May 2016

China: JA Solar Commences ‘Intelligent Manufacturing’ At 1.5 GW Capacity Plant

Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Technology

JA Solar has announced that it has started mass production of high-performance PV panels at its high-performance manufacturing facility in Xingtai, Hebei province, China. The new facility, located in the Economic Development District of Xingtai city, has an annual capacity of 1.5 GW with fully automated assembly lines using the latest module manufacturing technologies. The fully automated assembly lines for making standard 60- and 72-cell modules significantly increase the productivity of the facility. The annual production per capita is estimated to be 2 MW, the highest among peers in the industry.

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US Surges Beyond 1 Million Solar Installations, With A Community Solar Future

Americas, Carbon, Head Lines, Solar

A million installations are the result of the work of over 200,000 Americans working in the solar industry and on developments, which have secured a cut in cost per watt by two-thirds within the last 20 years. The next target is another million installations by end 2018. This presents an opportunity to expand access to affordable solar energy. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar is on its way to becoming the single largest source of distributed renewable energy in the US, with the potential to power over five million homes.

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Scotland Striding Towards A 100% Renewable Electricity Generation System By 2030

Carbon, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Head Lines, Policy

WWF Scotland has published findings, which found that the supply of Scottish wind turbines was enough, on average, to meet the electrical needs of 70 percent of Scottish households. Besides wind power, there was also good news for solar power. According to WWF Scotland Director, Lang Banks; “homes fitted with solar panels were able to obtain 70 percent or more of their electricity or hot water needs from the sun.” He stated that the “Scottish Government must bring forward an energy strategy that ensures Scotland is the first EU nation to have a completely renewable electricity generation system by 2030”.

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US Boosts Solar Power Projects In Africa, Highlighting Huge Potential

Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Policy

A number of African nations are to receive a new loan to enhance solar power projects awarded by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). The loan is one of the latest financial investments by the US in support of Africa-based development initiatives, aimed at supporting regional entrepreneurs and improving power infrastructure. According to Adnan Amin, the director-general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, there is a “huge appetite for investment in renewable energy projects in Africa”, however, African governments still need to ensure reduced risks by implementing regulatory frameworks and incentive schemes.

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ICCI 2016, A Platform For New Investment Opportunities

Asia Pacific, Deals & Finance, Europe/Middle East/Africa

ICCI 2016 in Istanbul saw new investment opportunities for wind and solar in Turkey. Around 14.000 professionals and 279 exhibitors joined this year`s ICCI. They included big manufacturers like Siemens, GE, Suzlon, Nordex, Enercon or Goldwind and Turkish companies like Zorlu Energji. Significant opportunities for deals were opened in both Solar and Wind, as the national energy roadmap is to have 20 GW wind power installed by 2023.

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‘Black Diamond’ Breakthrough Can Change The Future Of Solar Technology

Efficiency, Europe/Middle East/Africa, Head Lines

A new solar power technology has been developed, generating energy by harnessing diamonds. A European research team within the European Commission’s FP7 framework, are leading the ProME3ThE2US2 project, developing the ‘black diamond’ as a breakthrough concept which is expected to change the future of solar technology. It has the potential to exceed 50 per cent efficiency in solar concentration systems. As an exciting new low-cost material, it also has potential beyond solar technology.

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€1 Billion Raised Through Green Bonds By Iberdrola For Wind Energy Projects

Deals & Finance, Europe/Middle East/Africa

Iberdrola; Spain’s top electric utility, has succeeded in raising a total of €1 billion through the issuance of green bonds with the aim of refinancing onshore wind energy projects, located across Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Investors showed an overwhelming response to the bonds, as they offered investments four times greater than the issue size. Bonds were offered for 10years, at a coupon rate of 1.125%. This rate ranks among the lowest issued for bonds by the company, enabling significant savings.

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Renewable Energy Generation Investment Surges, Outstripping Coal and Gas

Americas, Asia Pacific, Biomass, Carbon, Europe/Middle East/Africa

In 2015, coal and gas-fired electrical energy generation drew less than half the record investment made in wind, solar and other renewables; one of numerous important firsts for clean energy. For the first time in 2015, developing world investments in renewables surpassed those of developed nations. The renewable market was dominated by wind and solar PV, which added a combined 118GW in generating capacity. Global investments in renewable energy since 2004, now total $2.3 trillion.

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