China Adds 86.15 GW of Solar in Jan-Jul 2026
On August 28, the National Energy Administration reported that China's cumulative installed power capacity reached 4.08 TW by end-July, up 11.0% year-on-year, including 1.29 TW of solar (+16.1%) and 690 GW of wind (+19.5%). From January to July, solar added 86.15 GW and wind 47.07 GW, together accounting for nearly 70% of all new capacity, underscoring the deepening green transition of China's power mix.
Sichuan Markang Dazang PV Project Reaches Full Grid Connection
On August 24, Sichuan Energy Development Group's Markang Dazang PV project achieved full-capacity grid connection. Located on the western Sichuan plateau with abundant solar resources and high altitude, the project uses an alpine mountain PV design with co-located storage. Power is transmitted via UHV channels for cross-regional allocation, while supporting local rural revitalization and green, low-carbon development.
World's Highest-Altitude CSP Plant Passes Molten Salt Tank Water-Filling Test
On August 24, the molten salt storage tank of Tibet Kaitou Anduo CSP project passed its water-filling test on the first attempt. Contracted by PowerChina Northwest Institute and Shandong Power Construction No.1. Located in Anduo County, Nagqu, at 4,645-4,657 meters above sea level, it is the world's first CSP plant in ultra-high-altitude, ultra-low-temperature and weak-grid conditions, with 100 MW capacity and 8-hour thermal storage, generating about 260 GWh annually.
GUODIAN NARI Commissions First Grid-Forming Storage Station in Tibet
On August 24, 14 grid-forming PCS units at the Huadian Tibet Qusong 8 MW/32 MWh grid-forming storage station passed all grid-connection tests, and the project was commissioned and put into operation. It is GUODIAN NARI's first high-altitude grid-forming storage station in Tibet, supporting grid stability in the plateau's weak-grid environment.
400 MW/800 MWh Grid-Side Independent Storage Project Breaks Ground in Yangquan, Shanxi
On August 24, the Guozong Green Energy Yangquan Yinying 400 MW/800 MWh grid-side independent storage project officially broke ground in the suburbs of Yangquan, Shanxi. Nanyuan Energy provides the complete LFP storage system solution. Upon completion, it will become Yangquan's leading independent storage demonstration base, supporting the local wind-solar-storage integrated energy layout.
State Grid Issues 20 Measures to Support 15th Five-Year Carbon Peak Targets
On August 26, State Grid issued 20 measures across 7 areas to support China's 15th Five-Year carbon peak goals. These include adding about 200 GW of new renewable capacity annually across its operating area; strengthening pumped hydro and new storage, adding 140 GW of new-type storage; boosting inter-provincial transmission capacity to 500 GW, and lifting renewable generation share to over 30% in its operating area by 2030.
Winning Investors Selected for Two 1,200 MW Pumped Storage Projects in Henan
In late August, winning investors were announced for the Ruyang and Qixian Yuquan pumped storage projects in Henan, with a consortium led by Henan Water Investment Resource Development Group selected. Each project has 1,200 MW capacity for a combined 2,400 MW, connected to the Henan grid at 500 kV. The Ruyang project has a rated head of 415 meters and total investment of RMB 8.752 billion, enhancing Henan grid peaking capacity.
Ukraine Launches 850 MW Renewables Auction Including Solar-Plus-Storage
On August 26, Ukraine launched auctions for 850 MW of renewables, including 700 MW of wind plus solar-with-storage and standalone solar. The move aims to attract investment and accelerate clean energy capacity expansion, helping Ukraine build a more resilient energy system during post-war reconstruction while reducing dependence on traditional energy sources.
Masdar Commissions Second Battery Storage Project in the UK
On August 24, Masdar's 35 MW/70 MWh battery storage project in Rochdale, UK, entered commercial operation, providing clean power for 35,000 homes daily with millisecond-level grid balancing services. It is Masdar's second operational BESS in the UK under its GBP 1 billion (3 GWh pipeline) program, with two further projects in Chesterfield and Cardiff (150 MW) under development.
ACME Solar Commissions 15 MW/240 MWh BESS in Rajasthan, India
On August 29, ACME Solar commissioned a 15 MW/240.752 MWh BESS project in Rajasthan, further expanding its grid-scale storage footprint in India. The project enhances regional grid flexibility, supports large-scale renewable integration and peak shaving, and consolidates ACME's position in India's fast-growing energy storage market.
Tata Power Commissions 190.5 MW Solar FDRE Project in India
On August 24, Tata Power Renewable Energy commissioned a 190.5 MW solar Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project in Bikaner, Rajasthan, equipped with BESS, harmonic filter banks and SVG systems, supplying power to Haryana, Mumbai and other regions. Delivered under compressed timelines, the project lifts Tata Power's renewable capacity to 12.4 GW, supporting India's 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.
ACME Secures $164 Million Financing for 300 MW Hybrid Peak Project in Rajasthan
On August 27, ACME Solar raised INR 15.71 billion (about USD 164 million) for a 300 MW hybrid assured-peak power project in Rajasthan, backing its development and construction. Combining solar with storage, the project aims to deliver reliable peak power, reflecting growing international recognition of Indian hybrid renewable financing.
SECI Tenders 50 MW/100 MWh Standalone Energy Storage in India
On August 29, India's Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) invited bids for a 50 MW/100 MWh standalone energy storage system, further expanding grid-scale storage procurement. Such projects help smooth renewable output fluctuations, enhance grid reliability, and advance India's build-out of flexible power regulation resources.
Egypt Advances 3.1 GW Solar-Plus-Pumped Hydro Integrated Project in South Sinai
In late August, Egypt's Ministry of Electricity advanced the 3.1 GW El Tor integrated energy project in South Sinai, combining solar with pumped-storage hydropower, led by the Renergy consortium and implemented in two phases. The pumped storage leverages El Tor's geography for peaking and grid stabilization, aligning with Egypt's strategy to expand renewables and reduce fossil fuel use.