The latest rnewables news includes Navitas Solar and Mecpower, Rooftop Solar Programme in Thailand, and others.
Navitas Solar and Mecpower Plan 5 GWh Battery Storage Manufacturing Facility in Gujarat
Indian solar manufacturer Navitas Solar and renewable infrastructure company Mecpower Solutions have agreed to establish a 5 GWh battery energy storage manufacturing facility in Karjan, Gujarat. The partnership was announced October 28–29. The proposed factory will supply battery storage systems for utility-scale, commercial and industrial renewable-energy projects. Operations are targeted to begin during Q1 FY2027–28. Mecpower will contribute engineering, development and project execution capabilities, while Navitas will provide manufacturing expertise. Preliminary site preparation has begun, and the partners have initiated equipment procurement. Mecpower previously outlined an investment of approximately ₹160 crore for a battery manufacturing project at Karjan. The companies have not confirmed whether that figure represents the final joint investment.
Thailand Approves THB 50 Billion Rooftop Solar Programme Targeting 5 GW of Capacity
Thailand’s government has approved an initial THB 50 billion, approximately $1.48 billion, rooftop solar programme targeting deployment of up to 5 GW of photovoltaic capacity. The approval was reported October 27. The People’s Solar initiative is intended to increase household participation in renewable electricity generation and reduce dependence on conventional grid supply. The wider programme has been discussed as a potential 10 GW initiative, with further investment dependent on subsequent implementation phases. Financing support, household participation and electricity export arrangements are central to the programme’s design. The approval represents a policy and funding milestone rather than completed installations. Actual capacity additions will depend on customer applications, equipment deployment and grid connection approvals.
Scatec Secures $217 Million for First Phase of 1 GW Dandara Solar and Battery Project in Egypt
Norwegian renewable-energy developer Scatec has secured approximately $217 million in non-recourse financing for the first phase of its Dandara solar and battery storage project in Egypt. Announced October 29, the financing follows preliminary arrangements disclosed earlier in the week. The overall development comprises 1 GW of solar capacity and 200 MWh of battery storage in Qena Governorate. The first phase will deliver approximately 500 MW of photovoltaic generation and 100 MWh of storage. Egypt’s National Bank will participate as a minority investor with a 20 percent ownership stake. Scatec is advancing construction activities following the financing milestone. The complete development has an estimated investment value of approximately $650 million.
DTE Energy and Sonnen Launch Two-Year Virtual Power Plant Pilot Connecting Nearly 100 Michigan Homes
US electricity utility DTE Energy and residential battery manufacturer Sonnen have launched a two-year virtual power plant pilot in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Announced October 29, the programme will connect battery storage systems installed in nearly 100 homes at the Veridian at County Farm residential development. The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved the pilot. Sonnen’s technology will coordinate household batteries to manage electricity consumption, reduce peak demand and support grid reliability. The programme will evaluate whether aggregated residential storage can reduce electricity system costs and provide additional flexibility. The installation forms part of a residential community developed by Thrive Collaborative. Commercial expansion will depend on operating results and subsequent regulatory decisions.
