Pilar Sánchez Molina
Spanish start-up Bihar Batteries to commercialize sodium-ion batteries in 2026
The company has produced its first sodium-ion battery prototype and, in collaboration with Spanish research institute CIC energiGUNE, developed sodium-ion cell prototypes that have shown “very promising results.”
Spain approves new decree to accelerate storage and grid modernization
Spain’s Council of Ministers has approved a royal decree to promote energy storage, accelerate electrification, and tighten oversight of the national grid, says the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO).
Musk proposes PV-powered AI satellite network to fight global warming
Elon Musk says a constellation of solar-powered artificial intelligence satellites could regulate the planet’s energy balance and limit global warming.
Portugal’s EDP, Rondo sign PPA for solar-powered industrial heat project
Portugal’s first heat-as-a-service agreement combines a 7 MW solar plant and a 100 MWh thermal battery to provide continuous, zero-emission steam for industrial use, according to Rondo Energy and Energias de Portugal (EDP).
Spanish grid operator authorizes renewables for dynamic voltage control
Spain’s grid operator has approved 24 renewable power plants to deliver dynamic voltage control services starting in January, granting them priority dispatch under a new operational program.
SolarPower Europe unveils agrosolar policy map
The policy map highlights that only five of the 18 EU Member States included in the tool have set a legal definition of agrivoltaics. SolarPower Europe is calling on policymakers to develop an EU-wide definition.
Spain provisionally awards €839 million to 11 GWh of energy storage projects
The Spanish energy agency has proposed funding for 144 energy storage sites totaling 2.61 GW and 11.14 GWh under a European Regional Development Fund program.
Mercedes unveils car with 20% efficient ultra-thin solar coating
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first car prototype with a silicon-free, 20%-efficient nanoparticle solar coating that powers the vehicle even when off and uses modules thinner than a human hair.
Spain makes agrivoltaic projects eligible for farm subsidy program
Spain’s new agricultural decree allows land hosting solar arrays to qualify for Common Agricultural Policy payments if farming remains the primary activity.
Spain updates grid rules to expand energy storage, renewables integration
Spain has overhauled its grid-access rules to support energy storage, granting hybrid renewables-plus-storage projects equal dispatch priority and full revenue rights for stored electricity.
