Today’s renewable energy news includes updates on Invinity, Hydrostor, African Rainbow Energy, SOLA Group, among others.
Invinity Delivers Europe’s Largest Vanadium Flow Battery for UK Project
Invinity Energy Systems has completed delivery of 20.7MWh of vanadium flow batteries for the Copwood VFB Energy Hub in East Sussex, England, which is expected to become Europe’s largest vanadium flow battery installation once operational later in 2026. The long-duration energy storage project combines 90 vanadium flow batteries with a 3MW solar array and is designed to store surplus solar electricity for use during evenings, overnight periods and peak demand. The system is expected to provide enough stored electricity to meet the daily needs of around 3,000 homes. The project received backing from the UK’s National Wealth Fund and grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero under the Longer Duration Energy Storage demonstration programme. Unlike lithium-ion systems, vanadium flow batteries use water-based electrolytes with no fire risk and are designed for decades of heavy-duty cycling, making them suitable for large-scale grid balancing and renewable integration.
Hydrostor Advances 500MW Compressed Air Storage Project in Ontario
Hydrostor has unveiled plans for the Quinte Energy Storage Centre, a large-scale advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) project in Greater Napanee, Ontario. The initial phase is expected to provide 500MW and up to 1,600MWh of long-duration energy storage capacity to support Ontario’s electricity grid in the 2030s. The project is being developed in partnership with the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, which will act as an Indigenous equity partner. Hydrostor said the project recently secured a municipal support resolution following more than a year of local consultation and will now move into the permitting phase. Hydrostor’s A-CAES technology stores energy by compressing air into underground caverns and releasing it later to generate electricity, providing long-duration storage without critical minerals or hazardous materials. The project is expected to support grid reliability, renewable integration and Ontario’s long-term energy transition goals.
African Rainbow Energy Takes Control of SOLA Group
African Rainbow Energy has increased its stake in SOLA Group from 41 percent to 83 percent, taking majority control of the company’s renewable energy portfolio valued at more than R20 billion. The deal strengthens African Rainbow Energy’s position in South Africa’s fast-growing private renewable energy market and expands its portfolio to around 2GW of renewable capacity, including operational and under-construction projects. SOLA Group currently has around 1,100MW of solar PV and 730MWh of battery storage capacity in operation or development. Founded by South African businessman Patrice Motsepe, African Rainbow Energy said the acquisition supports its ambition to build one of Africa’s leading independent clean energy companies. The transaction also reflects accelerating investment in corporate renewable power, energy wheeling and battery storage infrastructure across South Africa.
Germany Approves Law to Expand Backup Power Capacity
The German government has approved a draft Electricity Supply Security and Capacity Act aimed at strengthening backup electricity capacity as renewable energy generation expands. The first phase targets deployment of 11GW of new dispatchable power capacity through staged auctions. The proposed law is designed to maintain grid reliability during periods of low wind and solar generation. Initial auctions scheduled for 2026 will focus mainly on long-duration backup capacity, with later technology-neutral tenders in 2027 and 2029 expected to include storage systems, flexible demand response and both new and existing power plants. Germany’s government said the capacity market will support the country’s coal phase-out and broader energy transition while ensuring stable electricity supply. The reforms highlight increasing investment in grid flexibility, storage and dispatchable generation as Europe accelerates renewable energy deployment.
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