Policy

US solar cell production is set to double in under two years, driven by growth in domestic content. Anza shares second-quarter 2025 insights into the solar supply chain amid uncertainty.

The Chilean Ministry of Energy reports that 954 MW of energy storage capacity was operational in March, with four additional sites undergoing testing. Twelve more are under construction, and 37 have submitted requests for environmental permits.

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has fined eight solar operators for failing to comply with output curtailment orders and canceled licenses for 11 renewable energy projects totaling 347.4 MW. It did not say how much of the canceled capacity was solar.

Heat pump manufacturers will need to meet ‘smart ready’ standards under new appliance regulations, including stricter rules on cybersecurity. Utilities will be obligated to ensure battery energy storage systems, heat pumps and electric vehicle smart charge points can work across different tariffs under tariff data framework.

Guatemala has launched a 1.4 GW energy auction for renewable and low-emission projects to secure 15-year capacity contracts starting in 2030.

This week Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Canan Koç Yasar, VP HSSE-S at Germany’s Uniper Renewables. She says that policies and practices that shape workplace safety, health, and security are mostly intended to satisfy men’s needs and stresses the importance of designing workplace systems that reflect the realities of everyone on the team.

Solar power purchase agreement (PPA) prices in North America held steady in the first quarter of 2025, averaging $57.04/MWh, up 1% from the previous quarter, says LevelTen Energy.

Government-run Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is tendering for the provision of technical and advisory support services for its grant programs aimed at organizations in Ireland planning to decarbonize. The tender follows a report by the SEAI that showed Ireland has a limited market for industrial heat pumps and called for greater outreach and support for businesses to install the technology.

Austria has opened applications for its €60 million ($68.3 million) rooftop PV rebate program for 2025, with a second-round “Made in Europe” bonus offering 20% more funding for projects using European-made components, says OeMAG.

The Japanese government says it has opened applications for a subsidy initiative aimed at cutting costs for renewable heat and industrial waste heat systems. The program supports equipment upgrades that lower emissions and improve energy efficiency.