by Catie Owen | Dec 17, 2025 | Electric Vehicles, Europe, Everything Installer
Segen, a UK-based distributor of renewable energy products, has announced an exclusive six-month distribution partnership with EV infrastructure provider 3ti.
The deal focuses on the Papilio3, a rapid-deploy smart solar EV charging “FastHub” designed to bypass traditional installation barriers like grid constraints and lengthy planning processes.
Infrastructure and training
As part of the collaboration, Segen has installed a Papilio3 unit at its Training Academy and Distribution Centre in Medway, Kent. The facility trains approximately 1,600 individuals annually to address the national shortage of qualified renewable energy installers.
The Papilio3, constructed from an upcycled shipping container, features an integrated 20kWp solar PV array and can charge up to 12 vehicles simultaneously at speeds up to 22kW.
Because the unit is portable and free-standing, it requires no planning permission or major groundworks and can be installed in under a day.
James Galloway, Global Product Director at Segen Ltd, said:
“As a leader in the renewables sector, we are committed to setting an example by using innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. At the same time, we aim to ensure that students have a rewarding and positive experience during their time at the Academy. Providing a convenient and sustainable onsite EV charging solution will help us achieve that goal.”
Market impact
The partnership aims to provide installers with a solution for commercial clients in sectors such as logistics, retail, and business parks. By utilising patented power-management technology, the FastHub operates using a site’s existing electrical infrastructure, removing the need for costly grid upgrades.
Beyond its charging capabilities, the hub includes integrated lighting, CCTV, and a roof cover for weather protection.
While currently serving Segen’s staff and trainees, the hub is also open to the public and nearby businesses, creating an additional revenue stream. The Papilio3 is currently available to order exclusively through Segen.
[Image credit: 3ti]
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by Catie Owen | Dec 17, 2025 | Europe, Press Release, Storage
Press Release
In the capacity market auction held in December 2025, R.Power was awarded capacity contracts for five battery energy storage projects with a combined capacity of 1,012 MW and 4,032 MWh.
This further strengthens the company’s position as a leading provider of large-scale energy storage solutions in Poland.
R.Power announces new long-term capacity agreements for five utility-scale battery energy storage projects.
The portfolio includes Dzięgielewo with a capacity of 300 MW and 1,200 MWh, Czekanów with 300 MW and 1,200 MWh, Jawiszów with 202 MW and 808 MWh, Wysoka with 202 MW and 808 MWh, and Wrzosowa with 8 MW and 16 MWh, totalling 1,012 MW and 4,032 MWh. These projects will support the stability of an increasingly renewable power system and enhance the long-term security of electricity supply in Poland.
This outcome builds on R.Power’s successes in previous capacity market auctions. In 2024 the company had already secured contracts for four major BESS projects. These include Herby (5 MW and 10 MWh), Jedwabno (150 MW and 300 MWh), Tursko Wielkie (250 MW and 1 000 MWh), and Gdańsk (250 MW and 1 000 MWh).
Combining all BESS projects with capacity contracts secured, R.Power portfolio in Poland amounts to nine projects with a total capacity of 1 667 MW and 6 342 MWh.
“Reaching a total of around 6.3 GWh of contracted battery storage capacity marks an important moment for R.Power and for the Polish energy system. The scale of our storage portfolio now positions us among the leaders of the emerging BESS market.
“At the same time, we are seeing significant advances in battery technology, which enable the development of increasingly large and complex projects. We remain fully committed to delivering the flexibility solutions that the power system urgently needs,” said Przemek Pięta, CEO and co-Founder of R.Power.
[Image credit: R.Power]
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by Catie Owen | Dec 16, 2025 | Europe, Innovation
Italy has allocated over 1.1GW of solar capacity in a landmark tender reserved explicitly for projects that comply with the European Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA).
The results, published by the energy agency Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), reveal a highly competitive market ready to support European industrial capacity.
The tender, part of the transitional ‘FER X’ regime, required projects to use modules meeting strict EU manufacturing standards, effectively excluding Chinese-origin components.
Despite these supply chain constraints, demand was robust: 157 applications were submitted, totalling 1.84GW, with 88 projects ultimately securing support.
Competition
The selection process was driven entirely by price reductions, highlighting a market willing to squeeze margins to secure capacity. Successful applicants offered an average discount of 27.696% against the base operating price, with a maximum registered strike price of €73/MWh.
The most aggressive bids exceeded a 41% discount. Crucially, 34 projects – totalling 335MW – were deemed technically eligible but failed to secure funding simply because their offered discounts (mostly under 20%) were not competitive enough to enter the quota.
While small and medium installations were numerous, significant capacity was awarded to utility-scale projects exceeding 20MW, with some individual plants surpassing 100MW.
Geographically, the results confirmed a strong polarisation towards Southern Italy. Sicily secured most of the large-scale infrastructure, followed by Lazio, Puglia, and Calabria.
According to the GSE, this reflects the availability of suitable greenfield land and high solar irradiance in these regions.
Next steps
The publication of the rankings triggers a 36-month deadline for developers to bring these plants online. For the wider industry, this tender serves as a critical stress test for the EU’s solar manufacturing ambitions.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 16, 2025 | Europe, Innovation
EcoFlow has announced full compatibility between its advanced home energy ecosystem, including the EcoFlow PowerOcean Single-Phase system, and Intelligent Octopus Flux, Octopus Energy’s smart solar-and-battery tariff.
This integration builds on EcoFlow’s existing built-in support for the Octopus Agile and Octopus Flux tariffs in the EcoFlow app.
With the latest upgrade, customers can now connect to Intelligent Octopus Flux, allowing Octopus to automatically manage their EcoFlow system for optimised charging, exporting, and savings.
Once connected through the Octopus app, the Intelligent Octopus Flux tariff assumes complete control of the system’s charging and discharging behaviour. It charges the battery during the most affordable import windows, exports energy during high-peak-rate periods, and helps reduce daytime reliance on the grid.
EcoFlow stated that this “hands-free optimisation increases monthly savings, boosts export income, and delivers a faster and more predictable return on investment for households with solar and a battery.”
Craig Bilboe, EcoFlow’s Country Manager UK, IE, & ANZ, said: “Customers have been asking for EcoFlow to integrate with Intelligent Octopus Flux, and we’re thrilled to deliver it. EcoFlow already supported Agile and Flux within our app, but adding Intelligent Flux brings a new level of automation, safety-led optimisation, and financial benefit to UK households.”
The PowerOcean Single-Phase system, which forms a key part of the compatible ecosystem, features long-life LFP battery technology with more than 6,000 cycles, a dedicated fire prevention module, and a multi-layered battery management system.
Its IP65-rated design supports reliable outdoor installation, and the system offers a 15-year warranty. The system’s capacity is expandable up to 45kWh.
The company concluded that with full Intelligent Octopus Flux compatibility now live, users gain a “fully automated, high-efficiency, high-safety energy ecosystem that actively works to lower bills and enhance home energy returns.”
[Image credit: EcoFlow]
by Catie Owen | Dec 15, 2025 | Europe, Storage
Press Release
AlphaESS, a global leader in energy storage solutions and a BloombergNEF Tier 1 certified manufacturer for Q4 2025, has formally signed a cooperation agreement with EPC partner Eltodo a.s. to deliver a combined 320MWh large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) across two strategic sites in the Czech Republic: BESS Chvaletice and BESS Kladno.
Once completed, the projects are set to become the largest Stand-alone energy storage installations in the country, marking a significant step forward in the Czech Republic’s energy transition and grid modernisation efforts.
Aster 5000 deployed at scale to support national grid stability
Under the agreement, AlphaESS will supply 46 units of Aster 5000 for the Chvaletice site and 18 units of Aster 5000 for the Kladno site. The systems will primarily support frequency regulation and other grid ancillary services, enhancing the reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness of the regional power network.
Project background and application needs
As the Czech power system undergoes rapid transformation, the demand for flexible grid regulation resources is steadily increasing.
With renewable energy capacity expanding quickly and traditional balancing units being gradually phased out, the customer has chosen to deploy AlphaESS large-scale energy storage systems to provide fast frequency regulation, stabilise grid frequency, and deliver key ancillary services such as voltage support and reserve capacity.
These large-scale BESS installations also strengthen regional grid resilience, mitigate fluctuations caused by solar and wind generation, and enable higher renewable energy penetration.
Driven by these core needs, the Chvaletice and Kladno energy storage projects were developed to provide essential flexibility and stability support for the Czech grid.
A collaboration built on technical expertise
To meet the demanding requirements of the Czech grid, AlphaESS is supplying the Aster 5000, a 5MWh liquid-cooled energy storage system designed for reliability, rapid deployment, and long-term grid support.
The system features a fully integrated 20-foot design that combines the battery system, BMS, EMS, and fire-protection system into a single container, significantly reducing onsite installation and commissioning time while enabling fast, large-scale rollout.
The Aster 5000 is built with a comprehensive multi-layer safety architecture that ensures robust protection from the cell level to the system level. Its liquid-cooling design, advanced thermal management, and coordinated protection mechanisms deliver stable operation even under demanding grid-side conditions.
To guarantee delivery quality, every unit undergoes a full factory acceptance test (FAT) before shipment, a level of rigor rarely seen in large-scale energy storage manufacturing.
In addition, the system incorporates cell-level bi-directional active balancing, enhancing operational efficiency and extending system lifetime by more than 10%.
This makes the Aster 5000 ideally suited for long-duration grid applications and large commercial and industrial scenarios that require high performance and strong operational resilience.
Eltodo a.s., acting as the EPC, will oversee site development, civil engineering, and project execution. The combined expertise ensures high technical robustness, rapid delivery, and long-term operational reliability.
A strategic milestone for AlphaESS in Europe
With a growing portfolio across the EU region, the Chvaletice and Kladno projects reinforce AlphaESS’s position as a leading global supplier of utility-scale energy storage solutions.
“These projects not only mark a major milestone for the Czech Republic but also reflect AlphaESS’s expanding role in enabling grid modernisation and renewable energy integration across Europe,” said Alfred, CEO of AlphaESS. “We are proud to work with Eltodo and support the country’s transition toward a resilient, low-carbon energy future.”
[Image credit: AlphaESS]
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by Catie Owen | Dec 15, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
Visiolar has divested a 95MWp utility-scale ready-to-build (RTB) solar PV asset in Brandenburg, Germany.
The single photovoltaic installation was acquired by Sunovis, a platform company owned by Brookfield. Financial advisory firm Capcora exclusively executed the sell-side M&A mandate for the transaction.
The project has achieved full RTB status, and construction is set to commence immediately following the acquisition.
Dr. Janis Meyerhof, CEO at Visiolar, said:
“We are very pleased to have successfully completed the sale of this landmark project with a capacity of 95MWp. The transaction reflects the strength of our development platform and our commitment to bringing high-quality renewable-energy assets to market, even in a challenging environment for stand-alone PV in Germany.
“We look forward to seeing the project realised under its new ownership and to continuing to scale our pipeline across the region.”
The acquisition itself represents one of the larger stand-alone PV assets recently changing hands in the German market, where smaller, fragmented project structures are more common and investor selectivity has increased due to challenging market conditions.
This was acknowledged by Henning Prigge, Director at Capcora:
“This transaction stands out in an increasingly demanding German PV market, where completing a sale of a stand-alone, ready-to-build project requires deep market knowledge and industry network as well as disciplined preparation and an efficient, investor-oriented process.”
The sale highlights both the robustness of the project’s development and the appetite for German solar opportunities. Markus Renz, Managing Director at Sunovis, added:
“This acquisition represents an excellent addition to our growing renewable-energy portfolio in Germany. We remain committed to expanding our footprint in the German solar market and to contributing meaningfully to the country’s energy transition.”
by Catie Owen | Dec 12, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
RWE has commissioned several new solar farms along the A44n motorway in North Rhine-Westphalia, following approximately eight months of construction. The facilities have a total installed capacity of 86.5MWp.
Utilising about 141,000 solar modules, the plants, located on recultivated land at the Garzweiler opencast mine between Bedburg and Jüchen, are expected to generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 27,700 German households.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, stated that the project demonstrates RWE’s commitment to expansion, adding: “Next year, we will add several thousand solar modules to the project.
“With wind and solar systems side by side, we are building a renewable energy road on recultivated land along the A44n motorway as a blueprint for further projects in the region.”
A second phase is planned for next year, aiming for 19.9MWp across over 30,600 additional solar modules in the Jüchen municipal area. Subject to planning consent, construction could start in the first half of 2026, with commissioning scheduled for the end of 2026.
Dr. Lars Kulik, CTO Lignite at RWE Power, noted that the projects emphasise that “structural change and the expansion of renewables in the Rhenish lignite area are going hand in hand. There is plenty of space in and around our opencast mines that we are also using for renewables projects.”
He added that RWE Power employees are contributing their expertise to the projects, creating “further prospects for our employees here in the region.”
RWE is also building the Bedburg 3 wind farm, a 60MWp, near the new solar sites. RWE now operates nine solar projects in the Rhenish region, with further photovoltaic schemes, such as the Manheimer Bucht solar farm, currently in the planning stages.
[Image credit: RWE]
by Catie Owen | Dec 12, 2025 | Europe, Press Release, Storage
Press Release
Finnish solar energy company Solnet Group and Dutch energy management software (EMS) and battery specialist iwell are teaming up to help businesses across the UK and Europe build smarter, more resilient energy systems in an increasingly volatile market.
Announced today during the trade mission between Finland and the Netherlands, the partnership primarily targets companies in the UK, Netherlands and Germany, where demand for secure, sustainable, and affordable energy solutions is rapidly increasing.
Utilising its deep technical expertise, Solnet’s strong customer network and full-scope capabilities enable the design, engineering and delivery of large-scale solar and battery installations.
Meanwhile, iwell’s battery storage systems and smart energy management software solutions help businesses optimally use their generated energy. By combining these strengths, an integrated solution emerges that enables companies to generate, store, and better deploy their own energy when the grid is congested or electricity prices spike.
Solution for uncertain energy market
The partnership is cited by both companies as coming at a crucial time, as geopolitical tensions and pressure on the electricity grid are establishing a growing urgency in Europe to become less dependent on external factors.
This is being reflected in the increasing number of businesses seeking control over their energy consumption and supply, as well as ways to reduce costs and ensure continuity.
In the Netherlands, the congested power grid has forced businesses and energy companies to be creative with on-site storage and advanced energy management software.
These applications are generating valuable knowledge that other markets, including Finland, can reference. Solnet sees in iwell’s technology and experience as an opportunity to bring this Dutch advantage to the UK and other European markets more quickly.
Jan Willem de Jong, CEO and founder of iwell, says: “Energy is a key factor for the UK’s security, and also the EU in general. The good news for businesses is that the road to affordable energy independence happens to be based on clean energy.
With this collaboration, we can help businesses in the UK, Finland, Germany and Benelux simultaneously to better manage their energy costs and become more independent.”
Integrated approach for businesses
In practice, the partnership means that Solnet becomes the primary point of contact for customers, overseeing both the build and delivery of the solar energy installations. iwell will provide the batteries and energy management software that controls all energy flows.
Customers will receive an integrated solution combining solar panels, battery storage and an EMS, simplifying implementation while delivering a more efficient, well-balanced energy system.
Arttur Kulvik (Chairman Solnet Group) adds: “By combining our technologies, we can help companies manage their energy more intelligently. They are less dependent on peak prices and can better respond to fluctuations in supply and demand. This makes them more resilient in a changing market.”
Both companies aim to finalise a definitive partnership agreement in the first half of 2026.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 11, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar, Press Release
Press Release
Uniper has taken the decision to start construction of Berryhill Solar Farm just north of Dundee, Scotland. The project has been developed jointly with partner Solar2 and Uniper plans to start the construction process as its sole owner.
The site is supposed to have approximately 152,000 solar panels, with the potential to generate 68.8MWp (45MW) – enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of over 12,500 UK households each year, one fifth of the population of Angus – contributing to the UK’s net zero targets.
Construction is expected to start in early 2026 with power generation due to start later in the year. The District Network Operator (‘DNO’) for this area – Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks – will be responsible for putting in place the 9km medium voltage (MV) cable to connect the solar farm to the grid point of connection at the Charleston substation on the Kingsway in Dundee.
The solar scheme was first granted planning permission by the planning authority (Angus Council) in 2022, modified in 2024, following the submission of plans by Solar2. Once operational, there will be a community benefit fund associated with the project which will be agreed with the applicable local Community Council – Muirhead, Birkhill and Liff Council.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 11, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage
According to a report from SolarPower Europe, the European Union’s solar power boom has faded, with annual installations contracting for the first time since 2016.
The EU installed 65.1GW of solar capacity in 2025, marking a 0.7% decline from the 65.6GW installed the previous year.
Despite the downturn, the bloc surpassed a mid-decade milestone, reaching an estimated 406GW of total installed solar capacity across the EU by the end of the year, exceeding the 400GW target set in the 2022 EU Solar Strategy.
However, the slowdown is projected to continue through 2026 and 2027, with the annual installation returning to 2025 levels only around 2030, with roughly 67GW. This trajectory suggests the EU will fall short of its ambitious 750GW solar target for 2030.
“The number may seem small, but the symbolism is big,” said Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
“This interruption in solar market growth comes at a pivotal moment when acceleration is essential. Solar is now delivering for Europe; 13% of Europe’s electricity was solar powered in 2025. In June we provided the most power out of all other sources in the EU.”
Hemetsberger added that it is “critical that policymakers now implement robust frameworks for electrification, system flexibility, and energy storage to ensure solar leads Europe’s energy transition for the rest of this decade.”
The market faltering is attributed to several factors, including an uncertain post-energy crisis environment that has led to cuts in rooftop support schemes and a perceived softening of energy price pressure on households.
Home rooftop solar, which was responsible for 28% of EU installed capacity in 2023, dropped significantly to account for only 14% in 2025.
In a segment shift, solar farms accounted for over 50% of installed solar capacity for the first time. However, this standalone solar segment faces increasing challenges to profitability, with a rising number of negative pricing hours reducing revenues.
Report highlights:
- Germany and Spain retained their positions as the EU’s largest, driven by utility-scale projects.
- France overtook Italy for the third-largest capacity, propelled by strong commercial and utility-scale expansion.
- Italy’s rooftop sector contracted following the phase-out of support schemes.
- Romania and Bulgaria entered the top 10 for the first time.
- The Netherlands’ ranking dropped significantly.
- Half of the top ten markets – Italy, Poland, Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal – installed less solar in 2025 than in 2024.
Addressing common EU-level barriers, the report’s policy recommendations focus on redefining energy security around renewable sources, adopting a comprehensive strategy for flexibility, improving permitting procedures, boosting the rooftop solar market, and making solar supply chains more sustainable.
[Graph credit: SolarPower Europe]
by Catie Owen | Dec 10, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
DAS Solar has announced a new cooperation with Hungarian renewable energy company Tiszta Energiák Kft. to supply high-performance photovoltaic modules for an upcoming 18MW ground-mounted solar project in Slovakia.
The installation, scheduled for grid connection in mid-2026, represents a continued expansion of DAS Solar’s market presence within Central and Eastern Europe.
The project will see DAS Solar providing its N-type module series, noting its “high conversion efficiency, strong reliability, and excellent performance in diverse climate conditions.”
The company suggests these characteristics make the product “ideally suited for ground-mounted applications in Slovakia’s rapidly expanding solar sector.”
The 18MW installation is expected to support local and regional sustainability goals by delivering stable, clean power. According to the release, the partnership “underscores their shared ambition to promote high-quality solar solutions across Europe.”
DAS Solar stated it “continues to strengthen its presence in the European market with reliable technologies, scenario-based PV solutions, and long-term partnerships that contribute to the region’s green transformation.”
Tiszta Energiák Kft. is a Hungary-based company with over 16 years of professional experience, focused on developing and implementing PV projects across Central Europe.
by Catie Owen | Dec 8, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
The European Union plans to intensify efforts to develop cross-border energy infrastructure to alleviate costly bottlenecks and speed up the construction of new power grids, according to draft documents seen by Reuters.
EU member states have heavily funded low-cost renewable energy, but grid upgrades and expansion haven’t kept pace. Consequently, wind and solar output is increasingly being curtailed to prevent network overloads, resulting in wasted electricity and increased costs for consumers.
To tackle this disparity, the European Commission is set to develop a centralised EU plan for cross-border electricity infrastructure. The draft proposal, scheduled for publication on Wednesday 10 December, indicates the Commission will collaborate with grid operators and companies to launch projects.
A lack of grid investment has contributed to Europe’s high energy costs, which are reportedly two to three times greater than those in China and the US – a recurring concern for industries citing that steep bills undermine their competitiveness.
The draft document argues that “Grid development can deliver real added value and cost savings for Europeans.” It estimates that investing €5bn in grids would “shave €8bn off the overall cost of the power system.”
Failure to update infrastructure could lead the EU to curtail as much as 310TWh of renewable power generation by 2040 due to grid constraints. For context, EU households consumed 691TWh of electricity in 2023.
A second draft EU legal proposal shows the Commission intends to modify EU law to permit governments to exempt grid projects from requiring environmental impact assessments, citing years-long delays that can stall projects.
Additionally, small-scale renewable and storage projects would no longer require environmental permits.
The proposal also institutes shorter deadlines for authorities to approve grid-related permits, including a six-month limit for new electric vehicle charging stations.
To cut down years-long delays in some EU countries, permits would be automatically granted if authorities fail to respond within the specified timeframe.
A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the draft plans. Any changes to EU laws would require approval from EU countries and lawmakers.
by Catie Owen | Dec 8, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe
Italian energy agency GSE has awarded Contract for Difference (CfD) tariffs to European Energy for five solar projects in Italy, totalling a combined capacity of 513MW.
The utility-scale assets are distributed across Sicily, Apulia, and Molise, establishing a portfolio supported by stable revenue frameworks.
The awarded projects, which include large-scale photovoltaic installations ranging from 20MW to 225MW, represent one of the most substantial solar development portfolios currently advancing under the FerX auction scheme.
The CfD mechanism is set to provide each project with a predictable price structure, offering essential revenue stability throughout its operational lifespan.
Alessandro Migliorini, Director and Country Manager of Italy at European Energy, explained: “The auction outcome provides clarity for the next steps in progressing these photovoltaic projects across Sicily, Apulia and Molise. The awarded tariffs offer a stable framework for the development of these projects.”
A key component of this portfolio is the Vizzini solar park in Sicily. This agri-PV installation is designed to integrate agricultural production with energy generation from solar panels.
Upon completion, the Vizzini park is projected to become the country’s largest solar park and the first of its kind in Italy, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy goals.
Thorvald Spanggaard, Executive Vice President and Head of Project Development at European Energy, added: “This project underscores European Energy’s role in advancing Europe’s green transition.”
“The company’s continued commitment to the Italian market is reflected in this development, which supports Italy’s renewable energy ambitions.”
European Energy has a history in the Italian renewable energy sector, having previously developed and constructed solar and onshore wind parks. This includes the Troia solar park, which was completed in 2021 and grid-connected in 2022, holding the title of Italy’s largest solar park at the time.
As of 2025, European Energy has secured or signed 15 CfDs or Power Purchase Agreements across its various markets.
[Image credit: European Energy]
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by Catie Owen | Dec 8, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
A major overhaul of Great Britain’s electricity grid connection process was confirmed on 8 December by the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
The initiative will prioritise a new pipeline of “shovel-ready” energy projects that are expected to generate £40bn in clean investment annually. The transformation is designed to accelerate progress towards the government’s Clean Power by 2030 target.
The overhaul of the connections process comes after the queue for grid access grew tenfold in five years, reaching over 700GW – approximately four times the nation’s projected need by 2030.
Chris Stark, Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030, said: “This overhaul of the connections process is the single most important step we will take towards a clean power system.
“The energy projects our country needs now have the green light to deploy at a pace we haven’t seen for decades.”
The new approach moves from a first-come, first-served model to one that prioritises projects ready to meet Great Britain’s energy and economic needs.
NESO’s official release states that thousands of projects, including wind and solar farms, battery storage, and hydrogen, will join the new pipeline. This includes 283GW of generation and storage capacity and 99GW of transmission-connected demand.
“Transforming the grid connections process is a vital first step in unlocking the capacity needs for a secure, affordable energy transition,” stated Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer at NESO.
“These changes will cut grid bottlenecks by prioritising ready-to-build projects, giving certainty about when and where they can connect and unlocking billions in clean energy investment.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “We inherited a broken system where zombie projects were allowed to hold up grid connections for viable projects that will bring investment, jobs and economic growth.
“To fix this we embarked on ambitious, once in a generation reforms to clean up the queue and prioritise the projects that are ready to help us deliver clean power by 2030.”
The first protected projects scheduled to connect in 2026/2027 will begin receiving formal offers with confirmed connection dates through December and into the new year. Remaining offers to be finalised by Q3 next year.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 5, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
Great British Energy (GBE) has released a Strategic Plan, outlining a practical five-year roadmap to accelerate the UK’s transition to renewable power and bolster the nation’s industrial capacity.
The publicly owned energy company’s publication details its priorities to drive investment, support workers, and ensure communities benefit from the energy transition.
Through GBE expenditure between now and 2030, the organisation plans to deliver at least 15GW of clean energy generation and storage assets, which is sufficient to power the equivalent of almost 10 million homes.
This investment is projected to mobilise £15bn of private finance over time through GBE’s long-term partnerships and investments. Furthermore, the plan includes support for over 1,000 local and community energy projects, aiming to expand public participation and local control within the energy system.
The initiative is also projected to support more than 10,000 jobs directly through GBE-backed and funded projects, including in regions historically dependent on oil and gas.
GBE will function as a developer and equity investor, granting the public a sustained stake in clean energy infrastructure. The returns from publicly owned assets will be reinvested into new capacity, jobs, and opportunities across the UK, forming an income-generating portfolio.
The plan sets three priority investment areas to support its mission: GBE Local, focusing on direct community and public service benefits; Onshore Energy, aiming to strengthen grid stability and unlock land-based energy potential; and Offshore Energy, intended to accelerate UK leadership in deep-water offshore wind.
The Strategic Plan provides additional detail on the £1bn “Energy – Engineered in the UK” programme, a major initiative scheduled for formal launch later this month.
This programme is designed to strengthen the UK’s industrial base, support the nation’s Industrial Strategy, and build a resilient, long-term supply chain for clean energy, supporting high-quality jobs nationwide.
In comments on the plan, GBE’s CEO, Dan McGrail, said, “We are proud to be putting public ownership to work, unlocking investment, powering communities, creating jobs, and building an energy system that delivers for the UK.
“This Strategic Plan marks a major milestone in our mission to accelerate clean energy and the industries that support it.”
GBE’s Chair, Juergen Maier, stated, “This plan puts the UK public at the heart of our energy future. By investing in clean power, supporting local projects, and unlocking British industry, Great British Energy will help deliver an energy system that works for everyone.”
Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, added, “We set up Great British Energy to be a national champion that allows us to reap the benefits of Britain’s natural resources. This plan shows what a publicly owned energy company will deliver: an abundance of clean, homegrown energy for British people and thousands of good jobs across the country.”
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by Catie Owen | Dec 5, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
Alight, a Nordic solar developer and independent power producer, has officially commissioned the Lidsø solar park on Lolland, Denmark.
The facility, which is now operational, represents the company’s first asset in the Danish market and is currently the second-largest solar park in the country, boasting an installed capacity of 215 MWp.
The park spans 253 hectares near Rødby Harbour on Lolland. Alight owns and operates the site, which will supply the Danish grid with new renewable energy enabled by a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with DSB, Denmark’s state-owned railway company.
According to the company’s official release, the Lidsø solar park is an important step in Alight’s growth across the Nordics, diversifying its portfolio into a new market with growing demand for renewable energy.
“We are extremely proud to inaugurate one of Denmark’s largest solar parks today,” said Warren Campbell, CEO of Alight. “Lidsø solar park will be an important part of Denmark’s energy transition and is proof that solar power can contribute on a large scale.
“Thanks to long-term Power Purchase Agreements, we can deliver new, additional sustainable capacity to the Danish grid, while strengthening our position as a leading player in the Nordic market.”
The park features approximately 350,000 solar panels. About half of these panels are mounted on trackers, which generate more energy by following the sun’s path.
Furthermore, the facility is designed as an agrivoltaics project, combining energy production with agriculture by having around 1,700 sheep grazing within the park year-round.
On DSB’s sustainability goals, Aske Mastrup Wieth-Knudsen, Head of Sustainability at DSB, said:
“It is crucial for us to contribute to increased production of renewable energy in Denmark… this project contributes to our goal of more train journeys powered by renewable energy with minimal impact on the climate and environment.”
Alight acquired the park from European Energy in March, with the €127 million acquisition financed by SEB and SEK.
[Image credit: Lidsø solar park]
by Catie Owen | Dec 4, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar, Storage, Video
The future of the UK’s energy sector hinges on a skilled workforce. At this autumn’s Solar & Storage Live UK, we caught up with Sturge Mazzocchi, Head of Solar Careers UK at Solar Energy UK, a key initiative dedicated to meeting the industry’s ambitious growth targets.
With the support of Solar Energy UK, Sturge is driving the programme’s clear vision to guide everyone into solar employment.
In this interview, he details the strategy for supporting recruitment and training, the challenge of securing 15,000 new workers by 2030, and the innovative work being done through the Recruitment Zone and the Installer Training Hub at the show.
“For us to reach our targets, those priority roles need to come mainly from deployment. Once you can fulfil your deployment side… your supply chain follows off the back of that.”
What is the Solar Careers Programme, and how has it evolved since launch?
The Solar Careers programme is a key action stemming from the government and industry solar roadmap, which aims to reach 60GW of solar by 2030. Since its launch, I’d say we’ve become far more crystalline – and by that, I mean clearer – in its vision, which is to guide every person possible into solar careers.
We do that in three principal ways. Firstly, we promote career opportunities to key audiences. We’re very much focused on deployment and maximising the number of qualified people we can get into those roles, primarily to raise awareness of the roles we have.
Secondly, we support recruitment in the area. This isn’t just about awareness but actively getting people into jobs and growing the workforce. And the third part is to promote training opportunities to keep the workforce upskilled and current.
By focusing on these three areas, we are meeting the aims and the vision of the Solar Careers programme.
In your view, what does success look like for the Solar Careers programme?
Given the target of 60GW by 2030, how do we measure the success of the Solar Careers programme by then? In numbers, success looks like an uplift of around 15,000 more people working in the industry.
Our industry needs to grow to 43,000 jobs. At the moment, we have around 20,000 people in the workforce, and by 2035, we need to get to 43,000. That’s an uplift of 23,000 in total.
When designing the strategy for the Solar Careers programme, you need to know exactly how many people you need to grow by per year. It’s quite a difficult forecast to make because there are so many factors that could stimulate that amount of growth. For example, if there aren’t the right specific apprenticeships, how are we going to educate people in the right way?
We recognised that it would take a few years to put these things in place, so in years one and two, we’re starting to make progress. We’re looking to support the growth of the industry by 500 people in year one (2025).
In 2026, we feel we could go to an extra thousand, so 1,500, and then 1,500 by 2027. That gets us to an extra 3,000. From there, you’d be in a position to start ramping up, as much of the necessary infrastructure would be in place. That’d get us to the 15,000 I mentioned.
This is what the runway looks like for the Solar Careers Programme, and we’re monitoring the ways we’re supporting the growth of the industry.
What are some of the biggest challenges the programme has faced so far?
One of our biggest challenges is securing skilled workers for our most in-demand roles.
At Solar Energy UK, we are in a position to mobilise and bring together all the different sectors of the industry, as well as businesses that perform different functions and services. They come together and highlight the most in-demand roles that they may need support fulfilling.
For us to reach our targets, those priority roles need to come mainly from deployment. Once you can fulfil your deployment side – installers, engineers, those sorts of roles – your supply chain follows off the back of that.
Our biggest challenge is essentially developing a skilled workforce. In the domestic and commercial sectors, we mainly need installers, as well as design engineers and project managers. For utility-scale, the main role is operations and maintenance site technicians.
These are the most in-demand roles that we need to grow the industry. Once we can start to fulfil these roles at scale, the rest will follow on afterwards.
What innovations has the Solar Careers Programme developed to encourage interest in the sector?
In terms of innovation, I would say that we’re trying to adopt and use the latest technologies and advancements available at our disposal. But we’ve also created some new functions this year to further our goals.
Our new skills steering group has created standardised job descriptions that have been agreed across businesses. They have an agreed set of roles and responsibilities and required qualifications, which we can then begin to promote as one of the most in-demand roles.
Alongside this, we’ve routes to competence. As part of that, we’ve developed a career map for people coming into the industry. Solar Energy UK has been helping the initiative I’m heading up, Solar Careers UK, to make these. We can then use that to mobilise an audience interested in entering the industry.
We are building a solar talent pool. This addresses the challenge of continuing engagement with interested individuals after their initial interaction, whether through our website or a recruitment event. Instead of relying on them to return unguided, we capture their interest.
How can we continue that engagement, given that they wanted to come into the industry? We ask them to register their interest, and we create a talent pool of people we can communicate directly with, giving them all this guidance over time. We currently have 7,200 people who are interested in joining the industry, which we’ve grown in a short space of time.
We will continue to do as much as we can to meet our vision, which is to guide every person possible into a solar career.
Your partnership with Solar & Storage Live UK has helped establish the Installer Training Hub and the Recruitment Zone. What does this mean for Solar Energy UK?
Firstly, I would really want to thank Solar & Storage Live for working in partnership to put these features on. Without us working together and putting them together each year and providing that platform, it really wouldn’t be possible.
If we look at the Recruitment Zone, across the show’s three days, over 250 candidates will come and meet businesses that have live job vacancies for introductory interviews.
This is really important for us because that’s 250 more people we can promote the different types of jobs, the different technologies, and the different services we have in the industry, and show why it can be an attraction.
For the Installer Training Hub, this addresses the third part of what we aim to deliver: promoting training opportunities and upskilling the workforce.
We’ve got nine businesses in there that are putting on training workshops throughout the three days. There will be over 2,500 installers who will engage with approximately 20-minute workshops and practical installer demos across a range of areas.
We have ground-mount installations, domestic and commercial mount and module installations, battery and inverter technologies, and MCS training, covering the latest fire classifications and how to be certified.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 4, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Press Release
Press Release
BayWa r.e. has successfully completed the sale of two UK solar farms – Clump and Yanel Solar Farm – to Capital Dynamics, an independent global asset management firm specialising in private assets and a leading investor in global green energy.
The projects have both received full planning consent and have a combined capacity of more than 121 MWp, contributing significantly to the UK’s renewable energy generation.
Clump Farm, located in Leicestershire, has an expected capacity of around 77 MWp, with the potential to supply renewable electricity to approximately 19,000 homes each year. Yanel Solar Farm, situated in North Somerset, will provide a capacity of 44 MWp, supplying up to 11,000 households.
Developed under a joint venture with Grüne Energien Solar, the two solar farms have been designed with a focus on improving and protecting the local landscape and environment by improving biodiversity.
With the completion of this transaction, BayWa r.e. continues to strengthen its role as a trusted developer and supplier of high-quality renewables assets across Europe, driving forward the energy transition.
John Milligan, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. in the UK, said: “These projects showcase the powerful results our teams can achieve together. We are proud of the quality and long-term impact of these solar farms and pleased to see them transition to the hands of a strong partner like Capital Dynamics.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering high-value renewable projects that accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition, in close collaboration with communities and local stakeholders.”
Dr. Daniel Gaefke, COO of BayWa r.e., added: “This transaction builds on a series of successful project sales in recent months, underscoring the strength of our development strategy. The portfolio reflects the scale and excellence we aim to provide – both in the UK and internationally – and highlights our ability to create strategic assets for our trusted partners.”
BayWa r.e. has marked a major year of progress in the UK, reaching a total of 235 MW of consented solar power in 2025, including the company’s first Development Consent Order (DCO) approval for Oaklands Farm Solar Park, and securing planning permission for Redshaw BESS, BayWa r.e.’s largest battery energy storage project in Europe.
The UK development pipeline currently includes over 3.3 GW of onshore wind, solar and battery energy storage projects. BayWa r.e.’s asset operations business in the UK manages over 1.7 GW of solar, onshore wind and BESS sites across the UK and Ireland.
[Image credit: BayWa r.e.]
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by Catie Owen | Dec 4, 2025 | Europe, Large Scale Utility Solar
Enso Energy has received development consent for the 190MW Helios Renewable Energy Project following an examination by the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The project will be built in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire.
The scheme involves the installation of ground-mounted solar arrays, energy storage, and all associated grid connection and infrastructure necessary for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the development. It is designed to generate over 50MW of electricity.
The application for the project, to be jointly developed by Enso Energy and Cero Generation, was accepted for examination on 30 July 2024.
The project completed its examination within the statutory timescale set out in the Planning Act 2008, marking the 102nd energy application out of 169 applications examined to date to meet this deadline.
The Planning Inspectorate highlighted the role of local communities in the process. The examination involved a six-month period during which local people, the local authority, and other interested parties were invited to give evidence to the Examining Authority.
The authority noted that local communities continue to be offered the opportunity to participate in the examination of projects that may affect them.
Before submitting its recommendations to the Secretary of State on 3 September 2025, the Examining Authority affirmed that it considered all local views and the evidence collected during the examination.
“It is an important project to deliver the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 targets and support the UK’s transition to homegrown renewable power,” commented Enso Energy’s Managing Director Bill Rees.
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by Catie Owen | Dec 3, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Europe, Innovation
Plans for the UK’s largest floating solar energy project at the Port of Barrow have been approved by Westmorland & Furness Council’s Strategic Planning Committee.
Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, confirmed the decision on Monday 24 November, which marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The Barrow EnergyDock project involves the installation of a floating solar array of up to 40MWp on Cavendish Dock. This renewable energy source is expected to generate enough electricity annually to power the equivalent of approximately 14,000 homes, with the energy primarily intended for use by the advanced manufacturing sector.
The project aims to help control electricity costs at the port, reduce carbon emissions, and improve energy resilience for local industry.
The installation will feature around 47,000 panels mounted on floating pontoons, fixed at an optimum angle for generation and secured to the dock bed by an anchoring system.
The proposed array would cover around one-third of the dock’s water area. This floating approach is intended to preserve valuable port land for operational and manufacturing uses, supporting local jobs and the wider economy.
Kirsten Abbott, Senior Project Manager (Energy Generation and Storage) at ABP, commented on the development, stating: “We are delighted to receive approval for this landmark project, which represents a significant step towards cleaner, more resilient energy for the region.
Barrow EnergyDock demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that support industry and reduce carbon emissions.”
The project not only highlights ABP’s dedication to renewable energy but also underscores its efforts to secure economic growth for the Barrow and Furness area. Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager (Northwest and Scotland), added:
“The development marks a major milestone in realising ABP’s exciting plans for the Port of Barrow, which are designed to drive economic growth and support the region’s advanced engineering sector. We look forward to taking this project forward.”
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