In 2025, installations of solar power in Africa increased by 54%, with around 4.5 GW of new solar PV capacity installed. Utility-scale projects accounted for 56% of installations, while distributed solar made up 44%. The report highlighted the under-reporting of rooftop, commercial, and distributed capacity due to limited data. The need for greater investment in battery storage, grids, and power system flexibility was emphasized to improve reliability of supply and support rising energy demand. The top 10 solar markets in Africa led the capacity additions, but solar deployment is spreading to a wider group of countries, with several mid-sized and emerging markets making significant gains. Despite the rapid growth of distributed solar in Africa, financing models have not kept pace, with most clean energy finance still coming from public and development sources geared towards large projects. Private investment in clean energy has increased, but funding for smaller solar systems used by homes and businesses remains limited. Leaders in the industry estimate that up to $46 billion will be needed by 2030 to meet electrification targets in African countries. The Global Solar Council warns that misalignment between funding and market needs could slow deployment of solar energy, but aligning finance, planning, and regulation with market realities could lead to significant growth in solar capacity and economic benefits.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
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A grid with no smokestacks: Octopus snaps up biggest battery project and solar hybrid in push to replace coal
Octopus Australia, a leading clean energy investment company, has acquired two major battery projects in Australia – one in NSW and the other in Queensland, with large-scale storage capacity and solar-battery hybrid systems. The company aims to replace coal with clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and batteries, positioning themselves as a key player in the renewable energy market. Octopus plans to build a "ring of batteries" around Sydney and remains optimistic about the market in Queensland. They prioritize local community involvement, job creation, and building long-term relationships while continuing to grow their portfolio and deliver on their promises in the renewable energy sector.
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Environmental News Network – Shining a Light on Recyclable Polymers
Scientists at Flinders University have made a breakthrough by using UV light to synthesize sustainable and recyclable polymer materials high in sulfur content, paving the way for more eco-friendly plastic alternatives made from waste materials. These sulfur-rich polymers have diverse applications such as heavy metal remediation, optics, and antimicrobial agents. The research demonstrates that these polymers can be produced and recycled using energy-efficient sources like UV light and LEDs, offering a promising solution for reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77761-shining-a-light-on-recyclable-polymers
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German researchers develop sodium-ion battery based on lignin
German researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery technology using lignin-based hard carbon as the negative electrode, showing no significant degradation after 100 cycles. Lignin, a by-product of the wood and pulp industry, was chosen for its conductivity and electron storage capabilities. The goal is to achieve 200 cycles for the 1-Ah full cell, targeting stationary or mobile storage applications. This project supports independence from critical raw materials and aims to transition to cheaper, more sustainable batteries.
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Australian renewables exceed 50% of power supply in Q4
Renewable generation in Australia reached over 50% in the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to lower wholesale power prices and improved grid reliability during extreme weather events. Batteries played a key role in stabilizing energy supply, with record levels of battery output. The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme has spurred rapid battery installations, supporting the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. The transition to a low-cost, clean, firmed renewables powered energy system is crucial for grid reliability, as coal power becomes more unreliable. The unstoppable energy system transformation is highlighted by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, with renewable energy capacity additions surpassing nuclear additions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/australian-renewables-exceed-50-of-power-supply-in-q4/
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Environmental News Network – Hydrogen Power Gets a Spark, Thanks to SDSC’s Expanse
Researchers at the University of California San Diego are using simulations to study hydrogen combustion for safer industrial applications, focusing on creating stable "lifted flames" in gas-turbine combustors. This research is crucial as hydrogen burns clean but can be unstable if not carefully managed. By utilizing supercomputers for precise simulations, the design of zero-carbon gas turbines could be reshaped in the future.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77748-hydrogen-power-gets-a-spark-thanks-to-sdsc-s-expanse
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Why Waiting on Grid Batteries Will Cost Ontario More Than Acting Now
The discussion in Ottawa highlighted the rapid growth of grid batteries globally, emphasizing the need for different solutions for seasonal peaks and the importance of balancing supply and demand in electricity systems. Automated systems are increasingly managing grid operations, with a focus on renewable energy integration and energy storage solutions like batteries and electric vehicles. The conversation also touched on the reliability of different energy sources, the impact of falling battery prices on the energy landscape, and the potential for software and batteries to replace traditional infrastructure upgrades. Overall, the focus is on the evolving dynamics of the energy sector towards more sustainable and efficient solutions, with batteries playing a crucial role in cost-effective flexibility options when paired with new generation and thoughtful system planning.
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SpaceX Proposes One Million Solar Powered Data Centers In Earth Orbit
The demand for artificial intelligence is driving the need for more electricity, with predictions of up to 20% of global electricity generation being required. Fossil fuel advocates and nuclear power supporters see opportunities for new power stations, but the lack of renewable energy to power data centers remains an issue. Some countries, like Ireland, are mandating that new data centers source 80% of their power from renewables, while the US continues to operate older coal plants despite higher costs and pollution. SpaceX has proposed launching solar-powered satellites to serve as data centers, aiming to reduce environmental impact and energy costs. The section also discusses the Kardashev Scale, which categorizes civilizations based on their energy consumption capabilities, and highlights concerns about satellite pollution and debris in Earth's orbit, as well as the potential power and influence of Elon Musk in controlling global data.
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UNSW researchers identify new damp heat-induced failure mechanism in TOPCon solar modules
UNSW researchers have identified a new damp-heat degradation mechanism in TOPCon modules, driven by rear-side recombination and open-circuit voltage loss rather than series-resistance increase. The study emphasizes that magnesium in white EVA encapsulants accelerates degradation, guiding improved encapsulant and backsheet selection for more reliable modules in humid environments. The primary driver of degradation is a reduction in open-circuit voltage, particularly attributed to additives containing magnesium in white EVA. Insights from the research have led to design changes that reduce risks in commercial modules, aiming to refine encapsulant and material selection strategies for TOPCon modules, especially in humid climates. Other studies by UNSW have explored the effects of different encapsulants, soldering flux, and contaminants on TOPCon solar cells, as well as the impact of electron irradiation and UV-induced degradation.
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Korean scientists build mini perovskite solar module with 22.56% efficiency
Researchers at GIST have developed a perovskite mini-module with 22.56% efficiency by improving the SnO2 electron transport layer with PEI, reducing defects and electron loss. The module retained 94% of its performance after 500 hours, showing potential for scalable, stable perovskite solar cells and modules. The team focused on engineering the interface of the electron transport layer to address non-uniformity issues and improve efficiency and stability. By incorporating PEI into the SnO2 layer, they were able to reduce electron loss, improve electrical environment at the interface, and facilitate smooth electron transport, leading to high-quality perovskite films suitable for mass production.