During the period from August 21th to 27th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Oman’s 500 MW Manah I solar project begins operating
The 500 MW Manah I solar project in Oman, constructed by Shanghai Electric, has commenced operations. Located in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, this is the company's first project in Oman. Shanghai Electric was responsible for design, planning, procurement, construction, and O&M, collaborating with EDF to resolve conflicts between international standards and local regulations. The project is equally owned by EDF and Korea Western Power, with a 20-year PPA. Oman's solar capacity reached 672 MW by end-2024 and aims to deploy 13 GW by 2030 to achieve carbon neutrality.
2. SAEL Industries signs PPAs for 880 MW of solar projects in India
India's SAEL Industries signed PPAs for 880 MW of solar projects, including 480 MW in Gujarat (tariff: ₹2.56/kWh) and 400 MW in Punjab (tariff: ₹2.97/kWh). The projects will be operational within 24 months, with a 25-year power supply term. SAEL currently holds 7.7 GW of solar assets and 8.5 GW of TOPCon module capacity.
3. Central African Republic starts building 50 MW of solar with 10 MWh of storage
UAE's Global South Utilities has begun construction on a 50 MW solar project with 10 MWh of storage in the Central African Republic. Upon completion, it will benefit 300,000 households and enhance grid stability. The project is part of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the CAR and the UAE. The country's solar capacity stood at 40 MW by end-2024.
4. Brazil’s solar capacity reaches 60 GW
Brazil's solar capacity has reached 60 GW, including 42.1 GW of distributed generation and 17.9 GW of utility-scale projects, accounting for 23.5% of the national total. Since 2012, the solar sector has attracted over BRL 270 billion in investments, created 1.8 million jobs, and reduced CO₂ emissions by 88.3 million tons. Solar power has saved consumers 90% on electricity costs.
5. Portugal surpasses 6.1 GW of solar capacity
Portugal's solar capacity reached 6.17 GW, with 499 MW added from December 2024 to May 2025 (264 MW utility-scale, 235 MW distributed). In June, solar generation exceeded wind power for the first time. To meet the 2030 target of 20.8 GW, annual additions of 2.6 GW are needed, but current growth is insufficient. The government plans to invest €400 million in grid upgrades.
6. EIA projects record 64 GW US power capacity buildout in 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts a record 64 GW of new power capacity in 2025, including 33.3 GW of solar (21 GW in H2), 18.3 GW of storage, and 7.8 GW of wind. Texas will account for 27% of new solar capacity and deploy 7 GW of storage. This year, 8.7 GW of fossil fuel capacity (71% coal) is expected to retire.
7. Serbia reaches 281 MW of solar capacity
Serbia's solar capacity reached 281 MW, including 109.2 MW of distributed PV with 5,120 prosumers. In H1 2025, 25 MW of distributed capacity was added, driven by policies and falling costs. A February renewable auction allocated 124.8 MW of solar at an average price of €0.0509/kWh. The country targets 45% renewable electricity by 2030.
8. ACWA Power commissions 2.79 GW of solar in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power received commercial operation certification for 2.79 GW of solar projects, including the 1 GW ArRass2, 365.7 MW SAAD2, and 1.425 GW Al Kahfa projects. ACWA holds a 50.1% stake in each project. Saudi Arabia aims for 50% renewable energy by 2030, with current solar capacity exceeding 4.2 GW.
9. High temperatures drive up electricity demand, prices in Europe
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting analysis shows electricity prices rose across major European markets in the second week of August, with Italy averaging €113.27/MWh. High temperatures drove demand, with France and Germany setting daily solar generation records (155 GWh and 437 GWh, respectively). Prices are expected to decline this week due to lower demand and increased wind output.
10. Zambia begins building 100 MW solar project
Zambia has launched construction of the 100 MW Chipata West solar project to power rural communities, with completion expected within 12 months. The project is part of Zambia's goal to reach 1 GW of utility-scale solar. In May, the country commissioned the 100 MW Chisama solar plant, bringing total solar capacity to 196 MW, with over a dozen projects in development.
11. Ireland curtails almost 89 GWh of solar in H1
Ireland curtailed 88.725 GWh of solar generation in H1 2025, a sevenfold increase since 2022, as the grid struggles to handle rapid solar growth. Total wind and solar curtailment could power County Dublin for half a year. The UK curtailed less than 0.1% of solar in the same period, but projections show 10–20 TWh of annual self-curtailment by 2040 due to negative prices and expiring subsidy contracts.