AGP Executive Report

Solar Dealmaking in the Philippines: PetroEnergy will sell a 35% stake in its PetroWind wind assets to Japan’s SMFL Mirai Partners for ₱1.7 billion, reshaping ownership while awaiting regulatory clearances. Grid Pressure & Pricing: Pennsylvania logged the third-largest electricity price jump in the U.S. over the past five years, driven by higher gas costs and power-plant build costs. India Solar for Industry: Tata Power Renewable Energy commissioned a 72.5 MW captive solar project for Tata Steel in Rajasthan, targeting 166 million units annually and major carbon cuts. Hydropower Risk From Climate Extremes: Norway’s regulator ordered extra reporting from central hydropower producers as reservoir levels fall, while Nepal-Tibet flash floods killed hundreds and damaged hydropower and infrastructure. Hydrogen Supply Chain: Air Products signed a long-term deal to expand access to RFNBO-compliant hydrogen from Nobian’s renewables-powered plant in Rotterdam. Rooftop Solar Push: Bangladesh launched a nationwide rooftop solar initiative to enlist local service providers and speed installations. Solar Finance in the U.S.: Invenergy secured $215 million tax equity for a 240 MW Ohio solar project, aiming for operations in 2027. Renewables vs. Data Centers: Tampa advocates urged action on affordable energy and clean power as AI/data-center growth sparks local backlash.

Nepal–Tibet Disaster: A glacial collapse triggered catastrophic flash floods on the Nepal-China border, killing at least 160 and leaving hundreds missing, including large numbers of foreign tourists and hydropower workers; Nepal reports 157 bodies recovered and major damage to bridges, roads and multiple hydropower projects, while China’s Tibet side reports additional deaths and missing. Grid & Renewables Impact: Power restoration is underway after flood damage to hydropower and transmission assets, with helicopters deployed to the Upper Trishuli 3A site and insurers tracking losses tied to roughly 748 MW of affected hydropower capacity. Policy & Markets: In the Philippines, a think tank says feed-in tariff support (FIT-All) delivered about P99.2B in consumer savings over two years by easing wholesale power costs. Renewables Buildout: Tamil Nadu lags peers in new wind and solar additions, while Juniper Green Energy signed a 25-year PPA for a 50 MW firm dispatchable renewables project with solar plus battery storage. Green Hydrogen Watch: China’s green hydrogen push accelerates, with plans to massively scale output as it tries to decarbonize hard-to-electrify industry. Community & Power: A Northern Samar wind project (200 MW) nears construction planning, aiming for grid integration by 2028.

Disaster & Resilience: Nepal’s Bhote Koshi flash floods on the Nepal–Tibet border have killed at least 95–98 people, with hundreds missing, including large numbers of foreign tourists (notably Indians, plus Americans, Britons, Malaysians and others) and hydropower workers; roads, bridges, communications and multiple hydropower projects were damaged, and rescue teams are still racing against difficult conditions. Grid & Renewables Asset Management: Nigeria launched a Renewable Asset Management Company (RAMCO) to maintain publicly funded solar hybrid projects after an assessment found only 3 of 7 were in usable condition due to weak post-commissioning maintenance. Solar + Storage Policy: The UK signaled limited further household bill support before the October price cap, while local projects keep pushing ahead—like a proposed solar array for a county office site in New York and a withdrawn UK green-belt BESS appeal after resident objections. Clean Energy Industry Moves: India’s solar sector is shifting from pure capacity growth to quality and long-term reliability as it targets 500 GW non-fossil power by 2030, while new battery and storage deals keep rolling in across markets.

Solar & Grid Buildout: Indonesia kicked off its 100 GWp solar push, with Bali’s 1 GWp plan aimed at phasing out diesel and adding a 1,000 MWh battery; the wider program targets major subsidy savings and fast delivery. Transmission for Renewables: Adani Energy Solutions won a Rs 4,700 crore Maharashtra transmission job to move up to 4,500 MW of renewable and storage power, including pumped-storage support near Satara. Offshore Wind Momentum: Victoria has started bids for 2 GW of offshore wind off Gippsland, a year later than planned. Clean Power in Practice: South Sinai received 826 solar streetlights via a China grant, extending renewable lighting to remote and Bedouin areas. Data Centres vs Power Rules: India’s wind-turbine OEMs face a cybersecurity compliance deadline, while China’s data-centre electricity demand is projected to quadruple by 2030 as AI drives higher, steadier loads. Energy Transition Politics: Australia’s hybrid solar-plus-storage grid approvals are speeding up, but data-centre power policy debates keep heating up. Critical Minerals for the Transition: The Philippines issued a national policy framework to push critical minerals beyond extraction into value-added processing. Biofuels & Materials: A UK firm’s waste-biomass-to-ethanol trials support a SAF pathway, while rice-straw cellulose aerogels improved insulation using lignin and silica.

Renewables & Grid Reliability: Cebu’s growing economy is pushing power demand higher, and officials warn that tighter supply and transmission constraints are already triggering “yellow alerts,” with battery storage (BESS) flagged as a key reliability tool. Solar Policy & Costs: Arizona approved another 10% cut to rooftop solar export credits, lowering the payment rate for excess power sent to the grid and extending payback timelines for new customers. Clean Industry Buildout: Avaada Group signed an MoU with Haryana to develop a 300-acre Zero-CBAM Green Industrial Campus in Hisar, backed by round-the-clock renewable power and about INR 10,000 crore investment. Energy Storage Partnerships: Gujarat Inject (Kerala) teamed up with Storenergy to explore renewable energy storage technology opportunities in India. Waste-to-Energy & Corporate Renewables: Metro Brands reported diverting 4,892 tonnes of discarded footwear from landfills via recycling and co-processing, plus generating solar electricity at warehouses. Nuclear Expansion Watch: Rosatom says the first El Dabaa nuclear unit is planned for grid connection in 2028, and it’s now discussing adding two more reactors. Biofuels Under Pressure: U.S. soybean growers warned that small refinery exemption volumes for the Renewable Fuel Standard could surge, threatening biomass-based diesel demand.

Grid & Storage Policy: California lawmakers advanced bills to cut electricity costs and expand access to clean power via community solar and customer-owned batteries, including options for renters and low-income households. Renewables Buildout: Rajasthan crossed 5 GW under PM-KUSUM, commissioning 2,300+ decentralised solar projects that now supply daytime farm power to 3.34 lakh farmers. Wind Expansion: Suzlon plans to invest ₹10,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh for 1,325 MW of wind, backed by local manufacturing and training through wind learning centres. Clean Energy Financing: The Philippines’ “green lane” pipeline inched up to P6.36T, with renewables making up 85.8% of certified projects and driving hundreds of thousands of jobs. Energy Transition Backlash: Woodside abandoned scope 3 emissions abatement targets and shelved $5B clean spending plans, citing weak economics for new energy investments. Data Centers vs Power: A new study warns US gas power for data centres nearly doubled in a year to 189+ GW, highlighting the fossil-fuel strain behind AI growth. Agrivoltaics: The Vatican is planning a €100M solar-and-farming project aimed at making the Holy See energy self-sufficient within about two years. Legal/Market Access: Ohio’s Supreme Court upheld certification of out-of-state wind farms to sell renewable power in the state.

Battery Storage Push: Masdar began commercial operations at its Rochdale UK BESS (35MW/70MWh), part of a £1bn UK pipeline aimed at stabilizing grids as renewables scale. Dispatchable Solar Breakthrough: Tata Power Renewables commissioned a 190.5MW Rajasthan solar-plus-storage project with 115MWh BESS under SJVN’s FDRE scheme, targeting more reliable clean power. Grid Upgrade Funding: Cyprus approved €95m (EU co-financed) for national electricity grid upgrades through 2029 to boost renewables penetration without passing costs to consumers. Clean Fuel Expansion: Canada is investing nearly $19m to expand StormFisher’s London, Ontario renewable natural gas facility, adding 450,000GJ of RNG capacity by 2027. Climate Risk Warning: AP reports scientists warn the world is edging toward “extreme of extremes,” with bigger shocks ahead. Plastic-to-Food Research: US researchers say engineered microbes can turn PET bottles and crop waste into protein-rich “µBites” cookies, linking waste reduction with food security. Local Power Savings: Nantucket’s PowerChoice program continues to undercut National Grid rates, even as contract terms shift in November.

Renewables in the Philippines: First Gen secured a new deal to supply 5+ MW of geothermal power from Tongonan to PNB Holdings, powering the PNB Financial Center in Pasay and the PNB Makati Center—another corporate clean-power shift in the Philippines. Solar and wind pipeline: Raslag is scouting new tech as it targets deeper participation in the Philippines’ green auctions, with onshore wind as the next step after its 77.8 MW solar base. Data centers vs. clean power rules (Australia): The federal government plans to legislate “causer pays” energy rules for AI data centers, overriding Queensland’s pushback on renewable-linked requirements. Hydropower leadership legacy (Nepal): A profile highlights Kulman Ghising’s role in rescuing the long-delayed Raghughat Hydropower Project and moving it toward test generation. Grid stress from drought (US): Lake Powell hit a record low, with water levels nearing the point where hydropower turbines would stop—raising pressure for Colorado River intervention. Wind expansion (India): Suzlon will invest ₹10,000 crore in a 1,325 MW wind build in Andhra Pradesh, aiming for 4,000 jobs. Clean energy finance (Nigeria): REA and Alpha Morgan Bank signed an N50bn financing pact to help renewable developers reach projects faster and expand electricity access. Green power for buildings (Singapore): EDB and IMDA allocated 200 MW to four data center operators, requiring 50%+ green energy and efficiency upgrades.

Solar momentum in rail: India’s Northeast Frontier Railway commissioned 23.7 MWp of solar between January and July, lifting total installed capacity to 42.1 MWp and adding major cost and emissions savings. Grid stress and enforcement: The Philippines’ Department of Energy is preparing to push about 40 underperforming, non-compliant power plants toward forced shutdowns to stabilize Visayas and Mindanao. Critical minerals vs climate promises: In the Philippines, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio calls EO 122 a “wholesale surrender,” warning it could displace farmers and indigenous communities while turning the country into a raw-mineral supplier for the green-tech supply chain. Renewables for buildings: First Gen will supply 5 MW of renewable power to PNB Holdings properties in Makati and Pasay, aiming for 100% renewable electricity at the sites. Sewage heat to clean heating: Vancouver’s False Creek NEU is recovering heat from wastewater to power low-carbon building heating, earning an IDEA “System of the Year” award. Solar supply chain pressure: India’s solar cell imports surged again, raising concerns that domestic manufacturing plans aren’t yet matching demand. Bills under heat: Spain’s Canary Islands face electricity bill estimates up more than 22% in August, driven by summer demand and higher gas prices.

Vatican Agrivoltaics: The Holy See is set to build a ~€100m solar-and-farming agrivoltaic plant (80–90 MW) at a Vatican estate near Rome, aiming for power self-sufficiency within about two years. Clean Power for Homes: Delhi-NCR school inventors turned okra, fenugreek and rice husk into a low-cost water filter tested at IIT Delhi, reporting up to 93% PFAS removal. Hydropower at Scale: China’s proposed mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo’s Great Bend is back in focus, with downstream India and Bangladesh weighing risks to water flow and floods. Grid + Renewables Planning: UP and MP agreed to jointly procure 2,000 MW of peak power and set up a firm power “banking” mechanism to balance seasonal demand and cut costly short-term buys. Solar Market Signals: Hawaiʻi added nearly 3,500 rooftop solar systems in early 2026 even after the federal tax credit ended, with strong battery add-ons. Hydrogen Push: Saudi Arabia completed what it calls the world’s largest green hydrogen project, targeting ammonia exports from commissioning in 2027. Solar Tech Shift: Tesla is reportedly discontinuing Solar Roof tiles, continuing with solar panels only. Local Renewable Expansion: Eswatini is considering a third 10 MW unit at Maguga Hydropower after a financing gap delayed expansion. Rooftop Solar Growth in Africa: Okomu commissioned a solar hybrid mini-grid in Edo State to cut diesel reliance for households and SMEs. Data Centres + Power Stress: UK finance leaders warn the country is curtailing renewables while data centres strain demand, urging faster clean-power use in the right locations. Critical Minerals for Clean Tech: Philippines President Marcos approved a framework to develop critical minerals for batteries, renewables and advanced manufacturing, including exploration and reservation of new deposits.

Hydropower Stress Test: Albania’s Fierza reservoir is dropping fast in hot, dry weather, now over 18 metres below maximum; two turbines still run (~190 MW) but another 37 metres could force a shutdown, with solar and imports helping cover the gap. Vatican Solar-Agriculture Push: The Vatican is planning a ~€100M agrivoltaic solar project near Rome (80–90 MW) to help power the Holy See, with construction expected to take 18–24 months. Tanzania Grid Boost: Tanzania inaugurated the $2.9bn Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, adding 2,115 MW and aiming to unlock surplus power for exports and industry. Renewables Dealflow (India): NTPC Renewable Energy won a 500 MW assured peak supply contract at ₹6/kWh in SECI’s FDRE tender, underscoring continued utility-scale solar momentum. AI + Power Reality Check: A new look at AI’s water-and-energy footprint argues that per-query estimates are too fuzzy, while total data-center demand is the real driver. Grid Planning Clash (UK): Fife councillors rejected a proposed electricity substation in Guardbridge despite claims it would support EVs, heat pumps, and housing growth. Space-Based AI Compute: Starcloud raised $250M to build AI data centers in space, targeting solar-powered operations to cut heat and grid constraints.

Grid Stress & Costs: Metro Cebu’s power crisis is pushing remote workers and businesses to pay for day passes and buy backup solar as brownouts continue, blamed on baseload shortages and weaker imports. Renewables in the Mix: Oriental Mindoro’s August rates fell P1.7281/kWh as renewable generation jumped 64% and emergency power use dropped. European Power Prices: Greece’s wholesale electricity price surged 68% in a week as heat, drought, weak wind and higher gas tightened supply. UK Solar/Batteries: BELECTRIC UK appointed a new boss to expand nationwide solar and battery projects. Wind Project Reversal: NextEra withdrew a planned 248MW Swan Lake wind project after pulling its interconnection request. Data Centers vs Water: Gulf states are pouring money into AI and data centers, but water availability is the bottleneck. US Water Policy: The federal government finalized Colorado River cuts for 2027–28, hitting Nevada, Arizona and California. Nuclear & Rates Politics: Connecticut urged regulators to pause Dominion’s merger with NextEra, warning customers could be “crushed” by higher bills. Solar for Households: India’s PM highlighted PM-KUSUM and PM Surya Ghar as long-term solar programs.

Grid Reliability & Storage: GE Vernova will supply power conversion, controls and integration for Quinbrook’s Stage 3 of the Supernode BESS in Queensland, adding 260 MW/1,216 MWh to a site already operating in Stages 1 and 2. Solar Buildout: Nagaland signed a PPA for a 20 MW solar plant at Tizit (Mon district), aiming to close a fast-growing demand gap. EV Charging Scale-Up: Green Water & Power says it has installed 15,000+ EV chargers nationwide, pairing deployments with workforce and rebate support. Affordability & Investment Needs: A New Zealand report warns the country needs about $26b more investment to keep low-emissions power affordable as renewables rise. Hydropower Stress: Lake Powell and Lake Mead hit record lows, threatening future hydropower output as drought worsens across the Colorado River system. Policy & Permitting Tensions: In the UK, a major solar farm near Sleaford was approved despite local opposition over farmland impacts and grid connections. Energy Finance in Africa: Nigeria’s REA says the country needs about $23b to fix power access and reliability, while a new financing collaboration targets renewable developers.

Nature-positive renewables: IUCN and China’s CREEI launched a new project to help renewable energy expand while protecting biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Grid + storage economics: Australia’s NEM is increasingly running on renewables-and-batteries, with battery discharge rising sharply and helping flatten the “duck curve,” though it’s also squeezing battery profit margins as arbitrage falls. Home electrification savings: A Germany analysis says switching from gas boilers to solar, batteries and heat pumps could save households about €12,451 over 25 years, even when financing the upgrade. Policy friction in renewables: Scotland’s government overturned 60%+ of renewable rejections after local objections, raising questions about planning fairness and costs. Solar rollout + community benefits: Tata Power launched “Har Ghar Solar” to push rooftop solar in 5 lakh Bihar homes, while a California solar-plus-storage project already funded local youth and community grants. Recycling wind assets: China began remanufacturing retired wind turbines at scale in Jiuquan, aiming to redeploy components and extend turbine life. Data centers meet energy reality: South Australia tested emergency solar shutdown capability, and New Zealand’s Waikato council is drafting an AI data-centre position statement balancing jobs with water and land impacts.

Hybrid renewables financing: AMPIN Energy Transition locked in $195M green project finance for a 100 MW solar-wind-plus-BESS hybrid in Andhra Pradesh, backed by SMBC and Rabobank, aiming for more dispatchable clean power as demand gets more time-sensitive. Grid reliability debate: A new Curaçao review of the 2025 blackout says Aqualectra has made technical improvements, but raises the key question of whether they translate into demonstrably reliable electricity for consumers. Solar project clears permitting: PowerBank secured environmental approval for Nova Scotia’s 6.86 MW Brooklyn community solar, targeting construction in fall 2026 and local electricity savings plus grid reliability gains. Climate resilience and water stress: Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear plant will cut output about 12% because Danube water levels are critically low, underscoring how drought and low river flows can hit even non-hydro power. Battery storage investment in Europe: Natural Power supported Italy’s Strioga Family Foundation in its first BESS investment, reflecting growing appetite for storage as renewables expand. Policy and public engagement: A coalition of Welsh peace groups urged the government to cancel the Wales Arms Fair, arguing for investment priorities that include renewable energy and social needs.

Rooftop Solar for the Poorest: Maharashtra has regulatory approval to solarise 2.11 lakh low-income households under PM Surya Ghar, targeting ~211 MW rooftop capacity via MSEDCL’s utility-led aggregation model. Offshore Wind Momentum: Ørsted has filed early environmental paperwork for Taiwan’s Dadu II offshore wind (up to ~2,002 MW), a sign of how long-tenor corporate demand is de-risking offshore wind. India’s Utility-Scale Buildout: SJVN Green issued a tender for up to 1,000 MWac solar in Punjab and Rajasthan, with bundled 5-year O&M. Storage Strategy Shift: NTPC says its 38.9 GWh BESS push won’t rely only on lithium-ion, weighing sodium-ion, flow batteries and CO2-based storage alongside pumped hydro. Grid Readiness Watch: ICRA warns the next phase of renewable growth hinges on transmission completion and scaling storage as curtailments rise. Transition Finance in Saudi Arabia: A new push argues capital must back credible decarbonisation pathways for emissions-heavy industries, not just already-clean assets. Climate Education Fight: Florida ordered climate-related textbook content to be watered down, sparking fresh scrutiny of how climate risk is taught. Data Centres vs Power Supply: A UK data-centre approval has reignited concerns about whether grids can handle AI-driven demand. Hydropower Risk Debate: China’s mega hydropower plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo raise downstream and seismic worries for India. Ghana Eyes Nuclear: Ghana’s government says it is ready to move into nuclear power development, stressing human capacity as “infrastructure.”