by Catie Owen | Oct 27, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
Meta has announced new power purchase agreements (PPAs) with ENGIE North America, expanding their collaboration to over 1.3 GW across four solar projects in Texas.
The latest agreement covers ENGIE’s 600MW Swenson Ranch Solar project in Stonewall County, southeast of Lubbock.
Once complete, Swenson will be ENGIE’s largest solar asset to date within its 11GW North American portfolio of solar, wind and battery storage facilities. Meta will contract 100% of the project’s output to power its data centre operations in the United States.
“We are excited to continue the expansion of our relationship with Meta,” said Dave Carroll, CEO and Chief Renewables Officer at ENGIE North America.
“Our objective is to bring reliable, cost competitive power to the grid as rapidly as possible, and projects like Swenson demonstrate the importance of solar to meet the timely needs of our customers.”
The $900m investment is expected to generate more than $158m in tax revenues for Stonewall County and its hospital district over the project’s lifetime. Construction will employ over 350 skilled workers, with Swenson scheduled to begin operations in 2027.
Urvi Parekh, Head of Global Energy at Meta, said: “We are thrilled to bring an additional 600MW of solar energy to the grid, and expand our partnership with ENGIE to 1.3GW. Our collaboration with ENGIE enables us to continue matching 100% of our electricity use with clean and renewable energy to support our data centre operations.”
ENGIE stated that the partnership with Meta underscores the growing role of large-scale renewable energy projects in supporting both corporate sustainability goals and regional economic development.
by Catie Owen | Oct 24, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar, Press Release
Press Release
Terrapinn confirms the success of the latest addition to their global portfolio, Solar & Storage Live Italia, held at the Veronafiere during 8 – 9 October 2025, with over 4865 solar professionals in attendance and 57% of the floorplan rebooked.
Solar & Storage Live Italia secured its place as Italy’s most exciting dedicated solar & storage trade exhibition, taking place for the first time in Verona, Italy. The event is organised by Terrapinn, with the support and cooperation of Veronafiere, Comune di Verona. It is supported at the highest level by sponsors Contact Italia, Failte Solar and Sunman, and associate sponsor Huawei, with renewable energy associations including ANIE Federazione, Kyoto Club, Legacoop, Elettricità Futura and the Global Solar Council.
With 3,000 attendees expected from across Italy, the launch of Solar & Storage Live Italia exceeded its attendance targets, delivering over 4,865 solar professionals, commercial property owners, landowners, and project developers. It provided a one-stop destination for everything needed to deliver Italy’s commercial, industrial and residential solar and energy storage projects.
The first edition included global and Italian suppliers Forniture Fotovoltaiche, ESPE, WiseGlow, Amara NZero, Chint PVSTAR, Huawei, Energy3000, Shanghai Elecnova Energy Storage Co., SolaX Power amongst 100 exhibitors and innovative startups displaying the latest solar and energy storage solutions.
The comprehensive agenda of presentations, case studies and panel debates commenced with a keynote address from Damiano Tommasi, Mayor of Verona. Over 120 speakers took to the stage to address key issues across the themes of residential, utility scale, commercial & industrial and storage.
Terrapinn have announced the dates of Solar & Storage Live Italia 2026 as 7-8 October, at the Veronafiere, Verona. Over 57% of the floorplan for next year has already been sold, with many clients at the 2025 launch securing even larger stand space.
Rebecca Sloan, General Manager for Solar & Storage Live Europe comments:
“We’re thrilled with the attendance at Solar & Storage Live Italia and to be able to launch another renewable energy exhibition that celebrates the technologies at the forefront of industry. We could not be happier with the response from the industry and level of local support for the show.
The event has already established itself as a serious player and the strong rebookings indicate our customer satisfaction and readyness to return. We are currently reviewing feedback to ensure our 2026 event is bigger, better and delivers on our customer needs.”
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by Catie Owen | Oct 24, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
European Energy has agreed to sell a 50% stake in its Saldus solar and storage project in Latvia to Sampension, one of Denmark’s largest pension funds.
The Saldus project combines a 65MW solar PV facility with a 46MW BESS. Construction began in July 2025 and is scheduled for completion in May 2026.
Once operational, it will supply renewable electricity to the Latvian grid and improve system flexibility through its co-located battery installation.
“This divestment is a clear example of our ability to take large-scale renewable energy projects from development through construction and into the hands of long-term institutional investors,” said Jens-Peter Zink, Deputy CEO of European Energy.
“The capital recycled from projects like Saldus enables us to expand our pipeline of wind, solar, and hybrid projects across Europe.”
European Energy currently has more than 1GW of projects in development in Latvia, including onshore wind, solar, and battery storage facilities.
Latvia aims to generate 57% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Despite these targets, the deployment of solar parks in Latvia has so far lagged behind neighbouring Baltic states. As of 2023, Latvia had installed around 500MW of solar capacity.
Alnis Balins, Country Manager for European Energy in Latvia, commented:
“The project will support Latvia’s efforts not only to increase renewable energy in the national mix, but also improve energy security and network operational stability by having BESS as an integral part of this energy project.”
Rising demand for renewable energy in Latvia is partly driven by the need to reduce reliance on energy imports. Sampension has previously partnered with European Energy in Latvia, acquiring a 50% stake in the 148MW Ventspils solar park – the country’s largest to date.
The divestment aligns with European Energy’s strategy of developing and constructing renewable projects that attract institutional investors, while freeing up capital for further developments across Europe.
by Catie Owen | Oct 23, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Storage
Aviva Investors has partnered with Irish energy-infrastructure specialist Astatine to launch a new industrial energy-transition platform targeting up to €800m of investment across the UK, Ireland and continental Europe.
The platform will focus on decarbonising hard-to-abate industries such as data centres, food and beverage, cement, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Technologies will include solar PV, battery energy-storage systems, substations, industrial heat pumps, heat-recovery systems, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
These systems may be installed directly on client sites or connected to national grids to deliver low-carbon energy.
The partnership launches with a 128MW seed portfolio expected to be operational within two years and a development pipeline exceeding 500MW. Aviva Investors will act as the majority shareholder, providing financial backing, while Astatine will lead on project development, delivery, and operations.
Angenika Kunne, Head of Infrastructure Equity at Aviva Investors, said:
“This platform is a truly innovative means of providing large energy users in hard-to-abate industries with a dedicated single partner which can provide access to a range of technologies, helping them to decarbonise their production processes.
“These energy sources are economical, resilient to fluctuating prices suffered by traditional energy sources and can help whole sectors manage their energy transition journey in a cost-effective way.”
Tom Marren, CEO and Co-Founder of Astatine, added:
“We are delighted to partner with Aviva Investors on this ambitious platform. Industrial energy users are under increasing pressure to reduce cost while delivering climate and energy security targets. By combining Aviva Investors’ financial strength with our development expertise, we can accelerate the delivery of projects to assist with increasing competitiveness for Europe’s industrial base.”
Kunne said the partnership offers “an opportunity to capture attractive returns in Europe’s industrial decarbonisation market”, praising Astatine’s track record and ability to deliver projects that “reduce energy costs and emissions”.
For the solar sector, the initiative signals continued momentum in on-site and grid-connected PV as a cornerstone of industrial decarbonisation – providing stable, cost-efficient renewable power to energy-intensive industries across Europe.
by Catie Owen | Oct 22, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
The Council of the European Union has adopted its position on a draft regulation to phase out gas imports from Russia under the REPowerEU Roadmap.
The proposal aims to end the EU’s reliance on Russian pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) following energy market disruptions linked to Moscow. It sets a legally binding, phased ban on imports, culminating in a full ban from 1 January 2028.
Imports of Russian gas will be prohibited from 1 January 2026. Short-term contracts may continue until June 2026, while long-term ones may extend to January 2028. Existing contracts can only be amended for limited operational reasons and not to increase volumes.
While Russian oil imports have fallen below 3%, Russian gas still accounts for around 13% of the EU supply in 2025, valued at more than €15 billion annually.
“This is a breakthrough moment for Europe’s energy transition,” Dries Acke, Deputy CEO of SolarPower Europe, said in a statement.
“We applaud the Energy Council’s decisive step to completely phase out Russian gas imports and accelerate the transition towards homegrown renewables. This is not only vital for Europe’s energy security and independence but also a powerful move to stop financing Russia’s war machine.”
How will this impact the solar industry?
From January 2025, various branches of the European Union kick-started the bloc’s efforts to phase out reliance on Russia’s oil and gas. This was driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; in March 2022, EU leaders decided to phase out their dependency on Russian fossil fuels.
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, said at the Norges Bank Climate Conference this week:
“The war in Ukraine further exposed Europe’s energy dependencies as strategic vulnerabilities, driving up gas prices after the cut-off of the Russian pipeline supply… We need energy that is secure – because the geopolitical reality has changed. We need energy that is sustainable – because the climate reality has not changed.”
Various solar industry bodies, such as SolarPower Europe, have noted that accelerating the deployment of renewable technologies such as solar is crucial to ending that dependence.
As the bloc moves away from Russian oil and gas, solar energy has a defined role to play in securely closing the gap – and has the added benefit of futureproofing the global power system against energy crises.
October analysis from Think Tank Ember highlighted that solar and wind energy met all the world’s electricity demand growth in the first half of the year, causing fossil fuel reliance to dip slightly.
“Imported fossil fuels are no basis for a secure and affordable energy system – something Europe has learned the hard way,” Study author and Senior Energy Analyst for Ember, Dr Chris Rosslowe, said.
“Homegrown energy sources, such as wind and solar, take on more strategic value in a world faced by frequent crises.”
Potential hurdles
The EU moving away from Russian oil and gas imports is a valuable step towards the accelerated rollout of renewable energy. However, energy independence should remain a priority that drives electrification successfully, encouraged by the EU’s upcoming Electrification Action Plan.
As of October 2025, just over 1/5 of the bloc’s energy demand is electrified, with the EU’s primary energy supply coming from imported fossil fuels. In lieu of Russia, the EU has developed heavy dependence on the USA, Norway, and Qatar.
A report from Ember noted that renewable energy has the potential to halve the EU’s reliance on these imports by half by 2040.
[Infographic credit: European Council of the European Union]
by Catie Owen | Oct 22, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) has officially opened its new solar park cluster in Brandenburg, Germany.
The Gorgast solar park, has a total installed capacity of 45MWp and spans 40.6 hectares across three sites – Gorgast Bahn, Gorgast Gewächshaus and Manschnow.
The cluster comprises almost 75,000 solar panels and is expected to generate sufficient clean electricity to power approximately 13,000 households annually. It is also forecast to avoid roughly 22,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year.
A notable feature of the project is the redevelopment of a brownfield site at Gorgast Gewächshaus, described by ASE as a “degraded landscape”.
The transformation involved demolition work, removal of unexploded ordnance and extensive environmental and conservation measures.
Local economic engagement was integral to the implementation, with ASE working closely with the municipality to ensure partnership-based and sustainable regional development.
Tarun Agrawal, CEO of AMPYR Solar Europe, commented: “We are proud to contribute to Europe’s continuing energy transition with the opening of the Gorgast PV cluster. The collaboration with our partners has been outstanding and serves as a model for future projects.”
He added: “The Gorgast project underscores our continuing commitment to developing renewable assets in Germany, where ASE now has a PV and BESS pipeline of over 3GW, part of an aggregate European pipeline of over 7GW across Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.”
This development reinforces AMPYR Solar Europe’s strategic focus on responsible land use and ecological renewal, as well as its broader ambition to support the energy transition across Europe.
[Image credit: AMPYR Solar Europe]
by Catie Owen | Oct 22, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
The UK Government has launched its first Clean Energy Jobs Plan, outlining how it will train thousands of new workers to meet rising demand across renewables – particularly in the fast-growing solar sector.
Employment in clean energy is expected to double to 860,000 by 2030, with 31 priority occupations identified, including electricians, engineers, and installers.
Backed by over £50bn in private investment since July 2024, the plan aims to expand the workforce required for technologies such as solar, wind, and nuclear.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Communities have long been calling out for a new generation of good industrial jobs. The clean energy jobs boom can answer that call”
He continued: “Our plans will help create an economy in which there is no need to leave your hometown just to find a decent job… a generation of young people in our industrial heartlands can have well-paid secure jobs, from plumbers to electricians and welders.”
A new strategy
Solar is a major focus of the new strategy. The government will work with industry and training providers to attract new entrants and retrain skilled workers, including veterans and former oil and gas employees, into solar installation and manufacturing roles.
Through the Mission Renewable programme, ex-service personnel will be matched with opportunities in solar panel installation, wind turbine factories, and nuclear sites.
Training initiatives include five new Technical Excellence Colleges and regional pilots worth £2.5m, funding new courses and career advice in clean energy.
The ‘energy skills passport’ – originally designed for offshore workers – is being extended to help more people transition into renewable sectors such as solar.
On the news, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden commented: “We’re giving workers the skills needed for the switch to clean energy, which is good for them, good for industry – and will drive growth across the nation.”
Praise from the solar industry
Industry groups, both domestic and international, have welcomed the move. In the official Gov.uk statement, several explain that the plan will aid in finding and retaining skilled workers for upcoming and current projects.
Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of Solar Energy UK and co-chair of the UK Solar Taskforce alongside Ed Miliband, said: “Solar energy and battery storage already support over 20,000 British jobs, with expectations that the sectors will employ more than twice that number in ten years’ time.
“With our Solar Careers UK programme and critical support from government under the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, we have every expectation that our aspirations will be fulfilled.”
“We’re really pleased to see the launch of the Clean Energy Jobs Plan and the recommendations within it,” added Michael Lewis, CEO of Uniper. “Uniper aims to invest approximately €8bn into growth and transformation projects by the early 2030s… contributing to the retention and creation of jobs and supporting the regional economy.”
Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Power Solutions, said: “We welcome the plan… EDF Power Solutions has 2GW of wind, solar and battery in operation, and our goal is to have 5 times that amount by 2035, so we will need many more skilled people to help us reach our ambition.”
by Catie Owen | Oct 17, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Innovation
Conrad Energy has confirmed that planning consent has been granted for its proposed 18 MW floating solar farm at Whisby Quarry in Lincolnshire, in the UK.
Developed in collaboration with Tarmac, the project will mount solar panels on floating buoys across the former quarry lakes.
Key benefits cited include increased efficiency from the reflection of light, improved water quality through regulating temperature, and avoiding the use of productive farmland. The site is already screened by vegetation and will be built on brownfield land.
Conrad Energy states the scheme could generate enough power for the equivalent of up to 4,737 homes annually and save around 4,194 tonnes of CO₂ per year – “the equivalent of driving 54,455,820 miles.”
“By leveraging cutting-edge technology, this project will provide significant environmental and energy benefits,” the company said in a statement.
The design is fully reversible, with a projected 40-year operational lifespan after which the area can be restored and gains in biodiversity achieved.
Conrad Energy says the community will have opportunities to give feedback through local consultations tied to the planning process.
by Catie Owen | Oct 17, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Storage
Press Release
The company has launched the divestment process of one of its Romanian ready-to-build BESS projects – a 200MW / 400MWh facility.
The sale is part of R.Power’s strategy of asset rotation and portfolio diversification across different geographies.
Strategically located near Bucharest, a key hub of the Romanian energy system, the project will provide much-needed flexibility to support grid stability and accelerate the country’s energy transition.
R.Power is significantly scaling up its presence in Romania across both the photovoltaics and storage markets, supported by its physical office in Bucharest.
The company is about to energise its first PV projects in the country – Stalpu, Suseni, Dudesti and Punghina – and is preparing to begin construction of its first BESS project in Romania, the 254 MWh Scornicesti facility.
Romania will become R.Power’s third market with its own operational assets, following Poland and Portugal.
Energy storage is core of R.Power’s growth model representing more than half of R.Power’s overall 30 GW+ development pipeline across six European countries.
In Romania, company not only focus on standalone projects but also is preparing hybrid configurations that integrate BESS with both existing and planned photovoltaic farms.
Over the coming years, R.Power aims to expand its integrated capacity in Romania into the multi-gigawatt range, reinforcing the country’s role as a Central and Eastern European leader in the energy transition.
[Image credit: R.Power]
by Catie Owen | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commercial & Industrial Solar
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the Philippines has approved Terra Solar Philippines Inc. (TSPI)’s application to develop and own dedicated transmission facilities for the MTerra Solar Project – taking both records of being the country’s largest and one of the world’s largest solar-plus-battery installations.
The MTerra Solar Project, located across Nueva Ecija and Bulacan on Luzon island, will feature 3.5GW of solar capacity and 4.5GWh of battery energy storage.
Developed by TSPI, a wholly owned subsidiary of SP New Energy Corp (SPNEC), the project will connect to the Luzon grid through its own point-to-point transmission network.
The interconnection will use the existing 500 kV Nagsaag–San Jose transmission line and the planned 500 kV San Isidro substation.
In its decision issued on 8 October 2025, the ERC placed the value of the transmission facilities at around PHP 14.2bn and noted that construction was approximately 90% complete as of September.
The regulator has also imposed a permit fee of PHP 106.86m and instructed TSPI to submit a compliance report and finalise an operations and maintenance (O&M) agreement with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
While the ERC granted TSPI the authority to build and own the transmission system, it denied the company’s request to operate and maintain the facilities, confirming that NGCP will handle O&M responsibilities subject to applicable charges.
The Commission also highlighted potential delays related to the San Isidro substation, as NGCP has yet to secure approval for its capital expenditure plan.
The first phase of MTerra, consisting of 2.5GW of solar and 3.3GWh of battery storage, is scheduled to begin operations by February 2026, with full completion targeted for 2027.
As of July 2025, 54% of Phase 1 was complete, with 778 MW of solar already installed – making it the largest solar facility in the Philippines.
Valued at PHP 200bn and supported by $600m in foreign investment, the MTerra Solar Project is expected to supply up to 850 MW of baseload solar power to Meralco under a power supply agreement, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
by Catie Owen | Oct 15, 2025 | Asia, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation
JA Solar has begun volume production and initial shipments of its latest high-efficiency photovoltaic module, DeepBlue 5.0, from its advanced manufacturing base in Yangzhou, China.
The company said the launch reflects its ability to scale next-generation PV technology efficiently, reinforcing its position as a reliable partner for the global commercial and industrial solar markets.
The DeepBlue 5.0 module incorporates JA Solar’s proprietary Bycium+ 5.0 n-type cell technology and TOPCon architecture, achieving up to 650W of power output and a conversion efficiency of 24.07%.
The module’s high-density interconnection design is intended to boost energy yield and improve durability in challenging environments. With a temperature coefficient of –0.26% per °C and a bifaciality rate of 85% ±5%, JA Solar said the module delivers consistent performance across a range of climates and installation conditions.
Production takes place at the company’s fully automated Yangzhou facility, which is equipped with intelligent quality control systems and high-capacity manufacturing lines.
JA Solar described the site as a key hub in its global production network, supporting large-scale output while maintaining strict quality standards.
According to the manufacturer, the rollout of DeepBlue 5.0 demonstrates its capability to manage complex production processes efficiently and to meet delivery schedules for international customers.
“The first shipment of DeepBlue 5.0 demonstrates both our technological innovation and the strength of our manufacturing operations,” said Aiqing Yang, Executive President of JA Solar.
“Our partners can rely on consistent, large-scale supply with high performance and long-term reliability.”
by Catie Owen | Oct 14, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Everything Installer
Solar & Storage Live returned to Birmingham this year, bringing together the industry’s leading innovators, investors, and developers to chart the future of the energy transition.
Trina Storage, the utility-scale storage arm of Trinasolar joined the event’s strong line-up of industry leaders.
As the company continues to expand its European footprint rapidly, we sat down with Sales Manager Fahad Ali, who shared his perspective on how the storage market is set to evolve over the next three to five years.
How does Trinasolar see the storage market in Europe evolving over the next 3–5 years?
Fahad: It’s clear that we are entering a new phase of product evolution, driven mainly by three things: long-duration storage, higher energy density, and increased system intelligence. Over the next few years, you’ll see Trina respond to this.
We have products in development to deliver long-duration storage tailored to project needs, alongside improvements in energy density for shorter-duration battery systems.
Together with our partners, we’re also developing enhanced software and EMS platforms to support multi-market revenue stacking and optimisation, which is crucial for project finance today.
On top of that, we’re continuously refining the safety and sustainability of our systems to meet both customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
What are the key drivers and obstacles to market growth internationally, and how is Trinasolar addressing them?
Fahad: Globally, the three key drivers for energy storage growth are increasing renewable penetration, grid flexibility, and supportive policy frameworks.
Storage and renewables are inextricably linked, and supportive policies such as capacity markets and storage tenders will continue to drive expansion.
At Trina, we address these challenges by offering flexible and bankable solutions tailored to the specific regulatory and technical needs of each market. Our platform is modular and scalable, so it can be successfully applied across different regions.
We work closely with customers to overcome integration and application challenges, and after commissioning, we support them with local service teams for operations and maintenance.
Right now, we have around 60 people based in Europe, all focused on utility-scale storage projects. That experience translates into over 40 projects signed, representing more than three gigawatt-hours. Importantly, we also manufacture our own LFP battery cells, which gives us tighter control over safety, performance, and supply chain stability.
Our long-term objective is to be the trusted partner for energy storage in Europe, offering end-to-end support and future-ready systems that maximise value and accelerate the clean energy transition.
Can you tell us more about your flagship products that the industry should know about?
Fahad: Our flagship platform in Europe is the Elementa battery cabinet, a high-performance DC-coupled battery energy storage system designed for flexibility, safety, and long lifecycle performance.
Currently, we are deploying the Elementa 2 and Elementa 2 Pro models across Europe. Both use Trina’s own EV-grade LFP battery cells, delivering over 12,000 cycles with zero degradation in the first year.
They also feature an advanced hybrid liquid-air cooling system, flexible installation layouts to boost site energy density, multilayered safety features, and millisecond-level anomaly detection via smart control systems.
The Elementa 2 Pro will be ready for shipment towards the end of the year. It’s ideal for grid services, capacity markets, and renewable integration projects requiring up to eight-hour solutions.
Looking ahead, we will soon launch the Elementa 3, which features 587Ah cells and a very compact 6.25MWh container design. This next-generation system will be even better suited to long-duration applications thanks to optimised thermal control, active cell balancing, higher efficiency, and reduced losses.
What is Trina’s approach to sustainability in storage – for example, sourcing of materials, end-of-life recycling, and second life for battery modules?
Fahad: Sustainability is at the core of Trina Storage’s strategy. The company was founded to accelerate the clean energy transition in solar, and we’ve carried that same ethos into storage.
We produce our own LFP battery cells in-house, which gives us full visibility over material sourcing and supply chain ethics. Our systems are designed for long lifespans, and we support module-level replacement to extend asset life when customers look to repower.
On recycling and second life, we’re actively working with technical partners to develop responsible end-of-life handling programmes that support the circular economy. These efforts are closely aligned with evolving EU regulations and taxonomy frameworks.
What are the advantages of exhibiting at and attending Solar & Storage Live UK?
Fahad: Solar & Storage Live is one of the most relevant events in the UK for energy transition stakeholders. It gives us valuable face time with key customers, developers, and partners, and it helps us stay on top of market trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies in one of Europe’s most dynamic energy markets.
This year, sponsoring the awards dinner gave us a fantastic opportunity to connect and celebrate with our valued partners. Joined by our UK team across battery storage, solar modules, and PV mounting systems, we enjoyed an evening that strengthened our relationships and highlighted the progress we’re achieving together as an industry.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live UK? Get your free ticket to Solar & Storage Live London – the capital’s most exciting solar event. Or, find a Solar & Storage Live event near you.
by Catie Owen | Oct 14, 2025 | Americas, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
American technology giant Apple has announced a major expansion of its clean energy initiatives in Europe, adding 650MW of renewable energy capacity through new solar and wind developments across the continent.
The projects – located in Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania — are part of Apple’s efforts to match the electricity used by European customers to power and charge their devices with renewable energy.
A recently completed solar farm in Spain also contributes to the expansion, bringing the company’s total European portfolio to over $600m in financing and generating more than one million MWh of clean electricity annually by 2030.
The move forms part of Apple’s wider Apple 2030 goal to become carbon neutral across its entire footprint by the end of the decade.
“By 2030, we want our users to know that all the energy it takes to charge their iPhone or power their Mac is matched with clean electricity,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives.
“Our new projects in Europe will help us achieve our ambitious Apple 2030 goal, while contributing to healthy communities, thriving economies, and secure energy sources across the continent.”
In Greece, Apple has signed a long-term agreement to source power from a 110MW solar project owned and operated by HELLENiQ ENERGY. In Italy, it is supporting the development of a 129MW portfolio of solar and wind projects, with the first in Sicily due online this month.
In Poland, the company has backed Econergy’s 40MW solar array, while in Romania’s Galați County, it will procure power from a 99MW wind farm developed by Nala Renewables and OX2. In Latvia, Apple has signed one of the country’s first corporate power purchase agreements with European Energy for a 110MW solar farm.
These developments form part of Apple’s strategy to address emissions from product use, which accounted for 29 per cent of its total greenhouse gas emissions in 2024.
Globally, Apple and its suppliers now support more than 19GW of renewable energy capacity across operations and manufacturing.
[Image caption: Apple’s renewable energy projects include the newly operational Castaño solar array in Spain. Image credit: Apple]
by Catie Owen | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Large Scale Utility Solar
Ignite Power has announced plans to acquire 100% of ENGIE Energy Access (EEA), forming Africa’s largest distributed renewable energy (DRE) provider.
The Abu Dhabi-based company will relaunch the combined entity as Ignite Energy Access, expanding operations to 14 countries and providing sustainable energy to more than 15 million people.
The acquisition, subject to regulatory and antitrust approvals, is expected to conclude in the coming months. Once finalised, it will mark Ignite’s fourth transaction in two years and more than double its operational footprint across Africa.
Yariv Cohen, CEO of Ignite Power, described the deal as “a transformative milestone for our company and Africa’s energy sector”.
He added: “ENGIE Energy Access has built an exceptional legacy of innovation, operational excellence, and commitment to sustainable impact. By integrating their strengths with our own proven model, we will be creating a full-spectrum energy access company that can scale to meet the continent’s immense energy needs.”
Cohen said the newly formed company aims to “connect millions of people to clean and reliable energy” while supporting economic growth and job creation. Ignite’s goal is to provide sustainable, affordable energy solutions to 100 million people by 2030.
The deal strengthens Ignite’s market position, increasing its total addressable market to more than 250 million people.
The company plans to leverage economies of scale, digital operations, and proprietary platforms for mobile payments, fleet management, and data analytics to enhance affordability and reliability.
Ignite recently secured $15m in funding from Afrigreen to expand its commercial and industrial solar projects.
With over 50MW of deployed capacity and a growing footprint, the combined company aims to serve both rural and urban communities across Africa, contributing to the continent’s ongoing energy transformation.
[Image credit: Ignite Power]
by Catie Owen | Oct 10, 2025 | Americas, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Storage
Nexamp has secured a three-year, $330m Construction Warehouse Facility (CWF) from a consortium of financial institutions to support the development and construction of around 20 new distributed generation projects.
The financing will provide flexible construction capital for Nexamp’s near-term solar and energy storage pipeline, with completed assets expected to transition into long-term financing structures such as tax equity or refinancing.
The company said this will help sustain renewable energy growth and strengthen domestic energy resources.
MUFG led the facility with a $200m commitment, serving as Mandated Lead Arranger and Administrative Agent. ING followed with $100m, taking on roles including Mandated Lead Arranger, Lender, Hedge Provider, and Green Loan Structuring Agent.
Siemens Financial Services contributed $30m as Joint Lead Arranger, while U.S. Bank National Association acted as Collateral Agent.
Zaid Ashai, CEO of Nexamp, said the transaction marks a major milestone in the company’s growth. “This facility underscores the strong confidence leading financial institutions have in our proven national platform,” he said.
“By securing flexible construction capital, we are better positioned to deliver the clean energy projects that communities across the country urgently need as demand rises. Solar continues to be the most cost-effective and easy-to-deploy source of new electricity, outpacing all other sources by a wide margin already this year.”
The lenders also emphasised the importance of the collaboration in supporting the clean energy transition.
“MUFG is proud to partner with Nexamp on this important financing, which advances our shared commitment to accessible, affordable energy,” said Takaki Sakai, Managing Director, Project Finance, MUFG.
“We are proud to support Nexamp with this innovative and sustainable financing solution,” added Filipe Barreto, Director, Renewables and Power, ING Americas.
Jim Fuller, Head of Project Finance at Siemens Financial Services, Inc., said: “At a time of increasing power demand, these projects will provide local communities with resilient clean energy.”
Nexamp said the transaction highlights the key role construction warehouse financing plays in expediting renewable energy deployment across the US.
by Catie Owen | Oct 9, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
Women continue to make up 32% of full-time employees in the renewable energy sector, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
While this figure is higher than in fossil fuel industries, it has not increased since IRENA’s first gender analysis in 2019 – signalling little progress towards gender equality.
The second edition of Renewable Energy: A Gender Perspective provides IRENA’s most comprehensive assessment of women’s participation in the renewables workforce and the barriers they face.
It warns that without greater equality, the global energy transition risks being neither fair nor sustainable, citing potential labour shortages and a lack of diverse perspectives.
Disparities in workplaces
The study reveals significant disparities between job types. Women hold 45% of administrative roles but just 28% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) positions, and 22% of technical trades such as installation and electrical work.
Representation is lowest in senior leadership, where women account for only 19% of roles.
Private companies were found to have the lowest levels of female participation at 25%, compared with 48% in non-governmental organisations and 37% in government or non-commercial institutions. In off-grid and community-based projects, women account for 35% of employees.
Disparities in sectors
In a SolarPower Europe report for International Women’s Day 2023, the trade organisation cited IRENA’s 2019 report, which demonstrates that the solar industry employs proportionally more women than the traditional energy and fossil fuel sectors.
“Advancing gender equality in the renewable energy sector depends on robust data, targeted policy interventions and active collaboration of all stakeholders,” said IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera in response to the new report.
“Unfortunately, despite performing better than in fossil fuel industries, little progress has been made. The sector still has a lot of work to do. To realise the energy transition’s full potential, women must be recognised as equal partners and leaders in shaping the renewables-based future.”
Solving a systemic problem
The report attributes the lack of balance to systemic barriers at every stage of professional development. It cites cultural stereotypes, bias in recruitment, difficulties balancing work and caregiving, and limited advancement opportunities as key obstacles.
It also explains that women are often the primary users and managers of household energy systems, which means that they unfairly take on the “greatest burden” of energy poverty in developing countries.
IRENA calls for both top-down and bottom-up action to address the issue. It recommends that governments enforce equal pay and anti-discrimination laws, while employers introduce flexible working, transparent promotion systems and mentorship opportunities.
The agency adds that education providers and civil society groups also have a role in dismantling stereotypes and holding institutions accountable.
The full report can be found here.
by Catie Owen | Oct 9, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
The European Commission has referred Sweden to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for failing to transpose new EU rules designed to speed up renewable energy permitting.
The move follows “repeated warnings” from Brussels after Sweden missed the 1 July 2024 deadline to incorporate the provisions of Directive (EU) 2023/2413 into national law.
The Directive, which amends the existing Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001, aims to simplify and shorten approval processes for renewable projects and related grid infrastructure.
According to the Commission, Sweden “has not yet notified any transposition measures” despite a letter of formal notice in September 2024 and a reasoned opinion issued in February 2025.
The Commission said that, as a result, it is referring the case to the CJEU “with a request to impose financial sanctions” under Article 260(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
Accelerating the transition
The new rules are intended to introduce clearer time limits for permit-granting procedures, strengthen the role of single contact points for developers, and establish the presumption that renewable energy projects are of “overriding public interest.”
According to the Commission, these reforms are “essential to accelerate Europe’s transition to carbon neutrality, strengthen energy security and reduce energy costs.”
The legal case comes as EU institutions move to strengthen renewable deployment frameworks.
In March 2024, the European Parliament adopted the EU Solar Standard, a measure within the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requiring the phased rollout of rooftop solar installations from 2026.
At the time, SolarPower Europe described the measure as “a huge milestone to accelerate renewable deployment,” stating that the EU Solar Standard “puts the power in citizens’ hands” by making solar installations a standard feature of Europe’s buildings.
Missing the deadline
Directive (EU) 2023/2413 entered into force in November 2023, giving Member States eight months to align national legislation with the updated requirements.
While infringement procedures have been opened against all 27 Member States for incomplete transposition, Sweden is the first to be taken to court over the issue.
The referral forms part of the Commission’s October 2025 infringement package, which includes three energy-related cases referred to the CJEU.
Alongside Sweden, the Commission also pursued action against Malta and Slovakia through reasoned opinions for failing to fully implement the same Directive.
The Commission said the measures are necessary to ensure that EU law is “properly applied for the benefit of citizens and businesses” and to maintain momentum in the bloc’s clean energy transition.
More information about the European Commission’s infringement package can be found here.
by Catie Owen | Oct 8, 2025 | Africa, Americas, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Innovation
AAAS Energy BV, a Netherlands-based energy developer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ChillMine Corporation, a US data centre operator, to develop a new data centre campus in Botswana jointly.
The collaboration aims to establish a world-class facility designed to support AI computing, global hyperscalers, and other energy-intensive digital operations.
Maarten Mennes, Managing Director of AAAS, said, “This MOU with ChillMine is a significant step in our vision to connect sustainable energy development with the digital economy.
By combining power from the Solar PV + BESS Project with natural gas projects in Botswana, currently being developed by third parties, we are creating a unique value proposition for global technology companies seeking to expand into Africa.”
ChillMine’s Co-Founder and CEO, Brian Neirby, added, “We are thrilled to partner with AAAS to bring our data centre expertise to Botswana.
The combination of the energy infrastructure under development and our operational experience will enable us to deliver a best-in-class, high-performance data centre campus that can meet the rigorous demands of the world’s most sophisticated technology users.”
The proposed campus will respond to growing demand for reliable, scalable, and cost-effective data infrastructure across Southern Africa. It will target large-scale cloud providers and other clients requiring continuous, high-capacity power for operations.
As part of the wider development, AAAS intends to integrate the data centre into an Energy Hub and Industrial Park near Palapye. The hub includes a 250 MW solar PV project and a planned Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of around 100 MW / 400 MWh, both currently in development.
The integrated energy infrastructure is expected to provide a stable and efficient power supply, supporting reliable performance and sustainability across the new data centre campus.
by Catie Owen | Oct 7, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
Solar & Storage Live returned to Birmingham this year, bringing together the UK’s most influential clean energy players.
Power Electronics, the global leader in energy storage inverter manufacturing and the leading manufacturer of solar inverters for photovoltaic plants across Europe, Oceania, and America, has been supporting the UK renewable energy sector for more than 15 years.
With 37 years of experience and operations in 36 countries, the Spanish multinational has delivered over 3,000 solar and storage projects worldwide.
We sat down with Luigi Bariani, Business Development Manager for Solar and Storage at Power Electronics, to discuss the company’s role in shaping the utility-scale market, its latest technology launches, and why the UK remains a key hub for renewable energy innovation.
What is Power Electronics’ role in the industry?
Luigi: Power Electronics is the global leader in utility-scale solutions, specialising in energy storage inverters (Power Conversion Systems, or PCS) and solar photovoltaic inverters, which are essential for large-scale renewable energy projects. We actually started in the UK 15 years ago – it was the first country in Europe where we installed our equipment.
Now, we have about 6 GW of capacity installed across the UK, and we’re looking forward to showcasing our new products here at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, which is the best exhibition in the UK.
In particular, our PCSM storage inverters are already equipped with advanced grid-forming functionalities, a feature that enables greater system stability and flexibility—widely regarded as the key technological trend in the UK market today.
What new products are you launching at Solar & Storage Live UK?
Luigi: Our PCSM and HEM solutions share the same structure and platform. We’ve enhanced our current range and will introduce the new Generation 3 Plus models at the end of next year.
These systems integrate either a solar PV inverter (which converts direct current from solar panels into alternating current for the grid) or a battery storage inverter, together with medium-voltage equipment, all housed within the same enclosure.
This creates a highly competitive and compact turnkey solution: the input is direct current (DC) and the output is medium voltage, making it ideal even for projects with restricted layouts.
Why is the UK market important to companies like Power Electronics?
Luigi: The UK market has always been a driver of technological innovation in Europe – and globally, alongside markets such as Australia. This leadership is largely due to the functionalities required by the grid to provide ancillary services, such as fast frequency response and grid-forming capabilities.
That’s why these features are embedded by default in our solutions– Over the past 15 years, we’ve built extensive experience in the UK market.
What is Power Electronics’ strong point in the UK?
Luigi: Our strongest asset in the UK is definitely our service presence. We have about 60 field service engineers located across the country. Although our main service hub is in Milton Keynes, our service team is deployed nationwide, supporting around 6 GW of installed capacity.
This makes us, I would say, the leading technical service provider in the country. On top of that, we’re also supplying equipment for some of the largest projects under construction in Scotland – so you’ll be hearing from us very soon.
Why is Power Electronics a returning international exhibitor at Solar & Storage Live events?
Luigi: This is the main show in the UK – it’s the benchmark. You find a bit of everything here: utility-scale, which is our bread and butter, as well as commercial & industrial and residential segments.
All the major players are here, as always, so we’re very happy to be back and already keen to return next year. Beyond showcasing technology, the event is also about relationships – partners, clients, and even friends stop by to connect, because everyone in the industry is here during these days.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live UK? Get your free ticket to Solar & Storage Live London – the capital’s most exciting solar event. Or, find a Solar & Storage Live event near you.
by Catie Owen | Oct 7, 2025 | Americas, Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
A coalition of labour unions, nonprofits and solar companies has filed suit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to rescind $7bn in grants awarded under the Solar for All programme.
The complaint, lodged in federal court in Rhode Island, argues that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its administrator, Lee Zeldin, unlawfully revoked grants that had already been awarded to states, tribes and nonprofits.
Zeldin announced in July that this would be part of the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” spending cuts, which seek to end many Biden-era renewable initiatives to “level the playing field” for fossil fuels.
The plaintiffs include the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, the Rhode Island Centre for Justice, Solar United Neighbours, and several solar installers and community organisations.
Serving households
Having been part of the previous President Joe Biden’s $27bn “green bank” (the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund), the Solar for All programme was established during the passing of a climate law in 2022.
According to the lawsuit, it was designed to serve over 900,000 households in lower-income communities.
Additionally, it was projected to save recipients about $400 annually on electricity bills while reducing or avoiding more than 30m metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions.
The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) briefly notes that across the country, Solar for All “is expected to save an estimated $350m annually on energy bills and generate 200,000 new jobs.”
“This program would provide families with low incomes access to clean, affordable solar power: energy that lowers bills, improves air quality, and keeps people safer during extreme heat,” Kate Sinding Daly, Senior Vice President for Law and Policy for the CLF, commented in a statement.
“Stripping those benefits away is unlawful and betrays communities.”
In response, the EPA has declined to comment on pending litigation.
Rescinding the programme
In a previous social media statement from July, Zeldin had defended the cancellation by asserting that “the bottom line is this: EPA no longer has the statutory authority to administer the program or the appropriated funds to keep this boondoggle alive.”
Plaintiffs contend that stripping away the grants would deprive communities of access to clean energy, worsen energy insecurity, and stall job growth in the renewable energy sector.
“The Trump administration’s rollback of the Solar for All program is a shameless attempt to prop up fossil fuel companies at the expense of families,” Daly added.
The lawsuit seeks a judicial order to reinstate Solar for All and restore its funding; it can be read here.
