Idemitsu switches on 2 MW of solar above rice paddy
Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has announced its 2 MW agricultural solar power plant, installed 3.8 meters above a rice paddy, has begun operating. The project features a community-based model that returns a portion of the profits from power generation to the farmers.
Zeo Energy signs MoU for 280 MW of solar plus LDES at Utah data center hub
Zeo Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Creekstone Energy to supply 280 MW of behind-the-meter solar plus long-duration energy storage (LDES) for a new AI-focused data center campus in the US state of Utah.
World’s largest steam-producing heat pump comes online in Finland
Turboden, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has energized what it calls the world’s largest steam-producing heat pump, delivering 12 MWth of superheated steam using low-grade waste heat and CO₂-free electricity with a coefficient of performance 10% above its guaranteed value of 2.
Dominican Republic updates net metering rules for rooftop solar
The Dominican Republic has approved new regulations for rooftop solar, shortening approval times, digitizing processes, removing penetration caps, and increasing annual compensation for surplus energy to 100%.
Anti-glare film enables PV system at Brussels Airport
Warehouses De Pauw (WDP) has installed an 8.5 MW solar system at a warehouse near Brussels-Charleroi Airport, equipping roughly 40% of modules with Phytonics anti-glare film to prevent air traffic disruption while maintaining near-full energy output.
Space-based solar could be competitive by 2040, UK government finds
Investment and support could make small-scale space-based solar power (SBSP) viable, with potential for electricity generated in orbit to participate in UK contracts for difference (CfD) scheme according to new report. Launch costs have biggest impact on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), according to analysis.
Rotterdam port advances 96 MW floating solar project for local use
A 96 MW floating PV project is set to be built at a dredging depot at the Port of Rotterdam. The array will not feed energy to the grid, instead serving local businesses. It is scheduled for operations in 2027.
The effects of solar module elevation on ground-mounted PV
Scientists in Hungary found that ground-mounted PV modules at an intermediate elevation of 1.1 m achieve the highest efficiency and power output due to improved airflow and reduced cell temperature. Their study also estimated a levelized cost of electricity of $0.0843/kWh and 577.78 kg CO₂ mitigation over 25 years, while noting results are specific to concrete surfaces.
AI can now predict solar cell efficiency from wafer quality
Korea University researchers have developed a machine-learning framework that predicts solar cell efficiency from wafer quality, enabling early wafer screening and optimized production paths. Using over 100,000 industrial data points, the approach combines predictive modeling, process optimization, and explainable AI to support photovoltaic manufacturing.
Global utility-scale battery capacity rises 12-fold in 2020-24 period
The global capacity of utility-scale batteries increased more than 12-fold between 2020 and 2024 to 124 GW, while average battery costs fell 58% over the period, according to the Electricity 2026 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
