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03 March 2025
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Mar 03, 2025Power News
Officials with Alabama Power said the company will develop the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the site of the former coal-fired William Crawford Gorgas Electric Generating Plant.
The original power plant, best known as Plant Gorgas, was built in 1917 and was in service until 2019. The facility prior to being closed featured three units, with 1,000 MW of total generation capacity. The plant, located in Walker County, Alabama, at the time of its closure was the oldest coal-burning power plant in the state.
The new Gorgas Battery Facility will store up to 150 MW of electricity that will be generated by other Alabama Power resources.
“This facility will help Alabama Power understand how we can best use battery systems on our electric grid so that customers have power when they need it,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power chairman, president and CEO, in a statement on March 3. “The project honors Plant Gorgas’ legacy, which has played a significant role in powering the state of Alabama since 1917.”
The 7-acre BESS facility will be designed as a standalone system. It will connect to and charge directly from the electric grid. Construction of the system is expected to begin this year and be completed within the next two years. Officials on Monday said the system will use lithium iron phosphate batteries with a two-hour duration. The batteries will be able to fully recharge in just more than two hours.
“Batteries can charge when energy costs are lower and discharge when energy costs are higher, helping keep costs down. They can also supply energy to our system quickly in response to changing conditions,” said Brandon Dillard, senior vice president of Generation for Alabama Power. “We are excited to learn how battery storage technology best fits into our system to reliably serve our customers.”
The utility in a news release said that the batteries “also have the potential to help integrate additional clean energy resources into the company’s generation mix, providing complimentary technology for variable, weather-dependent resources, like solar.”
“As we work to make our system stronger and smarter, innovative technologies such as battery storage could help ensure a steady energy supply,” Dillard said. Officials said the decision to reuse the retired Plant Gorgas site—the original coal-fired power plant was demolished by implosion in September 2021—supports the utility’s focus on sustainable solutions that reinforce its community commitment.
“Plant Gorgas and Walker County hold a special place in our company’s history,” said Jill Stork, vice president of Western Division for Alabama Power. “The reuse of this site reaffirms our support of the communities we have long served, ensuring sustainable solutions that honor our past while looking to the future.”
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
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Serentica Invites Eois For 5 Gw Solar Projects In RajasthanSerentica Renewables has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) from land aggregators and renewable energy park facilitators for the development of 5,000 MW of solar power projects in Rajasthan. The company intends to acquire or lease approximately 20,000 acres of land for the proposed capacity.
The bidders must have the capability to facilitate land procurement and/or renewable energy parks, including grid-level infrastructure at both central and state transmission networks. The last date for the submission of EoIs is July 18, 2025
In June 2025, Serentica Renewables closed its second external commercial borrowing deal, securing over $100 million in debt financing from Rabobank and Société Générale to develop a 300 MW solar power project in Rajasthan.
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Australia Grants Major Project Status To 6 Gw Power Export PlanFrom pv magazine Australia
The Australian government has maintained its faith in SunCable’s plans to build one of the world’s largest solar and battery energy storage projects, complete with the world’s largest subsea transmission link, extending the major project status for the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink) proposal.
SunCable is planning to develop a giant solar and battery energy storage complex on a 12,000-hectare site at Powell Creek in the Northern Territory’s Barkly region and transmit the renewable energy via a high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line to the Darwin region and then on to Singapore via a subsea HVDC cable.
The AAPowerLink project was originally to include 20 GW of solar and up to 42 GWh of battery energy storage but the initial focus has now shifted to create approximately 6 GW of power “for both domestic and international markets, providing enough energy to power around 4.2 million homes.”
Major project status simplifies regulatory applications and approvals for projects that are valued at more than $50 million, face complex regulatory approval challenges, and that are considered “of strategic significance to Australia.” It typically lasts three years.
SunCable said the federal government’s decision to renew its major project status is “a strong endorsement of AAPowerLink’ role as a project of national significance, and the progress we are making.”
“This recognition reflects the pivotal role that AAPowerLink will play driving structural economic transformation in northern Australia, catalysing industrial growth and regional development in the NT, and creating new export opportunities for Australia,” the developer said in a Linkedin post.
“We have a clear vision for a sustainable energy future, strong government support, and a focus on creating legacy partnerships with Indigenous, community and other key stakeholders that will bring this vision to life.”
The AAPowerLink project – taken over by billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes’ private investment house, Grok Ventures, in 2023 after a falling out with former project partner Andrew Forrest – has been the focus of speculation in recent weeks with reports that it had failed to secure funding in its maiden $100 million (AUD 153.8 million) capital raising. The project has also dealt with a string of executive exits, adding to uncertainty over the development.
In the wake of those reports, SunCable said that the capital raise remains alive and is “well progressed with several parties, including investors who will bring the capabilities to accelerate the development of the project.”
“The capital we are raising will fund the next stages of development, which include preparations toward enabling the project to reach financial close,” the company said.
SunCable has said a final investment decision on the $40 billion-plus project is expected in 2027, with construction commencing soon after.
The AAPowerLink project is one of four projects awarded major project status last week by Australia Science and Industry Minister Tim Ayres as part of the government’s strategy to bring online renewable energy and modernize the country’s energy system.
“By granting major project status to key renewable energy initiatives, the Australian government is strengthening its commitments to a cleaner future,” Ayres said.
“Backing in renewable energy projects strengthens and diversifies the local supply chain while directly creating regional job opportunities and attracting further investment.”
Other projects awarded major project status is Diatreme Resources’ $535 million Northern Silica sand mining project near Cairns in north Queensland.
Diatreme says the project will produce three to five million tonnes of high-purity silica sand for 25 years for domestic manufacturing of solar panels, silicon wafers and high-end electronics.
Cobalt Blue secured an extension for its Broken Hill cobalt project in New South Wales that aims to produce battery grade cobalt chemicals. Cobalt Blue aims to establish one of the first domestic critical minerals refining operations and provide enough product to make batteries for about 375,000 electric vehicles per year.
Also awarded major project status was the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage project, located offshore northwest of Darwin. The Inpex-led Bonaparte joint venture is to support emissions reductions in hard-to-abate sectors such as metal and chemical refining.
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07 July 20254 min readAustralia Grants Major Project Status To 6 Gw Power Export Plan
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07 July 2025
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Gop Megabill Targets Clean Energy Incentives, Puts 28 Gw Of Projects At Risk – EqIn Short : A Republican-led megabill headed to former President Trump proposes major cuts to clean energy incentives, including ending tax credits for residential solar, EVs, and large-scale renewables. The legislation favors fossil fuels and nuclear, potentially halting 28 GW of planned projects. Experts warn it could raise energy costs, slow climate progress, and hinder U.S. competitiveness in AI and green tech.
In Detail :A sweeping Republican-backed megabill is now awaiting former President Donald Trump’s approval, with major implications for the future of clean energy in the United States. The legislation proposes to eliminate several core tax credits that have underpinned the growth of solar, wind, and electric vehicle adoption over the past decade.
Key provisions of the bill include the removal of incentives for residential rooftop solar, commercial solar farms, large-scale wind projects, and electric vehicles. These cuts would reverse much of the clean energy momentum driven by the Inflation Reduction Act and other recent climate policies.
Instead, the bill redirects federal support toward traditional energy sectors, including oil, gas, and nuclear. While nuclear is seen by some as a low-carbon alternative, the broader shift signals a renewed emphasis on fossil fuels, which many experts say could undermine long-term emissions reduction goals.
Analysts estimate that the bill, if enacted, could jeopardize up to 28 gigawatts of planned renewable energy installations. This would not only impact clean energy developers but also drive up electricity costs for consumers by reducing competition and slowing the pace of cheaper renewable deployment.
Beyond energy markets, the proposed rollback could have geopolitical and technological consequences. Experts warn that removing green energy incentives may weaken the U.S. position in global climate leadership and compromise its edge in AI, which increasingly relies on low-cost, clean electricity to power data centers.
The bill has sparked sharp criticism from clean energy advocates, economists, and environmental groups who argue that it would reverse crucial progress on climate action. As the bill heads to Trump for final approval, it has become a flashpoint in the debate over the direction of America’s energy and industrial future.
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05 July 20252 min readGop Megabill Targets Clean Energy Incentives, Puts 28 Gw Of Projects At Risk – Eq
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05 July 2025
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Gamuda To Co-Develop 1.2 Gw Renewable Portfolio In TasmaniaGamuda Holdings Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia’s Gamuda Berhad has signed an agreement to co-develop a 1.2 GW renewable energy portfolio in central Tasmania.
The portfolio will comprise 600 MW of wind and solar capacity, alongside up to 600 MW of battery energy storage. Key projects include the Weasel solar farm and the Cellars Hill wind farm. Construction of the solar farm is scheduled to begin in financial year 2027, followed by the wind farm in 2028. The project is being undertaken in partnership with local landowners, the Downie Family, and renewable developer Alternate Path. It follows a landowner-led model, developed in consultation with the local community and environmental stakeholders. The initiative also includes energy rebates for nearby households and is expected to generate employment in the region. Gamuda will hold an equity stake in the venture and will execute the development under a sole-source EPC arrangement, subject to regulatory approvals.
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04 July 20251 min readGamuda To Co-Develop 1.2 Gw Renewable Portfolio In Tasmania
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04 July 2025
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India Accelerates Clean Power Push With 16 Gw Added And Major Solar-Storage Tenders – EqIn Short : India added 16 GW of renewable energy capacity by May 2025, including 13 GW solar and 3.1 GW wind, taking total RE capacity to 226.7 GW. In June, SECI issued 3.2 GW of solar-plus-storage tenders, emphasizing grid stability. These moves reflect India’s push toward its 500 GW non-fossil energy target and a more resilient, storage-integrated power system.
In Detail :India has added 16 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by the end of May 2025, marking a strong start to the fiscal year. This includes around 13 gigawatts of solar power and 3.1 gigawatts of wind energy. With this addition, the country’s total installed renewable energy capacity has reached approximately 226.7 gigawatts.
The growth underscores India’s continued momentum in expanding its clean energy infrastructure. Solar remains the leading contributor, driven by falling module prices, supportive policies, and faster project execution. Wind energy also saw a modest resurgence after a slower performance in recent years.
In parallel, the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) floated tenders in June totaling 3.2 gigawatts of solar power coupled with battery energy storage systems. This includes a 2 GW solar project with 4 GWh of storage, and a separate 1.2 GW project with 3.6 GWh of storage capacity. These hybrid tenders are designed to enhance grid flexibility and reliability.
The growing use of storage-linked solar projects reflects India’s shift toward dispatchable renewable energy. As solar and wind are inherently variable, storage solutions help balance supply and demand, ensuring round-the-clock clean power. These new tenders signal a maturing renewable energy sector ready for next-level integration.
These developments are aligned with India’s broader goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. The aggressive push toward storage-backed renewables is also expected to support grid modernization and reduce reliance on coal-based power.
Together, the rapid capacity additions and strategic storage-integrated tenders point to a more resilient and sustainable energy future. India’s renewable energy sector is not only expanding but evolving to meet the demands of a cleaner, more reliable power system.
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04 July 20252 min readIndia Accelerates Clean Power Push With 16 Gw Added And Major Solar-Storage Tenders – Eq
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04 July 2025
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Seci Achieves 60 Gw Milestone In Power Sale Agreements For Renewable EnergyThe Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has achived power sale agreements for over 60 GW of renewable energy capacity.
The agreements span a diverse portfolio of solar, wind, and hybrid projects, reflecting the growing uptake of renewable power across the country. These agreements provide payment security to developers and strengthen investor confidence to increase capital inflow into the sector.
Powerline
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03 July 20251 min readSeci Achieves 60 Gw Milestone In Power Sale Agreements For Renewable Energy
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Uk Government Unveils Solar Roadmap, Outlines Steps To 47 Gw By 2030The UK government has published a new “Solar Roadmap” policy paper setting out how it plans to achieve 45-47 GW of deployed solar capacity by 2030, from nearly 19 GW as of May 2025. Developed in partnership solar industry representatives on the government’s “Solar Taskforce”, the document outlines 72 actions aimed at accelerating deployment.
Projections in the roadmap suggest the UK government could hit its capacity targets through existing policy, provided grid connection reforms are implemented on time, there is an increase in skilled labor, plus good supply chain and finance availability.
Removing barriers to rooftop solar could result in a significant acceleration of deployment, according to the roadmap, with the most optimistic projection estimating 50 GW installed capacity by 2030 and 85 GW by 2035.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said he wants to see a “rooftop revolution” and many of the policies in the roadmap are targeted at this segment. These include a GBP 13.2 billion ($18 billion) investment in the government’s Warm Homes Plan, expected to include financial support for installing solar panels, heat pumps and batteries; working with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors to ensure solar is properly valued on residential properties; a previously announced mandate for rooftop solar on new homes; and new industry-developed guidance for landlords and tenants on how to accommodate rooftop solar.
Plug-in solar for rooftops and balconies will be subject to a safety study in a bid to with a view to “unlocking opportunities” for the segment in “the next few years,” according to the roadmap..UK regulations do not currently allow plug-in solar, but the government sees potential in the technology as a more affordable option for households, particularly for those in rented accommodation or apartments.
Solar canopies could also be deployed in greater numbers. The UK government is seeking views from the PV industry on the potential benefits of solar canopies installed at outdoor car parks.
At the utility scale, changes to the UK Contracts for Difference scheme appear likely. The government intends to reform its CfD scheme, which currently offers 15-year offtake agreements to low-carbon electricity generation projects.
To date, more than 7 GW of solar capacity has been contracted through the CfD mechanism and analysts expect the seventh allocation round (AR7), scheduled to commence in 2025, will be critical to reaching government targets on renewable generation.
The UK government launched a consultation on AR7 in March 2025 covering proposals to provide more clarity for investors, with proposals including an increase to the target commissioning window for solar projects to reflect the increasing size of PV plants in the UK pipeline. The government is also mulling a longer term for CfD contracts than the current 15 years offered. Other potential CfD changes include integrating floating solar with the scheme, a move currently under consideration by the UK government, according to the roadmap.
Private sector offtake agreements are covered, too. The UK government is mulling “potential government intervention” to promote corporate power purchase agreements (cPPAs). The roadmap notes that securing finance for behind-the-meter installations can be challenging, restricting commercial rooftop installations to major corporates “leaving a large part of the market untapped.”
The role of battery storage is also considered. Co-located solar and storage projects currently place additional burden on distribution network operators (DNOs) due to the way regulations handle these projects, according to the UK government. While generation and demand-side response projects with capacity greater than 50 kW and a connection agreement are listed in the DNO’s embedded capacity register, there is no equivalent register for “demand projects” such as co-located battery energy storage systems (BESS) – meaning developers of hybrid projects have to submit connection applications to determine available network capacity.
The government wants to see DNOs consider expanding their embedded capacity register to include “demand project data” in a bid to streamline the connections process for hybrid projects.
Ongoing reforms to the grid connections queue and planning systems are positioned as key to success in the solar roadmap. Changes include increasing the threshold for assessing a project’s assessment on the transmission network from 1 MW to 5 MW in England and Wales, a measure approved by regulator Ofgem in May 2025, and lifting the capacity threshold at which solar projects must receive planning consent from central government from 50 MW to 100 MW in an attempt to secure faster and cheaper consenting for mid-sized projects.
Solar Energy UK has welcomed publication of the roadmap, which includes an introduction from the industry association’s chief executive Chris Hewett. In a press release, Hewett said publishing the roadmap marked “the dawn of a transformative era for how the UK powers itself.”
“The Solar Roadmap highlights dozens of practical measures needed to expand solar generation, boost the supply of cheaper and more secure power, foster new industries, create skilled jobs, boost biodiversity and slash our greenhouse gas emissions.
“The sector is already growing fast, with around 700 small-scale rooftop installations being completed each day, but needs to grow faster,” he said.
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01 July 20255 min readUk Government Unveils Solar Roadmap, Outlines Steps To 47 Gw By 2030
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Belgium Expected To Reach 33.6 Gw Of Pv Capacity By 2035Belgium is projected to reach around 33.6 GW of installed PV capacity by the end of 2035, according to a new report from Belgian grid operator Elia.
The country is also predicted to see its operation PV power increase from around 12.6 GW at the end of 2025 to 22.5 GW at the end of 2030.
“While solar PV is expected to continue being expanded due to falling costs, the development of offshore wind faces more structural challenges that may limit its further growth,” said Elia, noting that wind capacity may grow in the country from around 3.4 GW currently to 7.6 GW by the end of 2035.
In a similar report published in 2017, Elia said it expected the country's PV capacity to reach 18 GW in 2040.
“Electrification and digitalization are triggering a transformation of the Belgian electricity system,” the report's authors stated, noting that the capacity remuneration mechanism (CRM) will be widely utilized to ensure existing and new capacity. “While adequacy is ensured in the short term, additional capacity will be needed from 2028 onwards to maintain the country’s security of supply.”
CRM auctions are pointed out as a potential tool to increase battery storage capacity while keeping “vital” thermal capacity online.
“However, complementary structural measures could be considered to safeguard long-term reliability,” the report noted. “A critical enabler of the ongoing transition is the accelerated development of flexibility across the entire Belgian energy system. From consumer-side response and storage to controllable renewables, flexible resources are essential for managing volatility, ensuring grid stability, and making efficient use of surplus levels of renewable generation.”
Solar and wind power curtailment is mentioned in the report as one of the main measures intended to increase system flexibility.
At the end of 2024, Belgium’s cumulative solar capacity stood at around 12 GW, which is equivalent to 13% of the country’s electricity consumption last year.
Belgium’s three macro-regions – Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels – each have their own individual regulatory frameworks for solar and renewable energy.
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01 July 20252 min readBelgium Expected To Reach 33.6 Gw Of Pv Capacity By 2035
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01 July 2025
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Uk Rejects Cfd Bid For 10.5 Gw Morocco Solar-Wind Subsea CableThe UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has said that it will not grant a CfD to a submarine cable project that UK developer Xlinks plans to build to connect a 10.5 GW wind-solar facility in Morocco to locations in Wales and England. The DESNZ had originally planned to award a 25-year CfD to the project.
“The government has concluded that it is not in the UK national interest at this time to continue further consideration of support for the Morocco-UK Power Project,” said the DESNZ. “The government also believes that domestic alternatives can see greater economic benefits whether that be through jobs or supply chains.”
Xlinks said it was “hugely” surprised and “bitterly” disappointed by the government's decision.
“The project requires no upfront government investment and offered a highly competitive CfD strike price,” Xlinks Chairman Dave Lewis said in a statement. “It would reduce wholesale electricity prices by over 9% in its first year; bring in GBP20 billion of socio-economic value, including a GBP 5 billion ($6.9 billion) injection into the UK’s green industries; provide 8% of the UK’s electricity needs at a time when demand is rocketing; cut power sector CO2 emissions by c.10% in its first year; and increase energy security through increased diversity of supply and reduced reliance on imported gas.”
Xlinks said it will not abandon the project, which already saw around GBP 100 million being spent for its development. “Demand from lenders to participate in the construction phase is greater than we require,” said Lewis, without providing additional details.
In May 2022, UK investment firm Octopus Energy signed an agreement with Xlinks to develop the huge facility. It was planned to include 7 GW of solar, 3.5 GW of wind, and 5 GW/20 GWh of battery storage capacity in Morocco.
The wind-solar complex was designed to connect to the UK power network at Alverdiscott, Devon, and Pembroke via a 3,800 km high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. The developer said the project would use four separate cables, making it the longest subsea power transmission link in the world.
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01 July 20252 min readUk Rejects Cfd Bid For 10.5 Gw Morocco Solar-Wind Subsea Cable
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01 July 2025
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Premier Energies Commissions 1.2 Gw Topcon Solar Cell Line In TelanganaPremier Energies Limited has commissioned a new 1.2 GW tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell manufacturing line at its facility in Telangana.
The company is among the first few solar manufacturers in India to operationalise a TOPCon cell line, capable of achieving solar cell efficiencies exceeding 25 per cent. The facility features an advanced 16-busbar architecture, which enhances power density and energy yield under real-world conditions.
Powerline
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30 June 20251 min readPremier Energies Commissions 1.2 Gw Topcon Solar Cell Line In Telangana
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30 June 2025
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Sunkind Partners With Ja Solar For 6.4 Gw Of Pv Manufacturing In IndiaFrom pv magazine India
Sunkind Energy has announced a strategic technical partnership with JA Solar to support its upcoming 2.4 GW solar cell and 4 GW module manufacturing facilities in India. Under the collaboration, it will leverage JA Solar’s advanced technologies and supply chain expertise to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and integrate global best practices.
“As India accelerates its transition towards renewable energy, the demand for high-performance solar solutions is at an all‑time high,” said Hanish Gupta, founder and managing director of Sunkind Energy. “Through this collaboration, we aim to deliver world‑class solar cells and modules that support India’s vision for self‑reliant, future‑ready industrial growth.”
JA Solar’s expertise in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell technology and advanced production will support Sunkind’s entry into solar manufacturing, aiming to boost output and meet global standards.
Founded in 2019, Sunkind has delivered more than 150 MW of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects and is expanding into solar cell and module production, energy storage, electric vehicle infrastructure, and tracker systems.
JA Solar, founded in 2005, has shipped more than 280 GW of PV products to 178 countries as of the first quarter of 2025.
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30 June 20252 min readSunkind Partners With Ja Solar For 6.4 Gw Of Pv Manufacturing In India
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30 June 2025
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China To Deploy 253 Gw Of Pv For Desert Control In Arid NorthChina has approved a new plan to tap its vast desert solar potential while addressing land degradation.
The Photovoltaic Desertification Control Plan (2025-30) – released by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the National Energy Administration (NEA) – aims to install 253 GW of solar capacity and rehabilitate 1.66 million acres (673,670 hectares) of desertified land by 2030.
The initiative targets the “Three North” region – northern, northeastern, and northwestern China – which includes eight major deserts and four sandy regions spanning more than 100 million hectares. These areas receive some of China’s highest solar irradiation but face extreme ecological fragility, with limited water, sparse vegetation, and high wind erosion.
Authorities said solar deployment must follow “ecological priority and coordinated development.” The plan divides the region into three climate zones and five priority development areas, including the fringes of the Taklimakan and Tengger deserts. It calls for pilot projects that integrate solar with land rehabilitation and includes safeguards for site selection, construction, and operations to limit ecological impact.
While the economic advantages are clear – desert solar farms offer low land costs, high irradiation, and favorable electricity prices – the plan also targets reduced afforestation costs. Conventional tree-planting can cost up to CNY 12,000 ($1,650) per acre, while solar-linked approaches can lower that to CNY 1,800 to CNY 3,000, due to revenue from electricity generation.
Additional income could come from carbon credits, government subsidies for land restoration, and co-located agriculture or livestock. The Kubuqi project in Inner Mongolia, for example, combines 2 GW of solar with tomato and desert herb cultivation, generating over CNY 1 billion per year. Battery storage and hydrogen facilities further boost the projects’ economic and energy value.
Challenges remain. Grid infrastructure in remote areas is often inadequate to handle added generation, and some developers focus on capacity rather than ecological integration.
To address this, Beijing directed local governments to adopt integrated planning, involve farmers and communities, and encourage innovation. If successful, the plan could serve as a model for sustainable development in fragile environments.
As with other major infrastructure projects in China, the plan’s rollout will be guided by detailed actions under the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. Large state-owned energy firms are expected to lead implementation, potentially providing strong support for China’s solar supply chain.
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30 June 20253 min readChina To Deploy 253 Gw Of Pv For Desert Control In Arid North
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30 June 2025
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