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.
Major semiconductor and specialist solar equipment manufacturer withdraws its business outlook for its FYQ2 as pandemic hits supply chain and manufacturing operations.
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.
Italian energy giant argues most of its EBITDA comes from contracted activities, with financial results showing firm built 3GW of green energy in 2019 and is eyeing a further 4GW in 2020.
Silicon Valley firm opts to close down facilities in California and New York following criticisms over staff exposure to pandemic, particularly at Fremont car-making facility.
As expected, extension of Chinese New Year due to COVID-19 and restrictions to travelling and manufacturing re-starts had a sizeable impact on PV module exports from China in February, according to the latest official figures.
ACORE, SEIA and other green energy bodies urge US lawmakers to ease construction and safe harbor deadlines amid warnings pandemic may threaten ability to qualify for tax incentives.
