The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Lightyears, EBRD, Raiffeisen, Oman’s Nama, China’s State Grid International Development, and others.
Lightyears Secures NZ$174 Million for 300 MW Solar and Battery Storage Pipeline in New Zealand
New Zealand renewable-energy developer Lightyears has secured NZ$174 million in investment and financing commitments to accelerate the development of more than 300 MW of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. Announced November 3, the package comprises NZ$74 million in planned investment from Japanese construction group Obayashi Corporation and a NZ$100 million lending facility from Australian infrastructure financier InfraDebt. The funding will support project development and construction over the next five years. Lightyears is expanding its renewable-energy portfolio as New Zealand increases investment in solar generation and electricity storage. The company has not disclosed the precise allocation between solar and batteries, individual project capacities or commissioning schedules for the entire pipeline.
EBRD and Raiffeisen Provide €60 Million for 246 MW/512.5 MWh Battery Project in Bulgaria
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Raiffeisen Bank International have agreed to provide €60 million in financing for a major battery energy storage project at Tenevo in southeastern Bulgaria. Announced November 3, each institution will contribute €30 million. The project will provide 246 MW of discharge capacity and 512.5 MWh of electricity storage. It will be developed alongside an existing 242 MWp solar installation and a 65 MW/260 MWh battery facility. The new financing supports construction and operation of additional storage infrastructure, improving the ability to manage intermittent solar generation and electricity demand. The project is associated with renewable-energy developers Renalfa IPP and Eurowind Energy.
Oman and China’s State Grid Agree on 1 GW Battery Storage Development Worth Approximately $1 Billion
Oman’s Nama Holding has signed a framework agreement with China’s State Grid International Development covering 1 GW of battery energy storage capacity. Announced November 3, the proposed investment is valued at approximately OMR 384.5 million, equivalent to $1 billion. The programme comprises two 500 MW installations at Duqm Industrial Station and Al-Subaikhi Station near the Ibri Solar 3 development. Both facilities are expected to connect to Oman’s electricity transmission network at 400 kV. The installations are intended to improve grid stability and support greater renewable electricity integration. Battery storage duration, financing arrangements and commissioning dates were not disclosed. The agreement represents a development framework rather than completed project financing.
GreenGo and European Developers Advance Solar and Battery Projects as Grid Investment Accelerates
Renewable-energy developers across Europe are advancing projects combining photovoltaic generation, storage and grid infrastructure as electricity systems accommodate growing renewable capacity. Among the November 3 developments, GreenGo secured approval for 28.5 MWp of agrivoltaic capacity in Italy, while Downing obtained planning consent for a 42 MW solar and battery development in England. Germany awarded 288 MW of rooftop solar capacity, while Bulgaria secured €60 million for 246 MW/512.5 MWh of battery storage. These developments represent separate regulatory, financing and procurement milestones rather than completed installations. Construction will depend on project-specific investment approvals, grid connections and equipment procurement. Their combined significance lies in expanding the pipeline of dispatchable and distributed renewable electricity infrastructure.
