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.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

Your 1st year at 99 $*

then 199 $/year

*renews at 199$/year, cancel anytime before renewal.

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.

Solar panel imports into Africa reached 15,032 MW in one year, setting a record and marking an expansion beyond South Africa, according to the energy research organisation Ember.
Ferrovial will launch a 250 MW solar plant in Texas for $355mn, expanding its US energy portfolio and creating around 300 jobs during the construction phase.
The 4.99 MW floating solar power plant in Cebu supplies the Carmen Copper mining site, covering about 10% of its energy needs, with connection to the national grid now effective.
Four photovoltaic plants totaling 50 MW will be built in Benin by Axian Energy and Sika Capital to strengthen the share of renewables in the country’s energy mix.
Developer Qair secures a loan from the Facility for Energy Inclusion to build a 5.8 MWp floating photovoltaic solar plant in Providence Lagoon, the first utility-scale project of its kind in Seychelles.
Israeli group Shikun & Binui begins commercial operation of its first photovoltaic park in Romania, a 71 MW facility located in Satu Mare County.
Canadian Solar reported a gross margin of 29.8% in Q2 2025, exceeding expectations despite a net loss, amid delayed project sales and asset impairments.
Australian distributor OSW secures strategic funding to accelerate U.S. growth and deploy its digital solar project management platform.
According to the Energy Information Administration, solar will represent the leading source of new U.S. power capacity this year.
Two 13 MW solar facilities have been completed at the Fort Polk military site in Louisiana by Onyx Renewables and Corvias as part of a partnership to secure the site’s long-term energy supply.
Photon Energy Group reports quarterly revenue growth driven by solar technology trading, while profitability falls due to a weaker capacity market.
Two photovoltaic projects led by RWE were selected in a federal tender, with commissioning scheduled by the end of 2026, subject to permits.
The public utility Eskom launches a tender to sell long-term solar electricity via PPAs, directly targeting industrial players amid continued pressure on national energy security.
The Norwegian group Scatec strengthens its position in emerging markets with a marked increase in revenue and its portfolio of projects under construction.
The consortium led by Masdar has secured approximately $1.1 billion in financing to build one of the world’s largest solar power plants in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is financing the modernization of Enerjisa Enerji’s electricity distribution network in the Toroslar region, affected by the 2023 earthquakes.
Vikram Solar will supply 250 MW of high-efficiency solar modules to the Bondada Group for a project in Maharashtra, with deployment scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2025–2026.
Meta secures its energy supply in South Carolina with a 100-megawatt solar project led by Silicon Ranch and Central Electric Power Cooperative. The site will support the group's future data center in Graniteville.
SolAmerica Energy secures a $100 million revolving credit facility with Deutsche Bank to support its distributed solar assets in the United States.
Diamond Infrastructure Solutions grants Third Pillar Solar exclusive access to its Texas reservoirs to evaluate the potential for 500 MW of floating solar as part of a $700 million investment.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.

or

Go unlimited with our annual offer: $99 for the 1styear year, then $ 199/year.