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.

Acciona Energía sells 49% of its U.S. solar portfolio and all of two Mexican wind farms in a $1bn deal, reinforcing its asset rotation strategy.
Maxeon Solar Technologies has launched a new legal action against Aiko Solar and its European distributors over alleged infringement of a key back contact photovoltaic technology patent.
Vena Group has finalised a landmark foreign currency financing for its Opus solar project in the Philippines, marking a major milestone for cross-border investments in energy.
Voltalia strengthens its presence in Italy with four solar projects awarded under the FERX tender, securing stable revenues over two decades for a total capacity of 68 megawatts.
French developer Akuo has completed three crowdfunding campaigns to support its solar power plants in Côte-d’Or, raising a total of €5.15mn ($5.57mn) exclusively from local stakeholders.
Zimbabwe plans to launch the construction of a 600 MW floating solar power plant on Lake Kariba in 2026, aiming to reduce its reliance on drought-affected hydropower.
The company has secured a 108 MW solar project in Sicily, its largest in Italy, following the second national FER X auction, strengthening its portfolio of energy investments in the country.
Independent power producer GreenGo strengthens its portfolio to 193 MW under public schemes, after winning a new 48 MW solar project through the FER X NZIA programme.
Italy awarded over 1.1 gigawatts to 88 solar projects using no Chinese equipment, in a European first, at an average tariff of €66.38/MWh, 17% above previous auctions.
French firm Newheat forms a joint venture with Sunmark Chile to develop large-scale solar thermal heat projects for the mining sector, targeting decarbonisation of copper extraction processes in Chile.
Scatec has begun commercial operation of the second phase of its 120 MW solar project in Mmadinare, marking a strategic step in Botswana’s energy sector.
Origis Energy finalised a $290mn financing with Natixis CIB and Santander for the Swift Air Solar II and III projects, totalling 313 MWdc of installed capacity in Ector County, Texas.
ACWA Power and Bapco Energies signed a joint development agreement for a solar power plant integrated with storage technology in eastern Saudi Arabia, to supply electricity to Bahrain.
The Tilley Solar project, led by Indigenous and private partners, has reached full commissioning, adding 23.6 MW to Alberta's power grid and marking an economic milestone for Alexander First Nation.
Waaree Solar Americas will supply next-generation bifacial modules to Sabancı Renewables for two utility-scale solar plants in Texas, strengthening its presence in the North American market.
A court in Illinois has dismissed a lawsuit filed against ECA Solar, removing legal barriers to the construction of a planned solar facility outside the city limits of Morris.
EDF power solutions acquires a 20% stake in Obelisk, a 1.1GW hybrid solar and storage project in Egypt led by Scatec and Norfund, marking a new milestone in its regional strategy.
Mitsubishi HC Capital Energy and Ecokaku will develop 10 MW of non-subsidised solar power plants annually in Japan, targeting direct contracts with industrial buyers through long-term power purchase agreements.
Canadian company NU E Power plans to fund the development of its solar projects in Lethbridge and feasibility studies in Mongolia, Malaysia, and Africa through a $1.8mn private placement.
Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation signed a PHP3.975bn ($71mn) project finance loan with Bank of the Philippine Islands to accelerate the completion of its 113MW solar power plant in Pangasinan province.

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