One of India’s largest solar projects, a 40 MW PV plant in Rajasthan, north-western India, has begun production. PV company First Solar has provided the 500 000 thin film modules that will help provide clean energy to Mumbai.
Robust growth of electricity demand in Morocco has highlighted the need for significant expansion of generation and transmission capacity in the country.
North America accounts for approximately 22 per cent of the total installed wind energy generation capacity, but the number of installations will more than double during the next five years, according to a Pike Research report. Onshore installations are also likely account for up to 97 per cent of this total.
US Senator Jeff Bingaman has proposed the enactment of a ‘Clean Energy Standard’, which would reassure renewables investors, diversify US power generation and help to reduce carbon emissions.
According to an Ernst & Young survey, Spain, which was the top-ranked renewable energy market for investors five years ago, has dropped out of the top 10 after suspending subsidies for new generation.
British coal-fired power producer Drax has scrapped its plans to build a dedicated biomass in North Yorkshire, but says it is ready to invest in biomass-fuelled power generation if the appropriate regulatory support is forthcoming.
National Grid and ScottishPower have awarded a £1 billion contract to Siemens and cable manufacturer Prysmian for construction of the first sub-sea electricity link between Scotland and England.
Pakistan’s Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) has announced that it plans to invest $135 million to establish what it describes as Pakistan’s first 50 MW wind energy project.
Dr Tilo Klinner, German Consul General, has advised Pakistan to avoid seeking electricity generation from nuclear technology due to the security and environmental threats it poses.
The EU set a new record for new power generation capacity in 2011, with renewable energy infrastructure making up over 70 percent of new installations for the year, according to a report from the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA).