Big Moves
RWE secures approval for 1.1 GW Australian wind farm
RWE has received federal environmental approval for its 1.1 GW Theodore wind farm. The project is located in Central Queensland, Australia. The project secured State Development Approval in June 2025 and was awarded the Capacity Investment Scheme contract under Tender 7 in May 2026. The project, valued at A$3 billion, will comprise up to 170 wind turbines and a battery energy storage system (BESS).
News
CIP achieves FID for 420 MW hybrid project in Mexico
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Growth Markets Fund II, has reached final investment decision (FID) and financial close on La Esperanza hybrid project located in Campeche, Mexico. The project comprises a 420 MWdc solar project with a 150 MW/750 MWh five-hour duration battery energy storage system. Project construction is currently underway, with commercial operations expected to commence in 2028.
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
What Worked: Early Wins from South Africa’s First Just Energy Transition Partnership
Just energy transitions are difficult, especially for emerging economies such as South Africa, where decarbonisation must be balanced with economic development, employment and energy security. Since its launch at COP26 in 2021, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) sought to meet this challenge through international finance, political commitment, and coordinated planning. The partnership has faced legitimate criticism. Progress has been slower than anticipated, financing has not always matched expectations, and differences in priorities between South Africa and its international partners have shaped implementation. Yet, the JETP has delivered important early gains that provide a foundation for further progress.
Mega Trends & Analysis
Rapid Growth in Australia’s Distributed Storage Market: REI
Utility-scale batteries are particularly well suited to energy arbitrage, whereby they charge during periods of low or negative prices and discharge during periods of high prices. This is their primary source of revenue. They are also the leading providers of frequency control ancillary services (FCAS), including regulation services and contingency reserves that help maintain system frequency close to 50 Hz. These services require rapid response times, giving lithium-ion batteries a significant competitive advantage. Batteries typically charge during periods of strong daytime solar generation and low electricity prices, then discharge during the evening when solar output declines and demand remains elevated, enabling energy arbitrage while supporting grid stability and limiting curtailment.
Policy Watch
New US Western Grid: EDAM, Markets+ redefining wholesale power across the West
The US’ western energy markets are undergoing a major transformation. On May 1, 2026, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and PacifiCorp switched on the extended day-ahead market (EDAM), the biggest expansion of centralised electricity trading in the US Western Interconnection in a decade. For the first time, a day-ahead, security-constrained economic dispatch (SCED) will co-optimise generation and transmission across balancing authority areas (BAAs) that stretch from California to Wyoming. It builds on the real-time Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), which has generated cumulative benefits of USD8.6 billion since its launch in 2014 across a region representing approximately 80 per cent of western electricity demand.
Tech Talk
Digital Upgrade: Growing role of automation in enhancing renewable power operations
With renewable energy capacity expanding rapidly, power plants are increasingly using automation and digital tools to handle more complex operations and improve efficiency. Automation in the sector has progressed steadily, moving from basic mechanisation to advanced systems such as programmable logic controllers and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms. At present, technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, robotics and internet of things (IoT) are enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and better forecasting of power generation. Automated systems also allow operators to centrally monitor and remotely manage renewable assets across multiple locations, helping reduce downtime, lower losses and improve overall plant performance.
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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
Norway Critical Minerals Review: Report
The analysis covers Norway’s end-to-end approach, encompassing exploration, extraction, refining, recycling and downstream integration into advanced industries. The report identifies several areas of strength in Norway’s approach. These include its substantial geological potential, its advanced innovation and recycling sectors, and its active participation in European policy frameworks. The report concludes that Norway stands at a strategic crossroads. Decisive policy action, targeted investment in innovation, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration will be critical for Norway to secure its position as a leader in sustainable critical minerals supply.
Finance
Sonnedix secures €730 million financing for clean energy projects in Europe
Sonnedix has secured €730 million in financing for renewable energy projects across France, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The financing will be used for the refinancing, optimisation and construction of the projects across the four countries. The financing covers around 540 MW of solar capacity and two battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.
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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