During the period from October 23th to 29th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Mexico targets up to 9.5 GW of solar and wind by 2030
Mexico's Ministry of Energy (Sener) released the National Electric System Development Program (2025-2030), targeting 6.4 to 9.5 GW of new renewable energy capacity, 96% of which is solar and wind. The plan requires state-owned utility CFE to maintain over 54% market share and ensures system stability through energy storage and grid optimization. Clean energy is projected to account for 38% of the mix by 2030.
2. Ireland sets four-hour, 75%-efficient, 201 MW storage target by 2030
Ireland's transmission system operator EirGrid has launched a consultation on a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) procurement model, requiring a minimum duration of 4 hours, round-trip efficiency of at least 75%, and instant response capability with controllability. Procurement will be phased, with the first tender targeting at least 201 MW and a final goal of 500 MW to be operational by 2030. Bidding combines a cost floor with revenue sharing, and evaluation emphasizes cost, grid connection method, and location.
3. ADB, World Bank commit $12.5 billion to ASEAN Power Grid plan
The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank jointly launched the ASEAN Power Grid financing initiative, committing $12.5 billion to support cross-border power interconnection, submarine cables, and domestic grid upgrades in Southeast Asia, aiding the goal of regional grid connectivity by 2045. The funding includes diverse instruments like loans and grants, coupled with technical assistance to meet local energy demand and promote renewable energy integration.
4. TotalEnergies turns closed US landfill into 7 MW solar plant
TotalEnergies has built a 7 MW solar plant on a closed landfill site in Baltimore, USA. The project installed 15,000 PV panels using a specialized ballasted mounting system, with an annual generation of approximately 8.2 GWh, meeting about 11% of the local government's electricity needs. A 25-year Power Purchase Agreement enables the repurposing of brownfield land and supports emission reduction goals.
5. New Zealand approves 200 MWh solar-plus-storage project
The Gloriot 179 MW solar-plus-storage project near Auckland, New Zealand, has been approved by an independent committee. It includes a 200 MWh battery energy storage system and is being developed by a joint venture of Lightsource bp, Contact Energy, and Transpower, with a lifespan of at least 35 years. The project must meet over 100 conditions covering bird protection, battery fire safety, etc. Once operational, its annual output could power about 33,000 households, pending final investment decision.
6. European developers signed 19 PPAs for 630 MW in September
Data from Swiss analyst Pexapark shows 17 publicly announced Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) totaling 630 MW were signed in Europe in September, with Italy and Spain being the most active markets. Mercedes-Benz signed the largest single PPA at 140 MW for onshore wind. The average PPA price fell 2% month-on-month to €47.80/MWh, with Poland seeing the largest drop; only the Nordic market saw a slight 1% increase. Activity slowed compared to the same period last year.
7. Croatia’s regulatory deadlock is strangling large-scale solar
Delays by the Croatian energy regulator HERA in setting grid connection tariffs for large projects have stalled approximately 3.5 GW of renewable energy projects (mostly solar). Developers cite unclear grid connection rules as a major barrier to investment, with some companies already exiting the market. Industry associations have urged the European Commission to intervene, requiring Croatia to implement the tariff policy by September 2025.
8. Rondo Energy’s 100 MWh heat battery powered by 20 MW of onsite solar
Rondo Energy has commissioned a 100 MWh thermal battery project in California, USA, powered by 20 MW of off-grid solar. The system uses refractory brick heat storage technology, reaching temperatures over 1000°C with a round-trip efficiency exceeding 97%. It utilizes six hours of low-cost electricity daily to provide continuous heat for industrial facilities, setting a precedent for large-scale commercial application. Significant cost advantages are driving the company's expansion into Europe and Southeast Asia.
9. Australian-made solar microgrid system enters US market
Australian manufacturer PHNXX, in partnership with US-based Paired Power, has launched the portable PairPHNXX solar microgrid system, officially entering the US market. The containerized, plug-and-play system requires no assembly and can be deployed within hours, offering various power and storage configurations for agricultural, emergency, and other off-grid scenarios, replacing diesel generators. The partners handle hardware and control systems respectively and also plan to expand into the Asia-Pacific market.
10. Powerchina completes 200 MW solar project for Enel in Colombia
Powerchina grid-connected the 200 MW Guayepo III solar plant in northern Colombia for Italy's Enel, six days ahead of schedule. Located in Atlántico Department, the plant has an annual generation of approximately 183 GWh, supplying over 873,000 people. It is part of Enel's Guayepo solar cluster in Colombia, which has a total capacity of 486.7 MW.
11. Energy storage could cut Brazil’s electricity system costs 16% in 2029
A study by consultancy PSR indicates that adopting energy storage technologies like lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro in Brazil by 2029 could reduce average electricity system costs by 16%, while also enhancing grid flexibility and renewable energy penetration. Currently, energy storage in Brazil faces market, tax, and regulatory barriers, with insufficient battery arbitrage revenue. PSR recommends improving capacity and ancillary service pricing for storage, optimizing taxes to foster its development.
12. France adds 4.2 GW of solar in first nine months of 2025
Data from French distribution grid operator Enedis shows 4.272 GW of new PV capacity (including 82 MW of solar-plus-storage) was grid-connected in the first three quarters of 2025, showing a slight quarterly increase, with Q3 reaching 1,507 MW. However, this is slightly lower than the 3.374 GW added in the same period of 2024, which saw a record annual addition of 4.6 GW. France's cumulative PV capacity reached 24.85 GW by the end of June.
13. Frankfurt airport now hosting 17.4 MW vertical PV plant
Germany's Next2Sun has built a 17.4 MW vertical PV plant along the western runway of Frankfurt Airport, extending 2.8 km and comprising 37,000 panels. Annual generation is estimated at 17.4 GWh, primarily powering terminal air conditioning and the airport's electric vehicle fleet. The east-west orientation improves land use efficiency, and construction considered ecological protection. The project aids airport operator Fraport AG's goal of achieving net-zero by 2045.
14. Bangladesh tenders 72.5 MW of rooftop solar under national program
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has launched a tender for 17 rooftop solar projects totaling 72.5 MW, the first government-backed procurement under the 2025 National Rooftop Solar Program. Projects will use a third-party ownership model, with BPDB providing rooftops and purchasing power, requiring bids below the current electricity purchase price. The tender was issued on October 21, with submissions due by November 30. This supports the country's target of 20% renewable energy by 2030.
15. Ireland reveals plans for electricity interconnector with Spain
Ireland and Spain are planning a joint electricity interconnector, expected to be operational by the mid-2030s. Climate ministers from both countries have held discussions, aiming to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in spring 2025. The project may receive EU co-funding, aiming to strengthen European grid interconnection and promote renewable energy integration.
16. China expands highway solar as provinces race to decarbonize transport
China is accelerating the construction of solar power along highways, utilizing slopes, service areas, and other spaces for generation. Installed capacity reached 1.7 GW by the end of 2024, with Shandong High-Speed Group completing 668 MW. National potential is estimated at over 940 GW. Multiple provinces have introduced subsidies, with annual additions potentially reaching 20 GW within five years, promoting low-carbon transition in the transport sector.
17. Masdar, EWEC break ground on 1 GW baseload solar-plus-storage project
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) have broken ground on a solar-plus-storage project in Abu Dhabi, the first GW-scale, round-the-clock renewable energy project globally. Integrating 5.2 GW of solar PV with 19 GWh of storage, it will provide 1 GW of baseload power. Upon operation in 2027, it will reduce carbon emissions by 5.7 million tonnes annually, with a cost exceeding $5.99 billion. Masdar is also advancing projects in multiple countries, targeting 100 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030.
18. Chinese PV Industry Brief: Energy China, PowerChina win Saudi EPC deals
China Energy Engineering Group (Energy China) and Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina) have secured EPC contracts for GW-scale solar and wind projects in Saudi Arabia, with a total value of $4.3 billion. Energy China won three contracts totaling RMB 19.554 billion, covering 3 GW of wind and 2 GW of solar. PowerChina secured two major 2 GW solar projects in Riyadh, with contracts worth RMB 11.719 billion. LONGi secured a 400 MW offshore PV BC module order in Shanghai. Shuangliang Eco-energy's Q3 net profit improved. Polysilicon prices remained flat.