During the period from December 30th, 2025 to January 5th, 2026, the following international news occurred:
1. Taiwan on track to deploy 31.2 GW of solar by 2035
Consulting firm GlobalData predicts that solar installed capacity in Taiwan, China will reach 31.2 GW by 2035. An estimated 1.1 GW is expected to be added this year, bringing cumulative capacity to 15.4 GW; annual additions thereafter will remain between 1-2 GW. By that time, solar PV will account for over 61% of its total installed renewable energy capacity. Growth is driven by rooftop PV, floating PV, and large-scale ground-mounted plants. As nuclear power phases out completely, Taiwan is ensuring power system reliability by developing renewable energy and flexible natural gas power generation.
2. China commissions world’s largest 1 GW open-sea offshore solar project
China's first gigawatt-scale fixed-pile offshore solar project, the Guohua Invest HG14 plant, has been fully grid-connected offshore near Dongying, Shandong. With a capacity of 1 GW, it adopts an integrated model of "power generation on top, aquaculture below." The project has an annual generation of approximately 1.78 billion kWh and is paired with a 100 MW/200 MWh energy storage system. Total investment was about CNY 8.1 billion. This is currently the world's largest operational offshore open-sea solar project, with its fixed-pile design engineered to withstand waves and sea ice.
3. China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
China has completed construction and commissioning of the world's largest liquid air energy storage project, the "Super Air Power Bank," in Golmud, Qinghai. With a capacity of 60 MW/600 MWh and the ability to discharge continuously for 10 hours, it has an annual generation of about 180 million kWh, sufficient for 30,000 households. The project stores energy by compressing and cooling air to -194°C to liquefy it, and generates power by releasing and expanding the air when needed. It is primarily used to smooth the fluctuations of wind and solar renewable energy. The technology has achieved several core breakthroughs and uses entirely domestically manufactured equipment, marking a new stage of large-scale application for long-duration energy storage technology.
4. India tenders 1 GW of pumped storage to bolster grid-scale energy storage
India's Solar Energy Corporation has launched a tender for pumped storage hydropower projects, aiming to develop a total capacity of 1 GW/8 GWh (8-hour storage). Projects will follow a Build-Own-Operate model, requiring developers to ensure a minimum annual availability of 90% and sign long-term Power Purchase Agreements with off-takers like distribution companies. SECI will act as an intermediary to coordinate charging and discharging schedules. Bidders can submit a minimum bid of 100 MW/800 MWh. This initiative aims to provide large-scale, long-duration, and flexible energy storage services for the grid.
5. Tata Power Renewable completes 1 GW DCR-compliant PV project for SJVN
Tata Power Renewable Energy has commissioned a 1 GW solar PV project in Rajasthan for SJVN Limited. All modules for the project were produced in its domestic factory, complying with Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) norms. Located in Bikaner, the green power generated will be supplied to Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. Following this commissioning, Tata Power's total operational renewable energy capacity reaches 11.6 GW.
6. India may need 230 GWh of energy storage by 2030 as peak demand rises
With peak power demand nearing 300 GW and annual electricity consumption growing at 6% to 7%, India may need nearly 230 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2030 to ensure grid stability. A former Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy noted at a recent conference that energy storage is becoming a critical enabler for achieving the 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target. The industry calls for strengthened safety standards, diversified business models, and accelerated domestic manufacturing to support this rapid development.
7. Adani Green Energy commissions 307.4 MW of renewables in India
India's Adani Green Energy Limited has added 307.4 MW of renewable capacity at its Khavda site in Gujarat, comprising 100 MW of solar PV, 176 MW of hybrid energy, and 31.4 MW of wind power. The project received regulatory approval on December 31, 2025, and commenced generation from January 1, 2026. This brings AGEL's total operational renewable energy capacity to 17,237.2 MW, aiding its progress towards its 2030 target of 50 GW and the Khavda park target of 30 GW.
8. Bangladesh seeking contractors for 220 MW solar project
The Bangladesh Power Development Board has issued a procurement notice for the 220 MW Sonagazi solar PV project. Located in the southeastern region near an existing 75 MW plant, it will become the country's largest solar project upon completion. The project includes plant construction and consultancy services under an EPC model, jointly financed by the Bangladesh government, EGCB, and the Islamic Development Bank (which is contributing USD 143.28 million). No bid deadline has been set yet. The project supports the country's goal of sourcing 20% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
9. Poland projected to reach 59.1 GW of solar by 2035
UK consultancy GlobalData projects Poland's cumulative installed solar capacity will reach 59.1 GW by 2035, with annual additions of 3-4 GW from 2025 to 2035. Growth is driven by large-scale projects, expansion of distributed generation, and auction support under relevant legislation, with the updated National Energy and Climate Plan providing long-term policy security. Over the same period, coal-fired power capacity is expected to decline from 32.2 GW to 20.5 GW, shifting the energy mix towards diversification.
10. US market on course to hit 737.8 GW of solar by 2035
According to GlobalData analysis, the United States' cumulative installed solar PV capacity is projected to reach 737.8 GW by 2035. New installations are expected to be 47.9 GW in 2025, remain in the 41-52 GW range annually in the following years, and exceed 50 GW after 2034. Growth is primarily driven by state procurement targets, distributed generation policies, and large utility contracts, although trade and tariff measures also add cost pressure. Renewable energy investment is projected to reach approximately USD 442.2 billion between 2025 and 2030.
11. Argentina’s YPF Luz begins 100 MW output at El Quemado solar park
Argentina's YPF Luz has connected the first 100 MW of its El Quemado solar park in Mendoza province to the national grid. This plant is Argentina's first renewable energy project operating under the "Regime of Incentives for Large Investments" (RIGI). With a planned total capacity of 305 MW and an investment of approximately USD 210 million, full operation will generate enough electricity annually to meet the needs of over 233,000 households. This brings YPF Luz's operational solar capacity to 200 MW.
12. Global solar generation topped 540 GW in April, says Solcast
According to an analysis by Solcast, based on Microsoft's Global Renewables Watch data model, global solar power generation peaked around 539 GW at 06:00 UTC on April 29, 2025. This peak was facilitated by a favorable combination of solar conditions in major PV markets like China, East Asia, and India at that time. The research also highlights the seasonal and geographical variability of solar generation, underscoring the importance of accurate short-term forecasting for grids with high renewable penetration.