European energy storage startups raise €2.14 billion in equity funding
European energy storage hardware startups have secured €2.14 billion ($2.5 billion) in equity funding for commercial, industrial, and grid-scale applications, says Avnet Silica. Nearly half of that funding was raised in the past three years, and more than 80% in the last five.
Zambia tenders 25 MW solar project
An engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) tender is open in Zambia for a 25 MW solar project. The deadline for applications is Jan. 9, 2026.
Belize opens solar consultancy tender
The government of Belize is seeking a consultancy firm to help implement a 40 MW solar plus 20 MW/80 MWh battery energy storage project. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is Jan. 5, 2026.
India’s Emmvee Energy signs 4.5 GWp TOPCon solar cell supply agreement
Emmvee Energy has signed a long-term supply agreement with a domestic buyer to deliver 4.5 GWp of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells.
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with steric complementary design achieves 32.3% efficiency
Researchers in China developed a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell using a steric-complementary interface design, achieving a certified efficiency of 32.12% and enhanced long-term stability. This strategy optimizes molecular fit in the perovskite lattice, improving both charge transport and device longevity.
TNO offers mass customization line for integrated PV applications
The Dutch research institute’s highly automated research line offers customized, flexible solar semi-finished PV products to partners developing integrated PV applications.
Equis launches 1.6 GWh renewable energy hub in Australia
One of Australia’s biggest battery energy storage projects has powered up with renewables developer Equis Australia confirming that the 600 MW/1.6 GWh Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub in Victoria is now fully operational.
How the world’s sunniest region tackles solar module soiling, cleaning
Researchers studying PV panels in Chile’s hyper-arid Atacama Desert found that cemented soiling can cause annual energy losses of up to 9.8%. Their combined field and laboratory work shows that dry cleaning leaves residue that accelerates future cementation, making wet cleaning the more effective long-term strategy despite higher costs and scarce water.
Robotics driving US solar recycling capacity expansion
Solar recycler OnePlanet will draw on vision-guided robots and automation to scale its River City facility and recover more, purer valuable materials from spent panels.
China powers up nation’s largest standalone battery storage project
A 500 MW/2,000 MWh lithium iron phosphate battery energy storage system has entered commercial operation in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, after five months of construction, with total investment of CNY 1.5 billion ($212.2 million) and designed for peak shaving and renewable integration.
