The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Hawaiian Electric, Energiekontor, Pulehu Solar project on Maui, and others.
Hawaiian Electric Seeks Approval for 20 MW Solar and 80 MWh Battery Project in Maui
Hawaiian Electric has filed an application with Hawaii’s Public Utilities Commission for a 20-year fixed-price power purchase agreement covering the Pulehu Solar project on Maui. The proposed development combines 20 MW of solar generation with 80 MWh of battery storage. It is expected to produce enough renewable electricity annually to match the consumption of approximately 10,000 Maui households. The project was selected through Hawaiian Electric’s competitive renewable-energy procurement programme. AES Hawaiʻi acquired the development in September 2026. Following community consultation, the project design was revised to relocate the battery and substation farther from residential properties and incorporate additional wildfire safeguards. Regulatory approval remains pending.
South Africa Prioritises 4,600 MW Battery Storage Procurement Under New Electricity Plan
The government of South Africa has announced plans to procure 4,600 MW of battery energy storage capacity under the first implementation phase of its Integrated Resource Plan 2025. The proposed ministerial determination also includes 5,000 MW of gas-fired generation, bringing the combined programme to 9,600 MW. Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said battery installations will be prioritised to absorb surplus electricity and improve supply during peak demand. The government has already procured approximately 1,744 MW/6,976 MWh of battery storage through earlier bid windows. The first new determination does not allocate additional standalone solar or wind capacity. These technologies, including hybrid projects and pumped storage, will be addressed through subsequent procurement decisions.
Energiekontor Secures Permits for 142 MW of Wind Farms in Germany
German renewable-energy developer Energiekontor has received construction permits for four wind farms with 142 MW of combined capacity in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony. The projects will comprise 21 wind turbines across four developments rated at approximately 34 MW, 43 MW, 48 MW and 17 MW. Permits were granted under Germany’s Federal Immission Control Act during September and October 2026. The approvals increase Energiekontor’s total authorised wind capacity during the current financial year to approximately 250 MW across nine projects. The company will now advance the developments through the remaining construction preparation and investment stages. Energiekontor has completed more than 170 wind and solar projects representing approximately 1.6 GW since its establishment.
Germany Revises Offshore Wind Plan to Auction 4 GW Across Five Sites in 2027
Germany’s Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency has amended its offshore wind development plan to prepare 4 GW of capacity for auction in 2027. The revised programme covers five North Sea sites: N-10.1 at 1 GW, N-10.2 at 500 MW, N-10.3 at 1 GW, N-13.1 at 500 MW and N-13.2 at 1 GW. The changes expand and reorganise the N-10 development area, allowing greater turbine spacing and reducing expected wake losses. The revision follows an unsuccessful 2025 auction for 2.5 GW of capacity. Auctions and commissioning schedules for certain other sites have been postponed. Germany currently has approximately 11.49 GW of installed offshore wind capacity and targets 40 GW by 2035.
