UK solar generation hits record 15 GW as gas falls to historic low
Solar set a new generation record on Great Britain’s electricity grid during a week that also saw zero-carbon supply reach an all-time high. The new records come as the grid operator expands demand-side flexibility markets in anticipation of lower summer demand driven by strong solar irradiance.
Colombia reopens long-term energy contracting with new renewables auction
Colombia has launched a 15-year auction scheme to procure solar, storage, and hybrid capacity, with delivery starting in 2030. The mechanism introduces time-of-use products and aims to improve reliability while expanding renewable energy uptake.
France streamlines renewables environmental permitting with new provisions
Published in the French Official Journal on April 22, a new decree aims to speed up the handling of appeals against strategic environmental projects, particularly in the renewable energy sector. It introduces direct access to administrative courts of appeal and tightens rules on deadlines and procedures for challenging projects.
EU moves to restrict funding for projects using inverters from high-risk suppliers
The EU is moving forward with a plan to restrict funding for PV projects using inverters from high-risk suppliers, citing cybersecurity concerns and issuing new guidance to phase them out. A transition period applies for certain projects linked to the EU grid, while others must exclude such suppliers by 2027.
EU responds to energy price shocks with ‘homegrown’ clean energy push
The European Commission has launched the AccelerateEU strategy to address high energy prices driven by the Middle East conflict and its impact on fossil fuel markets. While specific measures for solar, renewables and storage are not yet clearly defined, the package includes the introduction of an Electrification Action Plan by summer.
U.S. court blocks ‘de facto moratorium’ on federal solar permitting
A U.S. federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against a Department of the Interior policy that required Trump-appointed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum’s approval for all renewable energy projects on public lands, effectively stalling tens of gigawatts of capacity.
Solar leads Ireland’s home energy upgrade grant scheme in 2026
Ireland recorded more than 10,000 applications for solar PV as part of its home energy upgrade program from January to March 2026, an increase of 65% on the same period for last year.
Peru opens complementary services market to support renewables
Peru’s energy ministry has proposed market-based reforms for complementary electricity services to improve grid stability amid rising solar and wind generation.
Botswana breaks ground on 500 MW solar-plus-storage project
The Maun solar project will encompass 500 MW of solar tied to 500 MWh of battery storage in northeastern Botswana, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in southern Africa. A 30-year power purchase agreement is in place between project developers Okavango Solar, wholly-owned by Oman’s NAQAA Sustainable Energy LLC, and Botswana Power Corporation.
Work begins on Zambia’s largest solar-plus-storage project
Globeleq has started construction on 250 MW solar farm connected to 150 MW/600 MWh of battery storage in Zambia’s Lusaka Province.
