Markets & Policy
In highly regulated energy markets, policy decisions can make or break new technologies, strategies, and even entire industries.
Support from policymakers, in the form of procurement exercises, priority dispatch, tax incentives and a wealth of other instruments, has been vital to the global solar industry’s success, and new mechanisms to support growth in energy storage are an increasingly important part of the story today.
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Latest News
Ireland’s leap of faith to power data centers
Under Ireland’s Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP), 10 MW-plus data centers must provide at least 80% of their energy demand through new onsite renewable energy generation and storage. But whether data centers can meaningfully contribute to Ireland’s decarbonization depends on the success of its grid buildout, reports Blathnaid O’Dea.
Aug 12, 2026
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Brazil’s curtailment compensation offer attracts 1,539 solar and wind plant operators
A total of 1,539 solar and wind power plants representing around 53 GW have applied to Brazil’s compensation mechanism for eligible curtailment events. The final compensation amounts will be determined by the applicable methodology, project contracts and assessment of eligible curtailment events.
Global South Utilities completes 50 MW solar, 15 MWh BESS project in Central African Republic
The solar-plus-storage project has been billed as the largest infrastructure project in the Central African Republic’s history. The government says it is undergoing a phased implementation beginning with an initial 15 MW supplied to the plant’s neighbouring districts.
Guatemala updates regulations for distributed solar up to 5 MW
Guatemala has updated its regulatory framework for renewable distributed-generation projects of up to 5 MW, introducing new connection procedures, grid-capacity mapping and technical requirements. The new rules take effect Aug. 17, while projects already under application may remain under the previous regime unless developers opt into the new framework.
France sees sharp rise in solar module recycling
France collected 13,760 tonnes of end-of-life solar modules in 2025, up 40% from the previous year, as recycling activity accelerates. Government agency Soren expects annual volumes to reach nearly 180,000 tonnes by 2040, underscoring the growing importance of recycling to Europe’s industrial supply chain.
Unlimited long duration, long-lived pumped hydro storage
Solar- and wind-dominated grids need abundant long-duration storage, and off-river pumped hydro offers enormous potential, with 800,000 sites worldwide and storage capacity vastly exceeding global requirements. Pumped hydro is mature, low-cost, long-lived, and locally deployable, complementing batteries by providing economical deep storage for periods of low wind and solar generation.
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All Markets & Policy news
Brazil’s curtailment compensation offer attracts 1,539 solar and wind plant operators
A total of 1,539 solar and wind power plants representing around 53 GW have applied to Brazil’s compensation mechanism for eligible curtailment events. The final compensation amounts will be determined by the applicable methodology, project contracts and assessment of eligible curtailment events.
Global South Utilities completes 50 MW solar, 15 MWh BESS project in Central African Republic
The solar-plus-storage project has been billed as the largest infrastructure project in the Central African Republic’s history. The government says it is undergoing a phased implementation beginning with an initial 15 MW supplied to the plant’s neighbouring districts.
Guatemala updates regulations for distributed solar up to 5 MW
Guatemala has updated its regulatory framework for renewable distributed-generation projects of up to 5 MW, introducing new connection procedures, grid-capacity mapping and technical requirements. The new rules take effect Aug. 17, while projects already under application may remain under the previous regime unless developers opt into the new framework.
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France sees sharp rise in solar module recycling
France collected 13,760 tonnes of end-of-life solar modules in 2025, up 40% from the previous year, as recycling activity accelerates.
Government agency Soren expects annual volumes to reach nearly 180,000 tonnes by 2040, underscoring the growing importance of recycling to Europe’s industrial supply chain.
Unlimited long duration, long-lived pumped hydro storage
Solar- and wind-dominated grids need abundant long-duration storage, and off-river pumped hydro offers enormous potential, with 800,000 sites worldwide and storage capacity vastly exceeding global requirements. Pumped hydro is mature, low-cost, long-lived, and locally deployable, complementing batteries by providing economical deep storage for periods of low wind and solar generation.
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Around 14 GW of irregular distributed solar threatens grid security in Brazil, warns TÜV Rheinland
Unauthorized distributed-generation expansions in Brazil could add up to 14 GW of unregistered capacity, complicating grid planning and operation, TÜV Rheinland warns. The expansion of PV systems up to 5 MW without proper design reviews or approvals also raises electrical safety risks and compliance concerns.
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