Africa & Middle East

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.

The former VP of Solar Grid Storage has predicted average Balance of Systems (BoS) costs for energy storage will drop from around US$670 to less than US$400 per kilowatt in the next five years.

Solar PV module cleaning systems firm Ecoppia said its autonomous, waterless cleaning technology had been certified for use on First Solar’s thin-film modules.

A round-up of solar news from throughout the holiday period including SunEdison deals, Qatar's next solar steps and the verdict in Heraeus' patent case.