500 kV Transmission Project for Anhui Shitai Pumped Storage Plant Begins Construction
On August 21, the 500 kV transmission project for the Anhui Shitai pumped storage plant officially began construction, comprising 56 km of new 500 kV transmission lines, an expanded outgoing line bay at the Juanqiao substation, and a fixed DC ice-melting device. The Shitai plant has a total capacity of 1,200 MW and is a key 14th Five-Year Plan project. The transmission project will efficiently connect the plant's green power to the Anhui main grid and optimize the Chizhou grid structure. The route crosses 10 rivers, using high-crossing design to minimize ecological disturbance.
Guangdong Luhe Pumped Storage Plant Begins Lower Reservoir Diversion Tunnel Excavation
On August 19, the lower reservoir diversion tunnel of the Luhe pumped storage plant in Guangdong started excavation, marking a key step in the project's diversion and closure works. Located in Luhe County, Shanwei, the plant is a Class 1 large project with a total installed capacity of 1,400 MW.
Inner Mongolia Wuhai Pumped Storage Plant's Unit 1 Passes Stator Magnetization Test
On August 17, the stator core magnetization test of Unit 1 at the Wuhai pumped storage plant passed on the first attempt, completing the stator core lamination and moving Unit 1 into the stator winding stage. The plant has a total capacity of 1,200 MW and will significantly enhance peak-shaving and frequency regulation of the western Inner Mongolia grid upon commissioning in 2027.
500 kV Grid Connection System for Zhaoqing Langjiang Pumped Storage Plant Put into Operation Ahead of Schedule
On August 19, the 500 kV grid connection system for the Langjiang pumped storage plant in Zhaoqing, Guangdong was energized and put into operation, capable of evacuating output from the plant's 4x300 MW units. Approximately 1.35 billion kWh of clean electricity will flow to the Greater Bay Area grid annually, strengthening regional clean energy absorption and power supply security.
Jinan Zhangqiu 300 MW/600 MWh C&I Energy Storage Project Invites EPC Bids
On August 17, Jinan's Zhangqiu District launched EPC bidding for a 300 MW/600 MWh commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage project. The project will build distributed storage facilities leveraging local C&I enterprises, enhancing regional grid regulation capability and renewable energy absorption.
Indonesia Launches 100 GW Solar Program, First Phase 30 GW Tender to Start This Year
On August 19, Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources announced plans to launch a tender for the first 30 GW phase of the 100 GW solar development program this year. President Prabowo has committed to expanding solar capacity to 100 GW and phasing out 13 GW of diesel plants by 2026. The program could save up to Rp73.9 trillion (about USD 4 billion) annually in electricity production costs and reduce fuel imports.
Germany Awards 2.13 GW of Solar Projects in Latest Ground-Mounted Auction
On August 18, Germany's Federal Network Agency awarded 2,134.66 MW of solar projects under the July 2026 auction for ground-mounted solar power plants, reflecting continued strong activity in Germany's ground-mounted PV market.
Portugal Works Towards 3 GW Battery Storage Target by 2030
On August 18, Portugal's renewable energy association reported a positive storage outlook. Portugal deployed only 20 MW of battery storage by end-2025. Its National Energy and Climate Plan (PNEC 2030) targets 2 GW by 2030, while the latest National Energy Storage Strategy has raised this to 3 GW, rising to 4.5 GW by 2040. Pumped hydro currently stands at 2.8 GW, targeting 3.9 GW by 2030. Two storage tenders (1.05 GW combined) are planned for September.
Europe Adds 36 GWh of Battery Storage in 2025; Ukraine Enters Top Five Markets
On August 20, SolarPower Europe reported that Europe installed 36 GWh of battery energy storage in 2025, with total operational capacity surpassing 100 GWh for the first time, up 48% year-on-year. Germany led with 6.6 GWh, followed by the UK (5.2 GWh) and Italy (5 GWh). Ukraine entered the top five with 2.9 GWh (a roughly fivefold increase), and Bulgaria placed fifth with 2.7 GWh. New additions could reach 99-179 GWh by 2030.
GAIL Tenders 600 MW Solar Plus 550 MWh BESS Project in Uttar Pradesh, India
On August 20, India's GAIL invited bids for a 600 MW solar PV project paired with a 275 MW/550 MWh BESS in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The tender mandates the use of domestically manufactured cells and modules, with scope covering design, procurement, construction and 5-year O&M. The project supports India's dispatchable renewable energy ambitions.
Austria Announces Energy Storage Offensive, Shifting Solar Subsidy Focus to Storage
On August 21, Austria's Ministry of Economy and Energy unveiled a comprehensive storage offensive, shifting the focus of new solar funding toward storage. A dedicated funding program is planned for intelligent energy management systems. A commissioned study indicates up to 8 GW of market-oriented storage by 2030 would be economically beneficial, reducing wholesale power prices by up to EUR 2/MWh. Austria currently has about 3.2 GWh of battery storage and 6.2 GW of pumped hydro. Industry welcomes the shift but urges concrete implementation.