Novosti
Solar Topics Issue 581 Released
The latest issue of Solar Topics discusses the future of planned energy law amendments after the coalition crash, potential changes to the EEG, an interview with Prof. Dr. Anke Weidlich, funding commitments for two PV factories in Europe, and the Geothermal Acceleration Act.
Aquila Clean Energy Connects Five New Solar Plants, Adding Over 400 MW in Spain
Aquila Clean Energy, a company focused on renewable energy projects, has connected four new solar plants in Huelva, Ciudad Real, and Albacete. With a total peak power of around 210 MW, these plants will produce renewable energy for over 104,850 homes annually and potentially avoid up to 103,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. These projects have created over 720 jobs during their development and construction.
44% of Companies Created in 2019 No Longer Exist
According to the latest data from Iberinform, 44% of companies created in 2019, the year before the pandemic, no longer exist. The survival rate of businesses in Spain shows significant fragility, highlighting the critical need for prudent financial management and careful client selection to ensure long-term viability.
UNEF Awards Sustainability Excellence Seal to Statkraft's Talayuela II Solar Plant in Cáceres
The Talayuela II solar plant in Cáceres, owned by Statkraft, has received the Sustainability Excellence Seal from UNEF, highlighting its high standards of social and environmental integration and best practices in circular economy. The plant generates clean energy for over 34,000 homes and has created 200 jobs during construction, with a significant focus on local employment and environmental initiatives.
TÜV Rheinland Recognizes Bankability of Trinasolar's Vertex Solar Modules
Trinasolar's Vertex n-type TOPCon bifacial solar modules have received bankability certification from TÜV Rheinland, confirming their quality, reliability, and durability. The modules underwent extensive testing, including thermal cycling, mechanical stress, and UV radiation, with outstanding results. This certification strengthens Trinasolar's global presence and assures investors of the benefits of their products.
Naturgy Foundation Launches Sixth Edition of Award Recognizing Impactful Social Energy Projects
The Naturgy Foundation has opened the call for the sixth edition of its 'Best Social Initiative in the Energy Sector' award, recognizing projects that improve the quality of life for vulnerable people. The first prize is €100,000, with additional awards of €50,000 and €10,000 for finalists. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, for projects in Spain related to energy, vulnerability, health, education, social inclusion, entrepreneurship, and the environment.
EiDF Expands Capital by 15 Million Euros, Welcoming Azahar Inversiones Capital as New Investor
EiDF Solar's Board of Directors approved a capital increase of 15 million euros, welcoming Azahar Inversiones Capital as a new investor with a 5.7% stake. Eduard Romeu, EiDF's president, highlighted the financial strengthening and strategic project capabilities this brings. The Board also authorized the sale of its stake in Ondemand Facilities for 21 million euros, reducing debt, and the acquisition of the remaining 49% of NAGINI S.L. for 12 million euros, furthering vertical integration.
Pemsa Expands BIM Library with Metatray® Range
Pemsa, a leader in cable management solutions, announces the expansion of its BIM library, offering professionals an extensive catalog of products in Revit format to facilitate project design and execution in 3D modeling environments.
Prosolia Energy and InfraVia Form Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Global Clean Energy Growth
Prosolia Energy, a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Europe, has formed a strategic alliance with InfraVia, a prominent European infrastructure investor, to accelerate its international expansion and strengthen its position as a clean energy provider for industrial companies. This partnership will enable Prosolia to offer innovative solutions to help clients decarbonize their operations and improve competitiveness.
FEGICAT Launches First Practical Application Guides to Promote Professionalism in the Installation Sector
FEGICAT has introduced the first three Practical Application Guides (PAGs), technical and accessible documents aimed at standardizing procedures in key areas of installations and promoting greater professionalism in the sector. These guides address the growing need to establish common and rigorous criteria to prevent conflicts or discrepancies between installation companies and installation owners. The first guide covers the reuse and utilization of water in buildings, the second details the safe installation of climate systems with the eco-friendly refrigerant R-290, and the third provides recommendations for the safe evacuation of combustion gases in communities of owners. These documents, available for free on the FEGICAT website, are primarily aimed at installation companies and professionals in the sector.
Álvaro Pérez González Appointed as New Head of Hafesa's Electricity Retailer
As part of its diversification and expansion strategy into the electricity sector, Hafesa has appointed Álvaro Pérez González as the new head of its electricity retailer. With his solid background in the energy market, Álvaro will lead the business plan, coordinate strategy, manage pricing, handle industrial customer service, and forecast demand. His appointment marks a significant milestone for Hafesa in consolidating its position in the electricity sector.
Grupo NORIA: Comprehensive Service for Energy Efficiency Projects
Grupo NORIA, dedicated to acquiring, marketing, and distributing electrical, climate, plumbing, renewable, and telecommunications products for its affiliated brands, offers a comprehensive range of services to cover all phases of energy projects. These services include specialized advice, detailed technical calculations, high-quality equipment supply, and project implementation. The group provides both centralized and on-site services, adapting to the specific needs of each client. They also offer continuous training and digital transformation to stay at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
H2CAT Innovation Summit 2024 Presents Renewable Hydrogen Technology Innovations in Catalonia
The H2CAT Innovation Summit 2024 will showcase technological projects in renewable hydrogen in Catalonia and discuss sector challenges. The event, coordinated by Eurecat, will feature advancements from Catalan research groups and a debate on technological challenges with industry and researchers.
Tellkes: The First Digital Community for Renewable Energy Professionals
Tellkes, backed by Barcelona Activa and supported by global initiatives like Woman4Climate and C40 Cities, is the first digital community for renewable energy professionals. It offers an interactive space for sharing experiences, networking, and collaborating on projects. The platform provides exclusive content, job opportunities, and training. In the coming months, Tellkes will host free webinars on the latest trends in renewable energy, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among members.
Mas La Boella Achieves 65% Energy Independence
In Costa Dorada, the boutique hotel and restaurant Mas La Boella achieves 65% energy independence through a photovoltaic plant and storage system. This is a crucial step in the hospitality sector towards decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The new installation will generate 540,724 kWh annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 140 tons, equivalent to the CO2 captured by 7,780 trees.
Gonvarri Solar Steel Expands Presence in Castilla-La Mancha with 162 MWp Supply Agreement
Gonvarri Solar Steel has signed an agreement to supply 162 MW of its 1P solar trackers in Spain, strengthening its leadership in the solar structures sector in the region. This project includes the supply of over 3,900 trackers, strategically distributed in multiple layouts, allowing for flexible operation and optimization of project lifespan, as well as improved LCOE for the client. With this new agreement, Gonvarri Solar Steel continues to strengthen its presence in the Spanish market and actively contributes to decarbonization efforts in the country. This agreement also consolidates its footprint in Castilla-La Mancha, a region where the company's technology now supports over 1 GW of installed capacity. These 162 MW add to other significant agreements the company has achieved in the past year, positioning it as a key player in the transition to renewable energies in Spain and Europe, thus reinforcing its commitment to global markets.
CEO of EforALL, Damilola Ogunbiyi, Named in TIME100 Climate 2024 List
TIME has named Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, in its 2024 TIME100 Climate report. She was recognized for her strong advocacy for the Global South and her passion for accelerating a just and equitable energy transition. Damilola has been a leading voice in driving climate action through the lens of energy system decarbonization.
EFINTEC Returns Stronger with New Location in 2025
On October 8 and 9, 2025, the leading fair of the sector will move to a new venue: the Gran Vía de Fira Barcelona, a larger, more modern, and strategic space to connect all representatives of the installation and energy sector. A meeting point aiming to gather the entire value chain: manufacturers, distributors, and installers.
Andalucía TRADE Boosts Renewable Energy Industry in Chile
Andalucía TRADE organized a mission to Chile to expand the export offer and presence of Andalusian technology in the country, which aims to become a global leader in green hydrogen. Chile is a leader in clean energy in Latin America, offering attractive investment opportunities in sustainable technologies.
Solar Thermal for District Heating in Stralsund Advances
Construction of the large-scale solar thermal plant in Stralsund is progressing as planned. It is expected to be operational for the city's district heating by May 2025.
Anke Weidlich: Optimistic About Photovoltaic Expansion
Prof. Dr. Anke Weidlich discusses the PV boom driven by falling costs and the growing role of photovoltaics in the energy transition. She also addresses political concepts to manage fluctuating solar energy and remains optimistic about the future of PV despite current political challenges.
SMA Slides Deeper into Crisis - 1,100 Jobs to be Cut
SMA has once again drastically reduced its profit forecast, with over 1,000 jobs set to be cut. The board must now answer why they held onto old projections for so long.
Energa's Third Quarter Results: 900 Million PLN Profit Despite Challenges
Energa's CEO, Sławomir Staszak, emphasized that the company operates in a dynamically changing economic and regulatory environment, which affects financial results. Despite challenges, Energa achieved results allowing for continued operational activity and investments. The company is analyzing areas for business rationalization and strategic growth to strengthen its position in the Polish economy during the energy transformation.
Albanian PM Questions COP29 Effectiveness
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama questioned the effectiveness of COP29, stating, 'What the hell are we doing at these meetings?' He admitted to abandoning his prepared speech after witnessing leaders ignoring other speakers the day before.