Africa & Middle East

The president and chief executive officer of Windiga Energy, a Canadian-based independent power producer, said it is now easy to develop renewable energy projects, like PV, in Africa.

Global module manufacturer Trina Solar has opened a warehouse in South Africa.

TuNur, a 2GW concentrated solar power (CSP) project along the same lines as the original Desertec Industrial Initiative (Dii) plan, said the idea for Middle East and North African solar energy exports into Europe is still a valid and needed venture.

A 2GW concentrating solar power (CSP) project in Tunisia will apply for support from the UK government.

The new contracts for difference mechanism in the UK market is “an interesting opportunity for a more market orientated approach”, according to First Solar.

De Aar 3, an 85MW solar project said to be the largest solar farm in South Africa using thin-film modules, has been completed.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is to provide a €23 million (US$29.5 million) loan for solar development in West Africa.

Solar Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) leader GlassPoint Solar is set to receive a US$53 million equity investment from the State General Reserve Fund –- Oman’s largest sovereign wealth fund – Royal Dutch Shell and other investors.

The Eilat Eilot Renewable Energy Initiative (EEREI) has opened the tendering process for a 50MW PV project in Israel that could also provide power to neighbouring Jordan.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance 1.8GW of renewable power capacity will be commissioned in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2014.