Today’s renewable energy news includes announcements from IFC, Voltalia, offshore wind tender in Turkiye, among others.
Australia and NSW Invest AUD 2.5 Billion to Secure 3 GW of Renewables for Tomago Smelter
The Australian Government and New South Wales Government have announced a combined AUD 2.5 billion (USD 1.76 billion) investment to secure the future of Tomago Aluminium in Newcastle and underpin nearly 3 GW of new renewable generation and firming capacity. The package will support the smelter beyond the expiry of its current electricity contract on 31 December 2028 and accelerate the decarbonisation of more than 10 percent of NSW’s electricity grid. Tomago Aluminium will invest at least AUD 1.1 billion, including AUD 100 million for further decarbonisation and a demand-response programme. The NSW contribution is capped at AUD 1.225 billion over 10 years from 2029. The agreement secures around 1,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs across the Hunter region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Tomago Aluminium CEO Jerome Dozol welcomed the agreement, which is expected to support the smelter’s transition toward renewable electricity.
IFC to Invest Up to EUR 120 Million in Voltalia Unit for Solar and Storage
International Finance Corporation (IFC) has reached a substantial agreement to invest up to EUR 120 million in a Voltalia subsidiary to support the development of renewable energy projects, including solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The financing is intended to strengthen Voltalia’s ability to develop, construct and operate clean-energy assets in emerging markets, supporting greater access to reliable and affordable electricity. The partnership builds on IFC’s previous cooperation with Voltalia, including financing support for renewable projects such as the Dwangwa solar project in Malawi, which combines 55 MW of solar capacity with a 10 MW battery system. Sebastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, has led the company’s international expansion across solar, wind and storage. The investment reinforces IFC’s strategy of mobilising private capital for climate-focused infrastructure and Voltalia’s growth in renewable energy and storage markets.
Turkiye Plans First Offshore Wind YEKA Tender for 2027
Turkiye plans to launch its first offshore wind Renewable Energy Resource Area (YEKA) tender in the first quarter of 2027, marking a major step in establishing the country’s offshore wind industry. The tender will cover four offshore areas identified near Saros Bay, Gokçeada, Bozcaada and Edremit. A draft specification proposes 1 GW of offshore wind connection capacity and a 49-year concession, with bids expected under a reverse-auction mechanism. The draft sets a price corridor of USD 0.07–0.11/kWh, with an additional contribution-fee mechanism if bids reach the floor price. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said offshore wind is a strategic priority and Turkiye aims to reach 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035. The initiative forms part of the country’s renewable-energy expansion strategy and is expected to attract international developers, technology providers and investment.
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