Construction starts on first big battery to directly connect to TenneT Netherlands network
Dutch energy storage firm Return has started construction on the 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system in Waddinxveen, which will be the first project of the size to connect to the TenneT Netherlands high-voltage network in 2026. Vattenfall will manage and optimize half of the system’s capacity under an eight-year contract.
Tariff uncertainty grips US battery development
The Trump administration’s China tariffs have piled atop existing and developing trade barriers on battery energy storage systems, components, and materials – destabilizing the US energy storage industry. While existing inventories will allow project development to move forward in the short term, uncertainty extends across the supply chain, including to prospective manufacturers.
Solar-air-ground CO2 heat pump system for renewables maximization
Researchers in Italy have designed a novel carbon dioxide heat pump that can work with photovoltaic-thermal energy, a finned coil heat exchanger and a U-tube borehole heat exchanger. Their experiment has shown that the simultaneous use of at least two energy sources always results in improved system performance even with limited heat transfer areas.
Germany allocates 2.63 GW in latest utility-scale PV tender
Germany’s latest auction for utility-scale solar concluded with prices ranging from €0.0399 ($0.0455)/kWh to €0.0488/kWh. The procurement exercise was significantly oversubscribed.
New web tool helps find best tilt angle for south-facing bifacial PV plants
An international research team has created a new model that finds the best tilt angle for south-facing bifacial PV plants across Europe. The scientists also considered the Alpine region to examine the impact of mountains on optimal tilt angles.
Swiss startup offers project management software for solar installers
Software company Solarstream provides a project management tool for installation teams, including traditional PV installers and electricians serving the solar market. The software is suitable for projects of all sizes, from large-sized commercial and industrial to residential installations.
France deploys 1.4 GW of solar in Q1
France installed 1.4 GW of solar in the first quarter of 2025, bringing its cumulative PV capacity to 23.5 GW by the end of March.
1Komma5° releases residential battery for non-PV homeowners
1Komma5° has launched PowerHarvester, a lithium iron phosphate battery system for residential customers without solar. It is offering six power classes and storage capacities from 7.7 kWh to 27.2 kWh.
Bulgarian tender awards nearly 10 GWh of energy storage
Bulgaria’s standalone energy storage tender, which aimed to procure at least 3 GWh of cumulative usable capacity, ultimately awarded more than three times that amount.
TBEA unveils 400 kW string PCS, 6.25 MWh battery
The Chinese manufacturer has designed a new high-density 400 kW power conversion system (PCS) and 6.25 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to cut costs and boost deployment speed.
