Today’s renewable energy news includes announcements from Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE, NextEra, OPC Energy’s $10 billion investment plan, among others.
Canadian Solar KuBank 3.0 Passes UL 9540A:2026 Fire Test
Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE completed large-scale fire testing of its KuBank 3.0 commercial and industrial battery system under the UL 9540A:2026 standard, claiming the industry’s first successful result under the updated test. KuBank 3.0 provides up to 940 kWh in one liquid-cooled cabinet, uses 314 Ah lithium iron phosphate cells and supports 400V, 690V and 800V architectures. During testing, thermal runaway was deliberately initiated in a fully charged unit with fire suppression disabled. The event lasted about four hours; the cabinet remained intact, with no explosion or propagation to neighbouring units. TÜV Rheinland and ESRG witnessed and verified the test. KuBank 3.0 passed on its first attempt without corrective action, has entered mass production and is available worldwide for global customers.
NextEra Secures Funding Milestone for 10 GW US Power Programme
NextEra Energy executed agreements with the United States Department of Commerce and Japan’s government to fund development and operation of up to 10 GW of natural-gas generation in Texas and Pennsylvania. The projects were selected under Japan’s $550 billion United States investment commitment connected to the trade agreement and received presidential approval in March 2026. The milestone releases an initial funding tranche for development activities, including deposits on long-lead equipment such as turbines and selection of engineering, procurement and construction contractors. NextEra says the plants will provide reliable power infrastructure supporting economic growth and technology leadership while adhering to the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Although gas-fired rather than renewable, the initiative is significant for capacity planning and energy-system investment.
OPC Energy Advances 7 GW Power Pipeline and $10 Billion Investment Plan
OPC Energy is constructing projects in Israel and the United States that should add 2.2 GW of operating capacity during 2029–2030. Three additional projects totalling 4.8 GW could enter construction during 2027–2028, representing approximately $10 billion of investment. The company plans roughly $7 billion of investment in the PJM market. Its 850 MW Hadera Expansion reached financial close, while the proposed Ramat Beka development combines 550 MW of generation with 3,850 MWh of storage and targets a final investment decision during 2026. OPC also signed an Israeli data-centre PPA covering up to 460 MW. US developments include the 1.4 GW Basin Ranch, 2.1 GW Shay and 1.5 GW Walker projects, alongside the operational 114 MW Rogue’s Wind energy infrastructure facility.
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