During the period from September 11th to 17th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. France allocates 971 MW in ground-mounted PV tender
France’s Ministry of Ecological Transition announced the results of the eighth PPE2 ground-mounted solar tender, awarding 971 MW to 165 projects ranging from 500 kW to 5 MW. Projects must have a carbon footprint between 200–550 kg CO₂eq/kW and be operational within 30 months. The average winning bid was €0.07948/kWh, slightly higher than the previous round. Developers like Générale du Solaire secured significant shares. The next tender, scheduled for December, will allocate 925 MW.
2. Sri Lanka breaks ground on 100 MW solar project
Sri Lanka has begun construction of its largest renewable energy project—the 100 MW Revidanawe solar plant with 12 MWh of storage. The $140 million project is expected to generate 219 GWh annually upon completion in 2027, saving $69.7 million in annual diesel imports and supporting the country’s goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
3. Türkiye to tender 850 MW of solar
Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy will launch a renewable energy tender in November–December, allocating 850 MW of solar and 1,150 MW of wind capacity. The uniform ceiling price is set at €0.055/kWh, with solar and wind floor prices at €0.0325/kWh and €0.035/kWh, respectively. Winning projects will enjoy 5–6 years of free electricity sales before signing 20-year PPAs, advancing the country’s goal of 120 GW solar and wind capacity by 2035.
4. Magtel wins €500 million Spain tender for 289 MW pumped hydro with solar
Spanish company Magtel won a €500 million tender for a 289 MW/2,554 MWh pumped hydro storage project paired with a 229 MW solar plant. Located in a former mining area in Córdoba, the project includes 39 km of transmission lines and a dedicated PV plant to enhance grid flexibility and energy transition, aligning with local just transition strategies.
5. Saharan dust events can reduce PV power output in Mediterranean area by up to 50%
A Hungarian study found that Saharan dust events can reduce solar power output by 25–40% on average in five Mediterranean countries, including Portugal and Spain, with extreme cases causing 50% losses in Greece. The study emphasizes integrating real-time dust monitoring and aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions into PV forecasting to improve accuracy and support renewable planning.
6. Azerbaijan builds largest BESS, Uzbekistan launches storage hub
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are making significant strides in energy storage and renewables. Azerbaijan’s state-owned AzerEnergy is building the country’s largest 250 MW/500 MWh BESS at two key substations to enhance grid stability and renewable integration, supporting its goal of 2 GW renewables by 2027. In Uzbekistan, ACWA Power secured a $51 million loan to develop a 200 MW wind farm with 100 MWh of storage, advancing regional energy transition and grid modernization.
7. Renewables reach record 76% of demand on Australia’s main grid
Renewables met a record 76.4% of demand on Australia’s National Electricity Market at noon on December 9, with rooftop solar contributing 43.7%, utility-scale solar 15.9%, wind 30.6%, and hydro 2.1%. Despite 4,879 MW of curtailment, renewables supplied 21,917 MW of the total 29,215 MW demand.
8. India installs 3.8 GW open-access solar in H1 2025, says Mercom
India added 3.8 GW of open-access solar capacity in H1 2025, including a quarterly record of 2.7 GW in April–June. Growth was driven by developers rushing to secure transmission charge waivers. Maharashtra accounted for over 30% of new capacity, while Karnataka remained the national leader in cumulative capacity. Total open-access solar reached 24.6 GW by end-June.
9. Solar output up sixfold in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
Solar generation in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia increased sixfold from 2019 to 2024, reaching 29 TWh—twice the EU average growth rate. While these countries are actively reducing coal dependence, energy storage deployment lags, and their 2030 renewable targets fall below the EU average. Future progress faces policy and flexibility challenges.
10. The Netherlands adds around 550 MW of small-scale solar in H1
The Netherlands added approximately 550 MW of distributed solar (under 1 MW) in H1 2025, according to research data. Residential and commercial PV sales weakened due to government changes and market signals. Large-scale solar still relies on subsidies, but frequent negative prices impact project returns. Achieving long-term decarbonization goals requires stronger investment in solar, storage, and grids.
11. Latin America’s energy storage market set to hit 23 GW by 2034
Wood Mackenzie forecasts Latin America’s energy storage market will grow at an 8% CAGR through 2034, reaching 23 GW cumulative capacity. Chile leads the region with advanced regulations, followed by Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Key drivers include renewable targets and grid stability needs, but unclear policies and high costs remain challenges.
12. California orders utilities to offer dynamic power pricing
The California Public Utilities Commission has mandated that the state’s three largest utilities implement dynamic pricing, with rates changing at least hourly to incentivize flexible electricity use. The policy aims to reduce renewable curtailment, lower wholesale costs and emissions, and encourage efficient distribution system use. Consumer protections will ensure bill stability.
13. SunCable to supply solar and storage to data centers by 2028
Australia’s SunCable has revised its Australia-Asia Power Link project, prioritizing large-scale solar and storage in the Northern Territory to supply local customers like data centers by 2028. The original plan to export power to Singapore is now a long-term goal. The project includes 20 GW of solar and 42 GWh of storage, with a final investment decision expected in 2027.
14. Brazil solar curtailment hits 20% as renewables strain grid infrastructure
Brazil’s renewable curtailment worsened in H1 2025, with solar curtailment reaching 20% in August, severely impacting investments and highlighting grid bottlenecks. Analysts urge improved compensation mechanisms, accelerated storage and transmission projects, and demand-side management with time-of-use pricing to alleviate curtailment and ensure a smooth energy transition.