Brazil opens consultation on nationwide smart meter deployment
Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has launched a consultation that could lead to the installation of 3.6 million smart meters as part of efforts to modernize the power sector and cut losses.
Chile’s PV capacity tops 11.27 GW
Chile reached 11.27 GW of PV in August 2025, with solar accounting for 60% of its renewable capacity.
Permit secured for 270 MW solar-plus-storage project in Serbia
Türkiye’s Fortis Energy has secured a construction permit for 270 MW of solar alongside 72 MWh of battery energy storage to be built in northwestern Serbia. Construction is scheduled to begin during the second quarter of next year.
European electricity spot market shifts to 15-minute trading blocks
The European Power Exchange (Epex Spot) will switch its day-ahead market from hourly to 15-minute intervals on Sept. 30, a change mandated by the European Union that is expected to improve solar and wind integration, boost battery trading opportunities, and support dynamic tariffs.
Key takeaways from Solar & Storage Live UK
Solar & Storage Live UK 2025 took place over three days from September 23 to 25 at the NEC venue in the outskirts of Birmingham, the UK’s second largest city. pv magazine spoke to hundreds of industry players keen to optimize existing solar and storage capacity and be at the forefront of the nationwide rooftop PV expansion.
Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance bet on batteries as AI fuels power demand surge
Tech giants Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance are ramping up investments in renewable energy and storage to meet the soaring electricity demands driven by AI.
California enables flexible interconnection for solar and storage
California has introduced a flexible interconnection option allowing distributed solar and storage projects to connect without waiting for costly grid upgrades, though the required control hardware is not yet widely available.
Netherlands to accelerate permitting procedures for electricity projects
The Netherlands has proposed amendments to its Environmental Decree to fast-track permitting for electricity transmission and distribution projects above 21 kV, aiming to expand grid capacity and ease congestion through 2032.
Brazil tenders 50 MW of battery, solar and hybrid sites for isolated areas
Two lots were tendered, to serve communities in Amazonas and Pará, with BRL 312 million ($58 million) of equipment. In Amazonas, 20,165 MW will be installed via five solar and diesel-fired thermal generation sites. Pará will get a 30.1 MW battery, solar and diesel facility.
Australia registers first eight-hour duration grid battery
Australia has commissioned its first eight-hour-duration battery energy storage system, marking a key milestone in the nation’s transition to renewable energy.
