Key takeaways from Smart Energy Week 2025 in Tokyo
Smart Energy Week 2025 in Tokyo highlighted Japan’s shifting energy priorities, with officials promoting perovskite solar at PV Expo and companies showcasing solid-state battery tech at Battery Japan.
Could German PV energy communities participate in the balancing market?
The RWTH Aachen University has simulated 27 scenarios of energy communities participating in the balancing market in Germany and has found that the business model behind an energy community is only feasible if battery storage is available.
India hits 100 GW solar milestone
India has hit 100.33 GW of cumulative installed solar capacity, crossing a critical threshold as it moves toward its 2030 goal of 500 GW of non-fossil energy.
What’s cooking in PV?
Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.
Solar-powered, off-grid accessory dwelling unit
Mesocore offers a pre-assembled 5.4 m x 7.3 m tiny home with solar and battery storage.
Australia opens longest connected EV highway network
Australia’s longest connected electric-vehicle highway network is now operational, covering a 7,000 km route in Western Australia, with 110 charging points across 49 locations.
Slovenia allocates €16 million for solar energy communities
Slovenia has set aside €16 million ($16.7 million) to support solar energy communities, requiring projects to include at least 100 kW of PV capacity, with or without storage. The program will run until 2027.
Turkey’s cumulative solar capacity doubles in 2.5 years to 19.6 GW
Ember, a London-based energy think tank, says in a new report that Turkey’s cumulative installed PV capacity has doubled to 19.6 GW in just two and a half years, driven by a surge in self-consumption projects.
New platform to deploy 120 MW of renewables in Africa
African microgrid company PowerGen Renewable Energy is partnering with a team of international investors to deploy 120 MW of off-grid renewable energy systems across the continent, starting with installations in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Somalia runs tender for solar-plus-storage at 28 education facilities
The Somali government has launched a tender to design, supply, install, and commission solar-plus-storage systems at 28 education facilities across two northwestern regions. Applications close on March 12.
