Can BESS answer US data center power demand?
Data centers’ energy demand is well-documented. Hyperscale AI data centers owned by big-tech companies are placing acute strain on energy infrastructure in the United States, the global data center capital, and many more are expected to come online. There is ongoing debate about how policymakers, grid operators, regulators and the energy industry – renewable or otherwise – can respond to the situation. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) can provide grid-balancing solutions, but not all are convinced they can fully replace gas.
GCL to raise $450 million for China polysilicon consolidation plan
GCL plans to raise $450 million to aid consolidation in China’s polysilicon sector and support the shift from tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) to back-contact solar products.
Saudi Arabia launches 3.1 GW solar tender
Saudi Power Procurement Co. (SPPC) has announced a request for qualification (RFQ) for 3.1 GW of solar capacity across four projects in the seventh round of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy tender program.
German solar PPA deals drop 87% as developers turn to battery hybrids
With German solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) down 87%, a panel of experts argued that hybrid solar-plus-storage projects are now the only bankable path forward.
Australian team develops graphene supercapacitor
Researchers at Monash University in Australia have developed a new carbon-based material they claim allows supercapacitors to store as much energy as traditional lead-acid batteries, while delivering power much faster than conventional batteries can manage.
Ukrainian hospital receives solar-plus-storage system
A solar-plus-storage system has been installed at a hospital in northeastern Ukraine in an area frequently impacted by electricity cut-offs due to Russia’s targeting of energy infrastructure. RePower Ukraine says the system offers the hospital reliable power to treat 50,000 patients annually.
US solar faces steep cuts as OBBBA phases out key tax credits
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is loaded with negative measures for the US solar industry. What does the bill mean for solar project development over the coming years?
Philippines switches on agrovoltaic complex with 320 MWh battery storage
The Citicore Solar Batangas 1 Power Plants stand as the Philippines’ first integrated agrovoltaic and battery storage facility.
Malaysian utility plans solar expansion
Sarawak Energy Berhard is working on both expanding its solar capacity and conducting feasibility studies for pumped storage hydropower projects at three locations in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
IB Solar plans 4 GW TOPCon cell and module factory in India
IB Solar will build a 4 GW tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell and module facility in Uttar Pradesh, India, with an investment of about INR 30 billion ($340.2 million). The project has secured land allocation from the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority and is scheduled for commissioning by 2027.
