08/03/2026-Solar Energy Investment News & People Moves
- Viridian Energy
- Mar 6
- 6 min read
USA News
Solar and storage are central to Trump's energy priorities
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) emphasized that solar power and battery storage will play a key role in achieving U.S. energy security and affordability goals under the administration of Donald Trump. The industry group argues that deploying low-cost solar and storage can help meet rapidly rising electricity demand, strengthen grid reliability, and support domestic energy dominance.
SEIA highlighted several priorities, including scaling solar capacity, expanding energy storage, strengthening domestic manufacturing, and improving grid infrastructure. With electricity demand expected to rise due to electrification and data centers, the report positions solar and storage as essential technologies for delivering reliable, secure, and affordable power across the United States.
Arevon’s 430-MW Kelso Solar Project begins commercial operation in Missouri
Renewable energy developer Arevon Energy has started commercial operations at the 430-MW Kelso Solar Project in Scott County, Missouri. The utility-scale facility, built in two phases, represents the company’s first major renewable project in the state and significantly expands Missouri’s solar generation capacity.
The project is capable of producing enough electricity to power more than 60,000 homes annually. Construction of the project created hundreds of local jobs and is expected to deliver millions of dollars in tax revenues to support community services and infrastructure. Kelso Solar highlights the continued growth of large-scale solar projects across the U.S. energy market.
Sabanci Renewables taps Empact to de-risk 286-MW Texas solar portfolio
Sabanci Renewables has partnered with Empact Technologies to manage compliance and reduce financial risk for a 286-MW solar portfolio in Texas. The agreement covers the 156-MW Pepper Solar project and the 130-MW Lucky 7 project within the ERCOT market. Empact will track labor and regulatory requirements related to U.S. tax incentives, particularly prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Meeting these rules is essential for developers to qualify for the full federal investment tax credit. The partnership ensures accurate documentation, compliance monitoring, and protection against potential penalties, helping secure project financing and long-term investment value.
Real estate firm Clayco starts solar development business
Chicago-based construction and real estate development company Clayco has launched a new business unit called Power and Energy to expand into solar and battery storage development.
The unit will provide integrated services, including design, engineering, procurement, and construction for renewable energy projects across the United States. Clayco expects the new division to employ nearly 1,000 workers and generate around $300 million in annual revenue by 2027. The move reflects rising electricity demand driven by data centers, manufacturing, and electrification. By entering the clean energy market, Clayco aims to help deliver large-scale solar and storage infrastructure to utilities, developers, and industrial customers.
Origis is developing a 413-MW West Texas solar portfolio
Renewable energy developer Origis Energy is advancing a 413-MW solar portfolio in West Texas, known as the Rockhound Solar Projects, located in Ector County. The portfolio consists of three utility-scale solar projects expected to reach completion in 2026.
The development has secured about $340 million in tax equity investment to support construction and financing. Once operational, the projects are projected to generate more than 900 GWh of electricity annually, enough to power roughly 85,000 homes. The portfolio is also expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region, including local jobs during construction and an estimated $68 million in property tax revenue for the county over time.
Meta signs PPA on 441-MW Texas solar project portfolio
Technology company Meta has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 441-MW solar project portfolio in Texas, supporting its goal of powering operations with renewable energy.
The portfolio consists of multiple solar facilities being developed in the state, with construction beginning in early 2026 and full commercial operation expected by the end of 2027. Under the agreement, Meta will purchase the electricity generated by the projects to help meet the growing energy demand of its data centers. The deal highlights the increasing role of corporate PPAs in accelerating large-scale solar development while helping companies meet sustainability and carbon-reduction commitments.
Germany News
Germany's wind-solar hybrid power plant by Vattenfall
Energy company Vattenfall has started building its first hybrid renewable power plant in Germany, combining wind and solar generation at a single site.
Located in the Südeifel region near the Luxembourg border, the project will include four wind turbines with a combined capacity of about 17 MW and more than 12,000 solar panels producing 7.6 MWp. The total capacity of the project will reach around 24.6 MW. By sharing the wind park’s existing grid connection, the hybrid system can reduce infrastructure costs and ease pressure on the grid. The project is expected to begin operations in autumn 2026 and reflects the growing trend of integrated renewable energy systems.
Statkraft to supply solar power to WSW in Germany
Norwegian renewable energy company Statkraft has signed a power purchase agreement to supply German utility WSW with about 18.2 GWh of solar electricity annually. The agreement will run from 2026 to 2028, and the power will come from the Hoeflas 1 and Hoeflas 2 solar parks located in Bavaria.
Together, the two solar facilities have a combined installed capacity of around 17.4 MW and were commissioned in 2024. The deal highlights the increasing role of long-term renewable energy contracts in supporting Germany’s energy transition while providing stable, clean electricity supply to regional utilities and helping companies secure predictable renewable power sources.
Solar momentum builds in northern Germany
Solar energy development is gaining momentum in northern Germany as new projects continue to advance through planning and construction. One key example is Zelestra’s 27.5-MW Klevenow solar plant, which reflects growing investor interest in the region. More than 120 MW of additional solar capacity is expected to begin construction this year through Germany’s renewable energy auction system.
Developers are increasingly targeting northern regions due to available land and supportive policy frameworks. The growth of these projects demonstrates the country’s ongoing commitment to expanding renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels while strengthening the national electricity supply with more solar generation.
Germany urged to speed up energy transition amid Middle East tension
Energy experts and industry groups are urging Germany to accelerate its energy transition in response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that could affect global energy markets.
Expanding renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is seen as essential for reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and improving long-term energy security. Analysts argue that faster permitting processes, stronger grid infrastructure, and increased investment in renewable projects will help Germany stabilize its energy supply and manage price volatility. Strengthening domestic renewable generation is viewed as a key strategy to protect the economy while supporting climate goals and ensuring a more resilient energy system.
Peoples Move
Arevon Appoints Justin Johnson as Interim CEO
Arevon Energy has appointed Justin Johnson as its Interim Chief Executive Officer. Johnson, who previously served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, will take on the leadership role while continuing to guide the company’s operational strategy.
Arevon is a major U.S. developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. With extensive experience in renewable energy project development and operations, Johnson is expected to support the company’s continued growth in solar and energy storage. The leadership transition comes as Arevon expands its clean energy portfolio and strengthens its position in the rapidly growing U.S. renewable energy market.
GS Power Partners Appoints Raj Narayanan as CFO
GS Power Partners has named Raj Narayanan as its new Chief Financial Officer. The company, an independent power producer backed by CVC DIF, focuses on developing and operating solar and energy storage projects across the United States. Narayanan brings significant financial leadership experience and will oversee the company’s financial strategy, capital markets activities, and project financing.
His appointment reflects GS Power Partners’ continued expansion as it builds a growing pipeline of clean energy assets. The company aims to accelerate solar deployment and support the transition to a more sustainable power system across the U.S.
Ben Downing Named CEO of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Ben Downing has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Downing previously served as Chief Growth Officer at The Engine and brings significant experience in clean energy policy and innovation.
In his new role, he will lead the state agency responsible for advancing clean energy technologies, workforce development, and industry growth in Massachusetts. Downing’s leadership is expected to support the state’s ambitious climate and renewable energy goals while strengthening the region’s clean energy ecosystem and encouraging investment in emerging energy technologies.
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