France

The nation saw 1.3 GW of renewable energy secured for business through private PPAs in 2018, almost twice as much as the volume recorded in Australia, but the picture could change next year if China follows through with its renewable portfolio standard commitment.

The EV manufacturer will develop a complete system encompassing electric vehicles (EVs), smart parking, charging infrastructure and software integration platform NEMO for the experimental township of Auroville in Tamil Nadu. Mahindra has also unveiled an energy storage solution for EVs and will help harness renewable power.

The ISA founding ceremony, held on Sunday March 11 in New Delhi, India, was a highlight in the 2018 solar calendar. French President, Emmanuel Macron announced €700 million in support through loans and donations by 2022, while several other financial deals and MoUs were also signed. Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi further outlined 10 action points to help the spread of solar energy.

Vikram Solar and CEA will look to enhance research and development on high-efficiency crystalline silicon cells, modules and systems. A host of high-efficiency generation and storage technologies for French and Indian markets are also in the planning.

International Solar Alliance (ISA), now registered under the United Nations, is organizing its first summit to be held this Sunday March 11. It is also set to host a founding ceremony of ISA in the presence of French President, Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi President, Abdul Hamid. Government dignitaries of member countries are joining, and 51 solar projects will be signed, by announcing the concrete instrument to facilitate the project execution.

According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron will inaugurate the 75 MW solar PV power plant, located in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh on March 12. The plant is developed by the French company, Engie Solar.

50 projects will be signed on March 11, 2018 during ISA Solar Summit, and 71 will be signed on April 20, 2018 at RE-Invest summit. Now, with five new countries, Madagascar, Gabon, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, and Uganda, the number of nations to have ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement has reached 26.

With two new countries, the Republic of Guyana, and Togo, the number of nations to have ratified the International Solar Alliance (ISA) framework agreement has reached 21. ISA will host 6th International Steering Committee (ISC) meeting on February 20.

The conclave happened the day after ISA became a recognized legal intergovernmental body based in India. The event observed some intense discussions on the ISA’s ambitious programs. The main topic was the finance, where ISA aims to ease the process, with CEEW supporting via common risk mitigation study.