, Spain, Chile and Brazil.
America’s largest PV plant comes online in Mexico
Italian energy company, Enel has announced the completion of its 828 MW Villanueva project, including the recent expansion phase, together with the completion of an additional portion of the Don José solar plant, which has now reached 260 MW. Overall, 1,089 MW of PV capacity was grid-connected through the several phases of both projects.
Italy’s Eni abandons race to buy RTR
Despite recent efforts to boost its solar energy business, the Italian oil giant has decided not to acquire RTR’s 343 MW solar plant portfolio.
Enel invests in Italian start-up Aton Storage
Aton is offering batteries to be integrated with photovoltaic systems for residential customers. Italian bank Intesa Sanpaolo also invested in the company.
International investors provide $34 million for solar plant in Zambia
The Ngonye project proposed by Italian energy giant Enel Group and Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation, will be financially underpinned by senior loans of up to $10 million from the International Finance Corporation, up to $12 million from IFC-Canada Climate Change Program and up to $11.75 million from the European Investment Bank.
