☀️🔋 China has connected a 1GW hybrid solar project to the grid. The project combines 900MW of solar PV with 100MW of concentrated solar power, including molten salt thermal storage designed to hold heat for up to eight hours ⚡🌱

🏠🌡️ The Netherlands is planning to make hybrid heat pumps the standard replacement for gas boilers in many homes. The proposal targets areas without district heating, combining a heat pump with a gas boiler to reduce gas use while retaining backup heating when needed.

☀️🇮🇹 Italy’s solar capacity could more than triple by 2040. New grid operator scenarios project growth from 43.5GW at the end of 2025 to as much as 137GW by 2040, alongside major expansion in energy storage and electrification. A huge potential shift in the country’s electricity system. 🔋⚡

🌬️🇹🇷 Türkiye’s wind power could help cut its gas import bill by $4 billion a year. With more than 16GW of installed wind capacity, the country could reduce reliance on imported natural gas as it expands renewable generation. An example of how homegrown clean energy can strengthen energy security ⚡🌱

☀️🇬🇧 Could solar panels and a battery save your household almost £950 a year? Analysis of more than 15 million UK rooftops suggests that solar and battery storage could deliver significant savings, with some areas seeing even bigger returns. 🔋

☀️🇮🇳 India is generating record amounts of solar power, but some is going to waste. More than 4% of solar generation was curtailed in July and August due to grid and operational constraints, according to CREA.

☀️🏘️ Solar power could become more accessible to renters in Virginia. Governor Spanberger’s energy plan includes community solar, giving people who rent or have unsuitable rooftops another way to benefit from renewable electricity. Clean energy shouldn’t depend on owning your home 🌱

Last week, we headed to Glasgow for the Community Energy Scotland Conference 2026! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 With this year's theme of Owning the Future, we loved connecting with Scottish partners and discussing how to grow community energy. 💚 Also, can we get a live illustrator at every event? Eddy Phillips was fab! 🎨

Community energy in the UK is on the up and up! 🚀 We’re proud to support almost 350 community energy projects through bespoke Power Purchase Agreements, from Plymouth to the Outer Hebrides and everywhere in between. Find your local community energy group. There may be one closer than you think! 👀

☀️🇪🇺 Solar power could soon be built into more than just rooftops and fields. Austrian company has secured an EU patent for its bifacial solar fence technology, which uses vertically mounted solar strips to generate electricity from both sides. An innovative way to put overlooked spaces to work. ⚡🌱

☀️🔬 Solar panels are getting more powerful, with less glare. Risen Energy has unveiled a new heterojunction module with up to 23.5% efficiency and 730W output, featuring an optical design intended to reduce glare. Another development in making solar technology more versatile. ⚡🌱

🐄☀️ Could solar panels help keep farmland greener during hot weather? In Normandy, France, 5,184 solar panels sit around 16 feet above a dairy pasture, providing shade for grazing cows while generating renewable electricity. An example of how solar and agriculture can share the same space. 🌱⚡

🏠☀️ What if your roof tiles could generate electricity? Solar roof tiles offer an alternative to traditional panels, integrating solar cells into roofing materials for a more discreet look. They could appeal to homeowners who want solar without the appearance of conventional panels ⚡

☀️🌾 Can solar panels and farming thrive on the same land? Agrivoltaics combines solar generation with agriculture, with panels potentially protecting crops from harsh weather while creating additional income for farmers. The design needs to work for both food production and clean energy. 🌱

☀️🇦🇺 Australia’s rooftop solar boom shows no sign of slowing down. High electricity prices, sunshine and government support have helped drive record installations, with solar panels becoming a familiar sight across the country. The next challenge? Making the most of all that homegrown power. 🔋⚡

☀️🏘️ Charlie Luxton is taking community energy on the road! The TV presenter has launched a national roadshow in Ayr, showcasing how communities can generate their own renewable electricity and benefit financially. A great way to put community energy in the spotlight. 🌱⚡

🇬🇧⚡ Could heat pump grants be cut to help fund defence spending? Ministers are reportedly considering cuts to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme as they seek more than £2bn in savings from the energy budget. Any reduction could make it harder for households to switch from gas boilers to cleaner heating. 🌱

📣 North East community energy groups! We’ve had a big jump in volunteers signing up to Community Energy Connect recently- our free matchmaking platform 🌱 Need an extra pair of hands? Sign up below, and we’ll connect you with volunteers who could be a great fit. 👇