As part of the first tender for Italy's Fonti di Energia Rinnovabile (FER)X transition program, the Italian government has awarded 7.698 GW of capacity to 474 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.   Organized by the Italian energy management agency, Gestore dei Servizi Energetici (GSE), the average price of electricity (EPI) for successful solar projects was €56.825/MWh. The highest winning bid was €62.675/MWh, and almost all of the nearly 8 GW of available solar capacity was allocated.   In contrast, only 29 wind power projects, totaling 940 MW, were awarded capacity in the tender, with an average price of €72.851/MWh.   Another difference between solar PV and wind power projects is that one-third of the successful wind power projects were renovation projects—including upgrades and expansions—accounting for more than half of the total 940 MW capacity. Of the approved solar projects, only one was an upgrade or expansion project. According to the FER X tender plan, 473 new projects will commence construction.   Most solar projects also have relatively small installed capacities, with 353 projects having a capacity of 10MW or less, accounting for 74.5% of the approved solar projects. In contrast, the wind power sector is different, with 75.9% of projects having a capacity between 10 and 50MW.   Although the number of solar projects approved in the tender for a capacity exceeding 50MW was the smallest, with only 47 projects approved, these projects account for over 4GW of installed capacity, far exceeding all technology types and project sizes. The largest approved solar project is a 300MW power plant project located in Castel Di Iudica, Catania, Sicily.   The completion of this tender means that most bidding projects have secured capacity allocations; in September, a total of 12 GW of renewable energy capacity (particularly 10 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity) participated in the bidding, aiming to obtain government Contracts for Difference (CfDs).   Filling the “Gap” in Italy’s Energy Structure   “GSE plays a central role in our country’s energy transition,” said GSE President Paolo Arrigoni at an energy event in Italy this week. “It is transforming from a mere incentive manager into a promoter and facilitator of the energy transition.”   However, Arrigoni pointed out that GSE remains committed to bringing more renewable energy capacity into operation in Italy. He mentioned that as of October 2024, Italy will have approximately 80 GW of renewable energy capacity in operation, while the deployment target for 2030 is 131 GW, leaving a “gap” of 51 GW of renewable energy capacity.   This shortfall will be partially filled by the second round of FERX tenders, which aims to award projects using cells, modules, and components not manufactured in China, and covers technologies such as heterojunction (HJT).   In the sec...

On November 27, the Solar Regulatory Initiative in Europe (SSI) and Copper Mark signed an agreement aimed at "promoting responsible copper production and sourcing across the entire solar energy supply chain."   SSI, jointly established by the trade body SolarPower Europe and Solar Energy UK, is a self-regulatory organization focusing on the solar photovoltaic supply chain and sustainability. SSI covers over 70% of global solar manufacturing capacity, and its ESG certification system is an industry benchmark. Copper Mark currently certifies 96 copper production sites. This collaboration will create a closed-loop mechanism encompassing "production compliance certification - supply chain traceability - end-application verification."   The organization stated that with the increasing deployment of solar energy and the rising use of copper in the solar sector, "the necessity for cooperation among key stakeholders in the copper supply chain is becoming increasingly apparent."   The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to analyze the supply chain, identify environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks, and provide solutions to improve the overall performance of the industry. Copper Mark is a supply and compliance assurance framework for the copper, molybdenum, nickel, and zinc supply chains.   Copper has long been a major component of solar power transmission infrastructure and cables, and is increasingly becoming a crucial part of solar photovoltaic cell manufacturing. Standard processes heavily rely on silver as a conductive material in solar cells, but with increasing manufacturing capacity and advancements in cell technology, the cost and scarcity of silver are beginning to pose challenges.   The solar manufacturing industry's share of global silver demand is growing, and silver's scarcity and high cost are forcing technological innovation within the industry. As Wang Yongqian, chief scientist at the Chinese solar manufacturer Aiko Solar, discussed, the industry is accelerating the metallization process of copper-based cells, replacing silver, and copper demand in the solar sector is expected to surge further over the next five years.   According to a recent report, the energy transition, driven by solar manufacturing and grid expansion, is likely to be the main driver of copper demand growth over the next decade. The report's author, Wood Mackenzie, stated that geopolitical pressures as countries seek to reduce their reliance on imports will accelerate copper demand growth in the renewable energy sector.   “This collaboration with Copper Mark is a significant step towards building a truly integrated and responsible production model across the solar energy supply chain,” said Rachel Owens, CEO of SSI.   “By connecting upstream and downstream assurance efforts, we can enhance transparency and accountability from raw materials to finished solar products. Our partners...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided US$142 million in financing for the construction of a 1GW solar and 1.3GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio in Uzbekistan.   The portfolio consists of two solar and storage projects through a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) that will be majority owned by Saudi developer ACWA Power and co-owned by Japanese investors Sumitomo Corporation, Shikoku Electric Power Company and Chubu Electric Power Company.   The financing from EBRD will consist of two senior secured loans. The first loan, of US$61 million, is for the development of the ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 1, which will have a combined capacity of 500MW for solar PV and 668MWh BESS. The project will be built in the southeastern region of Samarkand.   The second loan, of US$81 million, is for the development of the ACWA Power Sazagan Solar 2, which will have the same capacity as the other project, both for solar and BESS. However, unlike the solar PV project, the BESS for this second project will be located in the Bukhara region, which is located west of the Samarkand region.   This is not the first time that the EBRD provided financing for a solar and storage project from ACWA Power in Uzbekistan. In July 2024, the EBRD provided up to US$229.4 million to help in the development of a 200MW solar PV and 500MWh BESS in the eastern Tashkent region.   Moreover, the two SVPs will represent the largest combined solar and BESS capacity in Uzbekistan and even across the region, according to the EBRD.   The deployment of BESS capacity in Uzbekistan will help mitigate the grid’s intermittency of renewable energy sources, while improving the grid’s reliability and flexibility during periods of peak demand.   Other co-financers of the project include the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance, the Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank.   Development of renewable energy projects has been ramping up in Uzbekistan, with companies such as Voltalia, which signed a power purchase agreement (PPA), in March of this year, for a 526MW hybrid solar-wind-storage project that is expected to begin construction in Q1 2026; Jakson Green, which secured US$353 million financing last year for its international expansion, starting with Uzbekistan; and Masdar – which connected a 511MW solar portfolio – among others, building solar and energy storage projects in the country.

Australia’s solar-plus-storage sector gained momentum at the end of last week with two project approvals advancing across New South Wales and Queensland, representing a combined 725MW of renewable energy capacity.   The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Planning Commission has granted approval for Ark Energy’s 435MW Richmond Valley solar-plus-storage project, while Global Power Generation advances its 290MW Fraser Coast development through Queensland’s environmental approval process.   Both projects feature substantial battery energy storage modules designed to provide extended grid services beyond traditional solar generation, with the Richmond Valley facility incorporating an 8-hour duration battery system.   Ark Energy secures NSW approval for 435MW Richmond Valley solar-plus-storage site The NSW Independent Planning Commission has granted approval for Ark Energy’s 435MW Richmond Valley solar-plus-storage project in Australia.   The project, located near Rappville in the Northern Rivers region, comprises a 435MW solar PV power plant paired with a 475MW/3,148MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).   The battery component provides 8-hours of storage duration, enabling solar energy dispatch during evening peak demand periods and grid stabilisation services. The facility will occupy 803 hectares of a 1,475-hectare site, approximately 7km east of Rappville, which has a strong history as a timber and beef town.   In March 2025, Ark Energy signed a supply agreement with Seoul-headquartered Hanwha Energy for the BESS technology. The company confirmed it will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology for the BESS.   The company also executed an Early Contractor Involvement agreement with Elecnor Australia in September 2025 to undertake preliminary engineering and design work. The scope includes site studies, detailed engineering design for the solar PV power plant, and balance of plant design for the battery system, with completion expected by Q2 2026.   The project’s 730,000 bifacial solar panels will feature single-axis tracking technology to maximise energy generation throughout the day. The co-located battery system will provide grid services across the National Electricity Market (NEM), including frequency regulation and peak demand management.   Ark Energy received the planning approval last week (16 October) following inclusion of the project in the Federal government’s inaugural Renewable Energy Priority List in March 2025. The Priority List aims to streamline regulatory approvals for significant renewable energy developments and included over 6GW of energy storage.   GPG advances 290MW Fraser Coast solar-plus-storage project in Queensland In other news, Global Power Generation (GPG), part of the Naturgy Group, is seeking EPBC Act approval for the Fraser Coast Photovoltaic Solar and Battery Energy Storage System Project, a 290MW solar PV plant featuring a ...

US tech giant Apple will support 650 MW of renewable energy projects as part of a major expansion of its clean energy investments in Europe, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.   Apple stated that in 2024, energy consumed to power and charge Apple devices accounted for approximately 29% of its total greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, the company plans to generate 3,000 GWh of renewable energy annually by 2030. To achieve this goal, Apple will invest over $600 million (RMB 42.76) in projects expected to generate over 1,000 GWh annually, which will cover approximately one-third of its target. Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, said: "By 2030, we want our customers to know that all the energy used to charge their iPhone or power their Mac will be matched by clean electricity. Our new projects in Europe will help us achieve our ambitious 2030 goals while contributing to healthy communities, prosperous economies, and secure energy supplies across the continent." According to the announcement, Apple is significantly expanding its clean energy projects in Europe, currently developing large-scale solar and wind farms in Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania. In Poland, Apple has secured a 19-year power purchase agreement with Econergy for its 40 MW Resko solar project, which is expected to begin commercial operations later this year. In Romania, Apple has also secured a long-term power purchase agreement with Nala Renewables for its 99 MW wind farm. In Latvia, Apple secured a long-term power purchase agreement through European Energy for one of the country's largest solar farms, adding 110 MW of capacity. In Spain, Apple supported ib vogt's 134 MW Castano solar farm, which became operational earlier this year. In Greece, the company has signed a long-term agreement to purchase electricity from a 110 MW solar project owned and operated by HELLENiQ ENERGY. In Italy, Apple is supporting the development of a 129 MW portfolio of solar and wind projects. The first project, a solar project in Sicily, is expected to become operational this month.

In the past two years, low voltage issues have frequently occurred at end-users during peak periods of electricity consumption in scenic spots. This has not only impacted residents' lives and tourists' enjoyment, but has also become a bottleneck restricting local industrial development. Take the ongoing popularity of the Scottish Premier League as an example. Driven by the competition, cultural and tourism revenues across Jiangsu cities have increased significantly. At the same time, each match and surge in tourism poses a significant challenge to local electricity demand. According to data from State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power, during the summer vacation, the peak load on the Jiangsu power grid reached 152 million kilowatts, breaking the record for the third time this year. Among these, the catering, comprehensive retail, and indoor entertainment sectors, core sectors of the "night economy," performed particularly well. During the four hours between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM daily, electricity consumption exceeded 1.05 billion kilowatt-hours, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%. Facing the high electricity demand challenges brought on by the competition and high temperatures, State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power actively sought electricity from western and northern regions, leveraging existing inter-provincial and inter-regional transmission projects. On the other hand, the new energy storage power station can be fully utilized to discharge energy to the power grid during the peak electricity consumption in the evening.   Scenic Areas + Energy Storage: Standard Configuration With green tourism becoming a new industry trend, energy storage has become a "standard," not an "optional," energy security feature for scenic areas. In September 2025, the Haokun Lake Scenic Area in Lingyun County welcomed its first 0.4 kV low-voltage mobile energy storage device, which was officially put into operation and connected to the grid in the Sanhe Substation in Lingzhan Township. This low-voltage mobile energy storage device acts like a "power bank," offering rapid response and intelligent regulation capabilities. When the voltage on any phase falls below 195 volts during peak hours, the device instantly "discharges" to replenish energy, stabilizing the terminal voltage to around 225 volts, a safe range. During off-peak hours, it automatically "recharges" the stored energy to reserve power for the next round of peak load regulation. This energy storage device provides a targeted solution to low terminal voltage issues in specific areas, and its operation has immediately improved the quality of electricity used in the scenic area. Last September, Dianguanjia New Energy and Haichang Polar Ocean World successfully reached an in-depth collaboration, jointly developing the park's first commercial energy storage project. The project boasts a capacity of 20MWh. The addition of energy storage will flexibly adapt to the park's overall electricity pricing. By storing energy du...

On September 25th, local time, the groundbreaking ceremony for the 60MW Saguning floating photovoltaic project in Indonesia, undertaken by China Energy Construction Gezhouba Group, was held, marking the official start of construction on this green energy project with an estimated annual power generation of 129 million kWh.   The project, located in the Saguning Dam reservoir area in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia, is the first renewable energy project to commence construction since the release of the Indonesian government's New Electricity Plan (2025-2034). It will include a 60MW (AC side) floating photovoltaic power plant, a 150kV booster station, an 8.5km-long 150kV double-circuit transmission line on the same tower, and a 150kV switchyard.   The project utilizes advanced floating photovoltaic technology, with solar panels mounted on floating structures. Compared to traditional ground-based photovoltaic power plants, this not only conserves land resources but also reduces water evaporation, inhibits algae growth, and improves power generation efficiency. Upon completion, the project will save 56,000 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 149,000 tons annually, helping Indonesia achieve its renewable energy development and green transformation goals. During construction, the project is expected to create over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting local economic and social development. Once successfully operational, the project will provide a valuable model for Indonesia's energy transition and promote the implementation of more floating photovoltaic projects in Indonesian archipelago waters.

Recently, several photovoltaic projects have commenced construction, including the China Resources New Energy Xintian Sanjing 60MW Agri-PV Complementary Photovoltaic Power Generation Project, the official commencement of the EPC general contracting project for Datang's 60MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Project in Yunnan, and the commencement of construction on a 100MW photovoltaic power generation project in Shanxi.   China Resources Hunan 60MW Agri-PV Complementary Photovoltaic Power Generation Project Commences On September 15th, construction successfully commenced on the China Resources New Energy Xintian Sanjing 60MW Agri-PV Complementary Photovoltaic Power Generation Project. The project, located in Sanjing Town and Xinxu Town, Xintian County, Yongzhou City, Hunan Province, covers an area of ​​approximately 1,200 mu (approximately 1,200 mu). Invested and constructed by China Resources New Energy (Xintian) Co., Ltd., it will have an installed capacity of 60MW. The project, with an estimated total investment of 261.3021 million yuan, plans to build a new 220 kV substation, 20 new photovoltaic arrays, a total length of 4.664 kilometers of access roads, and 4.6 kilometers of buried collector lines. The project received its construction contract on September 5th.   Datang Yunnan 60MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Project Commences On September 18th, the EPC general contracting project for the Datang Yunnan Ganlongtang (60MW) Photovoltaic Power Generation Project, jointly undertaken by China Energy Engineering Group Guangxi Hydropower Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd., China Energy Engineering Group Anhui Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd., and China Gezhouba Group Electric Power Co., Ltd., officially commenced. The project, located in Nijiao Township, Qiubei County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, has a rated capacity of 60MW and consists of 3,948 photovoltaic strings and 29 photovoltaic arrays. It is equipped with 188 inverters and 29 box-type transformers, with power collected via two collector lines and connected to the Shuangyangdong 220kV substation.   Shanxi 100MW Photovoltaic Power Generation Project Commences Recently, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Shangao New Energy Group's 100MW (Phase II) photovoltaic power generation project in Hanbei Town, Wuxiang County, Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, was held at the Wuxiang Hanbei Phase I Photovoltaic Power Station. The project has a total construction capacity of 100MW, with a total investment of no more than 400 million yuan. Upon commissioning, it is expected to generate an average annual power generation of 148 million kWh and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 111,600 tons. Shangao New Energy Group Co., Ltd. (formerly known as Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group Co., Ltd.) is a subsidiary of Shangao Holding Group and listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (01250.HK). The company is committed to developing clean energy and explori...