Solar

US to develop AI on Energy Department Lands

On Thursday, the administration of Donald Trump announced that it had identified 16 sites in the U.S. Department of Energy where data centers and energy plants to support artificial intelligence could be built. The rapid growth of AI has led to a boom in the demand for power in the United States, which is unprecedented in 20 years. Big Tech companies and utilities are scrambling to build data centers and new power plants. The DOE stated that the potential sites were positioned to allow rapid construction of data centers…

Shell cancels onshore and solar wind projects in Brazil

Shell has announced that it will discontinue its solar and wind energy generation projects in Brazil as part of "portfolio adjustments", the company stated on Thursday. The move is made in an unfavorable climate for renewable energy investments in Brazil. Projects have been unable to be implemented because of a lack of demand, slow growth in supply, and regulatory issues. Shell's global strategy also includes a reduction in spending on renewable and low-carbon businesses.

The prize is worth billions of dollars, but winning it is the key: Russell

Decarbonising steel is one of the biggest challenges to meeting climate goals. However, it could be extremely profitable for those companies and governments willing to take on the risk. Steel value chain is responsible for 7 to 9% global carbon emissions. It is the biggest industrial contributor, and therefore a primary target for many countries' and companies' goals for net-zero in 2050. About 80% of the steel emissions are caused by one single process.

IRENA: Global renewable energy capacity still falls short of target despite record growth in last year

The International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) report on Wednesday showed that the global renewable energy capacity grew at a record rate in 2024, but still fell short of the 2030 target. Renewables will account for 92.5% (or 585 GW) of the new energy capacity in 2024, a record growth rate of 15.1%. This brings total renewables to 4,448 gigawatts. The progress is still below the 11,2 terawatts required to meet the Paris Climate Agreement and the global goal that renewable energy installations will triple by 2030.

The EU Commission has told Spain that it will not pay in a long-running case of renewable subsidies

The European Commission gave Spain a win on Monday when it told the country that they would not be paying any compensation for claims in the billions of Euros for renewable energy subsidies cut over a decade earlier. After the conservative government of Spain cut renewables subsidies to reduce an artificially low power tariff deficit that had been built up over years, foreign investors, mainly investment funds, filed a lawsuit against Spain.

Laos signs clean energy agreement worth $1.45 billion with Chinese industrial company

Laos signed a clean energy agreement worth $1.45 billion with a Chinese manufacturer of power plant equipment as it continues its drive to generate and transmit clean electricity. China Western Power Industrial and a Singaporean construction company signed an agreement with Xekong Thermal Power Plant, Laos. The project will design, supply and build a 1,800 megawatt clean energy power plant in southern Laos. This was revealed in a filing on the Sichuan stock exchange by the Sichuan based company.

Russell: Renewables and gas are gaining ground on coal and oil

The latest review of the International Energy Agency shows that renewables and gas are the most popular energy sources. In its Global Energy Review published on Monday, the IEA described this growth rate as "faster-than-average". Electricity, the fastest growing sector, grew 4.3% by 2024 or almost twice the average annual growth rate of the last decade. In 2024, the IEA reported that renewable power capacity increased by 700 gigawatts. This was a record-breaking annual increase for a 22nd consecutive time.

India receives investments of $19 billion through the Key Production Scheme, says government

The trade ministry announced on Saturday that India's main manufacturing scheme had received nearly $19 billion in investments as of November of last year. This comes a day after reports New Delhi would let the $23 billion incentive program expire due to disappointing results. Reports indicate that the incentive scheme won't be expanded beyond 14 sectors piloted and that production deadlines won't be extended, despite requests by some participating companies.

India receives investments of $19 billion through the Key Production Scheme, says government

The trade ministry announced on Saturday that India's main manufacturing scheme had received nearly $19 billion in investments as of November of last year. This comes a day after reports New Delhi would let the $23 billion incentive program expire due to disappointing results. Reports indicate that the incentive scheme won't be expanded beyond the 14 pilot sectors, and production deadlines won't be extended in spite of requests from participating firms.

UK invests $260 Million on solar panels for hospitals and schools

GB Energy, a state-owned firm, will be leading a 200 million pound ($260) solar panel project to benefit hospitals and schools in Britain, the country announced on Friday. This is the first investment made by the company since its establishment last year, with the goal of lowering electricity bills. GB Energy, a key component of the Labour Government's plan to improve the public services in Britain as well as to help revive the British economy, was created in October in order to encourage investment in renewable energy.

Cuba is on track to install fifty solar parks by the end of this year, according to the Ministry

The Energy Ministry announced late Wednesday that Cuba was making progress with a China-backed project to install over 50 solar parks in this year, capable of producing more than 1,000 Megawatts. This comes just days after Cuba's outdated grid collapsed, leaving millions without power. Energy officials released the most detailed report on the progress of the plan, stating that two solar parks were completed in February, one in Havana, and another in Cienfuegos, and six more by the end March.

Sources: Masdar, the UAE's solar energy company, is in negotiations with Endesa for a $200 million deal.

According to a document and two sources who are familiar with the matter, Masdar Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy Company and Endesa Spanish Power Utility are close to a deal in which Masdar would pay approximately $200 million for a 49% stake in Endesa's solar portfolio. The agreement for the approximately 450 megawatts portfolio would build on the partnership that already exists between the two companies, and further expand Masdar’s operations in Spain. It sees Spain as a key country for its European expansion. Endesa has declined to comment.

Terabase Energy receives $130 Million to expand solar technology

Terabase Energy, a solar technology company, announced Thursday that it had secured funding from SoftBank of $130 millions to scale up its technology for large projects. Terabase Energy now has a total of $200 million in funding, making it the largest funding round in its history. The amount raised by the company was not disclosed. Solar and energy storage accounted for 84% of new capacity added to US power grids last year, but the sector is facing a difficult future because the U.S. Government's new policies encourage fossil fuels. U.S.

Wall Street Journal, March 13,

These are the most popular stories from the Wall Street Journal. These stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch their accuracy. Intel has named Lip-Bu Tang as its new CEO. Intel chose a long-time industry executive and former board member to help the company turn things around. Sunnova Energy is one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States and is planning to meet with its creditors to discuss options, such as a possible bankruptcy filing. The company owes approximately $8.5 billion.

Iberdrola is looking for a partner to help it develop a 1 GW renewable energy portfolio, according to sources

According to two sources familiar with the situation, Spanish energy company Iberdrola seeks a partner who is willing to purchase a minority interest in a renewables portfolio of about 1 gigawatt. Sources described the project under the name "Romeo 2.0." This is a portfolio of 1.3 GW wind and solar assets that Norway's sovereign fund will take a 49% share in in 2023, in a deal valued at around 1.2 billion euro ($1.30 billion). The project was called Romeo.

Report: Solar power will account for 84% of the new US electricity added in 2024.

A report released on Tuesday stated that solar energy contributed 84% of the new electricity generation capacity to the U.S. grid in the past year. However, the industry will face challenges with the new energy policies adopted by the U.S. government. In a report, Wood Mackenzie and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), said that the country will install 50 gigawatts of new solar power in 2024. They added that this is the largest growth year for any energy technology over the past two decades.

Republicans protect green tax credits through budget bill

According to a Monday letter, a group of Republican legislators urged the House Committee drafting the proposed tax cuts for President Donald Trump in the upcoming Budget Reconciliation Bill to preserve the clean energy tax credit enacted by the Biden Administration to protect private sector investment in their districts. The letter, led by New York Republican congressman Andrew Garbarino called on Ways and Means chairman Jason Smith to…

A letter from the industry says that over $13 billion worth of solar and wind investments are at risk in Vietnam.

Adani Green Energy, as well as more than two dozen other foreign and Vietnamese investors have warned that Vietnam's plans for retroactively changing rules on subsidised wind and solar prices could impact over $13 billion in investments. Investors expressed "deep concern" in a letter dated 5 March and reviewed by that the end of the favourable energy tariffs could threaten financial stability. They also noted the policy change would undermine confidence and undermine the country's plans to expand its renewables.

Morocco approves green hydrogen projects worth $32.5 bln

The Moroccan government's green hydrogen committee approved projects worth 319 billion dirhams (32.5 billion dollars) on Thursday. These projects aim to produce ammonia and steel, as well as industrial fuel. The Moroccan committee selected Ortus of the United States, Acciona from Spain and Nordex from Germany to produce green ammonia. It said that a project to produce ammonia by Taqa in the UAE and Cepsa in Spain, as well as a plan to make ammonia fuel and steel by Nareva of Morocco, was also approved.

Corning and US solar manufacturers join forces to produce American-made panels

The companies announced on Thursday that Corning, a technology company, has signed a deal to produce the first solar panel made entirely of American components. The alliance between Georgia's Suniva and Corning, a panel manufacturer, is an important milestone in efforts to create a U.S. manufacturing sector for solar that can compete with China. Heliene, based in Canada, produces panels in Minnesota. Corning, through its subsidiary Hemlock Semiconductor…

Evergy's pipeline for power users such as data centers has jumped to 11,2 GW

Evergy Inc.'s pipeline of very large electricity clients, such as data centers, has increased to 11,2 gigawatts, which is more than its current maximum total demand. Evergy, a Midwestern company that covers Missouri and Kansas in the United States, has announced an increase of 8% on its capital spending plan for 2025-2029, to $17.5 billion. The demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence has pushed up U.S. electricity consumption after a two-decade hiatus. This year, the country is expected to hit record levels.

Industry body: China's solar growth to slow for the first time in six years

According to a forecast by an industry association on Thursday, China's rapid expansion in solar is expected to slow down this year for first time since 2019. The industry's growth will moderate. According to Wang Bohua (Honorary Chairman of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association), new solar capacity in 2025 will range between 215 gigawatts in a conservative scenario and 255 GW with a more optimistic outlook. This would represent a 8% to 23% decrease from the 277.57 GW record installations last year.

Chinese Competition regulator meets with Mercedes-Benz, Alibaba

The State Administration for Market Regulation, SAMR, announced on Wednesday that China's regulator of the market held a seminar on fair competition, with representatives from seven companies. These included Alibaba and LONGi. The statement stated that the executives who attended the symposium on February 2nd discussed the market, competition and the difficulties they face. They also made suggestions to combat monopolies and unfair competitors.

First Solar launches legal action against JinkoSolar for forecasting higher sales in 2025

First Solar, a solar panel manufacturer, forecasted higher sales for the current year and reported a rise of its fourth-quarter profits on Tuesday. It also announced that it had taken legal action against JinkoSolar over patent infringement. Extended trading saw shares up by 3.8% to $153.00. In November, the Biden administration imposed tariffs on imports of solar panels from four Southeast Asian countries after American manufacturers complained that companies were flooding markets with cheap products, which benefited U.S.

Lightsource bp has secured 10 power purchases totaling 1.3 GW in the last 12 months

The firm reported on Wednesday that Lightsource bp - a renewable energy developer and a subsidiary of British oil giant BP - secured 10 power purchase agreement (PPA) in the last year, totaling 1.3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity worldwide. Lightsource bp stated that the PPAs have been contracted in Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific for solar power. Microsoft, Google and LyondellBasell, a chemicals company, are among the customers of Lightsource bp. The average contract lasts 12 years.

Researchers find that China's clean-energy investments are on par with global fossil fuel investments.

According to a recent analysis by the U.K.-based Carbon Brief, China will invest 6.8 trillion yuan (about $940 billion) in clean energies in 2024. This is close to the global investment of $1.12 trillion made in fossil fuels. This was despite the fact that growth in China's investments in clean energy slowed to 7% in 2023 from 40% due to overcapacity. Over half of this investment was from China's rapidly growing electric vehicle, solar and battery industries.

IEA: Global electricity demand will grow by 4% until 2027

The IEA released a report Friday that predicted the global electricity demand to increase by 4% – or more than Japan's total annual consumption – each year until 2027. However, the expansion of energy sources with low emissions should help counteract this trend. The IEA said that the 85% growth in global demand is expected to come from emerging and developing economies. China will account for more than half the growth with a 6% annual growth rate.

IEA: Global electricity demand will grow by 4% until 2027

The IEA reported on Friday that the global electricity demand will grow more than Japan's total annual consumption through 2027. However, the expansion of energy sources with low emissions should help to offset this trend. The IEA said that the 85% growth in global demand is expected to come from emerging and developing economies. China will account for more than half the growth with a 6% annual growth rate. China's power demand has grown faster than its economy since 2020…

Inpex, a Japanese company, targets FID in 2027 for Indonesia's Abadi Liquefied natural gas project

Inpex Corp., Japan's largest oil and gas exploration company, announced on Thursday that it plans to make its final investment decision on the Abadi project for liquefied gas in Indonesia by 2027, as part of efforts to increase LNG supply. The company has a three-year plan that will run through 2027. It plans to invest 11.8 trillion yen (11,7 billion dollars) in areas of growth, including the flagship Ichthys project in Australia. "Natural Gas and LNG have relatively low greenhouse gas emission intensity compared to fossil fuels…

Maguire: Recovering wind power may cool Europe's hot gas market

The wind-powered electricity produced in Europe in January 2024 was down by more than 7%, denying regional power producers a vital source of clean energy just as the demand for heating reached its peak. This wind shortage triggered an increase in Europe's natural gas-based electricity generation to its highest level in three years. It also supported a rally which has driven benchmark regional gas prices up by more than 15% this year. Models of wind forecasts now predict a recovery in regional production.

Indonesia's new energy supply plan includes a focus on renewable sources of power.

A deputy minister stated on Tuesday that Indonesia aims to increase its share of renewable energies in the electricity supply plan within the next 10 years. This will be fueled by increased solar, geothermal and hydro power. This new plan is known as RUPTL locally. It would replace Indonesia’s RUPTL 2021-2030, which planned a total new capacity of 40.6 gigawatts, of which 52% was renewable energy. Kartika Wirjoatmodjo said that the government…

German spot prices fall on increased wind power

European spot prices fell on Monday due to a higher average wind output, which is expected to exceed the increase in demand. LSEG data shows that the German day-ahead electricity price was 120.75 Euros ($124.77 per megawatt hour (MWh), down 9.7% on Friday's prices for Monday. LSEG data shows that the French baseload electricity for Tuesday was priced at 144.50 Euros/MWh. On Friday, the contract for Monday's delivery was not traded. LSEG…

China will roll back clean energy subsidies after boom

China's top economic planner said on Sunday that it is taking steps to reduce subsidies for renewable energy after an explosion in solar and wind installations. China has surpassed its own record for solar installations by 45% in 2024. China has installed more than 6 times as much solar power in China today, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. China's rapid installation of clean energy has allowed it to reach its 2030 goal six years earlier than expected.

DeepSeek fever fuels patriotic betting on Chinese AI stocks

Chinese investors are investing in AI-related stocks. They believe that the homegrown startup DeepSeek's artificial intelligence advancement will result in a boom for the sector, and give China the advantage in an intensifying Sino/U.S. tech war. As President Donald Trump re-energizes the trade war by imposing new tariffs, patriotic calls have fueled a frenzy of buying in Chinese chipmakers and software developers as well as data centre operators.

DeepSeek fever fuels patriotic betting on Chinese AI stocks

First Solar wins early victory for ESG group with the use of deep sea minerals

First Solar has agreed not to use minerals from the deep ocean. This is a win for shareholders and environmentalists, as well as a sign that their agenda may make progress in spite of opposition from U.S. president Donald Trump's government. According to an agreement summary provided by the advocacy group As You Sow, the Tempe-based photovoltaic company will not include the minerals in its supply chain until "scientific findings are sufficient" to evaluate the environmental risks associated with this potentially destructive new mining process.

India reviews tariff surcharges on luxury goods, renewables and chemicals amid US pressure

India will review the import tariffs for over 30 items, including luxury cars and photovoltaic cells. This could lead to a rise in imports from America, according to a senior official at the finance ministry. To counteract President Donald Trump's increasing tariff actions, the Government has already reduced the tariffs on several products, including high-end cars, bikes, and chemicals, in the latest Budget. However, it has imposed an additional Agriculture Infrastructure Development Cess, which is an alternative tariff on many items.

Clean energy companies pressure US lawmakers to protect subsides

On Wednesday, U.S. clean energy companies will be heading to Capitol Hill to urge Republican legislators not to eliminate lucrative tax credits that are contained in the landmark climate change legislation of former president Joe Biden. Members of Congress of both parties are being met by hundreds of representatives of firms from the solar, wind, and other renewable energy sectors to promote their role in creating employment and investment, as well as lowering electricity prices and meeting the soaring demand for power from data centers.

Shares of Enphase rise as company forecasts revenue for Q1 above expectations

Enphase Energy, a maker of solar inverters, forecasted first-quarter revenues above market expectations on Tuesday. This was after robust demand led to a higher-than-expected operating profit for the fourth quarter, which sent its shares up 6% after bell. According to data compiled and analyzed by LSEG, the solar energy company expects first-quarter revenues to range between $340 million and $380 million. Analysts had expected $338.5 millions.

Enphase shares soar as revenue forecasts for the first quarter are higher than expected

Enphase Energy, a maker of solar inverters, forecasted first-quarter revenues above Wall Street expectations Tuesday. This was after robust demand led to a higher-than-expected operating profit for the fourth quarter, which sent its shares up 6% after closing bell. According to data compiled and analyzed by LSEG, the solar energy company expects first-quarter revenues to range between $340 million and $380 million. This compares to analyst expectations of $338.5 millions.

Israel urges the public to install solar panels on their roofs in order to generate electricity

Solar panels are being installed on roofs in Israel to harness the sun's power and help Israel meet its growing demand for electricity. Around 15% of Israel's electric production comes from renewable sources, while about 70% of it is natural gas. The Energy Ministry set a 30% target by 2030, which will increase dramatically by 2050, when the goal of net zero emissions becomes a reality. Ron Eifer is the head of the sustainable energy division at the Ministry.

Premier Energies, India's largest solar energy company, halts U.S. plans for solar cell facilities amid policy uncertainty

Premier Energies, a manufacturer of Indian solar modules, announced on Monday that it would put on hold its plans to build a solar cell factory in the U.S. capable of producing 1 gigawatt. This decision was made after President Trump's inauguration and his halting green policies from the Biden era. In July 2024, Premier and North American Solar Module Maker Heliene announced a joint-venture to build a U.S. based solar cell manufacturing…

US Democratic lawmakers ask Trump about his blockage of federal grants for clean energy

U.S. Democratic legislators Friday sent letters asking two federal agencies to explain why federal funds were frozen on clean energy investments and federal funds that would lower energy costs for American customers. The agencies had violated federal law, the lawmakers said. Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin on Friday to explain why his organization froze federal funding that was already obligated for grantees. They claimed that this agency had violated federal law.

Senate Democrats question EPA's blocking of federal grants committed

Senate Democrats asked the newly confirmed Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin on Friday to explain why his agency frozen federal funds already committed to grantees. They claimed the agency had violated federal law. Democrats in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee asked Zeldin to explain why the agency had "clawed-back" funds already committed, after hearing complaints from constituents that they were unable access funds for projects such as solar energy and others already underway.

Waaree, a manufacturer of Indian solar modules, is confident in US demand despite Trump's policy concerns. CEO Waaree

Amit Paithankar, CEO of Waaree Energies, said that the company is confident about U.S. demand, and it is well-positioned to handle possible import tariffs under Donald Trump thanks to its Texas operations. Last week, Trump ordered that spending on climate and infrastructure laws, tax credits for clean industries and new offshore wind leasing be halted. In the last nine months, nearly one fifth of Waaree’s revenue came from the United States. This is a major market for Indian manufacturers of solar modules.

India's Adani Group flagship company posts Q3 loss as coal trading segment weighs on profits

Adani Enterprises in India, the flagship of the Adani Group, reported on Thursday a decline in its third-quarter profits, which was impacted by the performance at the company's coal trading division. The net profit of the company fell to 578.3 millions rupees (6.68 million dollars) during the quarter October-December, down from 18.88 billions rupees one year earlier. The shares of the company fell by 4.6% and were amongst the worst performers in the benchmark Nifty50 index, which dropped 0.1%.

EIA expects higher wholesale electricity prices in the U.S. by 2025

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts higher wholesale electricity prices in 2025 for all regions of the United States, except Texas and Northwest. In a report released on Monday, the EIA stated that wholesale power prices may average $40 per Megawatt Hour (MWh) in 2019. This would represent 7% more than 2024. The EIA predicted that the average cost of electricity in U.S. households would rise by 2% without accounting for inflation.

NextEra advances toward Iowa nuclear plant restart

NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum said on Friday that the company has been in contact with regional grid operators about a potential restart of the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plant located in Iowa. Nuclear power in the United States has been on the decline for decades, but now is a sought-after electricity source by Big Tech's AI Data Centers. Nuclear power's ability, in the past year, to provide vast amounts of energy around-the clock that is almost carbon-free, has helped boost shares of nuclear plant companies.

Beware of Egypt's smokestack reshoring as Cement Exports Soar: Maguire

North Africa's second largest natural gas producer and its largest economy have increased the production and exports of several energy-intensive commodities in an effort to boost the growth of their industrial sector. Egypt's exports of chemicals, fertilizers, and cement doubled from 2022 to 2024. They have also grown by 350% in the last year thanks to government initiatives aimed at promoting rapid industrial growth. The increased output in Egypt coincides with a decrease in production in Europe of the same commodities.

Beware of Egypt's smokestack reshoring as Cement Exports Soar: Maguire

China's carbon power will rise in 2024, surpassing expectations that coal would peak

Official data released on Friday showed that China's thermal power generation, which is mainly coal-powered, increased by 1.5% between 2024 and 2025. This was contrary to expectations, as coal generation had been expected to peak. However, growth has slowed down, reaching its lowest level in nine years, excluding years during the COVID-19 epidemic. The data revealed the difficulties in eliminating coal-fired energy while still meeting China's growing demand for electricity to power its energy-hungry industry and electrify its economy.

Octopus Energy purchases OX2’s French solar unit in order to accelerate development

Octopus Energy, a British company, acquired the French division of OX2, a Swedish firm that builds solar power plants in agricultural areas. Octopus plans to retain its French team and expand the solar portfolio currently under development. France has lagged behind other European countries when it comes to building solar farms in recent years. Recent turmoil in the government has also delayed the implementation of a comprehensive energy plan, which could have streamlined the process.

Huafu fashion is among 37 Chinese companies that the US has banned imports of due to forced labor by Uyghurs.

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday that the United States had banned imports of 37 companies from China over allegations of human rights abuses against the Uyghurs. These companies are in the textile, mining, and solar industries. Huafu Fashion Co. is one of the largest textile companies in the world, along with 25 of its subsidiaries. The U.S. accuses them of forced labor practices in China's Cotton Industry. The companies have been added to the Uyghur Forcible Labor Prevention Act Entity list…

Masdar, UAE launches facility for uninterrupted production of 1GW renewable energy

The chairman of Masdar, a state-owned renewables company in the UAE, announced on Tuesday that the firm has opened a facility to produce clean energy at a rate of 1 gigawatt per hour. At the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week opening, Sultan Al Jaber - who is also the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC), called the project an important step in the transformation of renewable energy into baseload electricity.

Egypt rushes solar energy to catch up as gas prices soar

Egypt, with its few clouds, vast deserts, and well-developed electrical grid, has everything it needs to expand solar energy generation. It is only now that Egypt has begun to take advantage of these resources, as the price of imported natural gas has risen. Last year, a sharp drop in gas production and a growing demand caught the authorities by surprise. This led to rolling blackouts during the hot summer. Ahmed Mortada is the head of energy for the multilateral lender European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in Egypt.

Biden Team wraps up expanded Clean Energy Credit Guidance

The Biden Administration released Tuesday guidance to assist companies in securing clean energy tax credits as part of the 2022 Inflation reduction Act. This program finalized a program that extends subsidies previously available for solar and wind to other low-carbon sources. This move is a part of the actions taken by outgoing president Joe Biden to support his administration's efforts to combat climate change. The move could be vulnerable…

Trina Solar breaks world record in solar technology

Trina Solar, a Chinese company, announced in a Monday statement that it had set a world record for the efficiency of conversion of a particular type of solar panel. According to Fraunhofer's CalLab, Germany, the solar research institute, Trina’s large-surface area n type fully passivated heterojunction modules (HJTs) demonstrated an efficiency rate of 25.4% in laboratory tests. Cell efficiency is the percentage of solar power that is converted to usable electricity. Passivation covers the defects on the solar cell surface.

Sekisui Chem will begin mass production perovskite cells in 2027

Sekisui Chemical, a Japanese company, announced on Thursday its intention to mass produce next-generation Perovskite Solar Cells (PSCs) by 2027. Scientists consider PSCs to be an alternative low-cost option to silicon cells. They can reduce the space needed for solar panels. Sekisui will, in partnership and with the Development Bank of Japan, establish a new firm in early January that will design, manufacture, as well as sell PSCs, under a Sekisui Chemical license.

China's Polysilicon Futures Debut on Guangzhou Exchange

On Thursday, China's Polysilicon Futures were launched on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange. Prices fell across the board at the midday break. Seven contracts are available for delivery beginning in June 2025. On Thursday, the price of the front month contract for June deliveries fell by half to 41 710 yuan (5 714.48 dollars) per metric tonne from its initial listing price of 44 000 yuan. Trading volumes stood around 260,826 lots. China is the largest producer of polysilicon in the world, which is a raw material for solar panels.

Housing regulator: China will focus on stabilising the housing market by 2025

China Construction News, citing the work conference of the housing regulator held on Tuesday and Wednesday, reported that efforts will continue to be made in 2025 in order to stabilize and prevent further falls in China's property market. The report stated that China would vigorously promote reform of the commercial property sales system and expand the scope for urban village renovation beyond adding 1 million units. China said it would strictly control the commercial housing supply…

Sources say that Tesla's former China plant head will join renewable energy company Envision

Two sources with knowledge of the situation said that Tesla's former China Plant Manager is expected to join Chinese renewable energy company Envision. One source said that Song Gang, who announced Wednesday his departure from Tesla, will be taking on supply chain management duties for Envision. Envision and Song didn't immediately respond to separate comments. Tesla did not reply to a question about Song's departure. Envision, headquartered in Shanghai, is the largest wind turbine company in the world.

Spain's demand for electricity is increasing as renewables set records

According to Red Electrica's estimates, the amount of electricity consumed in Spain increased this year, after two years of decline. A record 56% came from renewable sources, such as solar and wind. The Spanish renewable energy industry has warned about the dangers of future investment in this sector due to the lack of demand for electricity. The preliminary figures indicate that demand increased by 1%, or 1.6% when adjusted for working hours and temperatures from 2023 to 244 terawatt-hours.

Qcells claims that a new technology could reduce the space required for solar panels

Hanwha Corp.'s Qcells announced on Wednesday that it had made a significant breakthrough in a new solar technology. This has the potential of reducing the space needed by panels to generate electricity from the sun's light. The solar industry is facing a number of pressing challenges, including the need for more space. In some areas of the United States, large-scale projects that occupy vast tracts of land are being met with opposition.

Canada will impose new tariffs on Chinese imports during the New Year

The government's latest fiscal update revealed that Canada will impose tariffs as soon as next year on a number of Chinese products as part of a larger investigation into the imports of the country. The government of Justin Trudeau has already placed a tariff of 100% on all Chinese electric cars and a tariff of 25% on the imports from China. The finance ministry had previously stated that it was exploring ways to increase the tariffs. The mid-year financial update…

EU solar growth slows, raising concerns for energy transition

Industry data revealed on Tuesday that the growth in solar power installations in Europe has slowed to 4% after years of double digit increases. This is raising concerns over the continent's transition to clean energy. The findings are a blow to the European Union’s plans to expand rapidly its use of renewable energies – a key pillar in the bloc’s efforts to combat climate change and to end its dependence on Russian fossil fuels. SolarPower Europe…

US solar industry's strategy for Trump's era downplays climate

The U.S. Solar Industry unveiled their lobbying strategy on Thursday for the incoming Trump Administration. They promoted themselves as a domestic employment engine that could help meet soaring demand for power, without mentioning its role in fighting climate change. The new policy agenda is a dramatic shift for the solar industry, which has been a major beneficiary from the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark climate change law passed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Investors threaten to take action after the Czech Parliament cuts solar industry aid

On Wednesday, the lower house of the Czech parliament approved a change in rules for aids to solar power plants that could reduce some support. Industry representatives criticized this decision and said it violated commitments made by government. The bill still requires approval from the upper house. It will require power plants that were built between 2009 and 2010 - when profits soared - to provide annual profit calculations. These calculations will be used to determine if they are eligible for state assistance.

ReNew Energy, India's energy company, has offered to be privatized in a $2.82 billion deal

Filings with the U.S. Securities And Exchange Commission show that some of the largest investors in ReNew Energy Global are offering to take the company public. The proposed deal values the generator, according to calculations, at $2.82 Billion. The consortium of Masdar in the UAE, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board chairman Sumant Sinha, and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority unit with 64% collective voting rights has formed and offered to purchase shares of India's second-largest clean energy generator for $7.07 per share.

Phillips 66 and NextEra team up to power California refinerys with solar energy

The refiner announced on Tuesday that Phillips 66 would power its Rodeo refinery with a solar facility operated and owned by NextEra Energy. In a press statement, Phillips 66 said that the solar plant will be constructed on 88 acres of land (36 hectares), adjacent to the renewable fuels facility located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The solar plant will be composed of over 70,000 modules that will produce around 60,000 Megawatt Hours of electricity per year.

India will mandate the use of solar cells made locally in all clean energy projects by June 2026

From June 2026, Indian clean energy companies will have to use solar photovoltaic modules made from local cells by a list of approved companies. This is a measure to reduce imports from China, the top supplier. India has already required the use of solar cells made in India for government projects. The government intends to increase the non-fossil energy capacity of its country to 500 GW from 156 GW currently. India currently has a capacity to produce solar PV modules of around 80 gigawatts…

Tata Power CEO: India's Tata prefers the domestic market to lucrative solar exports

Tata Power’s newly constructed 4.3 gigawatts (GW) solar cell and module manufacturing facility in southern India is mainly aimed at domestic markets, according to its chief executive, despite the fact that exports have increased exponentially. Tata Power is one of India's largest integrated power companies. It has invested 508 million dollars in a new facility for the production of solar cells and modules in Tamil Nadu. "We will be setting up this factory to serve the Indian market" This country is a huge opportunity.

Meyer Burger secures $40 mln in bridge loan after key client's exit

The Swiss solar panel manufacturer Meyer Burger announced on Friday that it had secured nearly 40 million dollars in bridge financing for its business, after its biggest customer, DESRI said it would be pulling out last month. Meyer Burger stated in November that its future was uncertain following the announcement of the DESRI's exit, which followed a number of other setbacks. Meyer Burger expects to draw down an initial tranche worth $19.7 Million from the new bridge loans facility.

German Cabinet approves $1.4 billion subsidy to reduce 2025 electricity network fees

The German cabinet approved a proposal to provide a subsidy of 1.3 billion euros ($1.37 billion) for electricity network fees that consumers will pay next year. This was announced by the Economy Ministry on Tuesday. High energy prices are straining household budgets in Europe's largest economy and affecting industrial production. The ministry stated that the subsidy would be funded by federal funds. It is expected to reduce the network charges, which make up approximately 20% of the electricity bill.

Solar tariffs in the US will increase prices and reduce profit margins for Southeast Asia

Analysts said that a new round of U.S. import tariffs against Southeast Asian solar panel producers will likely increase consumer prices while reducing producer profits. However, the industry had anticipated this move. The Commerce Department announced new duties on Friday that extend the United States anti-dumping regime to solar cells in Southeast Asia, instead of just finished modules. Citi analyst Pierre Lau wrote in a report that the tariff increase was in line with what had been expected.

India's floating-solar plans face opposition from fishermen

But he fears his livelihood could evaporate if plans to install a huge floating solar farm on the Nathsagar reservoir go ahead. The government is considering a project to blanket about 7,500 hectares of the 350-sq km reservoir near the town of Paithan in Maharashtra state with floating photovoltaics, part of an ambitious push to create 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030 - enough to power hundreds of millions of homes in the world's most populous nation.

Australia proposes tax incentives for critical mineral deposits

The Australian government will introduce legislation on Monday to implement production tax incentive for renewable hydrogen and essential minerals. This could help boost investment in this sector, which can play a key role in energy transformation plans. The government announced that the proposed law would establish a tax incentive of 10% on the relevant processing and refinement costs for 31 essential minerals, from the fiscal years ending in June 2028 until the fiscal years 2039-40, up to ten year per project.

NTPC Green's IPO attracted bids of $1.8 bln, making it the third largest listing in India this year.

NTPC Green Energy (the renewable energy arm of the state-owned NTPC) received bids totaling 154.06 Billion Rupees ($1.83 Billion) for its $1.2 Billion initial public offering on Friday, as investors placed bets on the growing need for clean energy in the country. India is rushing to meet its clean-energy targets. It has increased investments in renewables and expanded capacity. Moody's ratings says it will need to spend $385bn by 2030 to reach its goals after failing to do so in 2022.

NTPC Green’s $1.2 billion IPO is fully subscribed by the final day in India’s bet on renewable energy

Investors bet on India's growing need for clean energy. The $1.2 billion NTPC Green Energy initial public offering was fully subscribed by Friday's closing day of the sale. The 96% subscription rate was achieved by the institutional investors who received approximately three quarters of all 593.2 millions shares. The bids will close at 5 pm IST the same day. As of 12:23 am IST, the portion reserved for retail investors had been oversubscribed 2.81 times after it was fully subscribed during Tuesday's first day of auction.

China has finalised stricter guidelines on solar manufacturing investment

According to an announcement on the ministry's website, China's Industry Ministry finalised on Wednesday investment guidelines for solar photovoltaic manufacturing projects to curb overcapacity. Companies are directed to maintain a capital ratio of at least 30% for solar PV project. This standard was previously only applicable to polysilicon projects, while the minimum capital ratio for all other PV projects remained at 20%. The ministry didn't provide a definition for the ratio.

Albanese: Australia and India will boost their cooperation in renewables and defence

Australia and India will work together to increase investment in renewable energies, such as solar manufacturing, batteries, and mineral processing. This was the announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a G20 meeting on the sidelines. Albanese, the Australian Minister for Defence and Maritime Security, said that Australia and India would also like to increase their defence and maritime cooperation. He made this statement during a Tuesday meeting in Rio de Janeiro with India's PM Narendra Modi.