A new scientific study at Rice University, Houston, Texas, has reported a major advancement in solar technology, focusing on perovskite-based solar cells, a material that is increasingly seen as a strong alternative to traditional silicon. The research demonstrates a method to make these solar cells more stable and durable, addressing one of the biggest challenges that has limited their large-scale use. What Makes Perovskites Important? Perovskites are materials that can absorb sunlight very efficiently. They are easier and cheaper to manufacture compared to silicon, as they can be processed in liquid form or deposited as a thin film. However, their…
Author: Junaid Shah
Sineng Electric has signed a photovoltaic inverter supply contract for PIF 6 solar project cluster of Saudi Arabia, marking a major win in one of the Kingdom’s flagship utility-scale renewable energy programmes. The PIF 6 cluster is being jointly developed by ACWA Power, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Aramco Power, and forms a key part of Saudi Arabia’s clean-energy roadmap. 3 GW of Utility-Scale Solar Capacity The contract covers two large solar projects within the PIF 6 cluster – Bisha and Humaij – with a combined installed capacity of approximately 3 GW. The Bisha solar project accounts for 2.37…
Omani solar manufacturing company United Solar Holding has begun production at its polysilicon manufacturing facility in Oman, a project that is expected to support the production of up to 40 GW of solar modules annually once fully ramped up. The plant has a planned polysilicon output capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year. The start of production was announced by China-based Shuangliang Hydrogen, which said it supplied four green power intelligent hydrogen production systems to the facility. The company stated that all supplied equipment achieved successful first-time start-up, supporting the commissioning of the project. Middle East’s Largest Polysilicon Facility The…
Kyrgyzstan has started generating electricity from its first-ever wind power project, a landmark step in the country’s transition beyond hydropower, according to local media reports. The announcement was made by Kundus Kyrbasheva, head of the Green Stations Association, who highlighted the strategic importance of the project being developed by a domestic company, Metrum TEK. The wind farm is located near Balykchy in the Issyk-Kul region and is being developed within the Karakol Free Economic Zone. Backed by an investment of around USD 100 million, the project is designed to reach a total installed capacity of 100 megawatts, making it the…
Saudi Arabia has committed around USD 2 billion to develop two large-scale solar power plants in Turkey, marking a major step in deepening renewable energy cooperation between the two countries. The projects will form the first phase of a broader clean energy partnership targeting up to 5 GW of combined solar and wind capacity with Saudi participation. Intergovernmental Agreement Signed in Riyadh Turkey and Saudi Arabia have signed an intergovernmental agreement covering renewable energy projects to be developed in Turkey with Saudi companies, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Tuesday. The agreement was signed in Riyadh…
GameChange Solar has secured an order to supply its Genius Tracker 1P system for the 1,290 MWp Bisha Solar PV Independent Power Plant in Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed by ACWA Power, with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. Part of Saudi Arabia’s PIF Renewable Energy Pipeline The Bisha solar project is part of Saudi Arabia’s expanding renewable energy pipeline under the Public Investment Fund (PIF) programme. With delivery timelines tightening across large-scale renewable projects in the Kingdom, the need for strong regional manufacturing and supply capabilities has become increasingly…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 million grant to support the development of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Tajikistan, marking a step toward introducing emerging renewable energy technologies in the mountainous Central Asian country. According to Ko Sakamoto, ADB’s Country Director in Tajikistan, the initiative is designed to harness the country’s abundant solar radiation and extensive water resources. “This innovative initiative aims to make the most of what Tajikistan has to offer: sun and water,” Sakamoto said. The project seeks to lay the groundwork for a year-round and reliable energy supply. Addressing Land Constraints Through Floating…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Masdar have finalized a $30 million financing agreement to support the development of a 300 MW solar power plant paired with a 75 MWh battery energy storage system in Guzar City, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan. This initiative will enhance the country’s renewable energy infrastructure while facilitating grid integration through 1.6 km of transmission lines and a new 220 kV substation, ADB said. Financing Breakdown and Project Scope The funding package includes a $12.5 million loan directly from ADB, matched by an equal amount from the ADB-administered Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), and…
Trinasolar, a global smart PV and energy storage solutions provider, has announced its collaboration with Haala Energy, a solar energy developer and installer in Saudi Arabia, during a signing ceremony held at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2026. The collaboration is aimed at supporting the Kingdom’s clean energy ambitions and and is aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the official statement said. Details of the Collaboration As part of the collaboration, Haala Energy will implement two agricultural solar projects for Bateel date farms, with a combined capacity of 1.8 MWp, supported by Trinasolar’s fully integrated technology portfolio. The projects will…
The Middle East region is at the heart of the energy world, technically and geographically. In fact, the energy sector is the backbone of the Middle East’s economy, powering industries, driving exports and fueling global innovation. With nations now moving away from fossil-fuel-based energy and the increasing demand for renewable energy generation, the Middle East region is also making notable progress in solar manufacturing. The Middle East is on track to attract more than $100 billion annually in strategic capital expenditure, of which the energy sector, including the renewable segment, forms a major part, according to a comprehensive industry outlook…