The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Solar Cell Manufacturing in India, SmartestEnergy, STEG, and others.
India’s Approved Solar Cell Manufacturing Capacity Reaches 37.8 GW After 402 MW Addition
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has increased enlisted solar cell manufacturing capacity under ALMM List-II to approximately 37.8 GW. The latest revision, issued on October 8, 2026, added 402 MW of annual manufacturing capacity from Gopin Semicon’s facility in Kamrej, Surat, Gujarat. The manufacturing plant produces n-type TOPCon solar cells with an average reported conversion efficiency of 25.57 percent. India’s approved solar cell list was introduced in July 2025 as part of its domestic manufacturing qualification framework. Approved solar module manufacturing capacity under the separate ALMM List-I has reached approximately 225.5 GW. The latest addition expands the domestic supply base available to solar developers operating under applicable procurement requirements.
SmartestEnergy Signs Biomethane Offtake Agreement for 420 GWh UK Seaweed Energy Project
UK electricity supplier SmartestEnergy has signed a long-term biomethane offtake agreement with Zenco Group covering renewable gas production from a planned seaweed-based anaerobic digestion facility. The project is expected to produce up to 420 GWh of biomethane annually using cultivated seaweed as its primary feedstock. Commercial operation is scheduled for 2028. Development will take place in two phases, beginning with biomethane production for injection into the UK gas network. A second phase will add renewable fuel production. SmartestEnergy will purchase the renewable gas and exclusively market the facility’s Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin and associated environmental products. Contract duration, pricing and project investment value were not disclosed.
Tunisia Launches Tenders for 50 MW Solar and 620 MWh Battery Storage Projects
Tunisia’s state-owned electricity utility STEG has launched renewable-energy procurement covering a 50 MW solar photovoltaic project with 10 MW/20 MWh battery storage and a separate 300 MW/600 MWh battery programme. The solar-plus-storage development will be located in Tataouine and includes high-voltage grid infrastructure and transmission connections. The project is supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, with bids due December 10, 2026. The standalone battery procurement covers ten locations divided into northern, central and southern regional lots of 210 MWh, 180 MWh and 210 MWh, respectively. Bids for these installations close October 29, with project execution scheduled over 210 days and completion targeted for July 20, 2027.