powerplant
Apr 14, 2025
Power Engineering International
In a first for the US nuclear power industry, Southern Nuclear has begun irradiation testing of higher-enriched fuel in a commercial reactor, signaling a potential shift in how nuclear plants operate and manage fuel cycles.
The test, conducted at Unit 2 of the Vogtle plant in Waynesboro, Georgia, involves using four lead test assemblies (LTAs) containing low-enriched uranium (LEU+) fuel developed by Westinghouse.
The fuel—enriched to nearly 6% uranium-235—exceeds the typical 3% to 5% enrichment used in commercial nuclear power plants and is now being tested under real-world operating conditions.
Fuel enriched beyond 5% has long been considered for commercial use, but this deployment is the first to pass regulatory and operational hurdles in the US The initiative is part of the US Department of Energy’s Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF) Program, aimed at improving safety margins, increasing reactor efficiency, and reducing overall operating costs.
Westinghouse said its LEU+ fuel, enriched above 5%, is intended to support extended fuel cycles, power uprates, and can help lower the costs of nuclear power plant operations by reducing the number of outages needed for refueling.
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“Our goal is to operate our units for longer periods with higher output, and with higher enriched fuel, we’re even better positioned to meet the growing energy demands of the state of Georgia,” said Pete Sena, Southern Nuclear chairman, president and CEO.
The higher enriched fuel could help extend operation cycles from 18 to 24 months, according to the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy.
The LTAs contain Westinghouse’s ADOPT fuel pellets, manufactured using uranium oxide powder that was first prepared by Idaho National Laboratory. The pellets also include additives to improve safety performance. They are encased in chromium coated cladding and AXIOM cladding to increase resistance to high-temperature oxidation and improve overall fuel performance under both normal and off-normal conditions.
The fuel assemblies were manufactured for Vogtle Unit 2 at Westinghouse’s Columbia Fuel Fabrication Facility in Hopkins, South Carolina.
“LEU+ fuel is a perfect example of how we can help reduce the number of outages in nuclear power plants,” said Tarik Choho, Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel president.
The lead test assemblies will undergo testing for the next four and a half years at Plant Vogtle. The fuel will be examined after each cycle, with a more extensive review after the fuel completes testing to support future commercialisation and deployment in the United States.
LEU, the basic material needed to create nuclear fuel, is made by enriching naturally occurring uranium to improve its ability to produce energy. Enrichment increases the concentration of uranium atoms that can split to produce heat, which in turn is used to generate electricity.
Originally published by Sean Wolfe on Power Engineering Factor This
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PV Magazine
Turkey’S Solar Capacity Surpasses 21 GwTurkye’s total installed solar capacity reached 21,620 MW by the end of March, according to figures from the country's Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAŞ).
The figure represents a strong start to solar deployment in 2025, when compared to the 19.8 GW of cumulative capacity installed by the end of 2024.
According to the recently published Türkiye Electricity Review by energy think tank Ember, Türkiye has been enjoying a solar boom as of late, with a total of 8.9 GW of solar installed across 2023 and 2024, an 82% increase when compared to the end of 2022.
Speaking to pv magazine during the 17th edition of SolarEx Istanbul, Ufuk Alparslan, Ember’s Regional Lead of Turkey, Ukraine & Western Balkans, and author of the report, explained that the rise of unlicensed solar power facilities for self-consumption has been key to Türkiye’s solar growth over the last years.
Under current regulations, unlicensed solar power generations are permitted if the installer will use some of the electricity generated themselves. Up until around two years ago, such facilities had to be installed at the same point as consumption. This restriction was relaxed to allow installation and consumption to take place in different locations, provided they were in the same distribution zones, and has since been further reduced, to now allow installation and consumption to take place in different distribution zones.
“For example, if you have a facility in Istanbul, you can now install your solar panels in Antalya, where there is more sunshine. There was a marked take up [in unlicensed solar power plants] after this regulation,” Alparslan explained.
The amendment has been particularly beneficial to the C&I segment, with most unlicensed installations ground-mounted, rather than rooftop. Alparslan says he hears of many unlicensed, self-consumption facilities between 50 MW and 100 MW in size, even up to 200 MW in some cases.
During a talk held at SolarEx Istanbul, it was revealed that unlicensed solar power facilities made up to 90% of new solar installations in Turkey over the last two years. Muhammed Albayrak, a representative of the country’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, said the government is expecting that trend to continue in the coming years.
Alparslan also told pv magazine that while the ongoing outlook for the Turkish solar market is strong, the country’s vast project pipeline means there is currently little available capacity for future projects, which is leading to many new proposals being rejected, regardless of size.
While he said that the transmission network could be expanded to facilitate further installations, Alparslan also suggested that hybrid power plants, via installing solar as an auxiliary source at existing power generation facilities, as a way to bypass application and capacity restrictions.
Solar looks particularly attractive at the site of existing hydroelectric power plants, of which Turkey boasts dams close to 24 GW of capacity, as it could benefit from solar co-installations to compensate for shortfalls during drought conditions.
Alparslan added that to date, there is 1 GW of hybrid solar capacity in Turkey which is not accounted for in official statistics. According to Ember’s Türkiye Electricity Review, there was a further 3.5 GW of hybrid solar attached to licensed projects at the end of last year.
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18 April 2025
PV Magazine
Pexapark Records 24 European Ppas For Over 1.5 Gw In MarchEuropean developers signed 24 PPAs totalling 1,556 MW in March, according to the latest report from Pexapark.
The result is a 129% month-on-month increase in February’s disclosed volumes but matches the same amount of deals as recorded the month prior.
Corporate PPAs accounted for almost two thirds (62%) of disclosed volume in March, totalling 962 MW, which is more than double February's equivalent. Utility PPAs also saw a sharp jump in volumes month-on-month, from 51 MW in February to 594 MW in March.
Solar was the leading technology in March, accounting for 1,389 MW of the signed capacity across 17 deals.
The largest deal of the month was an intra-group PPA in Spain. As part of an M&A transaction which saw Spanish multinational electric utility Endesa sell a 49.99% minority stake of EGPE Solar’s 446 MW solar portfolio to Masdar, it also signed 15-year PPAs to offtake all the power generated from across the four solar assets.
Meanwhile in Italy, Edison Energia signed two solar PPAs, a 150 MW deal with industrial corporate Prysmian and a baseload offer from a 148 MW asset with IT firm Data4. The two agreements are Italy’s largest solar PPAs linked to individual assets to date and rank fourth and fifth in the country’s largest deals ever.
Across the first quarter of 2025, Pexapark recorded 73 PPAs totalling 3,026 MW in capacity. This is down on the first quarter of last year, when 93 deals were signed for 4,279 MW.
Pexapark noted that tracked PPA prices fell 1.4% month-on-month in March, settling at €49.50 ($56.26)/MWh.
Poland experienced the steepest decline, with prices falling by over 4.7% month-on-month. PPA prices were also down across the British, French, German, Italian, Nordic, Portuguese and Spanish markets. The exception was the Dutch market, where a 1% month-on-month increase was recorded.
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18 April 2025
PV Magazine
Us Distributed Solar Grew 5.4 Gw In 2024From pv magazine USA
The ILSR provides its annual snapshot in its “The State(s) of Distributed solar – 2024” report on the rate of distributed solar adoption, state by state. It found that of the 32 new gigawatts of total solar capacity installed, 5.4 GW was distributed.
ILRS defines distributed solar as residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) and community solar. Generally, distributed solar can be owned by individuals, small businesses and public entities.
Key findings noted the states in which distributed solar made the most gains since ILSR’s 2023 update:
While the residential solar market has dropped by an estimated 25% to 31%, according to Ohm Analytics, the ILSR study finds that in 23 states and the District of Columbia, approximately one in every 25 households now has rooftop solar, an increase of two states over the 2023 study.
Community solar
Community solar provides a way for people to benefit from solar energy who may be unable to install solar either due to financial restrictions or because they do not have a suitable rooftop for solar. Nineteen states have adopted community solar policies, which support local decision-making and promote its adoption.
In its 2024 Community Power Scorecard, ILSR states that “a model community solar policy has no cap, has a fair compensation rate, simplifies the billing process for subscribers, meaningfully accounts for the challenge of reaching low- and moderate-income (LMI) subscribers, and rewards other beneficial development or small subscriber-friendly practices.”
Using its Community Solar Tracker, the recent ILSR study finds community solar saturation in nine states: Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. Community solar saturation is calculated by dividing installed community solar capacity by state population.
Key findings on community solar saturation, 2024:
Overall capacity
In 2024, the top five solar capacity states include: California (39.4 GW), Texas (25.4 GW), Florida (13.8 GW) and North Carolina (7.3 GW) and Arizona (1.8 GW).
In terms of distributed solar saturation, Hawai’i, Maine, Massachusetts, California and Arizona are the leaders, as measured by installed distributed solar capacity per person.
Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Nevada, New York are all in the top ten for both total solar capacity and distributed solar saturation.
ILSR analysis combined data from its community solar tracker data in Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon with the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) figures on small-scale solar capacity by state. (The U.S. EIA did not provide data on Alabama.) ILSR then used state population estimates to calculate distributed solar per capita (watts per person).
John Farrell, director of ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative, and Timothy Denherder-Thomas, general manager of Cooperative Energy Futures, discussed utility attacks on distributed solar in a recent presentation to Just Solar Coalition.
They made the case that, despite the many benefits of local ownership, utility companies oppose it and prefer to build their own generation and distribution infrastructure because they are guaranteed to earn a guaranteed return on their investments. The presenters said that the clean energy transition requires both utility-scale and distributed generation and encouraged “maximizing local solar to maximize local benefits.”
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17 April 2025
PV Magazine
Emmvee Expands Solar Module Capacity To 6.6 GwFrom pv magazine India
Emmvee has inaugurated a 2 GW solar module facility near Bengaluru’s international airport, raising its total module capacity to 6.6 GWp and cell capacity to 2.5 GWp. The expansion marks a significant step in scaling its solar manufacturing footprint in India.
“This is yet another step in the company’s dedication to supporting India’s renewable energy goals and achieving solar manufacturing self-reliance,” said D.V. Manjunatha, Emmvee chairman and managing director.
The new manufacturing unit spans approximately 400,000 square feet and will accommodate more than 500 new employees, including core engineering professionals, senior management, factory operations, and administrative staff. Emmvee currently employs over 2,000 people, and the additional hires will expand its workforce further.
“The new facility will bolster our production capacity, which will enable us to better service our customers,” said Suhas Donthi, president and CEO of Emmvee. “We are not merely increasing capacity but also enhancing our technological advancements and business operations. The unit is designed with advanced automation, multiple level of quality control and is versatile to produce different module sizes and formats.”
Emmvee serves customers across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
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17 April 2025
PV Magazine
South Korea’S 2024 Solar Additions Surpassed 3.1 GwSouth Korea deployed over 3.1 GW of solar last year, according to provisional figures published by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
The utility’s figures are considered provisional as they currently exclude self-consumption installations. Solar deployment in Korea is broadly categorized into power generation for sale and self-consumption installations.
To put the figures in a wider context, South Korea deployed almost 3.7 GW of solar across both categories in 2023, according to figures from KEPCO, with almost 2.8 GW based on power generation for sale and just under 900 MW of self-consumption installations. The preliminary result is already an improvement on estimates made after the first half of 2024.
Jiyhe Gwak, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, told pv magazine that deployment recovered to the 3 GW level last year thanks to improved investment conditions.
As of March this year, Korea’s cumulative solar capacity was estimated at 28.15 GW.
Gwak added that the Export-Import Bank of Korea is expecting the country to maintain an annual installation level of around 3 GW of solar through to 2030, but noted this would be insufficient to meet targets set by the country's 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. Finalized in February, the plan sets a target of 55.7 GW of solar by 2030, increasing to 77.2 GW of solar by 2038.
“To meet the 2030 target set in the 11th Basic Plan, an average of 4.5 GW of new solar capacity must be added annually. When extended to 2038, this translates to an annual average of approximately 3.5 GW,” Gwak explained. “Given that the current short-term target for new capacity is around 4 GW per year over the next two years, more aggressive efforts will be required to stay on track.”
Gwak went on to say that while Korea’s solar market has strong growth potential, it continues to face structural challenges including grid constraints, policy uncertainty, complex permitting procedures, high generation costs, declining profitability and supply chain vulnerabilities.
“Key areas for improvement include regulatory support for corporate power purchase agreements, resolving grid connection issues, expanding long-term fixed-price schemes, providing incentives for RE100-aligned companies and enhancing local acceptance,” Gwak said.
Last month, Korea’s Energy and Just Transition Subcommittee announced plans to mandate solar installations on 2,995 parking lots, establish guidelines to expand the available area for floating solar systems on multipurpose dams and launch a local government funding program to improve setback regulations for solar installations.
Gwak added that these efforts, along with various policies being implemented by the government and across multiple sectors, “are expected to have a positive impact on the future outlook for solar expansion in South Korea.”
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17 April 2025
PV Magazine
Uk Grid Connections Reform Approved To ‘Axe Zombie Projects’, Fast-Track 65 Gw Solar DeploymentGreat Britain’s grid connection queue will be overhauled in a move the UK government claims could unlock GBP 40 billion in cleantech investment. UK energy regulator Ofgem told pv magazine 65 GW of solar projects are expected to secure a firm connection offer under the reformed queue system.
The connections queue for Great Britain's grid has grown tenfold over the past five years and stands as a significant barrier to solar, wind and energy storage deployment. New connection applications were paused by National Energy System Operator (NESO) on Jan. 29, 2025 as a result.
NESO’s “TM04+” reform package puts a greater premium on project readiness and the needs of the energy system when assigning grid connections. It represents a marked shift from the “first come, first served” methodology that previously governed the connections queue.
Now approved by regulator Ofgem, the connection reforms will reorganize the queue to prioritize projects that are both ready and needed to meet the government’s clean energy targets. The UK government has committed to clean sources accounting for 95% of Great Britain’s energy generation by 2030. A recent update to the amount of solar the UK government expects in the generation mix by 2030 means 65 GW of solar projects in development are expected to receive a firm connection offer under the new connections methodology, up from the 39 GW originally targeted in government plans.
Changes will apply to existing projects in the queue as well as new applications, meaning so-called “zombie” projects can be cleared to make way for viable generation, storage and interconnector projects. NESO and network companies are expected to issue revised connection offers in the second half of 2025, with an initial focus on those connecting in 2026 and 2027.
Progress through the connections queue will now be determined by a gating system that takes project readiness into account. Proposed transmission-connected projects that do not meet new readiness criteria will be able to apply for a “Gate 1” indicative connection date and indicative connection point. Developers that can satisfy land rights or planning consent requirements can apply for “Gate 2”, the fast stream for projects at transmission and distribution level. Gate 2 projects will be offered a firm connection date.
The change comes as NESO continues to develop its Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for Great Britain, expected in 2026. The plan will provide a blueprint for developing large-scale generation and energy storage. Projects that align with the SSEP are expected to have an easier time securing planning consent – which would support a Gate 2 grid connection application
In a press release, NESO Chief Operating Officer Kayte O’Neill said the system operator will bring projects that are “critical and shovel ready” to the front of the queue, “giving developers the certainty they need to support investment decisions.”
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the reforms will “axe zombie projects” while fast-tracking connections for energy generators.
“Our message to the global clean energy industry is clear; come and build it in Britain because we are a safe haven,” Miliband said.
Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearly said the more targeted approach to grid connections was expected to unlock GBP 40 billion of investment each year.
“The reforms would cut through red tape, consign ‘zombie projects’ to the past and accelerate homegrown renewable power and energy storage connections as we head to 2030,” Brearly said.
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16 April 2025
PV Magazine
European Renewables Ppa Market Hit 19 Gw In 2024, Says Wood MackenzieNearly 19 GW of renewables were contracted under PPAs in Europe in 2024, according to Wood Mackenzie.
The consultancy’s “Europe Renewables PPA Tracker Report” says Europe’s PPA market surged last year, led by solar and wind projects, which represented 80% of the total contracted capacity.
Spain and Germany were the leading European markets, accounting for 30% of total capacity, with Poland, the United Kingdom, and Greece rounding out the top five across all deal counts.
Corporate PPAs continued to dominate the market, representing over 70% of last year’s deals. Dan Eager, research director of European renewables at Wood Mackenzie, said the technology and data sectors were the primary offtakers in 2024. He added that these sectors are “increasingly relying on PPAs to sustain their future operations and meet sustainability goals.”
Wood Mackenzie’s report also noted an increase in PPAs for renewables co-located with battery storage, which it said helps to address negative pricing periods.
“While still a small part of the overall market, hybrid storage arrangements that combine renewables and batteries in a single contract are gaining traction, particularly among energy-intensive industries and data centers seeking 24/7 energy matching,” added Eager.
Wood Mackenzie said it expects continued opportunities for competitive PPA deals this year and next, especially in solar and select onshore wind markets. The report also projected that hydrogen PPAs could emerge, depending on regulatory clarity.
According to Wood Mackenzie’s wholesale market modeling, capture rates are set to decrease over the next five to seven years, with demand growth expected to lag behind renewable supply additions.
“Over this period, average market prices will also be falling as European gas prices decline. In turn, the capture price and risk components in PPA pay-as-nominated prices will evolve,” Eager explained. “While market conditions vary, our fundamentals-based forecasting indicates that there are still opportunities for mutually beneficial PPA deals. The key will be navigating the complexities of each market and technology to find the right fit for both developers and offtakers.”
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16 April 2025
Power News
Kentucky Energy Group Breaks Ground For New Rice Power PlantA Kentucky energy provider has broken ground for a new 75-MW power plant that will use reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology from Wärtsilä.
The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency on April 15 held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Energy Center I, what the group calls a state-of-the-art gas-fired RICE power plant. Commercial operation is expected to begin in the summer of 2027. KYMEA is a public power agency formed in 2015 that serves communities across Kentucky.
“This innovative facility will enhance energy reliability and support KYMEA’s commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into a sustainable energy portfolio,” KYMEA said. The KYMEA Energy Center I will feature four advanced Wärtsilä 18V50SG RICE generators, each with a nominal output capacity of 18.8 MW.
The plant is engineered for both continuous and peaking services, with the capability for multiple quick starts and stops per day. “This flexibility enables the facility to rapidly respond to fluctuations in renewable energy availability, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply,” KYMEA said.
Doug Buresh, KYMEA’s CEO, said, “KYMEA’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a critical milestone in the agency’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix while promoting a cleaner, more resilient power grid. The Energy Center I RICE Power Plant will be an essential part of the energy infrastructure that will serve Kentucky’s municipals for decades to come.”
KYMEA said support from the city of Madisonville was instrumental in the plant’s development.
“Local officials and community leaders have actively collaborated with KYMEA to ensure the project meets both regional energy needs and local economic goals, fostering a collaborative spirit that underscores the collective commitment to sustainable growth,” the agency said.
The construction phase of Energy Center I is expected to create about 100 local jobs, with up to 15 permanent positions available once the facility is operational.
The Christman Co. and Stanley Consultants will lead the engineering and construction efforts for the plant. “We are honored to contribute to such a transformative project,” said Troy Moulton, Vice President-Industrial and Power, for The Christman Co. “By bringing our expertise and dedication to local job creation and superior development, we are proud to support KYMEA in powering Kentucky’s future.”
“The KYMEA Energy Center I represents KYMEA’s commitment to providing environmentally intelligent and reliable energy solutions,” the company said. “This project is a testament to our dedication to serving the community with integrity and innovation,” KYMEA said.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.powerplant
16 April 2025
Power Technology
Eos And Frontier Sign Mou For 5Gwh Energy Storage FrameworkEos Energy Enterprises has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Frontier Power for a 5 gigawatt-hour (GWh) energy storage framework agreement.
The partnership marks Eos’ entry into the UK market, utilising its zinc-based long-duration energy storage systems.
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The agreement aligns with Frontier’s plans to bid in the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets’ (Ofgem) new long-duration energy storage cap and floor scheme.
The collaboration between Eos and Frontier will extend beyond the UK, exploring opportunities in new international markets.
Frontier Power CEO Humza Malik stated: “This agreement reflects Frontier Power’s commitment to driving innovation in clean energy while fostering international collaboration.
“By working with Eos, we are advancing our portfolio of long-duration storage projects and strengthening trade relations between the US and UK. The prospect of local manufacturing in the UK could further boost economic growth and job creation.”
The partnership could also lead to local manufacturing in the UK, fostering domestic supply chains and job creation, contingent on significant project volumes materialising with Eos technology.
The UK’s cap and floor scheme, managed by Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aims to provide revenue certainty for innovative energy storage technologies.
It encourages investment in alternatives to lithium-ion, aligning with the UK’s goals of grid stability and increased renewable integration.
Eos’ eight-hour technology is well-suited for the scheme, supporting the UK’s broader objectives.
Eos CEO Joe Mastrangelo stated: “Our supply chain strategy was designed to be transportable. We can co-locate manufacturing capacity near customer demand and not only provide innovative energy storage, but sustainable jobs in regions that have demand for our technology. As that demand grows, both domestically and internationally, we’ll expand our manufacturing footprint, and we’re excited to partner with Frontier to execute on that vision in the UK market and beyond.”powerplant
16 April 2025
PV Magazine
India Set To Hit 30 Gw Of Rooftop Pv Capacity In Fiscal 2027From pv magazine India
India’s rooftop solar capacity is set to rise from 17 GW in fiscal 2025 to 30 GW by fiscal 2027, driven by 33% annual growth led by the commercial and industrial segment, according to CareEdge Advisory & Research.
“With a total renewable capacity of 220 GW as of fiscal 25 and a national target of 300 GW solar capacity by 2030, rooftop solar, particularly in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment, is expected to play a pivotal role in this growth with increasing awareness among businesses about reducing operating costs and meeting sustainability targets fueling adoption,” said the analysts. “Government incentives, reducing technology costs, and policy support such as net metering and [production-linked incentive] schemes are expected to further accelerate deployment.”
Analysts said rooftop solar accounts for about 20% of India’s total solar capacity. The C&I segment continues to lead the rooftop market with a 66% share. Payback periods of three to five years, falling module prices, and innovative financing models are driving adoption across sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, retail, and data centers.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar in 10 million households, offering subsidies of up to INR 78,000 ($910). The scheme supports low- and middle-income households by lowering electricity bills and targets the creation of nearly 1.7 million jobs, strengthening the domestic solar supply chain. The residential rooftop program reached 1 million installations as of March 10, 2025.
“Rooftop solar installations in India have gained momentum. With the growing C&I demand backed by an improving policy ecosystem, we expect the market to reach nearly 25-30 GW over the next two years,” said Tanvi Shah, director at CareEdge Advisory & Research.
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15 April 2025PV Magazine
Australian State Backs 20 Gwh Pumped Hydro ProjectFrom pv magazine Australia
The Queensland government has announced it will invest AUD 50 million via state-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo into the proposed Mt Rawdon pumped hydro project to help progress the development toward a final investment decision.
The project – a 50:50 joint venture between gold miner Evolution Mining and an affiliate of advisory firm ICA Partners – involves converting Evolution’s Mt Rawdon gold mine, located about 75 km southwest of Bundaberg, into a pumped hydro facility that is expected to provide up a 2 GW/20 GWh of renewable energy storage capacity.
CleanCo said in a statement it has committed to working with Evolution Mining and ICA Partners to progress feasibility works, including geotechnical studies, environmental assessments and detailed design.
CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the project is a “practical, deliverable” energy storage project that can help safeguard reliability of supply in a net-zero future.
“Long-duration energy storage is essential in soaking up excess renewable energy when it’s plentiful and delivering it back into the grid when demand is high,” he said. “Mt Rawdon presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing mining infrastructure to become part of the long-term solution to securing a renewable energy future for Queensland.”
The investment commitment comes just months after the Queensland government scrapped the proposed 5 GW/120 GWh Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project planned for the state’s north.
Speaking to the Queensland Energy Club on Tuesday, Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki said the state’s focus has now shifted to building multiple smaller projects.
“We committed to progressing smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects, and this fires the starter’s gun on the first of these projects,” he said.
Evolution Mining Executive Chair Jake Klein welcomed the funding, describing the Mt Rawdon site as an ideal site for pumped hydro with its steep topography, proximity to the grid and well-known environmental and geological footprint.
“The Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project is one of the most advanced, lowest capital intensive pumped hydro projects in Australia,” he said.
Image: CleanCo
In addition to the Mt Rawdon funding, Janetzki also announced the government would transfer oversight of Queensland Hydro, the entity charged with delivering the 2 GW / 48 GWh Borumba pumped hydro project, to Queensland Investment Corp. (QIC).
“We’ve made this decision following revelations from Queensland Hydro in December the cost to deliver Borumba had blown out by AUD 4 billion to a total of AUD 18 billion and would take an additional three years to complete,” he said.
The previous Queensland government had set a target of achieving 50% emissions reduction targets by 2030, and 75% by 2035, and phasing out the state’s reliance on coal-fired power by the same date.
The laws also locked in an 80% renewable energy generation target by 2035 and entrenched public ownership of energy assets.
Janetzki said the state government is committed to net zero by 2050 but has committed to repeal the renewable energy targets.
“The legislation, which both contains the emissions and renewables targets, will be reviewed during the course of the year as we develop the energy roadmap,” he said, adding that coal-fired plants will not be closed just to meet the needs of a “media release or brochure.”
“This will be done very methodically and calmly and that review will be undertaken during the course of the year,” he said. “There will be coal generators that operate beyond 2035.”
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15 April 2025PV Magazine
Global Solar Module Shipments Hit 703 Gw In 2024This week sees the publication of the annual ITRPV report, compiled by German engineering association VDMA. Now in its 16th edition, the report takes an in-depth at technology trends across the supply chain for silicon PV products.
VDMA calculates PV module shipments in 2024 at 703 GW, with average prices having dropped by 33% compared to the end of 2023.
The report also reveals that crystalline silicon PV technologies continue to dominate the global market with a share of around 98%, with n-type wafers accounting for a 70% share.
“This comes with the expansion of n-type TOPCon technology that dominates the market for the first time, overtaking p-type PERC,” VDMA said in a statement. “Silicon heterojunction (SHJ), back contact (BC) cells, TOPCon-based back contact (TBC) and heterojunction-based back contact (HBC) are expected to gain market share.”
VDMA experts also found that G12 wafers may reach a 10% market share, with rectangular M10 formats being able to maintain a 15% participation.
As for the dominance of TOPCon, products manufactured via laser enhanced contact optimization (LECO) should have a 60% share in 2024 and 87% by 2035.
“Selective emitters use declines with non-LECO variants phasing out by 2027. Edge passivation of separated solar cells by deposition processes also gain importance for half cells or smaller, dominating the market in a decade,” the report notes. “At the module level, copper interconnection is projected to continue dominating the market for cell-to-cell and string interconnection.”
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15 April 2025PV Magazine
Chinese Pv Industry Brief: Powerchina Cancels 51 Gw Module Tender For 2025Power Construction Corp. of China (PowerChina) has canceled its 51 GW solar module framework procurement round for 2025 because changes in Chinese renewable energy policies have affected its purchasing requirements. In an April 9 statement, the company said bidders could contact the tendering agency to retrieve their bid guarantees. The move halts what would have been the largest-ever solar module tender, entirely for n-type modules. The procurement process, which began in November 2024, attracted 58 bids, with average quotes of CNY 0.68/W for TOPCon modules and CNY 0.773/W for HJT modules. The state-owned engineering giant’s inverter procurement round – launched in November and of similar scale – was completed in February without a cancellation notice, raising questions about the future of other components of the initiative.
Deye reported a strong set of preliminary results for the 2024 fiscal year, with net profit rising 64.8% to CNY 2.95 billion and revenue climbing 49.7% to CNY 11.2 billion. Earnings per share were CNY 4.75. The inverter and energy storage equipment manufacturer attributed its growth to robust demand for storage products, particularly in emerging markets, where limited grid infrastructure has spurred demand. In Europe, rising electricity prices have also driven adoption of storage solutions. Deye noted strong momentum in the integrated sales of storage inverters and battery packs, as well as significant improvement in its household appliance division.
Sineng Electric said the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has accepted its application to issue new shares to specific investors. The company plans to raise up to CNY 1.65 billion, according to its 2023 fundraising prospectus. The net proceeds will fund three strategic initiatives: a 25 GW string inverter production line, a 15 GW energy storage inverter facility, and a boost to working capital. This move is part of Sineng Electric's plans to expand its manufacturing capacity in response to growing global demand for integrated solar and storage solutions.
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15 April 2025Power Technology
Capital Power Acquires Two Us Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants For $2.2BnCapital Power has announced the strategic acquisition of two flexible generation assets in the US for $2.2bn: the 1,124MW Hummel station in Pennsylvania and the 1,023MW Rolling Hills plant in Ohio.
The transaction will close in the third quarter of 2025.
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The move positions Capital Power among the top five North American independent power producers with more than 10GW of natural gas capacity.
The acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to expand in the US and the PJM [Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland] market.
Capital Power expects the acquisition to generate an average annual adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) of approximately $443m from 2026 to 2030.
To fund the acquisition, the company has launched a $500m common share offering, fully covering the equity funding requirement.
Additional funding will be sourced from cash reserves, debt financing and credit facilities.
A commitment letter dated 14 April 2025 with a Canadian chartered bank affiliate of TD Securities secures $2bn in senior unsecured term loans.
Capital Power also has access to $1bn under its existing revolving credit facilities, ensuring financial flexibility and maintaining its investment-grade credit rating.
Capital Power president and CEO Avik Dey stated: “Capital Power’s acquisition of Hummel and Rolling Hills expands our US generation fleet and advances our position as a leading North American power producer.
“With our expansion into the largest and most liquid power market in North America, we continue to deliver on our strategy. These plants will bolster our flexible generation portfolio and align with our commitment to provide reliable, affordable power solutions that support a balanced approach to energy expansion.
“As a leading operator in North America, our ability to integrate these assets, optimise performance and enhance returns through our robust trading platform underpins the long-term value we expect these acquisitions will provide for our shareholders.”
The company partnered with TD Securities and CIBC Capital Markets to issue 8,060,000 common shares at $43.45 per share, raising $350m.
An over-allotment option could increase proceeds to $403m and a private placement with the Alberta Investment Management Corporation will raise $150m.
The public offering and private placement are set to close around 22 April 2025.
The proceeds will fund the acquisition, with alternative plans for future growth opportunities if the acquisition does not complete.
The funding plan ensures Capital Power’s financial stability and supports its strategic growth initiatives.powerplant
15 April 2025PV Magazine
Us Total Solar Capacity To Reach 182 Gw By End Of 2026From pv magazine USA
Solar energy additions to the US grid are continuing their charge as the Energy Information Administration (EIA) revised its forecast to show more growth in its Short-Term Energy Outlook report.
Solar is on an impressive growth ramp, reaching 91 GW of cumulative capacity by the end of 2023 and 121 GW by the end of 2024. EIA expects 26.3% growth in installations in 2025, reaching 153 GW of installed capacity through the end of the year. In 2026 it expects another 19.5% growth in cumulative capacity in 2026, reaching 182 GW.
This growth represents a doubling of cumulative solar capacity in the United States in just three years. The figures from the EIA mark a slight upward revision from its forecast released last month.
The EIA said it expects Texas to lead the way in 2025 with about 11.6 GW installed, followed by California with 2.9 GW. The two are expected to account for almost half of the new utility-scale solar capacity.
It expects five other states (Indiana, Arizona, Michigan, Florida and New York) each to account for more than 1 GW of added solar capacity in 2025 and collectively account for 7.8 GW of planned solar capacity additions.
Battery energy storage capacity meanwhile is undergoing unprecedented growth. A record 10.3 GW of grid-scale storage was added in 2024, and this record is expected to be smashed in 2025.
The EIA expects 18.2 GW of utility-scale battery storage capacity installations in 2025. This would represent roughly 70% growth from the 26 GW of cumulative capacity installed through 2024 and adds to the 66% growth last year. Roughly half of US grid-scale storage is in California.
“This growth highlights the importance of battery storage when used with renewable energy, helping to balance supply and demand and improve grid stability,” said the EIA.
Together, solar and energy storage represented 81% of grid capacity additions in 2024, with 52% represented by solar and 29% by battery energy storage. This is followed by wind (12%) and natural gas (7%).
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14 April 2025PV Magazine
Battery Developers Race For Dutch Grid Access As Tennet Unlocks 9 Gw CapacityFrom ESS News
Last week’s announcement that Tennet is preparing for a large-scale introduction of time-dependent transmission right (TDTR) contracts in the Netherlands has offered a glimmer of hope to more than 70 GW of customers, mainly large-scale battery energy storage projects, currently stuck in the grid connection queue.
A new analysis by the Dutch TSO reveals that up to 9.1 GW of capacity is available on the high-voltage grid during off-peak hours—capacity that could be effectively utilized through TDTRs.
“Thanks to the new time-dependent contract, we can make more than 40% of the current national peak electricity demand available to interested customers on the waiting list. In the coming weeks we will be contacting all customers who have expressed an interest in the new product,” Tennet said.
To continue reading, please visit our ESS News website.
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14 April 2025Power Technology
Enbw Commissions Hydrogen-Ready Power Plant In Stuttgart, GermanyEnBW has commissioned a hydrogen-ready gas turbine power plant at Stuttgart-Münster, as part of the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and grid stability.
The plant serves as a model for future projects as southern Germany faces a growing need for flexible power solutions to balance renewable energy sources.
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The opening marks a milestone amidst extensive policy discussions regarding the legal framework for financing the urgently required investment in dispatchable power plant capacity,
EnBW CEO Georg Stamatelopoulos stated: “The power plants needed for the energy transition cannot be financed by the market alone. This is why the German government needs to create a framework of regulatory incentives for more investment as part of its programme for the first 100 days in power.”
The Stuttgart-Münster site, traditionally focused on waste incineration, is undergoing significant changes.
The existing combined heat and power (CHP) plant comprises a hard coal-fired power plant, a waste incineration plant and three steam turbines.
The modernised site now features a new gas turbine plant with a gross electrical output of 114MW, including waste heat and hot water boilers.
The CHP plant caters to both base load and peak load supply, providing Stuttgart with 124MW of electrical energy and 370MW of thermal energy.
The existing coal-fired unit and fuel oil-fired gas turbines will be decommissioned by spring 2026, aligning with Stuttgart’s goal of achieving net zero by 2035.
The hydrogen-ready plant is crucial for expanding renewable energy, offering flexibility to quickly respond to grid fluctuations.
EnBW is also converting its coal-fired sites in Altbach/Deizisau and Heilbronn to hydrogen-ready gas-fired power plants.
This initiative is part of EnBW’s broader strategy to decarbonise its power plant portfolio, involving a total capacity of 1.5GW and an investment of €1.6bn ($1.8bn).
In 2024, EnBW also announced plans to equip its power plant site in Marack, Germany with a 100MW battery storage system.
The 100 megawatt hours battery facility will help stabilise the southern German electricity grid rather than supply power directly to households.powerplant
14 April 2025PV Magazine
India Installs 24 Gw Of Solar In Fiscal 2025From pv magazine India
India added 23,823 MW of solar capacity in fiscal 2025, marking a 58.5% increase from the previous year. Utility-scale projects, strong rooftop growth under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, and a tripling of off-grid installations drove national deployment, said JMK Research.
Annual installations included 16.9 GW from utility-scale solar projects, a 47% rise from fiscal 2024. JMK Research attributed the growth to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (MNRE) 2023 mandate for 50 GW of tender issuance, along with momentum in the green open access market driven by corporate decarbonization and falling module prices in the second half of fiscal 2024.
The rooftop solar segment saw 5,148 MW of new capacity, a 72% increase year over year. “This growth was primarily driven by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which facilitated significant capacity additions in the residential sector,” said JMK Research.
Off-grid and distributed solar installations reached 1,785 MW, nearly triple the previous year’s additions.
Rajasthan (6,431 MW), Gujarat (3,268 MW), and Maharashtra (2,146 MW) led solar installations in fiscal 2025.
Gujarat installed the most rooftop solar capacity with 1,649 MW, followed by Maharashtra (1,227 MW) and Kerala (515 MW).
According to MNRE data, India’s total installed renewable energy capacity reached 220 GW in fiscal 2025. Solar accounted for 48% of the total, followed by wind (23%), large hydro (22%), bio power (5%), and small hydro (2%).
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11 April 2025Power Technology
Eu To Add 89Gw Renewable Capacity In 2025 Despite Industry ChallengesThe European Union (EU) is on track to install a record 89GW of renewable energy capacity in 2025, including 70GW of solar and 19GW of wind power, as reported by Reuters, based on European Commission projections.
This expected growth surpasses 2024’s installations, which saw the addition of 65.5GW of new solar and 12.9GW of wind capacity.
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The rapid deployment of renewable energy is crucial for the EU to achieve its climate objectives and reduce reliance on gas imports – in particular, to phase out Russian gas by 2027.
However, the renewable energy sector is encountering challenges, such as prolonged delays in obtaining permits.
Industry association SolarPower Europe has expressed concerns that recent cuts to government support, such as France’s decision to reduce feed-in-tariff support for rooftop solar panels, could impact growth projections.
SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger stated: “Some big markets have taken significant steps back since the beginning of the year [2025]. It is looking less and less likely we’ll hit 70GW this year.”
2024’s growth in installations slowed to 4%, down from 50% growth in 2023.
To meet the EU’s 2030 environmental targets, 70GW of new solar capacity is needed annually.
Industry group WindEurope forecasted a 35% increase in new wind capacity in 2025, with an addition of 17.4GW.
However, wind power developer Ørsted has highlighted that the industry in Europe is facing increased costs and supply chain issues.
In February 2025, the European Commission announced plans to mobilise more than €100bn ($104.9bn) to boost EU-based clean manufacturing under its Clean Industrial Deal, aimed at speeding up decarbonisation.powerplant
11 April 2025PV Magazine
India Plans 13 Gw Hybrid Solar, Wind Hybrid ProjectFrom pv magazine India
A hybrid renewable energy park with a total capacity of 13 GW is planned across the Pang, Debring, and Kharnak areas of the union territory of Ladakh, India. The project will include solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems, said Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power Shripad Yesso Naik.
Naik said that no companies have been selected yet to develop renewable power projects in the park.
Separately, Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd. (SECI) is implementing a 25 MW (AC) grid-connected solar project with 40 MWh of battery storage at Taru, Leh, in Ladakh. The EPC contract for the project has been awarded to Prozeal Green Energy.
The ministry is also developing an interstate transmission system under the Green Energy Corridor (GEC-II) program to evacuate 13 GW of power from Ladakh.
Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) is implementing the transmission project. The line will pass through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab to Kaithal in Haryana, where it will connect to the national grid.
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10 April 2025