Big Moves
IPX gets $4.95 billion for California solar and BESS project
IPX Power has secured $4.95 billion in committed financing for the construction and operation of the Darden solar and storage projects located in Fresno County, California. The project will feature 1.15 GWac of solar capacity and 4.6 GWh of battery energy storage (BESS). Commercial operations for the project are expected to commence in 2028.
News
ADB backs 310 MW solar expansion in Bhutan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $160 million loan to expand solar power generation in Bhutan through the deployment of at least 310 MW of new solar capacity. The project includes 120 MW Wobthang, 40 MW Pedseling, and 150 MW Dramthang solar farms. The initiative also includes 46 km of transmission infrastructure to connect the projects to the national grid.
Interviews
Floating solar is getting more reliable and profitable: Ciel & Terre’s Vincent Grumetz
The first floating solar projects were installed 15 years ago, and we can see that those power plants are still running and producing electricity. Thus, the technology is proven. Further, growth is also being driven by the price, and floating solar technology is becoming more competitive. For instance, the price of solar modules went down, and so did the capex of floating solar, thereby making this technology more profitable.
Opinion & Perspective
US Can’t Afford to Slow Down on Climate Action
US stands at a critical junction on the road to a clean energy future, and states must decide for themselves how to forge ahead. Against the backdrop of the Trump administration continuing to throw up every conceivable climate and clean energy roadblock, many states are still forging ahead on climate progress. As Americans face mounting economic challenges due to inflation driven by energy prices and the rising costs of essential goods and services, some state leaders are becoming more cautious about championing strong climate policy because of concerns about affordability. Creative policy solutions exist to help individual states create their own paths to move forward on climate and clean energy progress while meeting the moment by being responsive to today’s changing electricity landscape and political concerns.
Mega Trends & Analysis
Europe installed 36 GWh BESS capacity in 2025: Report
In 2025, Europe installed 36 GWh of batteries, representing a substantial acceleration compared to the previous year. This corresponds to an increase of 11.7 GWh (+48%) compared to 2024 and marks the largest year on year capacity increase to date, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 (9.2 GWh). Since 2022, the annual market has more than tripled, and despite the slowdown observed in 2024 (+24%), battery storage has regained strong momentum. In 2025, utility-scale batteries led the market with 19 GWh installed, up from the 9.7 GWh in 2024. In addition, hybrid solar-plus-storage projects are scaling rapidly. Hybrid projects are gaining significant traction in the EU, with around 20% of new BESS capacity paired with solar PV.
Policy Watch
New Community Solar Policy Interventions in Various US States
In 2026, the United States surpassed 6 million solar installations, just two short years after it reached 5 million installations. For Americans looking to save on their utility bills and, for those who add batteries, ensure resilient access to power during a grid outage, solar and storage are the go-to solutions. There is enough solar installed in the United States to power roughly 50 million households, and by 2034, there will be enough solar capacity to power 100 million homes. In 2025, a new solar project was installed every 59 seconds, and solar and storage combined to provide 79% of all new energy capacity added to the U.S. grid.
Tech Talk
Grid-Forming Inverters: Enabling stability in renewable-dominated systems
GRID-INDIA has proposed a set of measures to support the adoption of GFM technology in the Indian power system. It is recommended that new BESS installations above 50 MW, particularly in remote or weak-grid areas, incorporate GFM capability. A phased roll-out is suggested, beginning with large pilot projects using BESS-backed GFM inverters. These pilots would provide operational experience and help stakeholders make informed decisions for wider deployment. In parallel, aligning Indian standards with international testing and performance frameworks would help ease the transition. Effective implementation will also require close coordination between technology providers, renewable and storage developers, system operators and regulators.
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Webinars & Videos
The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa Webinar
Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – a region that has long been a cornerstone of the global energy system – electricity demand is surging, driven by cooling and desalination needs, as well as urbanisation, electrification and digitalisation. How countries meet this increased demand will have profound implications for both regional economies and global energy markets.
Knowledge Centre
Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026: Report
Southeast Asia is a very dynamic region that is set to be a major driver of global energy demand growth, but the Middle East conflict has provided a stark wake-up call for the region’s energy system. Governments are focused on managing the short-term energy impacts of the crisis. Immediate impacts have been felt most acutely in refining, petrochemicals, power generation and cooking fuels. A stronger and more co-ordinated regional response will be essential to address these challenges. The outlook for electricity supply and emissions is increasingly shaped by the pace at which renewables and other sources of low-emissions power can be scaled up. Delivering this transition depends on an efficient build-out and use of enabling infrastructure, particularly grids and storage.
Finance
Can solar panels improve energy access for low-income households in Pakistan?
As electricity prices across Pakistan soar, the Punjab government is testing a novel alternative to traditional subsidies: providing free solar panels to nearly 100,000 low-income households. A new evaluation examines the impact of this programme on electricity access and household outcomes, to determine whether distributed renewable energy can ensure affordable energy access while reducing fiscal burdens. Chronic electricity shortages and rising fuel costs have made it difficult for Pakistan to ensure its people have basic electricity access. The country has historically relied on lifeline tariffs to subsidise electricity access for poor households.
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This space is reserved for sponsored content and advertising banners. Sponsored content can include white papers, webinars, case studies, research reports and other relevant content. The advertising can be in the form of banners with links to the advertiser’s landing page. If you would like to promote sponsored content or advertise, please write to us at: marketing@reglobal.co