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.

French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.
Geronimo Power celebrated the near completion of its 125 MW solar farm in Jackson County, marking a major step for the local economy and regional power grid.
GOLDBECK SOLAR Polska has received the Final Operational Notification for its Zwartowo photovoltaic facility, marking a key regulatory milestone in the development of large-scale solar projects in Poland.
H.E Energy will develop 100 low-voltage solar facilities totalling 10MWDC in Hokkaido for SMFL Mirai Partners, with commissioning scheduled by June 2026.
Hokkaido Gas has launched a 2MW solar power plant in Kamishihoro, with an expected annual output of 4.4GWh to be distributed locally through energy supplier Karch.
Sembcorp Industries has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a 300-megawatt solar plant in India, boosting its renewable energy footprint to a total capacity of 6.9 gigawatts.
Spanish solar energy producers have recorded 693 hours of zero or negative prices since January, already matching the total for the previous year, raising concerns about the sector’s profitability and market stability.
Mars signs a major contract with GoldenPeaks Capital to develop over 100 solar plants in Poland, aiming to power its European operations and supply chain with renewable electricity.
Doral Renewables has signed a power purchase agreement for 75% of the output from its Cold Creek Solar project, expanding its contracted portfolio to over 1.6 GW nationwide.
SNCF Voyageurs secures direct solar electricity supply from two plants owned by Octopus Energy and BayWa r.e., through 25-year agreements aimed at powering its rail network.
The end of China's VAT rebate and reduced output bring an end to eighteen months of historically low prices in solar and storage sectors.
The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects has shortlisted several companies for Phase III of the Al Dibdibah solar plant, with a net capacity of 500 MW.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has agreed to examine compensation claims by ACME Solar and AMPIN Energy, citing losses caused by non-operational transmission lines.
Waaree Energies has activated a new 950 MW photovoltaic module production line in Degam, strengthening its industrial investment programme in western India.
India opens a new rooftop solar tender phase, offering 3,640 kW under the RESCO model, with a pre-bid meeting held online on October 6 by Solar Energy Corporation of India.
The Japanese developer has reached a total of 100MW in solar capacity under power purchase agreements with Microsoft, spread across four projects in the country, two of which are already operational.
SNCF Énergie signed four new renewable electricity purchase agreements with Neoen in July, covering the annual consumption equivalent of the TGV Paris–Bordeaux line.
RWE has inaugurated a 4 megawatt-peak solar park in Charente-Maritime, built on a former municipal landfill site and capable of supplying electricity to approximately 1,500 households.
EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric have started operations at the Milagro Energy Center, combining 150 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 75 MW of battery storage under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Iberdrola strengthens its partnership with Norges Bank Investment Management by adding two Spanish photovoltaic plants, raising joint operational capacity to 900 MW.

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