CleanTech Report 2019.05.16

Google $600M Data Center Project In Becker Clears Big Hurdle.
Renewable Energy Transferability Act Would Allow Transfer Of Tax Credits.
Europe And Middle East Becoming PV Growth Engines.

CleanTech Report May 16th 2019

AFRICA

West Africa Off-Grid Electricity Projects Receives Financial Boost

The Regional Off-Grid Electrification Project led by ECOWAS’ Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) aims to increase electricity access using individual solar systems through an integrated regional model.
African Nations Could Install 30 GW By 2030

A new report analyzing 10 solar markets throughout Africa claims that the continent’s PV market could expand from about 5 GW at present to up to 30 GW by the end of the next decade.
EU Announces About €200 Million Investment In Renewable Energies In Nigeria

The investments include a €30 million from the Electrification Financing Initiative (ElectriFI) and a €165 million direct loan from the European Union.

ASIA

RenewSys Introduces 6 BB Solar PV Cells

The company in a statement said that it expects to formally launch these 6BB solar PV cells at InterSolar Munich to be held during May 15-17.

China Still Most Attractive Renewables Market Despite Subsidy Cuts

China is the most attractive market for investment in renewable energy for the fourth year in a row and growth there is set to continue despite the country’s efforts to trim subsidies.

China Boosts Hydrogen Fuel Cell Investment in Green Energy Push

Local governments in China are stepping up support for hydrogen fuel cell projects as part of wider efforts to promote green energy in the world’s largest auto market.

AUSTRALIA

Numurkah Solar Farm, To Help Power Steel Works, Melbourne Trams, Begins Production

Neoen Australia’s Numurkah solar farm has begun sending power to Victoria’s grid, making good on landmark deals to power both the Laverton steel works and Melbourne’s network of trams.

Greens Proposal ‘To Cut SA Power Prices’

The Greens have released a proposal they say will cut South Australians’ power bills by at least $200 per year.

Energy Investment ‘Misaligned’ Between Gas And Renewables

The International Energy Agency has warned global energy spending is ‘misaligned’ and investors have not spent enough on oil and gas to support power demands or renewables in order to reach Paris climate targets.

EUROPE

Critics Blame Solar Farms For High Electricity Bills

Britain’s biggest solar farms get more money in taxpayer subsidies than they make from selling the electricity they produce.

SolarPower Europe Sees World Adding 800 GW In Solar Capacity By 2023

Growth last year was underpinned by new markets as solar is becoming the cheapest energy source in many countries.

Europe And Middle East Becoming PV Growth Engines

While China is resetting its policy framework, other regions are gaining more importance on the global PV market. The Intersolar Europe conference in Munich focused on Europe and the Middle East as growth drivers.

LATIN AMERICA

Argentina’s Growing Renewable Power Industry

Argentina is creating new competitive programs and policies to meet its ambitious renewable energy goals and reach its immense renewable potential.

TerraForm Refinances Wind Farms In Uruguay

TerraForm Power, a renewable energy yieldco owned by Canada’s Brookfield, has signed a 17-year, $204m loan package to refinance debt from two wind farms in Uruguay.

Mars To Power Its Operations In Mexico With 100% Wind Energy

Mars has signed a new 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vive Energía and Envision Energy to supply the electricity required for its six Mexico-based confectionery and pet food facilities.

MENA

Saudi Alfanar Eyes $1.6 BN Worth Renewable Energy Projects Until 2021

Saudi Arabia’s Alfanar aims to launch new solar and wind power plants with total capacity of 1.6GW and investments of $1.6bn until 2021, including a $250m worth wind farm in Egypt.

Arctech Solar Inks Supply Deal for Landmark 125 MW Solar Power Plant In Oman

Arctech Solar, a leading solar tracking and racking system provider, announced that it will supply 125 megawatt (MW) solar trackers to a solar power plant in Oman, Middle East.

UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah To Retrofit 3,000 Buildings By 2040

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is moving forward with its energy efficiency strategy with a pipeline of projects to promote its building retrofit market, the director general of RAK Municipality has said.

NORTH AMERICA

$340 Million Lost In Solar Tax Scheme Raises Questions About BHE

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) reportedly lost $340 million in an investment in DC Solar.

Google $600M Data Center Project In Becker Clears Big Hurdle

Google’s planned $600 million data center for Becker took a big step forward Tuesday when Minnesota utility regulators approved the tech giant’s electricity contracts with Xcel Energy.

Renewable Energy Transferability Act Would Allow Transfer Of Tax Credits

During the past 20 years, the production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC) have “massively expanded” the development of renewable energy across the U.S., explain the lawmakers, who are members of the House Ways and Means Committee.

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