Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
Many solar farmers would also need to invest in battery capacities, which raises the barrier to entry into the micro-production renewable market
Last week, the Hungarian government made a decision to suspend the grid feed-in of energy generated from future solar installations. According to a statement by the Hungarian Solar Panel Association (MNNSZ), this single move has destabilised the solar industry in the country, causing massive uncertainty for solar system producers, retailers and consumers.
This is because the new regulation would ban new installations from being able to resell excess energy back to the Hungarian grid for an indefinite amount of time, according to a statement by Gergely Gulyás, the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office.
This is a curtail trade scheme popular throughout the European Union and one of the pillars holding up the solar expansion. This is because solar farmers, especially small and micro producers, could use the revenue from selling extra energy to pay off their investments relatively quickly.
According to the Hungarian Solar Panel Association, private individuals need between six and eight years to pay off the investment, while small companies with more space for photovoltaics (PV) need around one to two years. However, the new regulation banning PV systems from the grid could put a stop to renewable expansion in Hungary in general.
Here is what has changed: until last week the system operated on a balance settlement basis, meaning that the difference in the energy produced by a solar system and consumed by a household had to be settled. If consumers used more, they would have to pay the energy provider, if they consumed less - the provider paid them.
With the new regulations, solar energy producers would not have the option to sell their energy back to the grid. Instead, they can use it during the day and at night, during peak consumption, that energy would be lost, unless producers install expensive batteries.
However, as the Hungarian Solar Panel Association explained in a press statement, this would come with a significant cost implication.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
The famed torch will pass through more than 400 cities and towns in both Metropolitan and Overseas France
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team