China and India dominate the global solar megaproject scene

China and India are stepping up investment in solar megaprojects, reinforcing their dominant position in the renewable energies sector.

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China, already a world leader in renewable energies, continues its aggressive expansion with the 3.5 GW Midong solar project in Xinjiang.
This project currently represents the largest solar installation in operation in the country.
However, China is not stopping there, and is already planning even more ambitious initiatives, such as the Tengger solar park in Inner Mongolia, which is set to reach 8 GW once completed.
China’s strategy is based on a massive increase in installed capacity, with 339 GW of renewable projects under construction, including 180 GW in solar alone.
This rapid expansion is a direct response to China’s growing need for electricity and its desire to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, while consolidating its position as world leader in renewable energies.

India bets on Khavda solar park

India, the sector’s second-largest player, continues to strengthen its energy infrastructure with the Khavda solar park in Gujarat.
This hybrid project, which combines solar and wind power, is aiming for a total capacity of 30 GW by 2027.
Currently, 551 MW of solar capacity is already in operation, marking a key milestone in the national goal of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
India’s rapid progress in the energy sector testifies to its desire to diversify its sources of supply and gradually reduce its dependence on coal.
This project is crucial for the country as it strives to modernize its energy infrastructure while meeting growing demand.

Strategic solar projects in the Middle East and Africa

The United Arab Emirates, with the Al Dhafra solar power plant, is also positioning itself as a key player in the field of renewable energies.
This 2 GW facility, located near Abu Dhabi, is a centerpiece of the UAE’s strategy to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2050.
Covering an area of 21 square kilometers, the project reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy mix.
In Africa, the Benban solar park in Egypt is one of the largest solar installations on the continent, with a capacity of 1.5 GW.
Financed by the World Bank, this project plays a vital role in supplying electricity to over 420,000 households.
This is a strategic initiative for Egypt, which is seeking to strengthen its energy independence while attracting foreign investment in the renewable energies sector.

The United States, a major player on the rise

In the United States, the Chill Sun solar project in Nevada, with a planned capacity of 2.25 GW, demonstrates the country’s commitment to strengthening its renewable energy infrastructure.
Nevada, with its favorable climatic conditions, is already a hub for solar installations, and this new project will help increase the share of solar energy in the national energy mix.
Currently, the United States has 40 GW of solar and wind projects under construction, representing a significant proportion of the country’s electricity production.
Although development is slower than in China, the United States continues to make progress, supported by favorable policies and private initiatives to increase its clean energy production capacity.

Cypress Creek Renewables begins construction of the Hanson Solar project in Texas, backed by structured financing combining debt and equity, to support the ERCOT grid and supply Meta’s operations.
Facing massive overcapacity, US tariff pressures and rapid technological change, India's solar module sector is preparing for major industrial restructuring dominated by a few integrated groups.
Econergy has connected its 52MW solar project in Resko, Poland, to the grid, supported by a 19-year virtual power purchase agreement signed with Apple.
Green Growth and K2 Holdings begin converting a solar park to an FIP scheme, including battery installation, to improve profitability in a region heavily affected by production curtailment.
Arevon Energy has initiated construction of its first utility-scale solar project in Illinois, with a 124-megawatt capacity and $200mn in private investment to support U.S. energy demand.
French renewable energy producer Neoen has signed an agreement with Plenitude to sell 52 assets totalling 760 MW of capacity on the French market.
A national tool led by ADEME lists agrivoltaic installations across France to support their regulatory oversight, as the sector sees rapid growth following the 2023 law.
The construction site of the future photovoltaic park in La Couvertoirade plans to hire four people in job inclusion, as part of a partnership between VALOREM and the Union Départementale des Structures d’Insertion par l’Activité Économique de l’Aveyron.
Abraxas Power Corp. has launched land reclamation operations for Solar City, a 100-megawatt floating solar project in the Maldives, following environmental approval. The total zone investment exceeds USD187mn.
Alfa Solar and Astronergy Europe are partnering to build an integrated solar wafer and cell facility with 2.5 GW capacity in Balıkesir’s organised industrial zone.
Despite reaching a record $807bn in 2024, renewable energy investment growth slowed sharply, with funding heavily concentrated in advanced economies and China.
French renewable heat provider Newheat has inaugurated the largest agricultural solar thermal plant in the country, supplying the Les Tomates d’Auïtou site with 5,400 MWh annually.
First Solar launches a $330mn industrial project in Gaffney to add 3.7 GW of domestic solar capacity and create over 600 jobs, strengthening its manufacturing presence in the United States.
Ecopetrol has finalised the acquisition of solar assets in Colombia from Statkraft for $157.5mn, adding more than 0.6 GW of installed capacity to its energy portfolio.
Exowatt strengthens its capital to industrialise its P3 solar solution and meet the strong demand from AI-powered data centres across the United States.
US-based T1 Energy strengthens its industrial footprint with two successive capital injections and prepares for the launch of its G2_Austin facility, while doubling production at its G1_Dallas site in the fourth quarter.
Velto Renewables becomes the sole owner of Europe's largest floating solar power plant after finalising the transaction with Q ENERGY, strengthening its presence in France.
Voltalia has launched electricity production at Sarimay Solar, a 126-megawatt solar plant in Uzbekistan, marking a key milestone in the deployment of new photovoltaic capacity in the country.
rPlus Energies has completed the acquisition of two solar and storage projects totalling 900 MW in Ada County, reinforcing its position as a key energy player in the western United States.
Sattel International receives a licence to develop a six MWp solar power plant with storage in Luozi, a project aimed at strengthening electricity supply and supporting economic activities in this area of Kongo-Central.

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