Ofgem approves GBP 10.3 billion investment in UK transmission grid
UK energy regulator green-lights transmission network operator budgets for five-year period. Initial budget of GBP 10.3 billion ($13.7 billion) approved with an upper-bound estimate of GBP 70 billion transmission investment by 2031. At least GBP 44 billion of transmission spend has already been committed, according to the regulator.
European Commission opens third hydrogen auction
The EU’s third hydrogen auction is open for applications until Feb. 19, 2026, alongside a pilot auction for decarbonizing industrial process heat. The 2025 edition of the Net-Zero Technologies call is also underway, accepting applications until Apr. 23, 2026. Together, the three funding streams have a budget of €5.2 billion ($6.07 billion).
Vertical PV system at Japanese parking lot operating under PPA
AirWater and Luxor Solar K.K. have launched a 178 kW vertical PV system at a Tottori parking lot, operating under an on-site PPA. The Verpa-based system, a first for the San’in region, maximizes space, avoids snow damage, and reportedly delivers power equivalent to rooftop solar installations.
Italy’s solar sector flags regulatory risks despite FER X auction gains
Italy’s PV industry raised concerns over new regulatory measures and funding cuts as Gestore dei servizi energetici (GSE) published results of the FER X auction showing significant price reductions and strong participation in Sicily.
Malaysia’s 4 GW/5.12 GWh solar-plus-storage complex gets World Bank funding
The Southern Johor Renewable Energy Corridor (SJREC) forms part of a $6 billion project developing a 2,000 kilometer-squared hybrid solar and battery energy storage system zone set to connect South East Asia.
Omani polysilicon factory secures $220 million
Oman Arab Bank is the latest investor in a major polysilicon manufacturing facility currently under development in Oman, after signing a $220 million financing agreement with project developers United Solar Polysilicon.
Saudi Arabia secures financing for 15 GW of new solar and wind capacity
A consortium led by Acwa Power, Water and Electricity Holding Co. (Badeel) and Saudi Aramco Power Co. has secured a $5.9 billion senior debt facility for seven Saudi Arabia renewable energy projects totaling 15 GW across solar and wind.
Palestine Investment Fund provides update on solar deployment in Jerusalem
A financing program run by the Palestine Investment Fund and European Union has helped to install solar systems at Jerusalem-based companies and projects, leading to annual electricity cost savings of around €250,000.
Nexwafe secures cash injection from EU scale up funding
German solar wafer manufacturer Nexwafe is one of eight companies receiving investment in the latest round of the European Commission’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up call, an initiative addressing a market gap in deep tech funding in Europe.
Technique Solaire buys Iberdrola’s French renewables unit
Technique Solaire says it is acquiring 100% of Iberdrola Renouvelables S.A.S., expanding its French onshore wind and solar portfolio with 118 MW of operating assets and a 639 MW development pipeline.
