Apricum articles
Our view on the latest developments in the cleantech industry.
GCC countries: Rising stars in solar and wind
The Gulf region is not only home to some of the world’s leaders in oil and gas production, it is also a powerhouse of renewable energy potential. Many of the GCC[1] member countries are perhaps best known for their immense oil and gas reserves, however, they also offer excellent solar resources, and in many cases strong wind resources.
The Russian wind and solar market: The “green giant” shows signs of waking up
Apricum Principal Florian Mayr examines the likelihood of Russia to realize its potential in becoming a major renewable energy industry player, and finds the signs are positive. While Russia has long opted to pursue an energy policy driven by nuclear and fossil fuels,...
Mexico – building a renewable energy market without conventional feed-in-tariffs
Apricum Project Manager Sebastian Schierenbeck examines Mexico’s renewable energy schemes with a focus on solar energy. Adopting a different approach to the conventional feed-in-tariffs favored in established renewable energy markets, Mexico’s mix of energy schemes...
How materials innovation can shape the future development of PV
Interview with Florian Haacke, Partner and head of the solar materials practice group at Apricum We spoke to Florian Haacke, Apricum Partner and head of the solar materials practice group about the opportunities for large materials companies in driving future...
Why solar will be unstoppable despite a bumpy road ahead
Apricum Senior Advisor, Christian Langen, shares his view on the forward momentum of the solar industry. Despite the many challenges it faces from powerful fossil fuel proponents, the solar industry is destined for success, regardless of governmental energy policy of...
“Hidden champions” of the emerging wind markets
Vast untapped growth potential exists for wind players in the Gulf region Currently, global installed wind capacity of 283 GW (2012) is concentrated in three main regions: 38% is located in the EU, 27% in China and 21% in the U.S. While the dominant role of these...
Implications of the EU–China anti-dumping settlement
Agreement accelerates macro trends in PV industry Now that the dust has settled, it is time to have a closer look at the outcome of the recent trade dispute between the EU and China over alleged PV module price dumping. While the proposed anti-dumping measures...
Sunny days ahead in Japan
Market entry opportunities still available in booming market With its recent renewal of the feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar installations, the Japanese market poised to be among the top solar markets worldwide throughout the coming years. With a mere ten percent...
Materials and process innovations reshape the market for PV cell packaging
Interview with Florian Haacke, Partner and head of the Solar Materials practice group at Apricum PV cell packaging, the outer protective layer of the PV module, plays a critical role in the module’s safety, efficiency and durability. On one hand, packaging acts as an...
Large-scale solar thermal systems for commercial and industrial applications offer high potential
Interview with Werner Koldehoff, a member of the advisory board at ESTIF, the European Solar Industry Federation, and a Senior Advisor at Apricum Despite its growth, the solar hot water market is frequently left behind the fast-moving solar PV market. Yet solar hot...
Solar markets in the Gulf Region: “All roads lead to Riyadh”
Interview with Vahid Fotuhi, President of ESIA, the Emirates Solar Industry Association Apricum: Saudi Arabia has just revealed its ambitious solar plan, foreseeing 41 GW of installed capacity in 2032. With this plan, is the Kingdom jumping to the top of solar markets...
Saudi Arabia opens door to becoming one of the largest solar markets
The country announces targets and a concrete plan for massive development of solar and other renewable energy sources Saudi Arabia has launched one of the world's most ambitious solar-energy programs today. At the Saudi Solar Energy Forum in Riyadh on May 8, officials...