The impact of fly ash-induced soiling on PV panel performance
Scientists in Morocco have conceived an experimental–numerical model to quantify how fly ash soiling affects photovoltaic (PV) modules, capturing both optical losses and thermal effects. Their findings show that while dust layers can reduce panel temperature, fly ash significantly degrades efficiency in a non-linear way, highlighting the need for predictive models for real-world solar performance.
Floating solar offers Morocco’s dams antidote to evaporation loss
Moroccan researchers say floating PV (FPV) installations on the country’s dams could simultaneously cut evaporation losses and generate electricity, but the country lacks a regulatory framework to enable large-scale deployment.
Egypt installs 800 MW of solar in 2025
Latest analysis from GlobalData expects Egypt’s annual solar additions to reach above 2 GW over the next three years, increasing to above 3.5 GW from 2029 onwards. Cumulative capacity is expected to grow from around 2.9 GW at the end of 2025 to 34.3 GW by the end of 2035.
Egypt’s National Bank takes 20% stake in Scatec’s Obelisk project
National Bank of Egypt has acquired a 20% equity interest in Scatec ASA’s 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project, reducing the Norwegian developer’s economic interest to 40% while leaving it in majority control through a layered ownership structure.
The Hydrogen Stream: AfDB backs projects, Europe logs 265 offers
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a hydrogen funding call for African projects, while the European Commission has registered 265 supply opportunities under its Hydrogen Mechanism.
The Hydrogen Stream: Levelized cost of hydrogen at Mediterranean ports can be as low as €2.5/kg for hybrid systems
A study from the University of Naples Federico II finds hydrogen production at Mediterranean ports could cost €5.7–8.6/kg using only renewables and €2.5–13/kg in hybrid systems, with solar emerging as the most reliable resource and wind outperforming it in select locations. Alongside these findings, major industry developments include new hydrogen and e-fuel projects, advanced electrolyser technologies, and EU-backed infrastructure expansion supporting large-scale decarbonization.
Inside the financing of Egypt’s largest solar‑plus‑storage project
Norwegian developer Scatec ASA has commissioned the first phase of the 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Egypt, backed by $479.1 million in development finance institution (DFI) debt and a fully contracted storage revenue model.
Tunisia launches 200 MW call for PV projects under new licensing scheme
The Tunisian government is inviting private developers to submit applications for solar power plants under the sixth licensing round for full electricity sale to national utility STEG.
PV-driven hydraulic hydro storage may hit $0.022/kWh LCOE in the U.S.
An international study has demonstrated that utility-scale solar PV paired with hydraulic hydro storage (HHS) could reach an LCOE as low as $0.022/kWh in select U.S. regions. The system could provide GWh-scale, cost-competitive, and highly reliable long-duration storage, capable of powering large commercial districts with minimal environmental impact.
All emerging cyber threats targeting power infrastructure at a glance
Researchers in Moroco analyzed cybersecurity challenges in smart grids, highlighting AI-driven detection and defense strategies against threats like distributed denial-of-service, false data injection replay, and IoT-based attacks. They recommend multi-layered protections, real-time anomaly detection, secure IoT devices, and staff training to enhance resilience and safeguard power system operations.
