Nigeria is in the midst of enhancing its support for solar-powered electricity, having signed the nation’s first power purchase agreement. According to pv-tech, the government-owned energy overseer, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET), has signed the country’s first-ever solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with more than ten project developers, totaling 975MW of utility-scale solar. “Nigerian Bulk […]
Nigeria Inks First Solar PPA Read More 👉
Concerning those sometimes thorny challenges of municipalities threatening to form their own electric utility, UtilityDIVE has provided a comprehensive report on what appears to be a five-year municipalization fight between Boulder — home to the University of Colorado — and utility giant Xcel Energy drawing to a close. It all started when Boulder, Colorado voters elected to
France recently issued new tenders for solar energy, targeting an increase its installed PV capacity by 20 GW in 2023. The French environment and energy minister Segolene Royal announced the introduction of a number of new solar tenders in France for the development of various PV applications. This means France may triple its solar PV
France Issues Solar Tenders To Produce 20 GW By 2023 Read More 👉
A letter signed by 34 European solar and renewable energy organizations has called on the EU to immediately remove trade measures which exist against imports of Chinese PV modules and cells. As reported by pv-magazine, these European solar and renewable energy organizations, led by SolarPower Europe, have requested the EU to take prompt action. “Representing the formalization
European Renewable Organizations Call For Removing Trade Measures Against Chinese PV Read More 👉
The United States, Mexico, and Canada have inked a new climate pact to produce 50% of their electricity by 2025 from clean energy sources. The clean electricity pact includes wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower. The deal is set to be announced Wednesday at a summit of the three nations. As reported by Reuters, this agreement builds
US, Mexico, Canada Pact Pledges 50% Renewables And Nuclear By 2025 In Cimate Pact Read More 👉
For the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, June was a month of changes for the future of renewable electricity and solar gardens in this state. Here is why: At June’s end, PV-Tech reported the Colorado PUC reversed an earlier decision it had rendered by approving the deployment of community solar gardens. The regulatory agency granted reconsideration of a
Colorado PUC Reverses Earlier Decision & Approves Community Solar Gardens Read More 👉
As reported by UtilityDIVE, California has approved an update to its distributed resource interconnection rules. The updated rules are expected to provide developers with more certainty about cost of bringing projects online, while spurring utilities to develop standardized cost lists for some upgrades. Under the updated rules, utilities would provide DER developers with a cost
California Regulators Update Renewable Energy Interconnection Rules Read More 👉
Pacific Gas & Electric has announced its Diablo Canyon nuclear plant will close. CleanTechnica reports the electricity provider for northern California has reached a deal with environmental and labor groups to close the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant and replace it with renewable energy + greater energy efficiency + energy storage. On June 21, PG&E provided this perspective: “Reflecting California’s changing energy landscape, PG&E
PG&E Will Close Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant, Using Renewables Instead Read More 👉
As many celebrate the shuttering of coal-fired electricity generation facilities, a call for retraining this former energy workforce from coal to solar is opening the eyes of some. In a study published in Energy Economics, researchers from Michigan Technological University and Oregon State University see a bright spot for coal workers targeting high-quality employment in
Coal To Solar: Retraining Our Energy Workforce Read More 👉
German off-grid solar provider Mobisol has now installed over 50,000 systems in East Africa. The company estimates a quarter of a million people now receive sustainable electricity from its solar solutions, which is an incredible landmark in a growing markets of Tanzania and Rwanda, defined once as having little access to the electric grid. “Mobisol
East Africa Off-Grid Connections Growing With Mobisol Read More 👉
Applications to the 2016 micro-FiT program in Ontario are now being accepted. As reported by pv-magazine, the Canadian province of Ontario would launch version 4.0 of its micro-FiT program, even though installation levels are significantly lower than those last year. Ontario’s electricity authority announced that it would re-open its feed-in tariff program for solar PV
Ontario Now Accepting Micro-FiT Incentive Applications Read More 👉
According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), the PV recycling industry may be worth as much as $15 billion by 2050. By weight, this PV recycling number is based on 78 million tons of decommissioned PV materials. This projected total represents a sizable industry in comparison to
Solar PV Recycling Market May Be $15 Billion Industry By 2050 Read More 👉
According to Bloomberg, Brazil has rejected requests from developers seeking more time to complete the country’s first large-scale solar farms. Brazil’s energy regulator Aneel reportedly sent a statement to a group of solar developers scheduled to completing solar farms by 2017, denying their request for extensions of as long as two years. Brazil economy blamed Financing
Extension Request For Brazil Solar Farm Development Hits Roadblock? Read More 👉
El Salvador will conduct its second auction seeking to deploy 170 MW of renewable electricity. This follows an award of 100 MW of PV projects in its previous auction, even though no project are operational yet. According to pv-magazine, officials anticipate the auction will be completed in December. The auction solicitation is structured for a
El Salvador To Auction 170 MW Of Renewables Read More 👉
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) of Pakistan has published its proposed revisions to feed-in tariffs for solar electricity projects in two regions generating between 1-100MW of capacity. According to PVTECH, the notice of “Suo Moto proceedings” concerned the proposed new tariffs. (Suo moto generally refers to a situation wherein a judge acts without request
Solar auction bids in Zambia reached record low prices on Monday. According to pv-tech, this nation has set a new benchmark for low-cost solar electricity in Africa, posting a competitive auction under the ‘Scaling Solar’ program, which saw winning bids as low as 6.02 cents/kWh. Green and clean electricity is look highly price-competitive on a
Zambia Solar Auction Inks Record-Low 6.02¢ Price Benchmark Read More 👉
What were once regarded as standard revenue models for utilities are changing worldwide. Start with New York, where recent reforms to how utility revenues are structured under the state’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), may serve as a template for a new and diverse revenue model concerning 21st century power providers. Writing for UtilityDIVE, Gavin Bade
Utilities Watching For New Revenue Models Under New York’s REV Read More 👉
UtilityDIVE reports Boulder, Colorado and Xcel Energy are in negotiations to end this city’s bid to form a municipal utility. Last summer, Boulder requested the Colorado PUC transfer assets from Xcel to allow the city to serve customers outside the incorporated lines. The request was followed by legal challenges concerning using infrastructure outside city boundaries. Boulder leaders
Boulder & Xcel Energy Negotiating To End City Bid To Form Municipal Utility Read More 👉
Fighting energy poverty for some 1.3 billion people worldwide is a primary goal for many innovators, including the Liter of Light campaign. This open-sourced movement has launched a modest 30-day $27,000 Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign in oder to help provide ecologically sustainable illumination to people who have none. Liter of Light aims to provide ecologically sustainable and
Liter Of Light Campaign Targets Energy Poverty Read More 👉
The clean energy chorus now takes the stage as the pro and con arguments are being heard loud and clear for either maintaining or eliminating renewable energy subsidies. As reported by GTM, a recent report from the International Energy Agency on transitioning policy frameworks for renewables. IEA researchers argue that renewable energy projects will continue to need
The Last Stand Of Renewable Energy Subsidies? Read More 👉
UK policies and renewable energy growth appear to be on different ends of the energy teeter-totter. In spite of record growth, a new REA study states ‘sudden and severe’ policy changes are harming the renewable sector. REView 2016, this year’s snapshot report of the UK’s renewable energy sector published by the Renewable Energy Association (REA) states
Report: UK Policy Changes Hinder Renewable Energy Growth Curve Read More 👉
Chile is reported to have an oversupply of solar electricity — so much it is said to be giving away free solar electricity. This is a problem many cloudier nations would be more than happy to trade for. Chile is now giving away solar energy for free, states a recent Bloomberg report. This may be
Chile Reports Excess Solar Electricity Read More 👉
The Pact of Amsterdam has been released, seeking collaboration from EU cities concerning pressing challenges such as air pollution, climate adaptation, transportation, and energy transition. “Cities have a key role to play in translating national and EU policy objectives into concrete action. They directly or indirectly implement EU policies and legislation and contribute to EU’s
Pact Of Amsterdam Calls For EU Cities’ Air Pollution Action Plan Read More 👉
As part of a broadened effort to boost renewable electricity in Greece, two pilot photovoltaic auctions have been announced by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change. In June, the country plans to publish a new policy framework supporting renewable electricity, with the aim of putting it into law by July. The two pilot
Greece Plans Two Pilot PV Auctions Read More 👉
There happens to be a bunch of extra clean electricity now being fed to the grid, the renewable kind we like to applaud — generated from sources like wind and rooftop solar. The Department of Energy (DOE) SunShot Initiative is pushing the growth along, aiming to cut the cost of solar electricity to $0.06/kWh by
Utilities & DOE Seek Better Management Of Solar Electricity From DERs Read More 👉
As reported by UtilityDIVE, a dozen New York lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at codifying Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s climate change goals, including a 100% reduction in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050. “This is, quite simply, one of the strongest, smartest, and most thoughtful pieces of climate legislation the public has
New York Bill Introduced To Eliminate Greenhouse Gases By 2050 Read More 👉
In an agreement announced this week by Total and SunPower, Chile’s Metro de Santiago is ready to feature the world’s first metro to run on solar electricity. The clean energy public transit system became official when SunPower signed a power purchase agreement for the supply of 300 gigawatt hours of solar electricity annually to Metro
Metro de Santiago Boasts World’s First Solar-Powered Public Transit System Read More 👉
According to the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), poor households in Asia and Africa saved some $3.4 billion based on the rapid uptake of solar lighting. GOGLA has released its Social Impact Report, which addresses a significant increase in solar lighting products in off-grid locales. The impact of having such lighting solutions available is viewed as “more
Off-Grid African & South Asian Lighting Boom Saves Poor Households $3.4 Billion Read More 👉
Home Energy Africa, which specializes in the development and sales of renewable energy products for businesses, governments, and residential homes in Africa, has obtained a $705,000 grant from the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the development of a solar PV power generation project in Ghana. Projected to begin construction in 2017, ESI Africa
Home Energy Africa To Develop Solar In Ghana Read More 👉
The UK government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Kenya to strengthen cooperation in the renewable energy sector. According to UK press information, the MoU is intended to “…promote opportunities for private sector trade and investment by the UK in Kenya’s renewable energy sector.” The document was signed on behalf of the respective Governments by
UK & Kenya Sign MoU For Renewable Energy Cooperation Read More 👉
Following a recent gubernatorial veto on a solar bill, the Portland Press Herald has reported large-scale solar generation projects are being reviewed or delayed because legislation to make them more financially viable is absent. Maine Governor Paul LePage’s decision to veto a solar bill, L.D. 1649, which would have increased the amount of solar-generated electricity in
Solar Project Uncertainty Reigns In Maine Following Gubernatorial Veto Read More 👉
Argentina has opened its first auction for the acquisition of renewable electricity. According to pv magazine, Argentina’s President, Mauricio Macri, has announced the opening of an auction for 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity. The auction targets adding a renewable portfolio into this nation’s energy mix by summer of 2017/2018, and with a deadline
Argentina Will Auction 1 GW Renewable Electricity Read More 👉
The Solar Foundation has announced that it has been selected by the US Department of Energy SunShot Initiative to lead a nationwide solar energy training program for former military members, Solar Ready Vets. Of note, the program will work with military bases and local training providers in order to prepare transitioning military personnel for careers in solar,
For those wanting to assemble additional renewable energy factoids, California and Arizona are leading the country in most solar panel installations, while California, Texas, and Colorado head up the list for which states offer the most in the way of monetary incentives. A new study by Modernize shows strong nationwide support for solar energy is taking place.
US Solar Panel Installations On The Rise Read More 👉
Planning for growing solar development in India has received a solid boost from the World Bank, following board approval of a $625 million loan to support India’s grid connected rooftop solar program to generate clean energy. According to The Economic Times, the board also approved a co-financing loan of $120 million and a $5 million grant
World Bank Targeting $625 Million Aid For India Solar Program Read More 👉
Concerning the four largest utilities in Germany, renewable electricity is gaining a larger share of the pie in comparison to conventional energy generation. As reported by PV-Tech, Germany’s ‘big four’ utilities all point to the growing importance of renewable energy in quarterly reporting their latest financial results. This week, RWE, E.On, EnBW and Vattenfall delivered 2016
How Big-Four Utilities In Germany View Renewables Read More 👉
Following the failure of a bill to replace retail rate net metering with a market-based incentive system, an updated net metering policy in Maine remains to be determined. UtilityDIVE provided this extremely accurate headline: “With Maine solar bill dead, industry waits on regulators for net metering reforms” Yes, indeed! Everyone involved in the industry appears to
Maine’s Net Metering Ball In PUC’s Court Read More 👉
For those wanting to understand clean energy policies on a state-by-state basis, SPOT is a new acronym which will prove to be very useful. Colorado State University’s Center for the New Energy Economy and the Nature Conservancy have developed a state-by-state clean energy policy tracking site, called SPOT. The acronym stands for this important purpose: State Policy
Stay On Top Of State Clean Energy Policies Via SPOT Read More 👉
Following the April and May announcements from Saudi Arabia concerning its ambitious 9.5 GW renewable energy target, Apricum, a cleantech advisory and strategy consulting firm, has published an initial response to this news. “Over the weekend, we received additional clarity on the timing of the target – it applies to 2023, not 2030 as previously
Thoughts On Saudi Arabia’s Big 9.5 GW Renewable Energy Target For 2023 Read More 👉
Enel Green Power North America (EGNA), the local subsidiary of Italian utility Enel, has stated work is underway on Aurora, a distributed solar project in Minnesota, ruled by a judge in 2014 to be a better, more cost-effective investment decision than was a natural gas option. The project, containing 150MW DC of solar PV, is
After Beating Out Natural Gas Option, ENEL Green Power Solar Project Begins In Minnesota Read More 👉
Following the ongoing and sometimes bitter confrontation between solar advocates and utilities, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has approved a proposal from Tucson Electric Power (TEP) to boost investments in renewable energy and deploy two 10 MW (5 MWh) energy storage pilot projects. However, the issue of this utility owning the renewables it distributes remains undecided, pending further
A majority of Texas Republicans say they favor using clean energy to generate electricity, concludes a survey conducted by the Texas Clean Energy Coalition (TCEC). This new TCEC survey reveals 85% of Lone Star State voters, including a 78% factor from Republicans, favor the increase of clean energy as a way to generate electricity. In addition,
Texas Republicans Like Clean Energy Reports New Survey Read More 👉
After watching two rooftop solar installers pull up stakes in the state and being named in upcoming lawsuits, Paul Thomsen, head of the Nevada PUC, has defended the regulatory agency’s recent net metering decisions, stating he sees a solid future for clean energy growth. His involvement in debates like those which took place in Arizona and
Head Of Nevada PUC Sees ‘Bright Future’ For Rooftop Solar Read More 👉
The financially troubled international renewable energy pioneer Abengoa, which filed for bankruptcy protection last November, has been granted bankruptcy protection under Chapter 15. This protection has been provided, in spite of the objections of a group of insurance companies claiming the Spanish renewables company’s talks to restructure billions in debt was unfair to US creditors.
Spain Energy Pioneer Abengoa Wins Fiscal Protection Via US Bankruptcy Court Read More 👉
Solar incentives are getting a long-sought-after boost in Ghana. According to PVTech, if all goes as planned, Ghana will soon update its solar feed-in-tariff (FiT) program with payment contracts which last for 20 years as opposed to the current 10-year length. Wisdom Ahiataku-Togobo, director of renewables and alternative energy at the Ministry of Power Ghana,
Ghana To Update Feed-In Tariff Incentives To Last 20-Year Life Read More 👉
Arizona solar advocates and lawmakers have negotiated a compromise, leading them to drop competing solar ballot initiatives to amend the state’s constitution. According UtilityDIVE and PV-Tech, this cease-fire allows both sides to reach a compromise which boosts solar while addressing the concerns of utilities. A ceasefire between SolarCity and Arizona Public Service Company has the two sides
Solar Cease-Fire: Arizona Solar Advocates And Lawmakers Drop Dueling Ballot Initiatives Read More 👉
The US Senate has scrapped a retroactive net metering protection provision while passing a long-awaited energy bill as a bipartisan measure drafted to modernize the nation’s oil, gas and electricity systems and align them with more climate-friendly solutions. S.2012 – Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 As reported by PV-Tech, the US Senate bill was approved
US Senate Passes Long-Awaited Energy Bill Read More 👉
A home energy storage partnership deal has been inked between California-based Verengo Solar and battery provider Swell Energy. The deal is intended to establish another one-stop home energy storage and backup power solution for the residential market. Under the terms of the agreement, Verengo Solar will become a preferred installer of Swell Energy’s home solar
Verengo Solar & Swell Energy Announce Residential Home Energy Storage Partnership Read More 👉