funding

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) launched its new investment plan prioritising how to use US$800 million worth of funds in the next few years, with solar PV innovation one of the main new areas of focus.

Californian Congressman Eric Swalwell and 138 other members have taken a stand against Trump administration plans to slash funding for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).

US news in brief: A pair of bills expand Nebraskan community solar, Texas utility CPS Energy expands its residential and commercial solar rebate programme by US$15 million, and GRID Alternatives receives a US$2 million grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation to continue expanding its work in low-income solar access.

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) SunShot has announced a new US$30 million for solar integration projects, as the initiative is in hot water after president Trump indicated plans for its closure.

The Obama administration is continuing a last-ditch push for renewables in the announcement of international clean energy funding and initiatives in a host of new incentives and international agreements that don’t require Congress’ consent.

The US and Israel have announced a US$4 million fund for five clean energy projects, including solar PV and CSP, as part of the Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) programme.

SolarCity announced Wednesday that it has agreed to a partnership with Citi to create two separate funds that will finance more than US$347 million in solar projects.

Australia’s federal government plans a third AU$1 billion reallocation of money from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), prompting a backlash from solar campaigners.

Australia’s Queensland government has announced long-term financial support for 120MW of large-scale solar PV farms.

Investment firm CrossBoundary Energy announced the first close of CrossBoundary Energy Fund I — Africa’s first dedicated fund for commercial and industrial solar.