Finance

Cross-border VPPAs expose corporates to Basis Risk, causing settlement price gaps and weakening confidence in these hedging tools, contributing to a 35% drop in European PPA signings in 2025 amid complex market conditions. The market is shifting toward more structured, domestic, and hybrid PPAs, supported by BESS and modern IPPs, to better manage risk and realign buyers, sellers, and lenders.

Octopus Energy will acquire a solar and storage project in California that is expected to be operational by July as part of its investment. The UK-based company, active across major markets in Europe, Australia, China and the United States, says California’s clean technology sector will “bring innovation, growth and returns to the UK.”

The world’s largest reinsurer has recently introduced stricter requirements for PV warranty insurance to further de-risk insured PV parks and set a higher benchmark for industry wide reliability and production quality.

The Silver Institute has said the amount of silver used for manufacturing is set to fall this year, driven by developments in the solar sector. The institute also says the silver market will remain in deficit for the sixth consecutive year. Philip Newman, Managing Director of independent research consultancy Metals Focus, told pv magazine the fact prices have recovered quite well after the end-January correction demonstrates the underlying strength of investor interest in silver.

EnBW says it is seeking a new investor for its Senec storage subsidiary Senec to support further growth, though the company could remain wholly owned. The search comes after a comprehensive restructuring and aims to fund expansion in software, hardware, and international markets.

LevelTen Energy says solar and wind power purchase agreement (PPA) prices in Europe continued to fall in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the most competitive percentiles in Spain below €30 ($35.65)/MWh, reflecting strong downward pressure.

The ETS2 Frontloading Facility will provide €3 billion ($3.5 billion) to sectors set to be covered by the EU’s new emissions trading system. It will support low- and middle-income households with the deployment of heat pumps and electric vehicles.

Brookfield has appointed Santander and Barclays to manage the sale of X-Elio, valued at more than €4 billion ($4.7 billion) including debt. If completed, it would be the company’s second major divestment in Spain in two years.

After hitting an all-time high of $121.65/oz on Jan. 29, silver prices have tumbled to $79.44/oz, with analysts warning of a potential drop toward $50/oz.

A report from LevelTen Energy finds solar PPA prices in North America rose 3.2% in Q4 2025, marking a nearly 9% year-over-year increase as developers and buyers navigate a complex “post-OBBBA” regulatory environment.