The UK's latest auction for renewable energy projects saw a record-breaking amount of new offshore wind capacity secured, with 8.4GW of projects winning contracts. Prices for offshore wind rose by around 10% since the previous round, but analysis suggests it will be "cost neutral" for consumers due to lower wholesale costs. The government welcomed the results, stating it puts the country on track to reach its 2030 clean power targets and create jobs. The auction results were split into two parts, with fixed-foundation and floating offshore wind projects securing contracts. This marks the biggest ever offshore wind auction in Europe, with enough capacity to power over 12 million homes. The recent auction results for offshore wind projects are seen as positive for meeting clean power targets by 2030, with the government taking steps to support the expansion of renewable energy as part of a larger strategy to achieve ambitious clean power goals.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Australian households add record amounts of rooftop PV, as home battery installations top 4.3 GWh
In December, Australian households and small businesses saw a surge in rooftop solar capacity and home battery installations, adding a record 4.3 gigawatt hours of storage capacity in 2025. The market was booming for both residential and commercial scale rooftop systems, with a record monthly capacity of 328 megawatts added in December alone. The home battery market thrived, with 42,000 new systems registered in December and a total of 184,000 installed in 2025. Changes to battery rebates are expected to impact demand in early 2026, as the average size of rooftop solar systems has increased to 9.64 kW, reflecting a trend towards self consumption.
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India deploys 37.9 GW of solar in 2025
In 2025, India achieved its highest annual renewable energy additions with a record 37.9 GW of solar and 6.3 GW of wind capacity. Solar installations saw a significant increase of 54.7%, mainly driven by utility-scale projects. The growth was fueled by the commissioning of delayed projects, accelerated construction efforts, and a rise in domestic manufacturing capacity. Additionally, government initiatives played a key role in driving rooftop solar installations. These developments highlight India's progress towards achieving its renewable energy goals and reducing carbon emissions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/14/india-deploys-37-9-gw-of-solar-in-2025/
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Chinese scientists push selenium solar cells beyond 10% efficiency
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have achieved a world record for selenium solar cells, reaching 10.3% efficiency, surpassing the 10% threshold for the first time. This milestone was made possible through optimized charge-selective contacts, light-driven crystallization, and post-deposition annealing, resulting in stable devices with a 1.03 V open-circuit voltage. The breakthrough in selenium solar cells, known for their wider bandgap and high efficiency potential, demonstrates the success of careful optimization and strategic combinations by the research team. The device also exhibited minimal efficiency loss after 1,000 hours of testing, highlighting its promising future in the development of efficient solar energy solutions.
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Plug-in solar gains momentum as states confront energy costs
Several states in the U.S. are exploring legislation to support plug-in solar energy systems, also known as balcony solar, which have been successful in Germany. This green technology is being tested and certified for use in American homes, offering a cost-effective solution for rising electricity costs. The bipartisan opportunity for climate advocates in the U.S. comes at a time when subsidies for other renewable energy options have been repealed under the current administration. This shift towards plug-in solar could be a significant step towards achieving climate solutions and reducing carbon emissions.
https://www.eenews.net/articles/plug-in-solar-gains-momentum-as-states-confront-energy-costs/
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Vattenfall firms FID on Germany’s largest offshore wind cluster
Vattenfall has announced the final investment decision for the 1.6GW Nordlicht offshore wind cluster in the German North Sea, marking it as the largest offshore wind project in the country. This decision highlights the continued growth and investment in renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind, as a key solution to combatting climate change. The project is expected to significantly contribute to Germany's renewable energy goals and reduce carbon emissions, showcasing the importance of scaling up offshore wind projects as part of the transition to a more sustainable energy system. This development underscores the potential for offshore wind to play a crucial role in achieving climate targets and accelerating the shift towards a cleaner, greener future.
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World-first 560C Carnot battery unveiled as SPIC launches ultra-high-temperature heat storage
Chinese state-owned power group SPIC has introduced the world's first ultra-high-temperature heat-pump energy storage system, known as "Chuno" or the "Carnot battery." This innovative technology offers a long-duration energy storage solution that converts electricity into stored heat and cold, providing an alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage. Developed by SPIC's Central Research Institute, the pilot system has been successfully tested with seven full charge-discharge cycles at a rating of 1 MW/4 MWh. Climate solutions experts can look to this breakthrough as a promising advancement in sustainable energy storage solutions.
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Scatec secures PPA for Africa’s largest solar-plus-storage project
Norwegian renewables developer Scatec ASA has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company for a 1.95 GW solar and 3.9 GWh battery energy storage project in Egypt. This project, Scatec's largest investment to date, will provide sustainable, around-the-clock power and grid stabilizing services, supporting Egypt's energy transition and economic development. The integrated solar-plus-storage system is expected to deliver 6 TWh of energy annually, making it the largest solar and battery energy storage installation in Africa. Scatec plans to act as the lead developer and is seeking additional equity partners for the project, which is anticipated to reach financial close in the second half of the year.
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BLUETTI Targets Circular Economy & High-Speed Mobile Charging — CES 2026 Launch
BLUETTI is making strides in hardware decarbonization and slow-charging issues for road trips through material science and deep vehicle integration. The Charger 2, powered by alternator and solar energy, offers universal compatibility and bi-directional utility. The Bio-Based Elite 100 V2 power station reduces CO2 emissions with bio-circular plastics, while the Elite 300 and Elite 320 models provide high energy density and home resilience capabilities. With a focus on sustainable material sourcing and efficiency, BLUETTI is leading a positive shift towards clean energy solutions in the industry.
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Masdar secures PPA for Quipungo Solar PV project in Angola
Masdar has signed a power purchase agreement for a 150MW solar project in Angola, as part of a larger 500MW renewable energy initiative. The project aims to increase generation capacity, provide electricity to 300,000 homes, and create over 2,000 jobs, aligning with Angola's national energy plans. The agreement was finalized during the IRENA General Assembly, showcasing a commitment to translating energy goals into tangible projects. Masdar's ambitious target is to reach a portfolio capacity of 100GW by the end of the decade, contributing significantly to global efforts in advancing renewable energy solutions.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/masdar-ppa-quipungo-solar-pv/