South Korea eases solar siting rules to cut permitting delays for PV projects
South Korea has passed legislative amendments to limit the ability of local authorities to impose separation distances on solar projects, removing a major permitting barrier for PV developers.
Osaki Electric signs EMS development pact with Kyocera, Taiwan Plastics
Osaki Electric says it has signed an agreement to formalize joint development of its AI-based energy management system (EMS), integrating solar generation and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery storage. It aims to sign a final contract by December 2026.
South Korean railway operator signs solar deal with Qcells
Korea National Railway has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Qcells to expand solar deployment across railway assets as part of its energy transition strategy.
South Korea to invest $223 million in next-generation distributed grid
The South Korean government has announced plans to invest KRW 321 billion ($222.6 million) in 2026 to upgrade regional distribution networks, deploy 85 energy storage systems, and expand solar integration while piloting microgrids and market reforms.
Intertek acquires German PV inspection specialist AePVI
Intertek CEA has acquired German PV inspection specialist Aerial PV Inspection GmbH (AePVI) to expand high-speed drone and ground-based quality assurance for utility-scale solar assets across Europe.
The business case for C&I storage
European businesses installed roughly 20 GW of commercial and industrial (C&I) solar in 2024, but only around 1 GW/2 GWh of C&I battery storage. The gap is striking. Both technologies promise lower energy bills, improved resilience, and decarbonization, but batteries are yet to achieve the same commercial traction that solar enjoys. LCP Delta’s Dina Darshini asks why the gap persists.
Octopus Energy to set up joint venture to trade renewables in China
UK-based Octopus Energy has agreed to set up a joint venture in China focused on spot power trading, in a bid to scale renewable electricity volumes as market reforms and demand growth accelerate.
Key takeaways from Solar Energy Expo in Poland
Solar Energy Expo 2026, Poland’s flagship PV-plus-storage trade fair, returned this month with a small show-floor footprint but a sharp focus on flexibility and market reform, as well as the storage, inverter and grid-forming technologies shaping the nation’s next phase of grid integration.
EU opens probe into Bulgaria compensation award to foreign investor
The European Commission has launched an in-depth investigation to assess whether a €61 million ($71.6 million) arbitration award in favor of Malta-based ACF Renewable Energy is compatible with EU State aid rules.
Japan’s solar industry targets vertical bifacial PV with new guide
The Japan Photovoltaic Energy Association (JPEA) has released a voluntary reference guide to support adoption of vertical bifacial PV in Japan, outlining design, performance, and compliance considerations for projects in snow-prone, high-latitude, and space-constrained conditions.
