Poland

Poland’s micro-scale solar sector grew to 1.5 million systems and 12.7 GW in 2024, with slower growth in both new installations and energy exports, according to the country’s energy regulator.

The call for applications for the Electricity Storage and Related Infrastructure Programme, aimed at enhancing the stability of the Polish power grid, will remain open until May 30, 2025.

An international research team has developed a new machine that utilizes shockwaves to separate the different materials of a PV module. Chemical processes can be further used to extract silicon and silver. Results show the recovery of more than 99.5% of the original weight of the panels.

A total of PLN 4 billion ($1 billion) will be distributed under the subsidy scheme by the end of 2025 in a bid to bring online more than 5 GWh of energy storage projects by 2028.

A university team in Poland has developed lightweight bifacial vehicle integrated PV (VIPV) mini-modules with back contact cells and glass fiber-reinforced composite sheets. Fabricated in a low-cost process, larger versions of the device are planned for use in a custom-built solar car for international competitions.

Poland has relaunched its Energy for Rural Areas program, offering loans covering up to 100% of solar installation costs in rural areas. The second funding round has a budget of PLN 1 billion ($242.6 million).

Poland’s Institute for Renewable Energy says the country’s combined solar capacity nearly reached 20.7 GW by the end of November 2024, putting it on track to hit 21 GW by year-end. The institute’s analysis indicates utility-scale projects are driving Poland’s solar expansion and will continue to do so.

Algeria, Austria, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia have agreed to develop the Southern Hydrogen Corridor linking North Africa and Europe, while Sungrow Hydrogen has signed a deal to supply electrolysis gear for ACME’s 320 MW green ammonia project in Oman.

Scientists have proposed a building-integrated PV system that integrates airflow to cool the panels and control room temperature. The system, which also acts as a shading device, can reportedly mitigate drops in power generation efficiency without additional energy consumption.

India’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana initiative (PM-SGMBY) could create a INR 1.2 trillion ($13.9 billion) opportunity for PV module, inverter, and component manufacturers, benefiting project developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, according to SBICAPS.