Topic · 18 stories
utility-scale-solar
This tag covers large-scale photovoltaic projects, detailing how these installations impact grid stability, energy markets, and the broader transition to renewable power sources.
China activates world’s highest grid-connected solar thermal plant
China has connected the first unit of a 150 MW hybrid solar project in Gar County, which combines 100 MW of photovoltaics with 50 MW of solar thermal generation. This milestone demonstrates the feasibility of operating large-scale renewable energy facilities at extreme altitudes of over 4,000 meters.
IEA's Latin America Renewable Energy Market Report: Brazil to Add 90 GW, Chile 20 GW as Solar Power Overtakes Hydropower by 2030
The IEA's Renewables 2026 report forecasts that solar PV will become the largest source of renewable electricity capacity in Latin America by 2030, with Brazil and Chile leading new installations. This projection highlights the critical need for grid integration solutions and policy adjustments to address transmission congestion and curtailment issues in the region.
Solar and Wind Account for 95% of New U.S. Power Capacity in Q1 2026; FERC Forecasts 133 GW Expansion by 2029 - GreentechLead
FERC's Energy Infrastructure Update reports that solar and wind accounted for over 95 percent of new U.S. power capacity in Q1 2026, with solar adding 6,034.4 MW. This data highlights the accelerating dominance of renewables in the U.S. grid, which is critical for professionals planning long-term infrastructure and investment strategies.
Key wind and solar auction looms amid viability concerns
Ireland's RESS 6 auction opens this week with a €110/MWh solar price cap that Solar Ireland argues is too low for current construction costs. This outcome will determine which wind and solar projects can proceed toward Ireland's 2030 renewable targets.
MPs warn solar farms are putting Britain's best farmland at risk
MPs warned that large-scale solar developments in Britain are putting high-quality farmland at risk, citing a specific project in Cheshire. This debate highlights the critical tension between renewable energy expansion and food security, requiring professionals to consider land-use conflicts in project siting.
Vernon Parish lifts solar farm moratorium
Vernon Parish has lifted its solar farm moratorium and adopted a revised ordinance with new traffic and maintenance rules. This update clarifies local regulatory requirements for developers in the region.
Electric battery capacity nearly doubles in the US under Trump
US utility-scale battery storage capacity nearly doubled to 165 GWh in the first 18 months of the current administration, with Q2 2026 installations hitting a record 20.2 GWh. This rapid expansion is driven by grid operators and data centers seeking to manage peak demand and improve system reliability.
Analysts push back on solar blank by T&TEC: No batteries needed
T&TEC has halted grid absorption from the 92-megawatt Brechin Castle Solar facility, citing planning and contractual shortcomings. Analysts argue this decision undermines the energy transition and that adding battery storage would have significantly increased construction costs.
New Document in Uşak Bağbaşı Solar Power Project! EIA Report Prepared After Court Ruling
An updated environmental impact assessment report was prepared for the Uşak Bağbaşı solar project following a court suspension of execution. This regulatory update reflects the legal and administrative steps required to proceed with the 40 MWe facility.
Colombia Adds 698.2 MW of New Generation in Third Quarter, Including 39 Solar Projects
Colombia added 39 solar projects to its grid in Q3 2026, totaling 698.2 MW of new capacity. This expansion increases solar's share of the generation mix to 11.7% and supports system stability.
‘We’ve been betrayed’: Disgusted residents slam approval of 4,000
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero granted development consent for the 800MW Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park in Nottinghamshire. This approval highlights the significant local opposition and community concerns regarding large-scale solar developments in rural areas.
Italy: New Land Area for Ground-Mounted Solar Power Up 65% Year-on-Year to 2,798 Hectares
ISPRA data shows new ground-mounted solar land in Italy rose 65% to 2,798 hectares in 2025, with most sites in Lazio and Sicily. This highlights the rapid expansion of utility-scale solar and its impact on land use in the region.
Four companies jointly invest in 9.149 trillion VND solar power project in Dak Lak
Dak Lak Province approved a 452 MW floating solar project on Ea Sup Thuong Lake with a 9.149 trillion VND investment. This large-scale development highlights the expansion of floating solar capacity in Vietnam's power grid.
Controversy over 41 billion won solar project on Jindo County-owned land: Fairness and rights of existing tenants
A 41 billion won solar project on Jindo County-owned land faces controversy over administrative fairness and tenant rights. The dispute highlights the need for clear procedures when converting agricultural land to solar use while honoring existing lease agreements.
Italy's Solar Power: Nearly 2.1 Million Installations, GSE Data
The GSE 2025 report records 43.7 GW of installed capacity and 45 TWh of generation in Italy, with small-scale systems comprising 85% of installations. Monthly sector updates will begin in November, providing professionals with more frequent data on market growth and grid integration trends.
Saudi Arabia in talks with Chinese firms over 2,000 MW solar plant in Turkey; Chinese contractors emerge as front-runners for Tasheli and Sivas projects
The article details the final selection stage for a 2,000 MW solar project in Turkey, highlighting Chinese contractors as front-runners. This matters for professionals tracking international EPC trends and the impact of intergovernmental agreements on large-scale solar development.
Iberdrola gets green light to boost hybridization of its Cedillo hydroelectric plant with 75 MW of solar
Iberdrola received administrative and construction permits to build a 75.3 MW photovoltaic plant in Cedillo, Spain, to be hybridized with an existing hydroelectric facility. This project leverages existing electrical infrastructure to jointly evacuate renewable energy to the transmission grid.
Supervisory Authority's Rejection of Solar Project in Designated Abandoned Quarry Is Unjustified If It Ignores Visual Impact
TAR Lombardia ruled that rejecting a solar project in a disused quarry based solely on abstract landscape prohibitions is unjustified without assessing visual impact. This clarifies regulatory requirements for landscape authorization in suitable areas, affecting project approval processes for solar developers.