BayWa r.e. connects pilot PV+storage project in Zambia
The renewables arm of the agricultural giant BayWa has completed an 86 kW PV + storage project, which will power irrigation equipment for farmers in Zambia. BayWa r.e. notes that demand for offgrid systems, including storage, for irrigation and other agricultural systems is set to grow.
Ingeteam turns to the skies for PV power plant optimization
Spanish inverter supplier Ingeteam is taking part in a research program deploying drones to inspect existing PV power plants, to spot the causes of underperformance. The SCARAB project is headed by the company and has been provided with almost €650,000 (AU$980,000) in funding from the Spanish government.
ING steps into Australian market, to finance 100 MW Clare Solar Farm
ING has joined the banking syndicate backing the 100 MW Clare Solar Farm, in North Queensland. The deal marks ING’s first large scale solar investment in Australia.
Sterling & Wilson picks up 500 MW Australian pipeline
Indian EPC Sterling & Wilson continues to expand its Australian project pipeline. The EPC reports that it is working on projects worth a total of $600 million.
Foresight to issue new share placement, eyes Australian project acquisitions
Having acquired its first Australian projects earlier this year, UK based Foresight is raising funds for future acquisitions. The Foresight Solar Fund has announced plans for more than GBP 75 million (US$99 million) in investments through the placement of new shares.
Melbourne Energy Hack winners develop marketplace to open underutilised rooftops to PV
‘Solar Air-BnB’ model emerges from 2017 Melbourne Energy Hack. Consumers that do not have access to rooftop for a PV installation can be connected to roofs that are currently free of PV in the innovative solution.
Equis Energy snapped up by GIP in record $5bn renewables deal
The Singapore-based renewable energy developer has agreed to be sold to investment fund Global Infrastructure Partners. China Investment Corp, Canada’s PSP Investments and other co-investors are also involved in the deal, which is the largest yet seen for the renewable energy industry.
Queensland to offer no-interest loans for solar systems
As part of the $2 billion affordable energy plan, the Queensland Government has announced it will invest $40 million in schemes to improve access to both solar energy and storage systems.
RES reaches financial close on 68 MW PV plant in Queensland
RES Australia has announced financial close on the Emerald Solar Park, a 68 MW PV project to be located in the Central Highlands region of Queensland. The project is the first in Australia to be supported by a PPA with a corporate off-taker.
Solar costs will fall 60% over next decade to fuel PV adoption, says IRENA head
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts as much as 90 GW of new solar additions annually across the globe over the next few years, driving a 60% reduction in costs.
