What WTO can still do to regulate global cleantech trade
pv magazine spoke with energy and environmental law expert Anatole Boute about the past and future role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in regulating trade disputes related to clean energy technologies amid current geopolitical tensions. He noted that despite recent protectionist efforts to revive the solar manufacturing industry, the European Union still strives to remain compliant with WTO rules.
Croatia’s regulatory deadlock is strangling large-scale solar
Regulatory inaction on grid fees has stalled 3.5 GW of large-scale renewables in Croatia, mostly solar, with developers such as Solvis citing a lack of stable grid-connection rules as a barrier to planning and investment.
New Zealand approves 200 MWh solar-plus-storage project
A 179 MW solar-plus-storage project near Auckland has secured approval from an independent panel, allowing a commercial decision if the project remains viable under the imposed build and operating conditions.
Australia becomes world’s third-largest utility battery market
Australia has overtaken the United Kingdom to rank behind China and the United States in utility-scale battery capacity, with 14 GW/37 GWh of projects at or nearing financial close.
Optimizing solar-plus-storage operation for markets with imbalance penalties
Scientists in Japan have used a deep reinforcement learning–based AI model to calculate discrepancies between the planned and actual electricity supply volumes in PV-battery systems operating in markets where grid imbalances are penalized. Through a series of simulations, they found that the proposed methodology can reduce imbalance penalties by approximately 47%.
Romania drafts cybersecurity rules for PV, cogeneration up to 1 MW
Romania plans to amend its energy law to require the National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC) to define technical standards for PV and cogeneration systems up to 1 MW, aimed at preventing data breaches and safeguarding grid operations.
Energy storage reshapes data center siting amid US regulatory pressure
Power cut regulations and slow permitting are driving US data centers toward storage-backed, grid-independent designs.
Mexico targets up to 9.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030
Mexico’s Secretaría de Energía (Sener) plans to add 6.4 GW to 9.5 GW of renewable capacity while keeping state-owned CFE’s share above 54%, integrating storage and efficiency measures to stabilize the grid.
Spain makes agrivoltaic projects eligible for farm subsidy program
Spain’s new agricultural decree allows land hosting solar arrays to qualify for Common Agricultural Policy payments if farming remains the primary activity.
PV module recycling gains momentum as waste volumes surge globally
A comprehensive new report from IEA PVPS Task 12 reveals how countries around the world are managing the growing volumes of end-of-life solar modules, implementing regulations and scaling recycling infrastructure to handle the expected increment in PV waste over the coming decades.
