The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Hygen Energy, POWERGRID, Eskom, Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility, and others.
Hygen Signs Green Hydrogen Supply Agreement with GeoPura for 35 MW Bradford Project
UK hydrogen developer Hygen Energy has signed an offtake agreement with GeoPura for hydrogen from its planned 35 MW Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen facility in West Yorkshire. GeoPura will purchase 15 percent of available production during the first year, increasing its commitment to 20 percent from the second year. The facility is designed to produce up to 15 tonnes of hydrogen daily using renewable electricity and alkaline electrolysis. Commercial operation is expected in 2028. Existing customers include construction equipment manufacturer JCB and hydrogen bus manufacturer Wrightbus. GeoPura will use the hydrogen in fuel-cell power units providing off-grid electricity for infrastructure, industrial and other commercial applications. Contract consideration was not disclosed.
POWERGRID Commissions Transmission Infrastructure for 2.5 GW Solar Zone in Karnataka
Power Grid Corporation of India has commissioned the transmission scheme for the 2,500 MW Bidar Solar Energy Zone in Karnataka. The project achieved commercial operation on October 5, 2026, with formal notification received on October 8. Infrastructure includes a 765 kV double-circuit transmission line, a new pooling substation and associated high-voltage equipment. The substation incorporates three 1,500 MVA transformers at 765/400 kV and five 500 MVA transformers at 400/220 kV. The project was implemented under the tariff-based competitive bidding framework. It was originally assigned to POWERGRID Bidar Transmission, subsequently merged with POWERGRID Khavda II-C Transmission. The commissioned network enables electricity evacuation from large-scale solar developments in Karnataka.
Eskom Seeks Partners for 6 GW Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Programme
South African electricity utility Eskom has launched a Request for Qualifications to identify development and investment partners for up to 6 GW of renewable-energy and battery storage projects by 2030. The procurement forms part of the utility’s new Eskom Green business, which will develop, construct and operate renewable generation and storage assets. Qualified companies will advance to a subsequent Request for Proposals stage covering project development, financing and implementation. The programme will use strategic partnerships and project-financed special-purpose companies to attract public and private capital. Eskom Green also intends to sell renewable electricity to industrial customers. The qualification process closes on November 16, 2026. Project allocations and investment values remain subject to procurement.
Austria Opens €38.5 Million Funding Programme for Solar and Battery Storage
Austria’s economy ministry has launched a €38.5 million funding programme supporting new photovoltaic installations, expansion of existing solar systems and associated battery storage. The allocation represents an increase from the originally planned €8 million, using funds released from earlier projects that were cancelled or only partially completed. Applications are open until October 22, 2026, under the Renewable Energy Expansion Act. Grants for photovoltaic installations are structured by system size. Projects up to 10 kWp qualify for €150 per kWp, while systems between 10 and 20 kWp receive €140 per kWp. Installations between 20 and 100 kWp receive €130 per kWp, and larger systems qualify for €120 per kWp. Individual awards remain subject to application approval.
France Approves €10 Million Offshore Wind Research Programme with 33 Partners
French offshore wind research organisation France Energies Marines has approved four research and innovation projects with a combined value approaching €10 million. The initiatives involve 33 public and private partners and are scheduled to begin during autumn 2026. The programme addresses technical and environmental challenges associated with fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind installations. Research areas include the cumulative effects of offshore developments on marine ecosystems, durability of synthetic mooring lines, biological growth on offshore structures and atmospheric turbulence measurements using LiDAR technology. One project, ACT NOW, will develop modelling tools to evaluate combined environmental impacts from wind farms and other marine activities. The programme will support technology validation, environmental assessment and operational improvements for future offshore wind developments.