Energy Digest

Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) prices in Europe rose 0.4% between the second and third quarters of 2026, while in the US prices increased by 4.9%. The European solar PPA price index stands at 0.86, equivalent to 86% of the price in 2024, indicating recent stabilization after a period of decline. Hybrid solar energy storage system (BESS) contracts are gaining traction across Europe, with Spanish hybrid PPAs reaching an average of €48/MWh.

Scatec has secured $217 million in non-recourse loans for the first phase of its Dandara project in Egypt, a 569 MW solar-plus-storage plant with a capital cost of $271 million, set to begin commercial operation in the first half of 2028. The project is expected to generate 1.4 TWh of electricity annually and avoid 550,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Scatec will hold 56% of the project, with National Bank of Egypt holding a 20% stake.

The UK government has retained the boiler upgrade scheme (BUS) grant, offering up to GBP 9,000 to consumers to accelerate electrification of home heating, with funding levels set to increase broadly in line with inflation. Social housing tenants will also benefit from an additional GBP 100 million of funding for solar installations. The government's total budget for the Warm Home Plan, which includes solar, battery storage, and heat pump installations, has been cut by GBP 1 billion.

Renewable mini-grids on islands have reached high levels of renewable energy, with 11 islands achieving 88-100% renewable supply, demonstrating that the technology is viable in different configurations. However, social, political, and economic factors, rather than just technical capabilities, are the key determinants of success, including stakeholder lines, community ownership, and government support. The lack of a single, universal definition of success highlights the variability of renewable energy implementation on islands.

Virtual power plants can coordinate millions of home batteries, EV chargers, and smart thermostats as a fleet of distributed energy resources to strengthen grid resilience and address load growth. This approach enables scalability and economic viability for grid support services. By leveraging distributed energy resources, virtual power plants can help stabilize the grid.

CPP Wind Engineering is launching a wind certification program for utility-scale solar projects, aiming to improve performance and durability in various wind conditions. The program is believed to be the first of its kind in the industry, offering a new standard for wind testing. The certification program will help ensure the reliability and efficiency of utility-scale solar energy systems.

SolSmart, a national program helping local governments go solar, has marked its 10th anniversary, assisting over 600 local governments and regional organizations in cutting red tape and increasing energy choice for residents. The program, supported by the US government, aims to strengthen community energy resilience. SolSmart provides free technical assistance to help local governments overcome solar energy adoption barriers.

NGOs, civil society, and industry are urging the European Commission to keep the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) framework stable during the post-2030 energy framework negotiations, fearing potential reopening could undermine progress made in the fight against climate change. The RED has been instrumental in driving the EU's transition to a low-carbon economy. Reopening the RED could lead to increased costs and uncertainty for businesses and consumers.

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300, a small electric aircraft, can fly at speeds of over 160 km/h and climb to altitude with instant acceleration. The aircraft consumes about $9 worth of electricity for a half-hour flight, a significant reduction compared to conventional piston engines. The Alia features a 15-meter wingspan and a fly-by-wire system, making it easier to manage than traditional aircraft.

Bimergen Energy, a developer-operator of energy storage, has filed an application for a Retail Electric Provider certificate in Texas, US, to serve data centers.