UAE state-owned IPP Masdar has reached financial close on a hybrid solar project with a 19GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the UAE, which claims to be the world's first "gigascale 24/7 renewable energy project". The project aims to provide continuous renewable energy.
The European Commission has released its final Electrification Action Plan, reaffirming its target of 200GW of energy storage in the EU by 2030. The plan aims to support the electrification of Europe's transportation sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Australia added 9.1GW of new generation and storage capacity in FY26, surpassing the previous year's total by more than double. Battery storage led the growth, dominating the addition of new energy capacity. This represents a significant increase from FY25 when only 4.8GW was added to the NEM network.
The European Commission has published an Electrification Action Plan aiming to accelerate the electrification of energy-consuming sectors in Europe, with a target of 46% by 2040, which could reduce annual fossil fuel import costs by €240 billion. However, significant barriers remain, including high electricity prices and slow grid connection approvals, that need to be addressed through measures such as narrowing price gaps between electricity and gas. The plan aims to create a level playing field and encourage the deployment of cleaner technologies.
Australia saw a record surge in new solar, wind and battery projects entering the National Electricity Market (NEM) in the 2025/26 financial year, with 9.1 GW of new generation and storage capacity reached full output. This includes 3.9 GW of capacity across 14 projects reaching full output in the June quarter alone, driven by a strong pipeline of 32 project applications worth 6.9 GW. Battery projects continued to dominate the connections pipeline, accounting for 52% of total capacity.
Australia is set to introduce legislation requiring large-scale data centers to generate at least as much renewable energy as they consume. The new law aims to ensure that data centers contribute a minimum of 50% of their total energy needs with renewable sources by 2030. Renewable energy will be mandatory for all data centers in Australia, starting from 2026 onwards.
Attorneys general from 18 US states are seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit against the Department of Defense over its freeze on wind power permitting reviews, citing impacts on energy portfolios, employment, tax revenue, and public health. The states aim to vacate and enjoin the freeze, alleging violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, with New York Attorney General Letitia James leading the motion. Industry plaintiffs have allowed state intervention, while the Department of Defense has reserved its position and will file a response.
Autometall Technology (ATW) showcased turnkey PV solutions from ingot to module, as well as energy storage solutions, including silver-free stringers and copper paste printing technology. The company also previewed innovations in tandem cell manufacturing and demonstrated a full-stack lithium battery module/PACK manufacturing solution with advanced analytical system and digital twin technologies. ATW is localizing its production capabilities through co-development with European market partners to meet specific regional needs.
CHINT Global is addressing Europe's dual challenge of achieving AI sovereignty and energy security by developing integrated power solutions that bridge AI infrastructure and energy transition. The company aims to provide comprehensive support for Europe's growing demand for renewable energy. CHINT Global is a key player in helping European countries balance their need for digitalization with the need to reduce carbon emissions.
The US hydropower industry is facing challenges with upgrading or replacing large power transformers, primarily due to supply chain issues and a shortage of skilled workers. A new report by the National Laboratory of the Rockies has identified nine unique challenges in the supply chain for these critical components. The lack of domestic manufacturing capacity and reliance on foreign suppliers exacerbates the problem.
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