Europe

PPC Renewables secures investment grant and operating aid for 98 MW of battery energy storage projects in Western Macedonia in 2021. To be brought into operation in 2025, these projects will join the 280 MW of solar projects also located in the region.

Voltalia has opened a new office in Tirana, Albania with 23 employees to support local growth. The office will provide turnkey solar plant construction services and develop PV and wind projects, including the 140 MW Karavasta solar farm in Fier. Operational in 2023, the farm is backed by a EUR 29 million loan from EBRD.

Codrington Solar Farm approved by South Gloucestershire Council, providing low carbon energy for 4,400 homes. Construction to begin early 2025 with landscape, ecological and biodiversity benefits.

Belectric has been awarded a contract to build a 28.5-MWp solar plant in Norwich, England. The plant is expected to be operational by summer 2024 and will be able to power 9,500 households annually. This is part of Belectric's increasing presence in the UK and Netherlands.

MAHLE, a Germany-based automotive supplier, has unveiled a bionic battery cooling plate to improve cooling performance by 10% and reduce pressure loss by 20%. The new plate also uses 15% less material, reducing CO2 emissions. MAHLE will present this innovation at IAA Mobility and will collaborate with ProLogium for the development of a thermal management system for solid-state batteries.

Discover how Italy is incentivising renewables and simplifying the permitting process for projects 10MW or larger, aiming to reach 131GW of installed capacity by 2030.

The joint project between Tesvolt and Green Energy 3000 adds a 12 MWp solar farm near Braunschweig, Germany with two TPS-E storage containers and the ability to supply power to 5,000 households. This is among the winners of the innovation tender and will receive state funds.

Luminous Energy achieves financial close on 28.5MW Bracon Ash Solar Farm in Norfolk, UK, providing £10k/year for community projects, 203% biodiversity gain & in line with Net Zero targets. Belectric to build & maintain. TLT, CMS, Fichtner & WTW advised.

Hungary is taking steps to boost economic growth and recovery, setting out plans to reduce investment costs and provide generous subsidies for renewable and green investments. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the government is committed to ensuring economic growth and green transition, but challenges remain.

Perovskite solar cell technology takes a step forward with improved upper and lower interfaces, resulting in a conversion efficiency of 24.3%, long-term stability and efficiency of up to 22.6% in mini-modules.

AXA IM Alts to acquire 25% stake in Finerge, a 2GW renewables platform, to enable decarbonization and electrification investments in Portugal and Spain. Investment to be finalized by end of this year.

Cox Energy of Spain has won a reverse power auction in Guatemala, securing 38.41 MW of solar generation to invest USD 32 million and supply 106.0 GWh annually for 15 years. PEG plan received bids for 1,500 MW.

Solar installations to reach historic high in 2023 with 270 GW of new capacity. China to remain leader in panel manufacturing while US sees boom in utility & residential solar. UK to lead in residential solar, Romania in distributed projects. Solar LCOE falling; 330 GW capacity by 2032.

Floating Solar Panels are revolutionizing renewable energy in Europe, with Baywa r.e. leading the way. Governments, businesses, and utilities now offer subsidies to promote floatovoltaics, providing benefits such as sidestepping land disputes and improving water quality. Projects in Austria and Germany are generating enough energy to power thousands of homes. With red tape and environmental assessments now in place, installation is becoming faster and easier.

Solar energy is expected to reach record levels this summer in Europe, but the EU must take steps to ensure photovoltaic investment and prevent solar power curtailment. Suggested measures include accelerating permitting on electric grids, promoting hybrid projects and cost-sharing by fossil generators.