The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Yingfa, Shell, VinEnergo, Green Sky Manara, and others.
US Department of Energy Opens $237 Million Funding Programme for Electricity Grid Equipment
The United States Department of Energy has announced a $237 million funding opportunity to strengthen domestic electricity grid equipment manufacturing and supply chains. Launched October 30, the Grid SCALED programme allocates up to $50 million for refurbishment and reuse of existing grid equipment and up to $187 million for domestically manufactured alternative materials and components. The programme covers equipment used in electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure. It forms part of a initiative authorised for up to $375 million. The department estimates that supported projects could deliver approximately $125 million in annual utility savings, although these benefits remain projections. Concept papers are due November 20, 2026, with full applications due February 8, 2027.
Yingfa Introduces 7.5 GW Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility in Indonesia
Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer Yingfa Ruineng has introduced its Indonesian manufacturing operation through subsidiary BCI, with an announced annual production capacity of 7.5 GW of N-type TOPCon solar cells. The company detailed the facility November 2 during a technology event in Jakarta. The Indonesian operation represents Yingfa’s first overseas manufacturing base and will serve regional customers across Southeast Asia and other international markets. Yingfa reports 51.5 GW of combined manufacturing capacity across four production bases, including 45.5 GW of N-type TOPCon capacity. The company is also developing back-contact and perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies. The announcement did not specify a new commissioning date or additional investment commitment for the Indonesian facility.
Shell Signs 150,000-Tonne Annual Sustainable Aviation Fuel Agreement for Moroccan Project
Shell has signed a long-term renewable-fuel offtake agreement with Green Sky Manara for a planned production facility at Port Nador, Morocco. Announced November 2, the agreement gives Shell Trading Rotterdam exclusive purchasing rights to approximately 150,000 tonnes annually of sustainable aviation fuel or an equivalent volume of renewable diesel. The arrangement also covers bionaphtha and biopropane. The proposed facility has a reported investment value of approximately $239 million and a planned production capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes of renewable fuels annually. Commercial operation is targeted for October 2028. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering approximately $105 million in financing, but that loan has not received final approval.
VinEnergo Commissions 22 MW Solar and 45 MWh Battery Storage System for Industrial Customers in Vietnam
Vietnamese renewable-energy company VinEnergo has commissioned a rooftop solar and battery storage installation in the Vung Ang Economic Zone, Ha Tinh Province. The project entered operation October 28 and combines 22 MWp of photovoltaic generation with 45 MWh of battery storage. Electricity will supply manufacturing facilities associated with VinFast and battery production operations. The installation represents VinEnergo’s first project operating under Vietnam’s direct power purchase agreement framework. The company estimates annual electricity generation at approximately 39 million kWh, equivalent to 39 GWh. The project combines onsite renewable generation with storage to support industrial electricity requirements. Equipment suppliers, investment value and detailed battery operating specifications were not disclosed.
