Google to deploy world’s largest iron-air battery for US data center
Google plans to deploy a 300 MW/30 GWh iron-air battery system in Minnesota under an agreement with Xcel Energy, pairing it with 1.6 GW of new wind and solar.
Italy’s new energy provisions could boost gas use, undermine renewables and storage competitiveness
Italy’s new energy decree aims to cut consumer electricity bills, but industry experts warn it could slash solar revenues by over 30%, slow the PPA and battery storage markets, and increase gas-fired generation. The measure also raises regulatory and state aid concerns, potentially making the Italian electricity market riskier for investors.
Solar electricity during night-time
Night-time in solar PV systems averages 16 hours, requiring significant storage or alternative generation to meet demand. Pumped hydro and batteries are key, with pumped hydro offering long-duration, low-cost storage for cloudy or windless periods. Complementary strategies include wind power, load shifting, and dispatchable generation, while high solar and wind penetration reshapes grid operations and pricing.
U.S government sets preliminary countervailing duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos
The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued preliminary findings that solar manufacturers in India, Indonesia and Laos benefited from government subsidies, paving the way for countervailing duties of up to 143.30%.
First Solar announces licensing agreement with Oxford PV, alleges new TOPCon patent infringements
The U.S. thin-film solar module manufacturer’s stock price fell more than 12% in extended trading following the earnings announcement, partly due to lower-than-expected guidance for 2026 sales and revenue.
Vattenfall to combine wind and solar with new connection concept
Vattenfall says it will connect a 7.6 MW solar plant to a 17 MW wind farm in Germany, allowing both to operate through a single grid connection point.
Mexico mandates social impact reviews for BESS projects
New rules from Mexico’s Secretaría de Energía require battery energy storage systems (BESS) to submit social impact assessments for the first time, with stricter obligations above 250 MWh.
Poland adds 3.6 GW of solar in 2025
Poland’s cumulative solar capacity reached 24.8 GW by the end of 2025, with last year’s growth led by C&I and large-scale installations.
Sodium-ion batteries key to EU competitive edge, says EESC president
European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to put sodium batteries at the center of its EU industrial strategy work, calls for swift action. Opinions, stakeholder debates and a dedicated study planned.
How to protect animals from lightning in agrivoltaics
Researchers in Germany assessed lightning risks in livestock-integrated agrivoltaic systems, identifying key injury mechanisms and establishing safe step and touch voltage limits. Their simulations showed edge strikes and conductive structures pose the highest hazards, highlighting the need for livestock-specific earthing designs and mitigation strategies.
