How to use compressed air storage in flooded coal mines
Researchers in China developed a new compressed air energy storage system that uses flooded roadways in abandoned coal mines to store compressed air and heat for nighttime power generation. Simulations show the design can achieve 71.5% thermal efficiency, stable performance, and higher energy density at greater depths, with minimal long-term impact from air leakage.
Italy’s first Fer X solar auction allocates 7.7 GW at average price of €0.05682/kWh
The procurement exercise had initially attracted 1,387 project proposals with a combined capacity of 17,537 MW, according the Italian energy agency GSE.
France deploys 1.5 GW of solar in Q3
The country’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 29.7 GW at the end of September.
Huawei unveils FusionSolar 9.0 platform with AI, grid-forming tech
Huawei’s FusionSolar 9.0 is a new integrated solar-plus-storage platform featuring smart inverters, AI-driven management, and grid-forming capabilities to turn solar plants into active grid-support assets. It boosts efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances stability in weak grids with high renewable penetration, according to the company.
Optimal solar-plus-storage sizing for heavy industry operation
Australian researchers developed a high-resolution energy modeling framework to assess how PV and batteries can supply 24/7 electricity to heavy industries, considering cost, grid interaction, and load flexibility. They found that, while technology cost reductions help, smart grid integration and flexible industrial operations are far more effective in lowering electricity costs and enabling 100% renewable energy use.
Bangladesh approves 220 MW solar project, its largest to date
Bangladesh has givern approval to a 220 MW plant in Sonagazi, partly funded by the Islamic Development Bank.
ABB finalizes acquisition of Gamesa Electric
The Swiss group acquired Gamesa Electric’s power electronics business in Spain from Siemens Gamesa. The financial terms of the deal were not revealed.
California lawmakers urge CPUC to enforce utility interconnection timelines
A coalition of 18 California legislators has formally urged the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to enforce regulations under “Rule 21” regarding the interconnection of customer-sited solar and energy storage systems.
Dominican Republic brings Caribbean’s largest solar plant online
The Dominican Republic has switched on the 162.6 MW Cotoperí Solar complex, developed by Acciona Energía and local investors. It is the largest PV installation in Central America and the Caribbean.
More than 100,000 applications for UK heat pump subsidy
Latest boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) data reveals more than 100,000 applications for heat pump grants have been made since support scheme launched in May 2022. Demand has significantly increased in 2025, and the scheme was expanded in early November to include an air-to-air heat pump grant.
