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China tightens solar PV investment guidelines to address overcapacity

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China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has finalized new investment guidelines for solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing projects to address persistent overcapacity and stabilize the industry. The guidelines, announced on November 20, 2024, increase the minimum capital ratio for solar PV projects to 30%, up from 20% for certain projects. This threshold, previously reserved for polysilicon manufacturing, aims to ensure financial discipline within the sector. While the guidelines are not mandatory for project approvals, they…

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ADB approves USD 311 million loan for Nepal’s T&D infrastructure upgrade

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 311 million loan to upgrade electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure in Nepal under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Electricity T&D Strengthening Project.  Implemented by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the project will modernize energy infrastructure and add solar photovoltaic (PV) generation capacity.  Key initiatives include constructing 290 km of transmission lines across Dailekh–Jumla, New Butwal–Lamahi, Nijgadh–Ramauli, and Teenpiple–Okharpauwa, along with enhancing distribution infrastructure in Karnali and…

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ORLEN acquires 300MW renewable energy assets in Poland

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Orlen Group, through its subsidiary ORLEN Wind 3, has finalized the acquisition of two solar photovoltaic (PV) farms and a wind farm from EDP Renewables Polska, boosting its renewable energy generation capacity by more than 300 MW. The assets include solar PV farms in the Zielona Góra and Poznań provinces, and a wind farm in the Łódź province. This acquisition raises Orlen Group’s total installed capacity to 580 MW in onshore wind farms and over…

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Global energy system faces rising risks amid geopolitical strains: IEA

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The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlighted the vulnerabilities in the global energy system, exacerbated by regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions, in its World Energy Outlook 2024. The IEA underscored the need for stronger policies and investments to hasten the energy transition. Despite these challenges, the agency expects a relatively abundant supply of various fuels and technologies in the coming years, including oil, LNG, solar PV, and batteries. IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol noted that an…

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World Bank approves USD 250 million for renewable energy in Lebanon

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The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a USD 250 million project to expand renewable energy sources (RES) in Lebanon and support ongoing electricity grid reforms. The initiative will strengthen Lebanon’s state-owned Electricité du Liban (EDL) operational and commercial systems, increase grid-connected RES supply, and reinforce the national power network.  Key components include developing a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, rehabilitating the Litani River Authority (LRA) hydropower plant, and upgrading the EDL transmission…