New South Wales is set to receive a boost in renewable power as the 25-megawatt Mulwala Solar Farm, a collaborative initiative involving Google, AirTrunk, and European Energy Australia, nears its operational launch. The project, first announced in 2023, is in its final stages of completion and is preparing to integrate with the national grid. Upon commencement, it will contribute fresh clean energy capacity to Australia’s National Electricity Market. This advancement arrives at a time when the surge in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data storage is increasing electricity consumption across the region.

For Google, this solar farm is an integral component of its Digital Future Initiative. This program strategically aligns the company’s technological expansion within Australia with investments in infrastructure, skill development, and energy solutions. The Mulwala Solar Farm is designed to synchronize the growth of digital operations with the development of new renewable energy generation, rather than solely depending on existing grid infrastructure. Google stated, “Today, alongside AirTrunk and European Energy Australia, we announced that the 25-megawatt Mulwala Solar Farm in New South Wales is nearing completion and preparing to join the grid.”

This project represents a convergence of critical elements within the energy and technology sectors. Google is actively working to mitigate the environmental impact of its operations. AirTrunk stands as a prominent data centre operator across the Asia-Pacific region. European Energy Australia contributes its specialized expertise in renewable energy development. Together, these partners are positioning the solar farm as a key contributor to a wider transformation in how digital infrastructure is constructed and powered. Data centres are increasingly recognized as vital economic assets, underpinning cloud services, AI workloads, financial systems, public sector modernization, and enterprise operations. Simultaneously, they face mounting scrutiny from investors, regulators, and consumers who seek clarity on their electricity consumption, grid impact, and emissions. The announcement highlighted, “First announced in 2023, this project will add new clean energy capacity to Australia’s National Electricity Market.”

This aspect is crucial for executives. The procurement of renewable energy by corporations gains greater significance when it directly supports the establishment of new generation capacity. Such initiatives can effectively reduce operational emissions while simultaneously aiding the broader decarbonization of the grid. The Mulwala Solar Farm exemplifies this, demonstrating how a corporate Australia solar farm can contribute to national energy goals.

Australia’s energy market is navigating a complex transition away from fossil fuels, with new solar, wind, storage, and transmission capacity remaining central to this shift. Projects backed by corporations can accelerate investment, particularly when substantial energy consumers commit to their demand. The Mulwala Solar Farm also addresses a governance challenge for technology companies. While digital services are expanding rapidly, current climate commitments necessitate tangible evidence of energy sourcing. In many cases, purchasing renewable energy certificates alone is no longer sufficient for stakeholders. Google has set a clear objective to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy, a more rigorous standard than annual offsets, focusing on continuous clean electricity utilization.

Initiatives like the Mulwala Solar Farm play a vital role in bridging the gap between climate aspirations and operational realities. Google further commented, “As part of our Digital Future Initiative, this solar farm helps match growing digital needs with new renewable energy, supporting Australia’s broader grid decarbonization. It also brings us closer to our aim of operating on 24/7 carbon-free energy.”

The initiative is anticipated to introduce substantial capacity in wind power, solar energy, and energy storage. This development is poised to establish Southeast Asia’s most extensive Future Energy System, an AI-driven infrastructure designed to seamlessly integrate various energy systems with intelligent operational capabilities. Consequently, the project is expected to considerably augment the region’s integrated clean energy capacity.

The official signing ceremony saw the attendance of notable figures including Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Lao PDR, Edward Hou, Senior Vice President & President of Asia-Pacific Region at Envision Energy, and Peck Khamkanist, Executive Chairman of Impact Electrons Siam. This partnership signifies a crucial advancement in Laos’ ongoing efforts to transition from a hydro-dominant power exporting nation towards becoming a diversified clean energy development center. It establishes a new benchmark for integrated renewable energy development throughout the ASEAN region.

Leveraging its extensive global experience in pioneering future energy systems and net-zero industrial parks, Envision Energy will deploy its advanced AI-powered future energy system. This technology will facilitate intelligent coordination and optimization across the project’s wind, solar, and storage operations. The generated green power is intended to not only satisfy the escalating local electricity demand but also to provide essential support for next-generation sustainable infrastructure and industries. These include smart cities, green data centers, green mining, and advanced manufacturing, thereby accelerating Laos’ energy transition.

Furthermore, the collaborating parties will explore the potential contribution of green hydrogen to enhancing energy stability and supporting the development of future green industrial parks within Laos. The project is expected to serve as a demonstration of how system-level integration and intelligent operational strategies can lead to improved reliability, efficiency, and long-term resilience in renewable energy systems. This could establish a scalable model for clean energy development across Southeast Asia.

Edward Hou, Senior Vice President & President of Asia-Pacific Region at Envision Energy, said: “By integrating wind, solar, and energy storage at scale, this project will further optimize Laos’ energy mix, enhance grid stability and flexibility, and improve the cost competitiveness of clean electricity.”

“In partnership with Envision Energy, the project brings together global expertise in integrated energy systems to support more advanced and efficient clean power development in the region,” added Peck Khamkanist, Executive Chairman of Impact Electrons Siam.

The event convened a diverse group of stakeholders from the renewable energy sector, including domestic and international financial institutions, project developers, and equipment suppliers. KOSPO outlined its intention to incrementally add 3.4 GW of renewable energy capacity within the next five years, projecting a total expansion to 11.2 GW renewable energy by 2040. This forward-looking KOSPO renewable energy strategy underscores a commitment to sustainable energy growth.

The initial phase of investment will target solar power projects. KOSPO plans to leverage idle land at existing power plant sites and areas affected by saltwater damage on farmland for solar installations. Furthermore, the company intends to assume a leading shareholder role in publicly initiated offshore wind projects.

Korea Southern Power highlighted its established presence in the renewable energy landscape. This includes the successful installation of 115 domestically manufactured wind turbines, a leading position in battery energy storage systems (ESS), and advancements in floating solar projects. The company has also been actively involved in demonstration work for next-generation building-integrated photovoltaics.

In the realm of offshore wind, KOSPO plans a phased expansion, beginning with 200-megawatt pilot projects in Yeonggwang’s Yawol area and Busan’s Dadaepo area. The company is committed to ensuring a high operational efficiency, targeting a 97% operating rate. Development of floating offshore wind power on the east coast is slated for completion by 2030. KOSPO also aims for the early integration of individually permitted offshore wind projects into designated development zones under the Special Act on Offshore Wind Power.

Further strengthening its renewable energy portfolio under the 11.2 GW renewable energy, KOSPO is scheduled to commence construction on two onshore wind farms, Yukbaeksan and Gangneung, in 2027. The company will also undertake timely repowering initiatives for aging wind farms, including Hankyong, Taebaek, and Changjuk, to enhance their efficiency and output.

KOSPO is actively engaging with the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and local communities to advance large-scale solar projects on salt-damaged farmland in regions such as Jangheung. To bolster the renewable energy industry ecosystem, KOSPO has formalized collaborations through memorandums of understanding with 11 partner institutions across five key areas: financial institutions, project developers, and technology companies.

Specific agreements include a project financing arrangement with KB Kookmin Bank and other financial entities, an investment advisory partnership with Koramco and Alpha Asset Management, and an equipment supply contract with Doosan Enerbility for the Yeonggwang Yawol and Busan Dadaepo offshore wind projects. Additionally, a solar technology demonstration agreement has been established with the Korea Institute of Materials Science and Solis Jangheung. KOSPO has also partnered with Bright Energy Partners to jointly participate in the central contract market for energy storage systems, a crucial component of the renewable energy infrastructure.

“Korea Southern Power is taking the lead in renewable energy projects aligned with the government’s decarbonization policy, from solar power and offshore wind to battery energy storage systems,” President Kim Jun-dong said, highlighting the plans for 11.2 GW renewable energy.

The cornerstone of this Berbera energy project initiative features the installation of a 12MWp solar power generation system, complemented by a substantial 70MWh battery energy storage facility. This dual-component system is engineered to ensure a stable and consistent electricity distribution, thereby improving reliability for countless households, businesses, and industrial entities throughout Berbera and the broader Saaxil region.

Financing for this substantial $24 million Berbera energy project is being provided by UAE-based Global South Utilities (GSU). The project is anticipated to deliver considerable advantages to communities across the Saaxil region, with a particular emphasis on benefiting residents and commercial operations within the strategically important port city of Berbera. The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by the presence of several key figures, including Somaliland Minister of Livestock and Rural Development Omar Shu’aib Mohamed, Berbera Mayor Abdishakur Mohamed Hassan, along with senior government officials, prominent energy sector representatives, and esteemed local community leaders.

Government officials articulated that the Berbera energy project is an integral part of Somaliland’s overarching strategy to broaden its clean energy infrastructure and to attract significant international investment across critical sectors. These priority sectors include energy, logistics, and maritime trade, underscoring the nation’s forward-looking economic development plans.

During the launch ceremony held in Berbera, Minister of Energy and Minerals Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre emphasized the government’s perspective on Berbera’s future. He stated that the government envisions Berbera as the forthcoming commercial heart of Somaliland, and consequently, is prioritizing investment-led economic development.

Minister Barre reaffirmed the Somaliland government’s commitment to fostering renewable energy investments. This commitment aligns with pledges made by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro to enhance public infrastructure and extend access to dependable electricity services, a critical component of the Somaliland renewable energy expansion efforts.

Berbera has progressively cemented its position as a pivotal logistics and maritime gateway along the Gulf of Aden. This rise has been significantly fueled by substantial investments directed towards the expansion of the Port of Berbera and the development of the Berbera Corridor, which connects Somaliland to vital regional markets. This latest development builds upon prior successful renewable energy initiatives in Berbera. Notably, GSU previously launched a 5MW solar plant under the “Green Berbera” initiative, also backed by UAE interests. That project was instrumental in reducing dependence on diesel-powered electricity and enhancing sustainable energy access for over 28,000 homes, paving the way for further renewable energy investment.

Officials anticipate that this new expansion project will play a pivotal role in sustaining Berbera’s long-term economic trajectory. It is also expected to significantly reinforce Somaliland’s strategic positioning of the city as a leading regional center for trade, logistics, and clean energy investment within the Horn of Africa. The continued focus on such projects is crucial for the sustained economic growth and energy security of the nation, reinforcing the importance of Horn of Africa energy initiatives.

The selected projects under the CIS Tender 7 represent a substantial addition to the nation’s renewable capacity, combining to add 7.8 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation capacity. Crucially, these developments will also integrate 7.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery energy storage through sophisticated hybrid systems that merge solar, wind, and battery technologies. These transformative projects will be strategically deployed across New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia, ensuring a broader geographical reach for this renewable energy push.

This ambitious program is expected to be a significant economic driver, with projections indicating the unlocking of nearly AUD 17 billion in private sector investment. Furthermore, the construction phases of these projects are anticipated to create approximately 19,000 jobs, providing a substantial boost to employment in regional areas. Beyond job creation, the program includes substantial community-focused commitments totaling close to AUD 1.2 billion. These funds are earmarked for initiatives designed to enhance local participation in the renewable energy transition, encompassing employment pathways, environmental ranger programs, vital mental health support, and specific measures to increase the involvement of First Nations communities.

The commitment to domestic industry is also evident, with more than AUD 257 million worth of Australian steel expected to be utilized across the various CIS Tender 7 projects. This focus on local sourcing is intended to support and strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector and its associated supply chains. Among the most significant developments announced are the Yanco Delta Wind Farm in New South Wales, a substantial 1,498 MW project by Origin Energy, and two major Queensland wind farms- the 1,150 MW Bungaban Wind Energy Project by Windlab and the 1,022 MW Theodore Wind Farm by Theodore Energy Development.

Other notable hybrid renewable projects include ACEN Australia’s Birriwa Solar project, which will feature 600 MW of solar capacity paired with 2,400 MWh of battery storage, and Lightsource BP’s Gundary Hybrid Facility, a 320 MW development that includes 1,391 MWh of energy storage. These projects underscore the increasing trend towards integrated renewable energy solutions.

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, emphasized the role of the Capacity Investment Scheme in delivering a more affordable, cleaner, and reliable energy supply for Australians. He stated that the CIS Tender 7 projects are instrumental in reducing power prices, enhancing grid stability, and accelerating emissions reductions through the integration of renewable energy with robust storage systems. The success of the Capacity Investment Scheme, as highlighted by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson, demonstrates strong investor confidence in Australia’s transition to renewable energy. He further noted that these new developments will support the ongoing growth of renewable energy as traditional coal and gas generation capacity gradually declines.

Looking ahead, the Australian Government confirmed that Tender 9 under the CIS will open for bids on 25 May 2026, aiming to secure an additional 5 GW of renewable generation capacity. This upcoming tender will feature a specific allocation for projects that commit to providing at least 5% equity or revenue-sharing agreements with First Nations communities, further solidifying the government’s commitment to inclusive development.

The announcement to increase PV modules and BESS offering, made by Trina Storage, the energy storage division of Trinasolar, occurred during a seminar in Manila. The event convened influential figures from the Department of Energy (DOE), DNV, S&P Global Energy, and other key industry experts. Dr. Leo Zhao, Head of Storage for Trinasolar Asia Pacific, addressed the seminar, emphasizing the crucial role of battery energy storage in supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and ensuring grid stability in the Philippines.

As the Philippines witnesses a substantial increase in solar and wind power capacity, grid operators and project developers are increasingly prioritizing BESS solutions. These systems are vital for facilitating renewable energy integration, bolstering grid stability, and ensuring the successful delivery of utility-scale projects. Notably, grid-forming BESS technology is drawing considerable attention due to its inherent ability to regulate voltage and frequency without direct reliance on existing grid signals.

With the PV modules and BESS offering expansion, Trinasolar is leveraging its long-standing presence in the Philippine solar market, dating back to 2013, to bolster its support for utility-scale solar-plus-storage initiatives. The company has a proven track record, having supplied solar modules for numerous projects, including the recently commissioned 40MW Limbauan Solar Power Project (LSPP) solar farm in Isabela. The integration of Trinasolar PV modules and Trina Storage BESS hardware from a single provider is expected to streamline project execution by reducing vendor complexity and enabling more cohesive coordination and after-sales support.

The Trina Storage Elementa 3 system offers a substantial 6.25 MWh capacity per container, utilizing Trina’s proprietary 587Ah cells. This advanced technology enhances site-level energy density by 24.7% compared to previous generations, contributing to a lower levelized cost of storage (LCOS) in large-scale deployments. Complementing the BESS offering, the Vertex N G3 modules deliver up to 760W of power, powered by n-type i-TOPCon Ultra cell technology, thereby facilitating high-efficiency solar generation essential for utility-scale projects. The combined offering of Elementa 3 and Vertex N G3 represents Trinasolar’s comprehensive solution for PV and BESS requirements in the Philippine utility-scale market.

Dr. Leo Zhao articulated the market’s evolving needs, stating, “As storage becomes an increasingly important part of project design, developers are looking for solutions that can integrate solar and storage effectively. With Elementa 3 available alongside our Vertex N modules, developers in the Philippines can access integrated BESS and PV hardware from a single source.”

Trina Storage has demonstrated significant momentum, with over 3.1 GWh of utility-scale storage projects currently under execution across the Asia Pacific region. The company’s consistent performance has earned it recognition as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 BESS manufacturer for nine consecutive quarters.

The collaboration between GCL SI and Getz Energy underscores a shared commitment to driving next-generation power solutions and supporting Thailand’s ambitious clean energy targets. The MOU specifically addresses the planned supply of photovoltaic modules, which will be instrumental in increasing the nation’s solar generation capacity. This partnership aligns seamlessly with GPSC’s long-term renewable energy strategy, further solidifying Getz Energy’s position within Thailand’s burgeoning clean energy market through utility-scale solar projects and intelligent energy management systems.

At the “Getz Energy Open House: Welcome to the Smart Energy Revolution” event, GCL SI showcased its cutting-edge module technologies. Among the featured products were the SiRo T Series NT12/66GDF module, alongside the SiRo B Series NR12R/66GDF and NR10R/54BGDF modules. Visitors were also given an in-depth look at GCL SI’s latest solar cell technologies and manufacturing prowess through displayed corresponding solar cells.

Designed with utility-scale and industrial applications in mind, the SiRo T series incorporates advanced TOPCon 2.0 technology. This series boasts bifacial power generation capabilities, enhanced operational stability, and remarkable long-term durability, ensuring reliable energy output even under challenging real-world operating conditions. Its optimized design makes it suitable for high-temperature environments and large-scale solar installations, promising stable and cost-effective performance throughout the lifecycle of a project.

The SiRo B Series, built upon GCL’s advanced GPC technology, offers a compelling combination of high conversion efficiency and superior visual integration, making it an ideal choice for premium distributed solar applications. This series features ultra-low reflectivity films, high-purity FBR granular silicon, and advanced passivation technologies, engineered to deliver robust performance while maintaining a refined aesthetic profile.

For Getz and GPSC, the flagship power and energy entity within the PTT Group, this 1GW PV modules deal is a crucial step in nurturing their renewable energy portfolio. Utility-scale solar power is identified as a cornerstone of the group’s long-term strategy for low-carbon energy generation. This initiative from GCL SI and Getz Energy not only supports Thailand’s renewable energy development but also strengthens GCL SI’s footprint in the broader Southeast Asian solar market.

The collaboration under the 1GW PV modules deal reflects GCL SI’s growing influence in meeting the regional demand for more efficient photovoltaic technologies, particularly those suited for large-scale solar applications. More broadly, this partnership highlights the significant and rapid expansion of utility-scale renewable energy development across Southeast Asia. This growth is propelled by increasing electricity demands, ongoing grid modernization efforts, and a collective drive towards decarbonization targets, all fostering substantial investment in next-generation solar infrastructure.

The discussions underscored the critical role of UNDP projects currently underway in Egypt. These initiatives span crucial areas such as energy, the green transition, digital transformation, governance, and financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A key objective is the effective integration of local producers into both domestic and global supply chains. These concerted efforts are designed not only to support Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development goals but also to foster robust job creation and advance women’s economic empowerment.

A significant point of review was the Egypt-PV solar systems project, a collaborative effort between the Industrial Modernisation Centre and UNDP, with financial backing from the Global Environment Facility. This vital initiative is dedicated to promoting the implementation of small-scale, grid-connected solar photovoltaic systems across a diverse range of facilities, including industrial, commercial, tourism, residential, and public buildings. To date, the project has facilitated the installation of over 240 small solar power stations on rooftops. Critically, it has also provided support to more than 20 factories operating in key industrial sectors, showcasing tangible progress in renewable energy adoption.

Minister Hashem emphasized the profound importance of the partnership between the Ministry of Industry and UNDP in developing comprehensive industrial and energy maps for Egypt’s industrial zones. This forward-thinking approach aims to alleviate pressure on the national electricity grid, foster a greater reliance on renewable energy sources like solar power, and substantially improve overall industrial energy efficiency. The successful implementation of these plans is integral to the future of Egypt’s industrial landscape.

The minister also highlighted the recent launch of the Egyptian Industry Advancement Strategy 2030. This ambitious strategy sets its sights on the development of seven priority industries, with a clear objective to elevate Egypt’s industrial exports to $100 billion by the year 2030. Integral to this strategy is the Industry Solar Initiative, which plans to establish solar power plants for factories with 1000 MW solar capacity within the next two years. This program is crucial for fortifying the resilience of Egyptian industry against the volatility of global energy markets.

Further underscoring the breadth of the cooperation with UNDP, Minister Hashem noted its scope extends to building local expertise in solar energy implementation. This includes facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation, into industrial processes. This facet of the partnership is designed to elevate industrial product quality and assist Egyptian manufacturers in meeting the stringent requirements of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian exports within the European Union markets. This commitment to enhancing Egypt green industry cooperation is paramount.

Chitose Noguchi expressed strong support for the ministry’s initiative to deploy solar photovoltaic systems in factories with 1000 MW solar capacity. She reaffirmed UNDP’s unwavering commitment to championing the widespread adoption of solar energy across Egypt’s industrial sector. Noguchi further detailed UNDP’s ongoing efforts to build upon this momentum through the Solar Energy Transformation Initiative (SETI).

SETI is designed to establish a financing mechanism capable of attracting substantial private-sector investment for solar projects, targeting a total capacity of up to 200 megawatts. According to Noguchi, this initiative is intrinsically linked to UNDP’s broader objectives of accelerating the deployment of small- and medium-scale solar solutions and actively supporting Egypt’s fundamental transition towards clean energy systems. The continued focus on renewable energy Egypt, especially the 1000 MW solar capacity in factories, signifies a dedication to a sustainable future.

The partnership highlights the growing role of long-term agreements in supporting a more competitive and sustainable industrial model by ensuring access to reliable, European-sourced renewable energy at stable and predictable prices, while also contributing to the decarbonisation of industrial activity.

Around 80% of the electricity supplied under the agreement will come from wind farms and the remaining 20% from solar photovoltaic facilities, all backed by guarantees of origin and supported by 15 MW of installed renewable capacity from Iberdrola.
Through this agreement, Gonvarri Industries strengthens its commitment to electrification and renewable energy across its European operations, securing a stable and competitive energy supply that will help improve efficiency and reduce the Group’s carbon footprint.

For Iberdrola, the partnership further reinforces its position as a leading energy partner for European industry and expands its portfolio of long-term supply agreements. According to the Pexapark Renewables Market Outlook 2026 report, Iberdrola remains the leading company in the European PPA market for the third consecutive year. The Group has agreements in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil and Australia, supported by a diversified portfolio of onshore wind, offshore wind, solar and other generation technologies that ensure competitive and reliable supply.

These agreements form part of Iberdrola’s strategy to accelerate industrial electrification, build long-term partnerships with major customers and contribute to a more secure, efficient and sustainable energy system capable of meeting growing demand.

Josu Calvo, CEO of Gonvarri Industries, said: “This agreement marks an important step forward in our sustainability strategy, enabling us to advance the electrification of our production processes through renewable energy while continuing to decarbonise our industrial operations.”

David Martínez, Head of Customer Business at Iberdrola España, added: “Partnerships like this help strengthen the stability and competitiveness of industry by providing long-term certainty around a sustainable and secure energy supply. PPAs are a key tool for encouraging investment, supporting industrial activity and advancing the electrification of the economy.”

Developed by Masdar and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), RTC combines 5.2GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with a 19GWh battery energy storage system (BESS), delivering baseload renewable energy at unprecedented scale.

Under the agreement, Sungrow will supply 7.5GWh of PowerTitan 3.0 ESS, alongside 2.6GW of PV inverter solutions, supporting the project’s operational reliability and efficiency.

Designed to help meet growing demand for uninterrupted clean power, the project will support a range of applications, including energy-intensive industries, business operations, residential communities and emerging digital infrastructure.

RTC represents a major advancement in the integration of solar PV and battery storage technologies at the utility scale. Once operational in 2027, it is expected to support the delivery of reliable clean energy around the clock while enhancing grid resilience and flexibility.

24/7 Renewable Energy Delivery

RTC will deploy more than 1,000 PowerTitan 3.0 liquid-cooled ESS integrated with advanced PV inverter technologies to support continuous power delivery and enhanced grid stability.

Each system operates on an optimized cycle of 8-hour charging and 16-hour discharging to support a stable and flexible renewable energy supply. Featuring an AC block design and rack-level management, the system is designed to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

Efficiency and Performance in Challenging Conditions

The system incorporates a fully liquid-cooled Silicon Carbide Power Conversion System (SiC PCS), achieving a maximum efficiency of 99.3 percent and a system RTE of 90 percent.

Designed for operation in demanding climates, the system can operate at temperatures of up to 55°C without derating, making it well suited to the UAE environment.

RTC reimagines the potential of renewable energy by overcoming intermittency. Once operational, it will produce gigascale baseload renewable energy at a globally competitive tariff for the first time. The project is designed to be a blueprint that can be replicated around the world.