The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Sumitomo, DTE Energy, El Foulia Solar Park, Qair, and others.
Sumitomo and Kyushu Railway Plan 16 MW/70 MWh Battery Storage Project in Japan
Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation Kyushu and Kyushu Railway Company have started preparatory work for a 16 MW/70 MWh battery storage facility in Isahaya, Nagasaki Prefecture. Announced October 28, the project will be developed through their Battery Station Kyushu joint venture. Construction will take place on a former railway substation site and adjacent land. The installation will contain 14 stationary battery units and is scheduled to begin commercial operation in December 2028. It will become the venture’s third and largest battery project, following two 1.5 MW facilities in Kumamoto City. The partners intend to expand electricity storage development using underutilised railway properties. Investment value was not disclosed.
DTE Energy Commissions $268 Million, 132 MW Fish Creek Solar Park in Michigan
US electricity utility DTE Energy has started commercial operation of its 132 MW Fish Creek Solar Park near Sheridan in Montcalm County, Michigan. Announced October 28, the development represents an investment of approximately $268 million. Electricity generation is expected to meet the annual requirements of approximately 30,000 households. The project was financed through DTE’s voluntary MIGreenPower renewable-energy programme. Construction began in 2024 and supported approximately 550 jobs, including around 450 union positions. The solar park is located in Bushnell and Evergreen townships and will generate additional local property-tax revenue. DTE is expanding renewable electricity generation as part of its long-term plan to reduce emissions and modernise Michigan’s electricity supply.
Algeria Commissions 300 MW El Foulia Solar Park, Its Largest Photovoltaic Project
Algeria has inaugurated the 300 MW El Foulia solar photovoltaic plant in El Oued Province, marking the country’s largest operational utility-scale solar installation. The facility was inaugurated on October 26, with additional project details reported October 28. Developed for state-owned electricity company Sonelgaz, the solar park occupies approximately 600 hectares and incorporates around 650,000 photovoltaic modules across 69 generation sections. Construction involved an Algerian-Chinese partnership, including China State Construction Engineering Corporation. El Foulia forms part of Algeria’s initial 3.2 GW renewable-energy programme, covering projects across 14 provinces. The plant follows two 200 MW solar commissioning milestones earlier in 2026. Algeria is targeting approximately 15 GW of solar capacity by 2035.
Qair Starts Construction of 80 MW Wierzbica Solar Farm in Poland with 2027 Commissioning Target
French renewable-energy developer Qair has started construction of the 80 MW Wierzbica photovoltaic project in Poland’s Mazowieckie Province. Announced October 28, the solar park will occupy approximately 64 hectares, including previously unused agricultural and industrial land. The installation will incorporate 110,344 photovoltaic modules rated at 725 Wp each. Electricity generation is expected to cover the annual requirements of approximately 32,000 households. Commissioning is targeted no later than September 2027. Wierzbica is part of a 203 MW renewable development programme financed through a PLN 350 million preferential loan under Poland’s National Recovery Plan. The financing also supports an 18 MW wind project and a 105 MW solar development.
