Today’s renewable energy news includes updates from Vattenfall, Rezolv, Thistle, among others.
Vattenfall Explores 160MW Ray 2 Wind Farm in England
Vattenfall is considering development of the 160MW Ray 2 wind farm near Kirkwhelpington in Northumberland, adjacent to the existing Ray 1 project. The proposed site could generate enough renewable electricity to power around 115,000 homes annually, strengthening the UK’s onshore wind capacity. The project is currently at an early planning stage, with community consultation scheduled later in 2026. Vattenfall highlighted the success of the operational Ray 1 wind farm, which has contributed £2.5 million through its community fund, supported 250 suppliers, and restored 130 hectares of habitat for protected species. The initiative reflects continued investment in UK renewable infrastructure and innovation in sustainable project development that balances clean energy generation with biodiversity and community engagement. The proposed project aims to improve energy security, affordability, and long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region.
Rezolv Commissions 225MW Solar and Storage Project in Bulgaria
Rezolv Energy has commissioned the 225MW St George solar park in Silistra, Bulgaria, marking one of the country’s largest solar developments. Built on the former Silistra airport site, the $300 million project includes nearly 400,000 solar panels capable of generating around 313GWh of electricity annually. The facility also features a 90MW/240MWh battery energy storage system supported by the European Union’s NextGenerationEU programme, enhancing grid flexibility and renewable integration. Construction was backed by a 12-year virtual power purchase agreement with Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe for 110GWh of renewable electricity annually. Financing included €90 million from International Finance Corporation and Raiffeisen Bank International. The project highlights large-scale investment and innovation in hybrid solar-storage infrastructure, supporting Bulgaria’s energy security, decarbonisation goals, and long-term sustainable growth.
Thistle Submits Consent Application for 1GW Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm
Thistle Wind Partners has submitted the offshore consent application for its 1GW Bowdun Offshore Wind Farm to the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate. The fixed-bottom offshore wind project is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 1.2 million households once operational. The submission marks a major milestone, with both offshore and onshore elements of the project now under review following the earlier onshore application to Aberdeenshire Council. The development is expected to support more than 700 construction jobs during the five-year build phase and around 60 long-term operations and maintenance roles. The project highlights continued investment and innovation in Scotland’s offshore wind sector, with a strong focus on domestic supply chains and regional economic growth. Bowdun is expected to strengthen energy security, accelerate decarbonisation, and deliver lasting economic and community benefits across north-east Scotland.
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