One-minute overview of major news events in the new energy industry this week (Nov. 10–Nov. 17)

According to Energy-Storage.News, on November 11, two transformers failed at Australia’s New South Wales-based 850 MW Waratah Super Battery during its full-load testing phase, temporarily reducing its operational capacity to 350 MW. Developer Akaysha Energy stated that the system remains capable of meeting the SIPS 350 MW service requirement and has initiated equipment diagnostics; a decision on whether to repair or replace the units is pending. The project is expected to resume full capacity—850 MW / 1680 MWh—by 2026. 04 Enlight secures $1.44 billion financing to build 600 MW solar + 1900 MWh storage project in the U.S. According to Energy-Storage.News, on November 11, Enlight Renewable Energy secured $1.44 billion in debt financing through its U.S. subsidiary Clēnera for the Snowflake A solar-plus-storage project in Arizona. The project comprises 600 MW of solar PV and 1900 MWh of energy storage, with commercial operation scheduled for 2027. It has already signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Arizona Public Service (APS). 05 Hithium and CATL sign strategic cooperation agreement for 200 GWh On November 12, Hithium announced a ten-year strategic cooperation agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), effective from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2035. Under the agreement, Hithium will procure no less than 200 GWh of battery capacity from CATL between 2026 and 2028, and both parties will jointly develop energy storage projects. Cooperation also covers energy storage fund establishment, integrated platform development, and supply chain coordination—aimed at alleviating supply volatility and high costs across the energy storage industry. 06 QIC partners with EDP to develop 1600 MWh solar-plus-storage project in Australia According to Energy-Storage.News, on November 12, Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC) and Portuguese energy company EDP signed an exclusivity agreement to develop the Punchs Creek project in Toowoomba, Queensland: a 400 MW solar PV + 400 MW / 1600 MWh battery storage facility. Financing is expected to be finalized in 2026, and the project has already secured support under Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS). This marks EDP’s first large-scale utility-scale solar-plus-storage project in Australia. 07 Tesla recalls ~10,500 Powerwall 2 battery systems in the U.S. due to fire risk On November 13, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that Tesla will recall approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 energy storage systems in the United States due to risks of overheating and fire. Tesla has received 22 reports of overheating incidents—including six cases involving smoke and five resulting in minor property damage—but no injuries have been reported. Until affected units are replaced, Tesla will remotely discharge online Powerwall 2 systems to prevent overheating.

Carbon Insights | New Zealand announces its largest-ever emissions reduction project

According to the Uzbek Presidential Press Service, on May 23 local time, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed progress on renewable energy deployment across social institutions and government agencies. Uzbekistan plans to commission 2,000 MW of solar and wind power plants this year. During his recent state visit to China, the President reached agreement with Chinese counterparts to construct 11 solar and wind power plants totaling 4.8 GW in installed capacity, valued at $4.4 billion. 3. Philippine President Marcos: Government infrastructure projects must withstand climate change According to Philippine media reports on May 23, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during his visit to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headquarters, stated that the Philippines will integrate sustainability, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction into its ‘Build Better, Build More’ infrastructure program—covering all stages from planning and design through construction, operation, and maintenance. Key sectors involved include water supply, sanitation, energy, transportation, and agriculture. According to the 2022 World Risk Index, the Philippines ranks highest globally in disaster risk, followed closely by India and Indonesia. President Marcos emphasized that climate change, El Niño events, and potential major earthquakes continue to pose serious threats to the country—and that climate considerations will serve as guiding principles for national policy and investment decisions. 02 ESG Finance 1. Three Japanese banks and Hitachi develop investment information system to promote ESG investing On May 24, it was reported that Japan’s three major banks and leading insurers will collaborate with Hitachi to develop an ESG investment information system. The platform aims to serve over 500 listed companies and stimulate investment activity. In Japan, inconsistent ESG disclosure requirements have made it difficult for institutional investors to make informed investment decisions. Participating entities include Hitachi Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), Nippon Life Insurance Company, and a major non-life insurance company. 03 Social Practice & Corporate Initiatives 1. New Zealand announces its largest-ever emissions reduction project New Zealand has announced its largest emissions reduction project to date: transitioning the primary energy source used at the country’s main steel plant—from coal to renewable electricity. The government estimates this shift is equivalent to removing 300,000 cars from the road. The government will invest USD 140 million to halve coal consumption at the Glenbrook steel plant—used for recycling scrap steel—by replacing coal-fired furnaces with electric arc furnaces. The plant itself will bear USD 160 million of the total project cost.

EDP Bets Big on Australia in $1 Billion Renewables Push in Asia

Apr 29, 2026

EDP SA plans a $1 billion investment in Asia-Pacific renewable projects by 2028, prioritizing Australian solar and storage while exiting markets with regulatory uncertainty.

bloomberg

2026-04-29

EDP Bets Big on Australia in $1 Billion Renewables Push in Asia

EDP Bets Big on Australia in $1 Billion Renewables Push in Asia

FAQ