During the period from November 20th to 26th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Utility-scale BESS to drive Czechia’s storage market
Regulatory reforms in the Czech Republic are driving the development of the large-scale battery energy storage market. According to Aurora Energy Research, the regulatory opening allows energy storage systems to participate in the wholesale electricity and ancillary services markets. The internal rate of return for 2-hour systems commissioned in 2025 is projected to exceed 15%. Current storage capacity stands at 2.3 GWh, expected to reach 6 GWh by 2030, after which the ancillary services market will gradually saturate.
2. Germany’s January-October solar additions reach 13 GW
Data from the German Federal Network Agency shows that newly installed PV capacity from January to October 2025 reached 13.0353 GW. Additions in October were 1145.8 MW, a sequential rebound but significantly lower than the 1761.3 MW added in the same period last year. Ground-mounted PV installations have surpassed rooftop PV, with demand for the latter remaining persistently weak. Registrations for plug-in small-scale PV devices fell back to levels seen at the start of the year, while ground-mounted PV shows volatile growth due to the commissioning of large-scale projects.
3. Hydro approves largest pumped hydro project in more than 20 years in Norway
Norway's Norsk Hydro has approved an investment of approximately USD 118 million after tax to build the Illvatn power plant, the country's largest pumped hydro project in over 20 years. The project includes an 8-kilometer connecting tunnel and 13 kilometers of aluminum tower transmission lines. Construction starts in November 2025, with commissioning scheduled for 2030. It will add 107 GWh of annual electricity generation, reduce summer water spillage, enhance winter power supply capacity, and increase operational flexibility for Fortun's power operations.
4. Romania advances municipal storage buildout, 500 MWh battery project
Romania has launched a EUR 150 million municipal energy storage plan, which will add 385 MW of storage capacity, helping cities achieve energy self-sufficiency and enable all-weather operation of smart systems. Meanwhile, developer Aukera secured EUR 60 million in financing to advance its 250 MW / 500 MWh independent energy storage project in Gura Ialomiței. Expected commissioning is mid-2026. The country's total storage capacity is expected to reach 2200 MW by the end of 2026.
5. Namibia opens 120 MW solar tender
Namibia's national utility, NamPower, has launched a tender for 120 MW of solar PV capacity, covering six 20 MW projects. Procurement is via the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model and is open to internationally qualified bidders. Bidders must pay a N$ 6000 (approximately USD 349) registration fee to obtain the tender documents. The payment deadline is January 13, 2026, and the bid submission deadline is January 30, 2026. The country currently has 377.8 MW of installed PV capacity and is also advancing large-scale PV and PV projects related to green hydrogen.
6. Tata subsidiary commissions NHPC solar project in India
TPREL, a subsidiary of Tata Power, acting as the EPC contractor, has commissioned NHPC's 450 MW solar project in Bikaner, Rajasthan, India. The project utilizes domestic technologies, including bifacial DCR modules manufactured by TP Solar. Completed over two and a half years, it will supply power to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. Over its operational life, the project is expected to generate 17.23 billion units of electricity. TPREL is also executing two other solar projects in the state. Its total renewable energy capacity stands at 11.6 GW, with 5.8 GW operational.
7. India’s solar additions rise as nine-month installations reach 26.6 GW
A Mercom report shows India added 26.6 GW of solar capacity in the first nine months of 2025, a 53.7% year-on-year increase, setting a new record for the period. Cumulative installed capacity reached 125.5 GW. Large-scale projects accounted for 81.5% of additions, with Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat being the primary contributors. Third-quarter installations slowed due to equipment delays and uneven grid readiness. Grid constraints remain a primary growth concern for 2026.
8. Atlas Renewable Energy energizes 201 MW solar park in Colombia
Ireland's Atlas Renewable Energy has commissioned the 201 MW Shangri-La solar park in Ibagué, Tolima, Colombia, its first large-scale project in the country. The project secured USD 113 million in financing from IDB Invest and a Colombian bank. It originated from a OEF energy auction and has an annual generation capacity of 403.7 GWh. This project is also the first result of the company's collaboration with Isagen to develop 1000 MW of solar capacity.
9. Mauritius warns unauthorized solar systems may be disconnected
The Central Electricity Board (CEB) of Mauritius reports an increasing number of unauthorized solar systems connected to its distribution network, posing safety risks such as electric shock and fire. Regulations require solar systems to obtain dual written authorization from both the CEB and the Utility Regulatory Authority. The CEB urges affected citizens to register by January 15, 2026, or face disconnection. Violators may face fines up to MUR 100,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. The country currently has 168.5 MW of installed PV capacity.
10. Europe’s energy storage capacity on track to pass 100 GW
Analysis by LCP Delta and the European Association for Storage of Energy shows that the energy storage capacity in the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland is set to surpass 100 GW this month. Pumped hydro storage, at 50.6 GW, is the largest contributor, while battery storage is growing the fastest, with over 4 GW of new utility-scale projects added in 2025. Total capacity is forecast to reach 215 GW by 2030, with battery storage exceeding 160 GW. All market segments are expected to expand steadily.
11. SEIA warns 13 GW of Texas solar and storage at risk
The US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) warns that federal permitting delays, reductions in the Investment Tax Credit, and the phase-out of related subsidies are putting 13 GW of planned solar and storage projects in Texas for 2026 at risk of missing interconnection deadlines. The volume of at-risk projects rises to 22.5 GW (out of 26 GW planned) for 2027. Nationwide, over 70 GW of solar and 40 GW of storage projects lack full permits. Texas consumers could face USD 115 billion in higher electricity costs over 15 years.
12. Luxembourg permits photovoltaics near motorways
The Luxembourg government has approved amendments to road-related laws, allowing the installation of PV systems within the 25-meter wide non-building zones along motorways and urban bypass roads. This move follows an independent study estimating the PV potential of these areas at 1.5 GW. It is one of 51 national renewable energy support measures. By the end of 2024, the country's cumulative PV capacity reached 523 MW, showing significant year-on-year growth.
13. Australia installs 5.2 GW of solar in 2024
An IEA report shows Australia added 5.2 GW of solar capacity in 2024, reaching a cumulative total of 40 GW. This comprises 26.1 GW distributed and 13.4 GW utility-scale. Rooftop solar penetration reached 44% (approximately 50% in Queensland and South Australia). Solar power supplied over 20% of the nation's total electricity demand. Australia ranks among the world leaders in per capita capacity but has not ranked in the global top ten for annual additions for two consecutive years, with large-scale projects constrained by grid connection issues.
14. British football club tenders solar-plus-storage system
Avro FC, a football club in Oldham, Greater Manchester, UK, has launched a tender seeking a contractor to provide an integrated turnkey solution for an 80 kW solar array coupled with a 40 kW storage system at its home ground, Vestacare Stadium (also known as Whitebank Stadium). The contractor will be responsible for design, installation, grid connection, commissioning, and handover, and must have relevant experience in commercial solar installation. The bid deadline is November 30.
15. Bahrain runs 3 MW solar tender
Bahrain's Ministry of Electricity and Water Affairs has tendered a 3 MW grid-connected solar PV project for the country's General Sports Authority, using a Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) model. The winning bidder will be responsible for the project's design, construction, installation, commissioning, and subsequent five years of operation and maintenance, with completion required within 10 months. Nine applications have been received for this tender, whose deadline was not disclosed. The country's cumulative PV capacity reached 66 MW by the end of 2024, with plans recently announced for an additional 123 MW solar project.
16. Australia’s Raystech to supply 1 GWh of Sungrow battery storage in 2026
At the All-Energy Australia exhibition in October 2025, Sungrow signed agreements with three local distributors: a new agreement with Raystech for the supply of 800 MW of inverters and 1 GWh of energy storage systems in 2026; a renewal with Supply Partners, involving 300 MW of inverters and 300 MWh of residential storage; and a nationwide strategic cooperation with Tradezone, covering clean energy solutions for multiple scenarios, consolidating its position in the Australian market.
17. AleaSoft notes downturn in European electricity prices
AleaSoft analysis shows electricity prices fell in most major European markets in the second week of November. France had the lowest price at EUR 31.28/MWh, while Italy and the Nordic market saw increases of 3.6% and 6.1%, respectively. The main reasons were falling natural gas prices and increased wind power output, while solar power generation declined in some countries (a 45% drop in Portugal). Prices in most markets are expected to rise from November 17 due to increasing demand.