Policy

Regulator Ofgem approves higher threshold for a transmission system impact assessment requirement applying to distributed generation projects in England and Wales. The move is expected to lower development costs for projects with capacity between 1 MW and 5 MW.

Ireland will launch its fifth renewables auction on May 29, with grid operator EirGrid set to finalize the procurement process by Oct. 10.

Researchers in the United Kingdom found that approximately 175 TWh of hydrogen and compressed air storage capacity will be needed to fully decarbonize heating in the United Kingdom. Lead researcher Bruno Cardenas told pv magazine that, when domestic heat demand is 100% electrified, average annual electricity demand and peak load in the grid are 26% and 70% higher than current levels.

To address the variability of renewable energy for a stable supply, 22 distinct types of flexibility options are found in 100% renewable energy systems research articles, categorized into power-to-X, energy storage, demand response, transmission and distribution grids, and curtailment.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) highlights the transformative potential of green hydrogen and hydrogen-derived ammonia for decarbonizing the maritime industry. According to its experts, hydrogen could be soon be used as a maritime fuel, as ongoing innovation is slated to make hydrogen storage and transportation more viable over time.

Experts speaking at the upcoming NetZero Milan Expo-Summit 2025 have told pv magazine that lithium’s rising competitiveness is pressuring emerging chemistries like sodium-ion, as the market shifts from incremental gains to larger cells that could reshape enclosure design.

The battery industry relies on a supply chain in China, and previous headline tariff numbers had painted a tough picture for project affordability and bankability.

At pv magazine’s Focus event at Intersolar Europe this week, moderated by ESS News Editor Marija Maisch, the panelists discussed co-location and financing, alongside forward-looking presentations on market trends.

This week, during Intersolar 2025, Women in Solar+ Europe hosted a powerful workshop titled Women Reshaping the Leadership Narrative. Women leaders and experts from across the sector gathered to challenge outdated stereotypes and redefine authentic, inclusive leadership. From embracing vulnerability and rejecting the “too” labels often placed on women, to reframing feedback and leading without apology, participants explored how to turn long-held biases into strengths. The session fostered open dialogue, intergenerational insight, and a shared commitment to modelling change, leaving attendees inspired to keep reshaping leadership on their own terms.

The government of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is granting grid access to 10 renewable energy and energy storage sites in the new Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), while utility AGL has acquired pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) projects at the Glenbawn and Glennies Creek reservoirs.