China's battery factory will land in Thailand, with an investment of 30 billion

The Board of Investment Promotion of Thailand (BOI) revealed that Seven world-leading Chinese battery manufacturers, including Ningde Times New Energy Technology Co., LTD., AVIC Lithium Technology Co., LTD., Inbai Battery Technology Co., LTD., Yiwei Lithium Energy Co., LTD., Guoxun High-tech Power Energy Co., LTD., Xinwangda Electronics Co., LTD., and Beehive Energy Technology Co., LTD., have chosen Thailand as their battery production base The development prospect of... BOI predicts that in 2024, at least two battery manufacturers from China will invest in the production of batteries in Thailand, and the first phase of investment will exceed 30 billion baht. In order to attract more battery manufacturers to invest in Thailand to set up production bases, BOI and relevant departments will introduce a series of policy measures, such as exempting investors from corporate income tax, exempting machinery and raw material import duties, etc., while relevant departments will also provide certain financial support, improve the relevant infrastructure construction, and train high-level researchers in related fields. With the continuous presence of battery manufacturers, it will help improve the supply chain of Thailand's electric vehicle industry and achieve energy renewable. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

The second phase of the China-Thailand Railway was submitted for deliberation

National Railway Authority of Thailand (SRT) Director Neelu revealed that on the 18th of this month, the board of directors of the Railway Bureau met to review the second phase of the China-Thailand government high-speed railway project: Korat - Nong Khai section cooperation project, the project length of 357.12 kilometers, the budget of 341.351 billion baht. It is divided into 235.129 billion baht for civil works of the high-speed rail project, 10.31 billion baht for land ownership and property compensation, 80.165 billion baht for investment in the railway system-electric train system and machinery, and 10.06 billion baht for project management consultancy and supervision work and system certification. At present, the detailed design of the project has been completed and the environmental impact assessment report is in progress. Meanwhile, the second phase of the China-Thailand high-speed railway project will be tendering in the form of an E-Bidding system in 2025, with a total of 13 project contracts, which are expected to be completed in 2030 and put into use in 2031. In addition, the project has also adjusted the civil works, divided into 202.48 km of elevated track and 154.64 km of surface track, aiming to avoid impact on the five large stations in the relevant area. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

China Harbor signed a contract with Angola Noqui Terminal project

A few days ago, Baiyin Zhan, chairman of China Harbor, met with Ricardo Abreu, Minister of Transportation of Angola. The two sides conducted in-depth exchanges on strengthening cooperation in the field of infrastructure, and witnessed the signing of the Noqui River transport terminal project in Angola. The owner of the project is the Angolan Ministry of Communications, the main content is to dismantle the existing old terminal and build a new container yard, bulk cargo yard, maintenance area and management building, the project covers a total area of about 20,000 square meters, the project will further open up the north of Angola water transport line, to achieve the north of Angola sea transport and river transport interoperability. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Vale achieves 100% renewable energy in Brazil

Brazilian mining giant Vale disclosed on the 15th local time that by 2023, all of its electricity in Brazil will come from renewable energy sources, such as hydro, wind and solar energy, and Vale has reached its goal of "achieving 100% renewable energy supply in Brazil" two years ahead of schedule. Vale's latest Comprehensive Report 2023 says that with this goal, Vale has eliminated all indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated by the company in Brazil. The company is still faced with the challenge of achieving 100 percent renewable energy supply worldwide by 2030, which is now 88.5 percent achieved. "This is an important milestone in Vale's decarbonisation strategy, which aims to reduce direct and indirect CO2 emissions by 33% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050." Ludmila Nascimento, Director of Energy and Decarbonization at Vale, said that Vale is committed to helping Brazil develop clean energy and contribute to society's response to climate change. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Kazakhstan has signed a deal with Russia to build seral coal-fired power plants

Kazakhstan has signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to build coal-fired power plants in three Kazakh capitals, according to the press service of the Ministry of Energy. "The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation signed a cooperation agreement on the construction of coal-fired power plant projects in the cities of Kirkshetak, Semyi and Ustykamenogorsk," the press release said. "Considering the abundant thermal coal reserves, the implementation of coal-fired power plant projects in the three capitals will be a strong driver of urban development," Kazakh Energy Minister Almazadem Satkaliyev said. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Cuba is vigorously developing mountain solar energy

Cuba's Granma newspaper reported on April 1 that the Cuban government allocated millions of dollars to install photovoltaic solar cells for about 320 communities and 8,000 independent families in the rugged Santiago region, and the implementation of the project is of great significance to tens of thousands of people living and working in the most remote areas of ancient China. Lila, investment director of the Cuban Santiago Power Company, said that the photovoltaic module installed in the home is 300 watts, which can be used at the same time for 32-inch TVS and 5 LED lights, although it cannot meet the entire electricity demand of the family, but it can provide lighting at night, and users can enjoy the service by paying 10 pesos per month. He stressed that there are about 1,963 houses in the area with solar panels, and 40 percent of the equipment is faulty, mainly due to battery failure. At present, 420 solar photovoltaic panel modules and batteries worth $6 million from China are being shipped to Cuba and can be replaced immediately upon arrival. The power company is also working on a joint project with the University of Santo Spiritus, with plans to install 2.2-kilowatt modules, including batteries, accumulators and inverters, with an expected service life of 25 years, which will allow the connection of TVS, refrigerators, washing machines and kitchens, with each module priced between $1,900 and $2,400 in the international market, but will still maintain a price of 10 pesos per month.

Six Nordic countries have agreed to protect undersea energy infrastructure

On April 9, six Nordic countries - Denmark, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands - signed an agreement to strengthen protection measures for underwater assets, including gas pipelines and power cables. The explosion of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022 had a huge impact on Europe's energy supply, and the six countries that signed the contract all border the North Sea, and it is clear that the security of the North Sea is a major energy transit route for these countries are strongly concerned. The six-nation agreement underscores a shared commitment to protect important energy transit routes in the region. The North Sea, with its extensive network of pipelines and cables, plays a vital role in supplying energy to Europe, particularly in terms of oil and gas resources, as well as renewable energy in the future. Key provisions of the agreement include a comprehensive review of current protection and recovery measures and the establishment of a mechanism for sharing critical information among participating countries. By promoting cooperation and coordination, the signatories aim to mitigate the risks posed by potential threats to underwater energy infrastructure, thereby ensuring uninterrupted energy supply throughout the region.

State Grid signed Brazil's largest power transmission concession project

State Grid Brazil Holding Company and the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Authority signed a franchise agreement for the "Northeast Brazil UHV Project" in Brasilia on the 3rd. The project is the largest power transmission concession in Brazil's history. On the same day, under the witness of Brazilian Minister of Mining and Energy Silveira, Chinese Ambassador to Brazil Zhu Qingqiao and other political and business people of the two countries, the State Grid Brazil Holding Company and the Brazilian Ministry of Mining and Energy, the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Authority signed this agreement, which is called "New energy in Northeast Brazil to send ±800 kV UHVDC transmission project". According to reports, the Northeast UHV project is the largest transmission concession project in the history of Brazil, and the largest infrastructure construction project in the country in recent years. The project was successfully and independently won by the State Grid Corporation on December 15, 2023. This is the third overseas UHV transmission project won by the State Grid Corporation after the first and second phase of the Meilishan UHV transmission project in Brazil. The project includes the construction of 1,468 km ±800 kV UHVDC transmission lines, converter stations at both ends and modulation cameras, and related AC supporting projects, with a rated transmission capacity of 5 million kilowatts. The project will package and collect clean energy such as wind power, solar power and hydropower in the northeast and north of Brazil, through Maranhao, Tocantins and Goias states, to meet the electricity needs of about 12 million people in core areas such as the Federal District of the capital of Brazil, and is planned to be put into operation in 2029, with a franchise term of 30 years. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Three new power plants in Namangan Oblast, Uzbekistan

During his visit to Namangan State, President Uzbek attended the groundbreaking ceremony of three power stations there. The three power stations have a total installed capacity of 1228 MW, with a total investment of 1.1 billion US dollars, specifically two 500 MW photovoltaic power stations, respectively invested by Hyper Partners GmbH of Germany and Tepelen Group Holding Limited of the United Arab Emirates, with an investment of 350 million US dollars; A cascade of six hydropower stations, with an installed capacity of 228 MW, was built with an investment of 434 million US dollars by Wushui Energy Company. After the above hydropower plants are put into operation, the installed power generation capacity of Namangan state will increase from the current 913 megawatts to 2,141 megawatts, and the annual power generation can reach 7.8 billion KWH. It is reported that 14 photovoltaic and wind power plants will be connected to the grid this year, with a total of 2.6 GW of power. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Sinosteel International signs metallurgical project in Algeria

Recently, Sinosteel Equipment Co., LTD. (hereinafter referred to as "Sinosteel Equipment"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinosteel International, cooperated with Tosyali Group and officially signed the general contract for Algeria's 1780mm pickling cold rolling combined unit. This is a new step in high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" after Sinosteel Equipment general contract construction of the Tosyali Algeria Phase 4 green low-carbon short process integrated steel plant project. After the project is put into operation, it will be the first high-end plate production line with international advanced level, from DRI- electric furnace steelmaking - slab continuous casting - hot rolling - cold rolling complete process, low carbon green, and will provide green and low carbon products for Europe and the Middle East and North Africa market. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Light and Medium International signed paper project in Egypt

Recently, in the light of international new signing ROLLANINTERNATIONALFORINVESTMENTPAPERPROJECT project. The project is the company's first paper general contract (E+P) project in Africa, the construction site is located in the Fayoum Industrial Park in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, with LOCC as the raw material to build a 556t daily corrugated paper production line. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

China Road and Bridge won the bid for Mauritania terminal project

Recently, China Road and Bridge won the bid for the restoration project of GIP oil terminal in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. The project is located in the city of Nouadhibou in the economic center of Mauritania, owned by the Mauritanian Oil Facilities Management company Nouadhibou. The project content is to repair the wharf steel piles in the existing infrastructure of the GIP oil terminal, including the concrete pouring of the pile core, the casing of the pile, the installation of the sacrificing-anode system and the sand blasting and painting. The project period is 14 months. Upon completion of the project, it will further enhance the safety and cargo turnover efficiency of Nouadhibou port and promote local economic development. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Sinopec signed a cooperation document with Thailand

On March 26, it was learned from the Press Office of Sinopec that SINOPEC and the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Bangkok to further strengthen the cooperation between the two sides in product promotion and market development. Mr. Zhao Dong, General Manager of Sinopec, Mr. Keerati Rushchano, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, signed the agreement on behalf of the two sides. Mr. Zhang Xiaoxiao, Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Department of the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, and Mr. Phumthum Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, witnessed the signing ceremony. The two sides indicated that the signing of the MOU will enhance bilateral trade and investment exchanges, promote business cooperation between the two sides, help the two sides to jointly explore mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities, and further promote the development of business activities between China and Thailand. In addition, the signing of the agreement will also help provide quality products of the two countries to each other and provide more quality choices for the better life of the two peoples. Sinopec is a joint-stock company with integrated operations of upstream, middle and downstream oil and gas business, listed at home and abroad. It is the largest supplier of refined oil and petrochemical products in China, the largest refining company and the second largest chemical company in the world, and has been ranked among the top of Fortune Global 500 for ten consecutive years. Earlier, Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited signed an equity purchase agreement with Thailand's Susco Refined Oil and Aviation Coal Sales Company to acquire 49% of its wholly-owned subsidiary Susco Dealers Company Limited to jointly expand the Thai refined oil terminal market. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

The State of Dominica signed three cooperation documents

On March 25, 2024, witnessed by the leaders of China and Dominica, Zheng Hajie, Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, signed three cooperation documents with relevant departments of Dominica, namely, the Belt and Road Cooperation Plan, the exchange and cooperation in the field of economic development, and the cooperation in green and low-carbon development. The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road, signed the Cooperation Plan on Jointly Promoting the Construction of the Belt and Road, and promoted practical cooperation in various fields under the framework of the coordination mechanism for Belt and Road cooperation, so as to benefit the two countries and two peoples. The two sides agreed to carry out exchanges and cooperation in the field of economic development, sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Exchanges and Cooperation in the field of Economic Development, strengthen the exchange of experience in development planning, and help each other in developing the economy and improving people's livelihood. The two sides agreed to carry out cooperation in the field of green and low-carbon development, signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Green and Low-carbon Development, and strengthened bilateral cooperation in addressing climate change, energy conservation and efficiency improvement, and circular economy, so as to ensure sustainable development in the region. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Europe: Install solar on the roof of all new residential buildings from 2030

The European Parliament has formally adopted the revised Energy Performance Directive for Buildings (EPBD), which will become law after formal approval by the Council of Ministers. The directive requires all new residential buildings in the EU to be powered by rooftop solar from 2030, and public buildings and non-residential buildings will need to be phased in according to their scale and technical and economic assessments. The EPBD aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector in line with the EU's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Currently, the building sector accounts for 40% of the EU's total energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of improving energy efficiency in buildings is to enhance energy independence and sustainability in this sector by reducing the use of imported oil and gas fuels. Under the forthcoming rules, all new buildings occupied or owned by public bodies will need to be zero-emission by 2028, and all new buildings from 2030 onwards. Member States need to clearly plan the measures taken to decarbonize heating systems in order to phase out fossil fuels in heating and cooling by 2040. From 2025, stand-alone fossil fuel boilers will no longer receive subsidies, but hybrid heating systems that use renewable energy will be eligible for financial incentives. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Germany plans to build fusion power plants

Germany's Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger has announced a new fusion research funding program aimed at paving the way for the construction of the first fusion power plant in Germany by 2040. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has long supported fusion research at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching and Greifswald, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the Jurich Research Centre (FZJ). "This institutional funding is complemented by the second pillar of the new Project Funding Scheme," the ministry said. "The project funding aims to advance the technologies, components and materials required for fusion power plants in the first phase by the early 2030s. The second phase focuses on integration into the power plant design. The funding program is open to technology and addresses so-called magnetic confinement and laser fusion technology." In order to achieve the construction of fusion power stations as soon as possible, the program is essentially application-oriented collaborative research as a form of public-private partnership. Projects on specific sub-technologies will be carried out jointly by research institutions, universities and industry. This allows new findings from the research to be applied at an early stage and know-how to be transferred to domestic industries for further use, the ministry said. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

India resumes BOT highway construction

The Indian states of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh will take the lead in carrying out highway projects under the Build-Operate-transfer (BOT) model. The government has designated 53 BOT charging projects across 5,200 km worth Rs 2.1 lakh crore, out of which seven projects have been launched for tender, covering 387 km worth Rs 270 crore. Under the BOT contract, the private company receives an initial concession from the public entity to build and operate the project, and after a specified period, control of the project is returned to the public entity. Investors typically enjoy concession periods of 20 years or more, during which tolls can be collected to recover construction and operating costs and generate profits. The last time the National Highways Authority tried to carry out the BOT road project was in 2020. Since then, due to various difficulties in the implementation of BOT projects, Indian government projects have shifted from BOT to engineering procurement construction (EPC) and mixed annuity (HAM) models. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Spain accelerates deployment of offshore wind power

The Spanish government has opened a public consultation on a draft royal decree on offshore wind infrastructure. The proposal proposes to go through a competitive approval process, along with the amount of renewable energy auction, the amount of grid-connected capacity reserved, and the concession of public areas such as sea and land. The draft is intended to simplify and optimize administrative procedures in order to facilitate the development of offshore wind and other renewable energy sources in waters under Spanish jurisdiction. The Marine Space Management Plan (POEM), previously approved and published by the government, divides the uses of different areas of the ocean - including energy production. The plan lays out 19 high potential zones (Zaps) for the installation of offshore wind facilities, with a total planned area of 5,000 square kilometers, or 0.46% of Spain's territorial waters. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Philippines seeks to strengthen nuclear energy development with Canada

Philippine government officials and private sector leaders are currently in Canada for a week-long trade mission aimed at supporting the country's efforts to integrate nuclear technology into its energy mix. Deputy Energy Minister Sharon Garin said the delegation wanted to leverage Canada's vast experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, particularly in power generation. She also highlighted Canada's diverse energy mix, in which nuclear power prevails in some regions while hydro and natural gas dominate in others, as a valuable learning opportunity for the Philippines in its pursuit of energy security and affordability. As outlined in the drafted Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) for 2023-2050, the Department of Energy has incorporated nuclear energy into the national electricity mix. PEP's clean energy scenario envisages the inclusion of nuclear power, with the goal of increasing capacity to 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032, 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

China Railway Construction wins the first European wind power project

Recently, China Railway Construction Electrification Bureau Group Co., Ltd. Serbia branch based on the local market to achieve rolling development, business contracting made a breakthrough, successfully won the Serbian Black peak 150MW wind power project, for the first time opened the door to the construction of wind power projects in Europe, the domestic wind power project construction technology into the Balkans. "The project type belongs to the mountain wind power project, and the wind farm intends to install 25 wind turbines with a single capacity of 6.25MW. Among them, all fan foundation, hoisting platform, 21.6 km approach road and 132 km cable laying are constructed by the Northern branch of the Group company. When completed and put into operation, the project will generate about 480 million KWH of electricity per year and save 155,000 tons of coal, which will generate excellent economic and ecological environmental benefits in the local area." Project leader Xu Desheng said. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

The Canadian province of Alberta has lifted its ban on renewable energy projects

The government of the western Canadian province of Alberta has ended a nearly seven-month moratorium on approving renewable energy projects. The Alberta government began suspending approvals for renewable energy projects in August 2023, when the province's Public Utilities Commission began an investigation into land use and reclamation. After lifting the ban on Feb. 29, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said the government will now take an "agri-first" approach to future renewable energy projects. It plans to ban renewable energy projects on agricultural land deemed to have excellent or good irrigation potential, in addition to establishing a 35-kilometre buffer zone around what the government deems pristine landscapes. The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomed the end of the ban and said it would not affect projects in operation or those under construction. However, the agency said it expects the impact to be felt over the next few years. It said the ban "creates a climate of uncertainty and negatively impacts investor confidence in Alberta." Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Canada funds Bruce nuclear Power plant expansion project

It is reported that the Canadian government will invest 50 million Canadian dollars for the Bruce nuclear power plant expansion project, which is Ottawa's first major investment in a major nuclear power plant expansion in decades. It is understood that the funds are mainly used to support the preliminary work of the Bruce nuclear power plant expansion project and study the feasibility of new nuclear power units. In addition, the funding comes from Natural Resources Canada's Clean Power Pre-Development Program, which aims to add 4,800 megawatts of capacity, doubling the plant's capacity and making it one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world. In fact, as early as 2023, the Canadian government began exploring the feasibility of the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant expansion project to meet the growth in electricity demand through 2030. Nuclear power has been a stable pillar of the Ontario government's clean power system, and the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant expansion project will increase the share of clean power in the province's future power mix. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

The UK will invest $26.5B in hydrogen projects

The UK government is pushing ahead with seven low hydrogen projects, investing more than $26.52 billion (£21 million) in a bid to become a world leader in hydrogen energy. Four of the projects will develop plans for new hydrogen plants to provide cleaner fuel to companies in a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals and automobiles. These include Phase 2 of Pembroke Green Hydrogen, RWE AG's 200 megawatt (MW) electrolytic hydrogen production plant; Veri Energy's 50 MW green hydrogen plant at Sullom Voe Terminal; And the Grenian Hydrogen Speke project, a collaboration between Statkraft, Foresight and Progressive Energy. According to a press release issued by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero on Tuesday, the remaining projects will help secure the UK's energy supply by producing homegrown hydrogen for industry and transport. These include Suffolk Hydrogen, operated by Hydrab Power, which will produce green hydrogen for low carbon service vehicles at the Sayzwell C nuclear power station; Tees Valley Hydrogen, operated by Exolum, will build a new hydrogen station to help supply hydrogen to the local transport sector; The Aberdeen Hydrogen Centre, run by BP and Aberdeen City Council, will provide a cleaner fuel for the local electric bus fleet. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

A signing ceremony was held at Union Square, Batam Island, Indonesia

On February 28, the UnionSquare project in Batam Island, Indonesia, was signed and the groundbreaking ceremony was held. More than 10 people attended the ceremony on behalf of CITRABUANABATAMINDUSTRI Group and Li Jie, general manager of Shanghai China Construction Overseas Development Co., LTD. Indonesia, as well as the project team leader. UnionSquare project is located in HarbourBay business district, Batam, Indonesia, and Singapore across the sea, the geographical location is superior, is a collection of commercial, office and apartment residential as one of the comprehensive project. The project consists of two 34-storey towers and 7-storey podium buildings, with a total floor area of about 75,000 square meters and a total height of 137 meters, which will become the highest landmark building in Batam. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

China Harbor won the bid for the Manila South Port Yard expansion project

At the beginning of the New Year, China Harbor South Pacific Management Center won the bid for the Philippines Asia Terminal Manila South Port yard expansion project, and won a good start to the New Year. The main contents of the Manila South Port Yard expansion project of Asia Terminal in the Philippines are upgrading container yards and substations, building new high-pole lights and supporting drainage, power and fire protection systems. This project is an important embodiment of the South Pacific Management Center with excellent technical strength, flexible use of the "three kinds of play" marketing strategy, the marketing team according to customer needs to carefully optimize the plan, has been highly recognized by the owner. The winning of the project consolidated the leading position of China Harbor in the main field of port business, and laid a solid foundation for the future in-depth participation in other port construction projects. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

45 million euro new photovoltaic power plant in Spain

OHLA expands its clean energy portfolio. Following the contract for the construction, start-up and operation of the new photovoltaic power plant in Castilla y Leon, the company has added a new renewable energy contract worth more than 45 million euros. Over the past 12 months, the company has been awarded different contracts in the renewable energy sector in Spain with a total value of nearly 250 million euros and a total installed capacity of 800 MW. The newly contracted plant will consist of 160,000 photovoltaic modules with an installed capacity of 100 MW. The electricity will generate more than 180,000 MWH of 100% clean energy per year, which can power about 20,000 homes, thereby avoiding about 160,000 tons of CO2 emissions per year. In Spain, the company already has nearly 1,800 MW of capacity and was recently awarded contracts to build two PV plants in Seville with a total capacity of 87 MW, a 130 MW PV plant in Badajoz and a 105 MW PV plant in Merida. Construction of a 105 MW PV plant in Spain. The other, located in Zaragoza, has a capacity of 125 megawatts. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

In 2023, Austria will add more than 2GW of PV installed capacity

According to Austrian PV analyst Hubert Fechner, more than 2 GW of new solar power capacity will be installed in Austria in 2023. The Vice president of the Austrian Photovoltaic Technology Platform of the Photovoltaic Manufacturing and Research Association told PV magazine that while he did not have official data to confirm this exact figure, feedback from grid operators indicated that the threshold had been exceeded. According to PV Austria, 1 GW of solar power was installed in Austria in 2022. At this point, the country's total installed PV capacity reached 3.78GW, accounting for 6.6% of the total electricity demand. In 2021, 740 MW of new PV systems were installed in Austria, followed by 341 MW in 2020 and 247 MW in 2019. If the landlocked Central European country maintains this rate of installed capacity growth, "then the total installed capacity could reach about 20 GW by 2030 and 40 GW by 2040, as proposed in our national plan," Hubert said. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Chile plans to build new wind farms to improve the country's power system

The Los Coihues wind farm project, planned to be jointly implemented by Chile's Aaktei and Uruguay's HyNewGen, has entered the environmental assessment phase. Located in Chile's uble region, the $470 million project covers 86 hectares and plans to build a total of 47 wind turbines in three cities, generating a total power of 338.4 MW, connected to the Entre Rios substation via a 30.8 km long high-voltage transmission line. And then provide support for the national power system. The project is expected to have a power generation cycle of 38 years, and if approved on schedule, construction will start in January 2026, and the first phase of construction will bring up to 232 jobs. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

Germany 2023 renewable energy installed statistics released

On January 5, the German Federal Network Administration (BNetzA) published preliminary data on the growth of installed renewable energy capacity in Germany in 2023. In 2023, Germany added 17GW of renewable energy capacity, bringing the total installed capacity to nearly 170GW, an increase of 12% year-on-year. Most of Germany's renewable energy growth comes from solar and wind power. Klaus Muller, head of BNetzA, said that the almost doubling of solar power generation compared to 2022 is rapidly driving Germany's energy transition. In 2023, renewable energy generation in Germany exceeded 50% for the first time, but German onshore wind power still did not meet the expected target in 2023. However, there is a significant increase in the number of permits in 2023. According to the German solar industry association BSW, more than 1 million new solar power systems were installed in Germany last year. However, wind power is still the main source of electricity in Germany. Overall, renewables accounted for more than half of electricity consumption for the first time. Wind power in Germany saw a significant increase in 2023. According to earlier reports, Germany added 50 percent more wind power capacity in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. The share of wind power in total electricity generation is also increasing, with more than a quarter (27%) of Germany's electricity coming from wind power for the first time in the first three quarters of 2023. Editor/Xu Shengpeng

India's richest man plans $24 billion green energy park

On January 10, Indian billionaire Gautam Adani announced an ambitious plan at the "Gujarat Vitality Global Summit" : he will invest Rs 2 trillion (about $24 billion) in his home state of Gujarat over the next five years to create 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. The founder of the sprawling Adani Group is now worth 88.8 billion euros, making him the 12th richest person in the world. Adani revealed that his group is building "the world's largest green energy park" in the Kachi region, covering an area of 25 square kilometres and generating 30 gigawatts. He said the Adani Group is creating a renewable energy ecosystem that includes solar panels, wind turbines, hydrogen electrolyzers and green synthetic ammonia. Editor/Xu Shengpeng