LG Energy Solution's US subsidiary has signed a 1.5 GW/6 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) deal with Michigan utility DTE Energy, marking one of the largest BESS deals in North America. The agreement supports DTE Energy's transition to renewable energy and helps stabilize its grid operations.
Ingeteam has introduced the Ingecon Sun 300TL, a high-density string inverter designed for large utility-scale solar plants with high power density and industrial-grade communications. The unit measures 1,045 mm x 1,045 mm x 400 mm and features up to 300 kW output power, supporting increased design flexibility for different module configurations and plant topologies. It reaches a maximum efficiency of 99.05% and is certified for installations in extreme temperatures and at high altitudes.
Switzerland's distribution grid operators will be allowed to remunerate solar power at market rates starting January 1, 2027, in an effort to encourage feeding electricity into the grid when it is most needed. The federal government aims to create incentives for this practice, while still offering higher remuneration rates as an option. Small photovoltaic system operators will receive a minimum remuneration premium if they face low market prices, which can be mitigated through energy storage systems or local consumption arrangements.
Alpha has launched a propane heat pump system called Magis M Top, which uses reversible air-to-water inverter technology to provide efficient heating, cooling, and hot water for residential applications. The system features low sound levels and can operate in extreme temperatures, including -25 C outdoor and 75 C flow temperatures. The Magis M Top has reported COP values of up to 5.2 and integrates weather compensation, smart-grid compatibility, and anti-legionella domestic hot water functions.
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming increasingly crucial for solar project bankability in Africa due to the continent's world-beating solar resources and growing need for flexible, dispatchable power. Africa has incredible renewable resources, but flexibility and bankability remain major challenges. The continent's most promising markets, such as South Africa, Egypt, Zambia, Namibia, and Kenya, are expected to see storage scale fastest as regulation evolves alongside renewable growth.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's "Bring Your Own Energy" (BYOE) plan aims to reduce state energy costs by requiring AI data centers to cover their own energy use. The plan involves creating an alternative funding mechanism for the facilities, but overcoming legislative and regulatory hurdles remains a challenge. The governor's office has released details on how to implement BYOE, but further support from legislators is necessary to make it successful.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Egypt's hybrid solar-storage model, which is now being applied to additional projects in the country and starting to be adopted in Jordan. This financing structure was originally developed for a 1.1 GW solar-plus-storage project in Egypt and has shown success, allowing the EBRD to replicate it elsewhere. The model is expected to spread across the Middle East region (MENA).
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has certified a 400-MW battery storage project on a ranch in Alameda County, with a maximum storage capacity of 3,200 MWh. The project will be built and owned by Pacific Gas and Electric, with construction expected to take between 15-18 months starting in 2026. This is the third clean energy project approved through the CEC's Opt-In Certification Program this year, totaling around 3,300 megawatts of clean energy resources.
The Freeing the Grid initiative assigns letter grades to states' distribution interconnection rules, with the goal of simplifying the process of connecting solar and storage systems to the grid. The grades are based on factors such as application fees, interconnection review timelines, and requirements for system design and testing. Overall, the report aims to provide transparency and insights into the regulatory landscape surrounding grid connection in each state.
Pine Point School district has commissioned a new solar + BESS microgrid project with a capacity of 2.7 MWh, aiming to increase energy independence and insulate from rising energy costs due to new data center construction in the area. The project is expected to help reduce the school district's reliance on public utilities. The goal of this initiative is to promote energy autonomy for the community.
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