The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Saft, Alstra Energy, Encavis, Wingfield solar project in Vingåker, and others.
Saft Opens Solid-State Battery Manufacturing Lines in France with Up to 50% Higher Energy Density
French battery manufacturer Saft, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, has inaugurated new solid-state battery production lines at its Bordeaux facility. Announced October 19, the investment establishes manufacturing capability for batteries using sulfide and polymer solid electrolytes at room temperature. Saft said the technology could provide energy density up to 50 percent higher than conventional lithium-ion batteries. Its dry-electrode manufacturing process could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from that production stage by up to 40 percent. The new lines will support industrial development of advanced batteries for aviation, aerospace and other demanding applications. Saft has also delivered initial semi-solid battery cells to Safran for evaluation under their aerospace technology partnership. Manufacturing investment and annual production capacity were not disclosed.
Alstra Energy Completes Mechanical Installation of 101 MW Solar Projects in Sweden
Renewable-energy developer Alstra Energy has achieved mechanical completion of two photovoltaic projects in Sweden with combined capacity of 101 MW. Announced October 21, the installations are being delivered for German investment manager Commerz Real. The portfolio comprises the 54 MW Wingfield solar project in Vingåker and the 47 MW Gaslight project in Götene. Construction began during the third quarter of 2025. Mechanical completion confirms installation and assembly of the main equipment, with third-party inspections also completed. Cold commissioning is underway. Grid energisation is scheduled for November 2026 at Wingfield and February 2027 at Gaslight. The projects will increase Sweden’s utility-scale photovoltaic generation capacity. Investment values, module suppliers and electricity offtake arrangements were not disclosed.
Encavis Signs 60 GWh Annual Solar and Wind Power Purchase Agreement with Visalia in Spain
German renewable-energy producer Encavis has signed its first hybrid solar and wind power purchase agreement in Spain with electricity company Visalia. Announced October 21, the three-and-a-half-year agreement covers 60 GWh of renewable electricity annually. Electricity will be supplied from Encavis’ 199 MW Aragón renewable-energy portfolio near Zaragoza, comprising two solar parks and three wind farms. Combining wind and photovoltaic generation provides a more balanced electricity supply across different times of the day and year. Visalia operates more than 500 urban renewable-energy installations and over 1,000 kilometres of electricity distribution and telecommunications infrastructure. Encavis operates approximately 1 GW of solar and wind capacity in Spain and more than 5 GW across Europe.