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.
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.
Solar’s infrastructure obstacle
During the development of a recent utility-scale project in Texas’ ERCOT grid interconnection zone, Levona Renewables CEO Fernando Queiroz found his team spending more time evaluating transmission infrastructure, interconnection requirements, equipment availability, and utility procurement processes than discussing solar modules – a striking realization affecting project developers in the United States and beyond.
Why agrivoltaics have yet to take off in Switzerland
Agrivoltaics account for virtually none of Switzerland’s installed solar capacity, despite having the potential to generate far more electricity than the country currently consumes. A new ZHAW report identifies legal and administrative hurdles as key barriers and calls for regulatory reform, greater investment certainty, and lessons from neighboring markets.
The Hydrogen Stream: Posco, BHP advance hydrogen reduction ironmaking technology
In other news, the Valencian government approved €76 million for BP-led renewable hydrogen and sustainable biofuel projects, while NaTran and Creos Deutschland started construction of the German section of the cross-border mosaHYc hydrogen network. Meanwhile, Uniper completed the expressions of interest phase for its planned Wilhelmshaven hydrogen import terminal, which could ultimately handle 2.6 million metric tons of ammonia per year.
New energy products emerge in Southern Africa’s renewables market
The final article in a series on energy markets in Southern Africa explores how the liberalisation of the region’s electricity markets is bringing a shift from purely selling variable electricity towards products that are tailored to specific customer and system needs.
‘Do not wait until you feel completely ready’
This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Angelica Almi, Head of Legal at Kataclima and co-founder of Italia Rinnovabile. Her message is clear: approach every professional relationship with curiosity, respect and authenticity, turn challenges into strengths, and embrace unexpected opportunities with courage and enthusiasm.Ireland’s leap of faith to power data centers
Sungrow reported first-half 2026 revenue of CNY 30.91 billion ($4.34 billion), down 29.0% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders fell 32.0% to CNY 5.26 billion. Adjusted net profit declined 43.0% to CNY 4.28 billion. Operating cash flow, however, rose 8.8% to CNY 3.74 billion, while gross margin increased by 1.56 percentage points …
