Latin America PV News Snippets

Fraunhofer ISE to help explore green hydrogen opportunities in Colombia; JA Solar signs module supply agreement with Solatio; Voltalia subsidiary bags 90 MW PV PPA with Comerc Energia; Solek has entered Colombia with 11.8 MW PV capacity.

Green hydrogen in Colombia: The Colombian Ministry of Mines and Energy has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German research center Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE to conduct joint research projects into hydrogen in the country. Focus is to be on the production of green hydrogen, green ammonia, methanol and green fertilizers. Target is to develop regional hydrogen regions and strategic development of the industrial area of Cartagena as a potential hydrogen hub due to its excellent wind and solar resources, according to Fraunhofer ISE. The partners also see the creation of an economical and sustainable hydrogen supply chain from Colombia to Germany.

JA Solar expands in Brazil: China's JA Solar will supply 1.2 GW solar modules for Brazilian solar developer Solatio's projects in Brazil. They plan to expand the arrangement by another 4 GW modules for a 7-project portfolio of Solatio in the country over the next few years. The agreements were signed by the duo at Intersolar Europe 2023 in Munich, Germany.

Brazilian solar contract for Voltalia: France's Voltalia has announced a power purchase agreement (PPA) with energy management solutions company Comerc Energia for up to 90 MW PV capacity through its subsidiary Helexia. The subsidiary will build this decentralized capacity in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul, Ceara and Pernambuco. Initial 11 MW projects will enter construction in the coming months and commissioned in Q1/2024. Remaining sites will follow soon after, till entire 90 MW is realized. Comerc will purchase solar power from these sites over a 20-year period.

Solek's Colombia projects: Czech Republic based solar power plant developer Solek Group has announced its entry into the Colombian market with 11.8 MW combined capacity. The management said the 2 projects are located in El Paso and Cesar regions and make up the company's 1^st projects to have a guaranteed connection in the country. Currently projects are awaiting necessary permits with construction scheduled to begin in December 2023.