Africa & Middle East

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), spearheaded by India, is about to take shape with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and French president Francois Hollande due to lay a foundation stone for the new ISA headquarters in Delhi on 25 January.

CIGS thin-film solar technology manufacturer SoloPower Systems has completed its first commercial-scale deployment in South Africa.

A “narrow focus” on the initial costs of energy storage is leading to misconceptions about the true value of the technology, a report has concluded.

The Gulf countries in the Middle East could reduce their water extraction by 16% and create 200,000 jobs if they meet their 2030 renewable energy targets, according to a new study by IRENA.

Algeria installed roughly 268MW of solar PV capacity in 2015, according to Algeria’s state-owned renewable energy research institute CDER.

UK off-grid solar firm BBOXX and Dutch social investor Oikocredit have closed the first ever securitisation of African off-grid solar arrays.

Saudi-based industrial conglomerate Al-Afandi Group has signed a property contract with the Yanbu Royal Commission in Saudi Arabia for the first phase what is hoped to become a 1GW integrated module factory.

Nanjing-based PV manufacturer China Sunergy (CSUN) is to target the Middle East and Africa after signing a joint venture with UAE’s Z-One Holding.

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) has indirectly taken a major interest in PV equipment specialist centrotherm.

Global corporate funding in the solar industry reached US$25.3 billion in 2015, with a record year for residential and commercial solar, according to consultancy firm Mercom Capital.