Georgia preps 50 MW solar auction
Under the supervision of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Georgian authorities will identify a site for a 50 MW solar project. Tblisi is also seeking help to define an auction mechanism for renewables.
Fotowatio starts commercial operations at latest Jordan project
The Saudi-owned developer has announced an ambition to have installed 5.8 GW of renewables capacity by 2024 and took a small step in that direction with its 66.7 MW Al Safawi Solar Plant.
EBRD to help Lebanon’s solar plus storage tenders
The nation has plans for two ambitious renewable energy tenders but the procurement process is dragging and Lebanese institutions lack experience in designing such schemes. A solution will be provided by Europe.
Developers in the dark over reported 25% hike in Benban investment costs
The association that represents developers operating at the 1,465 MW solar project in Egypt – due for completion in June – say they have been told nothing about a rumored rise in investment costs caused by more expensive construction materials.
Development banks unlock €38 million for Ukrainian PV plant
Black Sea and European lenders have loaned €19.1 million each to a 57 MW solar plant in southern Ukraine, as the country scrambles to renew its electricity sector. The EBRD is committed to lending €250 million to renewables projects in Ukraine to help the country to meet its 11% clean energy target for 2020.
EBRD helps Ukraine switch to auctions
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is seeking consultants to support Ukrainian authorities in setting new renewable energy targets and to give advice on how to shape the procurement process for large-scale renewables projects.
First EBRD-financed slice of Benban project comes online
The 30 MW plant was developed by a consortium led by Infinity Solar Energy SAE – an Egyptian developer operating in Africa and the Middle East – with Germay’s ib vogt, investment vehicle MMID and private equity firm BPE Partners.
100 MW Saran solar park commissioned in Kazakhstan
The SES Saran solar project is in the Karaganda region. The project was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and built by German developer Goldbeck.
EBRD turns to carbon pricing for future project assessments
The European development bank will amend its methodology to determine the financial viability of energy projects. Putting a price on the environmental and societal effects of air pollution, the EBRD is likely to funnel more funds into renewables.
First private PPA for utility-scale solar in Egypt is signed
The 25-year agreement relates to a 6 MW solar plant that will meet up to 4% of the electricity demand of a facility owned by the Arabian Cement Company, in Egypt’s Suez governorate. The project is being financed by local bank QNB AlAhli under the EBRD’s Green Economy Program.
