Mexico launches call for renewable energy, storage projects linked to state utility CFE
The scheme targets projects of 0.7 MW and above, with a 935 MW indicative storage need, and is part of broader reforms to streamline investment while strengthening state-led planning of the electricity sector.
Colombia regulates transmission capacity allocation to speed up energy project connections
The measure aims to reduce grid connection delays and ease congestion in the National Interconnected System (SIN) amid rising electricity demand.
Iran conflict boosts interest in short-term PPAs in Europe
According to Montel, energy consumers in Europe are seeking to hedge against price volatility and supply shocks amid rising geopolitical tensions. The report said the hedging value is highest in short-term PPAs.
India has now 32.9 GW of operational PV capacity under private PPAs
Mercom reports that the so-called “open-access” solar installations were up 170% year-over-year from 1 GW added in Q1 2025. As of March 2026, cumulative installed solar open access capacity stood at 32.9 GW.
Australia opens tenders for 2.5 GW of solar and wind alongside 12.5 GWh of storage
Australia’s New South Wales is rolling out two of the biggest renewable energy tenders in the state’s history, seeking 2.5 GW of new generation capacity in addition to 12.5 GWh of long-duration energy storage.
California Senate passes plug-in solar bill
The Plug and Play Solar Act, which passed on a 35-1 vote, would allow portable solar generation devices with up to 1,200 W of output to connect to a building through a standard outlet. The bill now moves to the state Assembly, which has until August 31 to pass it during the current session.
Solar industry cost-cutting sparks record wave of spontaneous glass breakage
Instances of cracks in PV module glass started appearing about five years ago. Spontaneous glass breakage is now one of the solar industry’s top issues, but manufacturing pressures and a lack of standards are hindering solutions.
Finnish researchers build stirling engine-based Carnot battery prototype using sand for heat storage
Scientists in Sweden experimentally evaluated a Stirling engine–based Carnot battery (SECB) prototype using low-cost sand as thermal energy storage, aiming to validate electricity-to-heat-to-electricity storage concepts. Tests showed that higher engine temperatures improved output and duration, but round-trip efficiency remained low, mainly due to thermal losses and limited heat transfer in the sand bed.
Utility-scale solar expansion has little impact on U.S. crop prices
Research from Indiana University suggests that concerns over the impact of solar development on US agricultural production are largely exaggerated, with prices for maize, soybeans and wheat expected to increase by less than 5.6% if the build out of utility-scale solar on cropland is consistent with historical patterns.
Meeting the challenges of long life time PV on buildings
As Europe’s first generations of integrated PV systems age, researchers and industry actors are only beginning to explore the long-term realities of maintenance, compatibility and repair.
