Spanish and Australian associations highlight renewables' key role in powering society as COVID-19 lockdowns tighten, with pooling resources and reducing worker travel on the agenda.
List of public interest workers includes those providing services that are “necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences”.
Firm behind major solar projects in Europe, the US and others tells PV Tech it fears work restrictions at regulatory bodies could further worsen already ‘unspeakable’ delays.
Germany-based LPKF Laser & Electronics AG has told PV Tech that its manufacturing plants in Germany are able to operate at normal capacity levels, despite the continued impact of COVID-19.
Industry reps persuade France to split rather than fully postpone major solar auction in July while Germany acts to freeze deadlines for bidding green energy projects.
Italian utility Enel has been forced to close the solar manufacturing operations of subsidiary 3SUN after Italian government directives on 22 March 2020 ordered closure of all non-essential production facilities nationwide.
Anti-pandemic shutdown measures will help reach target-complying 40-45% emission cuts this year but a failure to invest in green growth may make progress temporary, country told.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has warned that support is needed for approximately 250,000 people that directly work in the US solar industry as COVID-19 could impact as much as 50% of the sector.
Group notes outbreak could see construction contracts postponed but insists it can reach 1GW-by-2020 installed capacity target, amid PV work in Brazil, Portugal, France and others.
Government approves previously floated plans to allow renewable developers to invoke ‘force majeure’ clauses to win more time as virus continues to disrupt PV supply chains.
