Online Platform Helps Develop Bankable Solar and Wind Power Projects

Grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants are now mainstream and cost-competitive — making them an attractive energy option anywhere the sun shines. The most competitive utility-scale solar PV projects deliver electricity for just US 5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) without subsidies, and costs as low as US 3 cents/kWh have been achieved when conditions are perfect.

But implementing viable utility-scale solar PV projects requires project developers to draft robust plans that attract investors, and this can be a hurdle for some. As a result, many renewable energy projects stall during the development phase.

A new addition to IRENA’s online Project Navigator platform is helping developers overcome this obstacle, and spurring more large-scale solar PV deployment in the process.

Launched in 2015, IRENA’s Project Navigator gives project developers the tools — at no cost — to create successful renewable energy project proposals. The platform is designed to support the progressive development of renewable energy projects, featuring easy-to-access knowledge materials, practical tools and real-life case studies and industry best practices.

To improve this service, the platform is now adding technology-specific modules — including on-shore wind and utility-scale solar PV plants.

“The guidelines can be used by project developers, public service units, academia and everybody who wants to know how to develop these types of projects,” said Dolf Gielen, Director of IRENA’s Innovation and Technology Centre. “Specific modules are now available for on-shore wind and for utility-scale solar PV plants. This year, we will add more modules on small hydro, bioenergy, residential PV, mini-grids and geothermal,” Gielen explains.

In a nine step process covering the complete project lifecycle, project developers can obtain guidance to gather strategic information, address risks, take informed decisions, and use resources efficiently for successful project implementation.

To learn more about the utility-scale PV module, register for our online webinar on 21 November 2016 at 14:00 CET. The session will provide insights on the resources and tools available on the IRENA Project Navigator platform with relevant insights from field experts.

Visit IRENA’s Project Navigator website to learn more.