500 kV Grid Connection System for Zhaoqing Langjiang Pumped Storage Plant Put into Operation Ahead of Schedule
On August 3, the 500 kV grid connection system for the Langjiang pumped storage plant in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, was energized and put into operation, opening the grid connection channel for the Greater Bay Area's 'super power bank' ahead of schedule. The line runs 53.456 km from the Langjiang plant to the 500 kV Yucheng substation, with 105 new towers, capable of evacuating output from the plant's 4x300 MW units. About 1.35 billion kWh of clean electricity will flow to the Greater Bay Area grid annually.
State Grid Launches Warang Pumped Storage Plant and Three Transmission Projects in Qinghai
On August 6, State Grid held a mobilization meeting to start construction of the Warang pumped storage plant and transmission projects in Yushu, Guoluo and Dingzikou, Qinghai. The Warang plant will become the largest pumped hydro facility in western China since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, with maximum storage capacity approaching 20 GWh. It will save 1.82 million tonnes of standard coal and cut CO2 emissions by 4.55 million tonnes annually. Total investment exceeds RMB 21.5 billion.
Inner Mongolia Taiyanggou Pumped Storage Plant Enters Full Reservoir Construction Phase
On August 6, the right bank shoulder excavation of the upper reservoir main dam at the Taiyanggou pumped storage plant in Inner Mongolia reached dam crest elevation, marking the start of full reservoir construction. The upper reservoir has a regulating capacity of 8.29 million cubic meters and the lower reservoir 8.95 million cubic meters. Located near the Ulan Buh large-scale wind-solar base, the plant will support clean energy transmission from the national desert-Gobi-wasteland base.
Hebei Shangyi Pumped Storage Plant's First Unit Completes One Month of Stable Commercial Operation
On August 5, the first unit of the Shangyi pumped storage plant in Hebei marked one month of commercial operation with stable performance. Both reservoirs are now filled, and installation and commissioning of the remaining three units are progressing, targeting full commissioning within the year. Upon full completion, the plant will generate approximately 1.54 billion kWh annually and save 119,500 tonnes of standard coal per year.
CHN Energy's New Energy Storage Portfolio Reaches 8.14 GW/19.45 GWh
On August 4, data showed that CHN Energy (National Energy Group) had commissioned 203 new energy storage projects totaling 8.14 GW/19.45 GWh by the end of June 2026, across 26 provinces. Grid feed-in in H1 2026 reached 1.89 billion kWh, playing a key regulating role in power supply security and renewable absorption. The group is accelerating commissioning of key projects and building a storage cloud platform.
BYD Secures 11 GWh Energy Storage Order from Masdar
On August 4, BYD signed an 11 GWh energy storage supply agreement with UAE's Masdar, one of the world's largest renewable energy companies. The deal provides large-scale battery energy storage systems to the Abu Dhabi-based developer, further consolidating Chinese storage manufacturers' leading position in the international market.
Sungrow Wins Contract for Energy Storage Equipment at Barotac Solar-Plus-Storage Project in Philippines
On August 4, Sungrow (Hong Kong) won the tender to supply energy storage equipment for the Barotac solar-plus-storage project in Iloilo Province, Philippines, at a contract value of RMB 53.54 million (approximately RMB 0.973/Wh). The PV plant has a DC capacity of 166 MWp and AC capacity of 117 MWac, with Phase I storage of 13.86 MW/55.165 MWh and future expansion to 20.16 MW/80 MWh. Sungrow recently signed a three-year framework agreement with Berde Renewables for 200 MW of inverters and 500 MWh of storage.
PowerChina Commissions Zambia's First Hydro-Solar Hybrid Project: Lusenfwa 27 MW Solar Plant
On August 4, the Lusenfwa solar PV project built by PowerChina in Zambia held its grid connection ceremony, attended by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet representing the President. Located in Central Province, it is Zambia's first hydro-solar hybrid project, comprising a 27 MW PV plant with supporting substation and transmission lines. The project created over 300 local jobs and was completed 26 days ahead of schedule.
Israel's Nofar Energy Connects 315 MW 'Twin Star' Solar Cluster in Romania
On August 3, Nofar Energy's 146 MW Ghimpati solar plant was connected to the grid in Romania, joining the 169 MW Iepuresti plant commissioned in June to form a 315 MW solar cluster. The company is also advancing the 282 MW Corbii Mari project (expected online this year), with a pipeline of 849 MW of PV and 2.27 GWh of storage in Romania, backed by EUR 192 million in financing.
Kazakhstan's Solar Capacity Surpasses 1.37 GW
On August 3, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy reported installed solar PV capacity of approximately 1,375.21 MW (52 plants) as of Q2 2026, with total renewable capacity of 3,749.62 MW. Renewables generated 8.6 billion kWh in 2025, accounting for 7% of total production, more than 1.7x 2022 levels. The country plans to commission 245 MW of renewables this year, and its latest auction authorized 450 MW of wind, 265 MW of solar and 200 MW of hydro.
Latvia's Solar Capacity Surpasses 1.5 GW, Setting Annual Record
On August 6, Latvia's solar capacity reached 1,521 MW, adding about 601 MW so far this year, far exceeding the previous record of 319 MW in 2024. Solar generated 274 GWh in June, accounting for 55% of domestic generation - an EU record - making solar Latvia's largest electricity source for two consecutive months. An additional 782 MW of utility-scale solar is connected to the distribution network.
ContourGlobal Starts Construction of Los Maitenes Hybrid Solar-Plus-Storage Facility in Chile
On August 5, ContourGlobal began construction of the Los Maitenes hybrid solar-plus-storage facility in Chile. Chile is accelerating hybrid renewable deployment to address curtailment issues, and this project represents significant progress in Latin America's energy transition.