Today’s renewable energy news includes updates from Sonnedix, RWE, PPC, Statkraft, among others.
Sonnedix Launches 60-MW Gonerby Solar Farm in the UK
Sonnedix has commenced operations at its 60-MW Gonerby solar photovoltaic (PV) project in Grantham, England, marking another milestone in the company’s expanding UK renewable energy portfolio. The project is fully supported under the UK government’s Allocation Round 5 Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, providing long-term revenue stability and supporting investment in clean energy infrastructure. The solar farm is expected to generate approximately 58 GWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power more than 15,000 homes, while preventing around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year. These environmental benefits contribute directly to the UK’s net-zero targets and efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. A key advantage of the project is its ability to deliver reliable, affordable clean energy while supporting local communities through a dedicated community benefit fund. The project also demonstrates the effectiveness of the CfD framework in accelerating renewable energy deployment and attracting investment. Gonerby is Sonnedix’s second operational large-scale solar project in the UK and forms part of a broader 250-MW development pipeline, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity, enhancing energy security, and supporting the transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy.
RWE and PPC Commission 930-MWp Solar Portfolio in Greece
RWE and Public Power Corporation have successfully commissioned three large-scale solar clusters in Western Macedonia, with a combined capacity of 930 MWp (884 MWac). Developed through their joint venture Meton Energy, the portfolio consists of nine solar farms built on the site of the former Amynteo lignite mine, transforming a traditional fossil fuel region into a renewable energy hub. The solar projects are expected to generate enough clean electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 400,000 Greek households, significantly reducing carbon emissions and supporting Greece’s energy transition. The development showcases the successful repurposing of former coal mining infrastructure for renewable energy generation, creating a model for sustainable regional transformation. The projects delivered substantial economic benefits during construction, creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs while supporting local communities through sponsorships, donations, and municipal development initiatives. The partnership is also advancing additional renewable projects, including the 567-MWp Kotyli and Neo Syrakio solar farms, scheduled for commissioning in 2027. The milestone strengthens Greece’s renewable energy capacity, enhances energy security, and accelerates the country’s transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Statkraft Plans Major Hydropower Upgrade with Future Pumped Storage Option in Norway
Statkraft has applied for a licence to replace its existing 180-MW Mar Hydropower Plant in southern Norway with a significantly larger 520-MW facility, while also preserving the option to expand the site into a 1,040-MW pumped-storage hydropower plant in the future. The project represents one of Norway’s most ambitious hydropower modernization initiatives and is designed to support the growing demand for flexible renewable energy. A key innovation is the potential integration of pumped-storage technology, which would enable surplus renewable electricity from wind and solar sources to be stored and released when demand is highest. This would transform the facility into a large-scale energy storage asset capable of balancing electricity markets and improving grid stability. The upgrade would nearly triple the plant’s generating capacity, increasing renewable power production without developing a new greenfield site. Key benefits include enhanced energy security, improved grid flexibility, greater renewable energy integration, and support for Europe’s decarbonization objectives. If approved, the project will strengthen Norway’s position as a leading provider of renewable and flexible power, while creating long-term value through modernized infrastructure, increased efficiency, and future-ready energy storage capabilities.
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