Chinese PV Industry Brief: PowerChina launches 31 GW solar procurement
China Power Construction Corp. (PowerChina) has launched a 31 GW solar module tender for 2026 projects, split across n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction (HJT) and back-contact (BC) technologies as part of a wider 97 GW renewables and grid equipment program.
Italy clears 710 MW of solar in Puglia, challenges regional PV rules
The italian government says it is fast-tracking utility-scale solar, approving about 710 MW of mainly agrivoltaic projects in Puglia while moving to curb regional limits on where PV plants can be built, sharpening tensions over land use and energy policy.
Hithium pushes into long-duration storage and AI data centres with 1,300Ah cell, 6.9 MW/55.2 MWh system, and lithium-sodium hybrid
Chinese battery maker Hithium unveils 1300Ah cell, integrated long-duration system, and lithium-sodium LDES solution for AI data centers.
India sees dramatic plunge in battery storage costs, ministry reports
Market trends suggest battery energy storage systems (BESS) will likely operate 1.5 cycles per day, bringing the effective storage cost down to just INR 2.8/kWh (0.031/kWh), the Ministry said on Monday.
Shenzhen First Tech releases 15 kWh LFP battery
The battery is rated at a nominal 48 V and 314 Ah, with an ingress protection level of IP20.
Germany brings world’s first supercapacitor STATCOM online
Germany has connected the world’s first supercapacitor-based STATCOM to the grid, with Siemens Energy and transmission system operator TenneT positioning it as a blueprint to replace fossil-fuel generators in providing instantaneous reserve and reactive power.
French renewables tender awards all 507.7 MW to solar
The French government says PV swept its latest technology-neutral auction, with 36 projects totaling 507.7 MW awarded in the fourth round as prices fell and agrivoltaics gained ground.
Indian researchers develop stable liquid hydrogen transport system
Researchers at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in India have developed a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) system that enables hydrogen to be transported in a stable liquid form. The system is non-flammable, non-explosive, and can be handled at normal temperatures and pressures.
Interspace single-axis agrivoltaics has lowest environmental impact in Europe
A group of scientists has simulated fixed vertical, interspace and overhead single-axis as well as overhead dual-axis agrivoltaic systems for 30 years and has found interspace single-axis system emerged as the most environmentally favorable configuration in Europe.
‘We’re taught to only apply for roles when we can tick every box’
This week Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Gemma Buckley, Chief Legal Officer at UK-based Solarport. She says that one of the most persistent barriers wome are witnessing is how they are socialised. “Research shows men apply for promotion or a new role when they’re 60% qualified; women wait until they’re 100% qualified. I’ve watched this play out throughout my career,” she states.
