Looking Ahead to 2026

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, was engaged as technical advisor by Ascenty, Latin America’s leading data centre provider, to perform an integrated technical due diligence on a portfolio of wind and solar projects. This assessment supported Ascenty’s strategic move into a renewable energy partnership valued at over USD 500 million with Brazilian developer Casa dos Ventos, which includes a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and an equity stake in the projects.

As demand for data centre capacity accelerates in Brazil, operators like Ascenty are securing reliable, long-term renewable power to meet their sustainability goals and ensure operational resilience. The agreement underscores the critical intersection of digital infrastructure growth and the energy transition.

Data centre operators are becoming far more focused on electricity supply as demand rises. DNV’s 2025 Energy Transition Outlook projects that AI could drive global data centre electricity demand to around 9% of global consumption by 2060, up from about 1.3% today. This trend is evident in Brazil, where grid requests are poised to exceed 20 GW within a decade, according to the country’s Energy Research Office (EPE).

Against this backdrop, securing resilient, long-term renewable power is increasingly a business priority. This partnership enables Ascenty to meet future electricity needs with predictable clean energy while helping accelerate renewable development in Brazil.

This agreement reinforces our growth strategy based on predictable, long-term renewable energy. DNV’s independent technical assessment was essential in enabling us to move forward with confidence in structuring this partnership,” said Marcela Martins, Director of Energy Management at Ascenty.

DNV provided a unified technical review, delivering a consistent analysis of development risks and technical readiness across both technologies. The scope covered essential areas for PPA structuring, including technology suitability, grid interconnection plans, and environmental and permitting status.

"Independent technical due diligence is fundamental for de-risking long-term renewable procurement," said Brice Le Gallo, Vice-president and regional director for SEMELA*, Energy Systems at DNV. "Our assessment provided Ascenty with clarity on the technical assumptions and project readiness, enabling them to proceed with confidence in this innovative partnership structure."

“Conducting a technical review across both wind and solar assets is essential to support well‑grounded decisions for data centres and other offtakers,” added Tchiarles Coutinho, Market Area Manager for Latin America, Energy Systems at DNV. “Our assessment clearly outlined the project’s upside potential and technical risks, enabling Ascenty to move forward with this strategic renewable energy partnership backed by transparent and reliable insights.”

By supporting this transaction, DNV demonstrates how integrated technical advisory can enable complex, multi-technology renewable deals. This project illustrates a growing trend where corporate energy buyers are moving beyond standard PPAs to more strategic partnerships that combine energy supply with direct investment, accelerating the deployment of new renewable generation to meet tomorrow’s electricity demand.

DNV | www.dnv.com  

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, the solar energy market size was valued at $0.4 trillion in 2024 and is estimated to reach $1.6 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2025 to 2034. The rapid transition toward renewable energy, rising environmental concerns, and supportive government policies are significantly accelerating the growth of the solar energy market worldwide.

Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the sun’s radiation that is converted into electricity or heat using solar panels and solar thermal systems. As a clean, renewable, and sustainable power source, solar energy plays a vital role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. The increasing adoption of solar technologies across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is strengthening the long-term outlook of the solar energy market.

Market Dynamics Driving the Solar Energy Market Growth

Technological advancements in photovoltaic (PV) cells have significantly improved conversion efficiency, enabling solar panels to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. This improvement enhances overall system performance and supports the expansion of the solar energy market across diverse applications. Higher efficiency levels reduce installation space requirements, making solar systems more viable for urban and industrial settings.

In addition, advancements in battery storage technologies, including high-capacity lithium-ion and emerging solid-state batteries, are addressing the intermittency challenge associated with solar power. Energy storage systems allow excess solar energy to be stored and utilized during nighttime or cloudy conditions, ensuring a continuous power supply. These innovations are making solar solutions more reliable and boosting demand in the solar energy market.

The integration of smart grids and intelligent energy management systems is further optimizing solar power distribution and monitoring. Smart grid infrastructure enables efficient load balancing, real-time energy tracking, and enhanced grid stability, which collectively support the large-scale deployment of solar energy systems.

Policy Support and Manufacturing Expansion

Government initiatives and policy reforms are playing a crucial role in shaping the solar energy market. For instance, policy adjustments in import duties on solar modules and cells aim to promote domestic manufacturing while ensuring cost competitiveness. Such strategic policy measures encourage investments in solar infrastructure and strengthen local supply chains.

Major solar manufacturers, including LONGi Solar, Trina Solar, and Canadian Solar, have significantly expanded their production capacities to meet the rising global demand. In the first half of 2024, leading manufacturers shipped nearly 40% more solar panels compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting the strong momentum in the solar energy market.

Furthermore, increasing investments in renewable energy projects and solar parks across emerging economies are accelerating the deployment of large-scale solar installations, contributing to sustained solar energy market growth.

Intermittency Challenges and Grid Stability Concerns

Despite its rapid expansion, the solar energy market faces challenges related to intermittency. Solar power generation is inherently variable due to weather changes, seasonal variations, and the day-night cycle. As solar power now contributes a growing share of global electricity, managing grid stability has become increasingly complex.

Regions with high solar penetration, such as California and Australia, have experienced power price fluctuations and grid balancing challenges due to sudden surpluses or drops in solar output. Unexpected cloud cover or storms can also lead to prediction errors, causing grid imbalances and operational stress. These challenges highlight the need for advanced forecasting tools, grid modernization, and energy storage integration within the solar energy market ecosystem.

Emerging Opportunities Through Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) represent a transformative innovation within the solar energy market. BIPV systems seamlessly integrate photovoltaic panels into building components such as roofs, windows, and façades, enabling structures to generate their own electricity while maintaining architectural aesthetics.

Compared to traditional rooftop panels, BIPV offers dual functionality as both a construction material and a power generation system. This integration reduces construction material costs and enhances energy efficiency. BIPV systems are particularly beneficial for commercial complexes and high-rise buildings where rooftop space is limited but façade area is extensive.

Recent developments in perovskite-based solar modules and translucent photovoltaic technologies are further expanding BIPV applications, creating new growth opportunities in the solar energy market.

Segment Overview of the Solar Energy Market

The solar energy market is segmented based on technology, solar module, application, end-use, and region, providing a comprehensive understanding of industry trends and growth prospects.

By Technology

On the basis of technology, the market is divided into photovoltaic systems and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. The concentrated solar power systems segment is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the solar energy market, registering a CAGR of 15.8% during the forecast period. CSP technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, generating thermal energy that is converted into electricity. A key advantage of CSP systems is their ability to incorporate thermal storage, enabling electricity generation even when sunlight is unavailable.

By Solar Module

Based on solar module, the market includes monocrystalline, polycrystalline, cadmium telluride, amorphous silicon cells, and others. The amorphous silicon cells segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 16.8% from 2025 to 2034. These cells perform efficiently under low-light and diffused sunlight conditions, making them suitable for urban environments and regions with inconsistent sunlight exposure.

By Application

By application, the solar energy market is categorized into residential, commercial, and industrial segments. The residential segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.1% during the forecast period. Rising electricity costs, environmental awareness, and government incentives are encouraging homeowners to adopt rooftop solar photovoltaic systems with battery storage solutions.

By End-Use

On the basis of end-use, the market is segmented into electricity generation, lighting, heating, and charging. The charging segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period. Solar-powered EV charging stations and solar-assisted vehicle charging technologies are gaining traction as sustainable mobility solutions, further boosting the solar energy market.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the solar energy market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, registering a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period. Rapid industrialization, government renewable energy targets, and large-scale solar projects are driving regional growth.

India is emerging as a key solar hub, supported by initiatives such as the National Solar Mission and rural solarization programs. Large solar parks in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, along with increasing adoption of rooftop solar systems in residential and commercial sectors, are accelerating the solar energy market expansion in the region.

Competitive Landscape

The solar energy market features intense competition with key players focusing on capacity expansion, technological innovation, and strategic collaborations. Major companies operating in the solar energy market include Enphase Energy, Inc., SunPower Corporation, JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., First Solar, Inc., Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., SolarEdge Technologies, JA Solar Holdings Co. Ltd., and Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited.

Conclusion

The global solar energy market is poised for substantial growth through 2034, driven by advancements in photovoltaic efficiency, energy storage technologies, and supportive government policies. While intermittency and grid integration challenges persist, innovations such as BIPV systems, smart grids, and solar-powered charging infrastructure are expected to unlock new opportunities. With rising investments, expanding manufacturing capacity, and increasing adoption across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the solar energy market is set to remain a cornerstone of the global clean energy transition.

Allied Market Research | https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/solar-energy-market

Helio Corporation (OTCID: HLEO) ("Helio" or the "Company") a space-qualified hardware manufacturer and clean energy innovator advancing Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP), announced the completion of its comprehensive economic modeling and analysis for its proprietary SBSP system architecture.

Helio Corporation has completed its initial mission architecture formulation for an implementation of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). The results of this design and analysis work continue to support utility-scale SBSP as a cost-effective source of electricity at wholesale for less than $0.10 per kilowatt hour. This price point is competitive with current energy costs while delivering clean, sustainable power. 

SBSP will be able to replace non-renewable carbon-emitting sources of power generation, such as fossil fuels, for the underling energy need that acts as the foundation of the energy grid. Unlike other renewable sources which suffer from intermittency issues, SBSP can provide true baseload power - the reliable, continuous "always-on" electricity that the grid must supply 24/7 to meet the lowest level of daily demand - and has the potential to replace carbon-emitting fossil fuels that currently meet this foundational energy demand.

Helio's proven expertise in outcome-driven mission architecture, combined with its experience designing space-qualified hardware, uniquely positions the Company to address the complex challenges of deploying SBSP systems. Building on its work in prior successful space missions, Helio has developed proprietary designs and methodologies for deploying large-scale solar collection arrays in orbit and transmitting energy to Earth via advanced radiofrequency (RF) technologies, to be integrated by its award-winning team.

Helio's newly completed economic modeling incorporates launch cost trends, orbital assembly methodologies, thin-film photovoltaic advancements, RF transmission efficiency, terrestrial rectenna infrastructure, and various other considerations for its SBSP architecture. The resulting Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis, the average net present cost of electricity generation for a power plant over its lifetime and standard benchmark for comparing energy technologies, demonstrates a clear pathway to delivering scalable, baseload power at competitive rates. The calculated LCOE ranges from $0.10 to $0.20 per kilowatt hour at wholesale, with more aggressive assumptions incorporating incremental technological advancements reducing the estimate to approximately $0.07 per kilowatt hour.

This milestone represents the transition from conceptual validation to economically grounded implementation planning, positioning Helio to advance toward technical demonstrations, strategic partnership development, and capital formation initiatives.

Over the past year, Helio has accelerated progress on its SBSP initiative by completing detailed system modeling and deployment feasibility studies. The Company has initiated outreach within the thin-film photovoltaic sector to enhance efficiency, reduce mass-to-orbit, and improve system robustness. Helio has expanded its focus on power systems architecture and terrestrial power distribution to ensure grid-integration readiness, maintaining critical RF engineering leadership while securing additional technical expertise. The Company has made significant investments to retain and strengthen these capabilities, which remain foundational to its Space-Based Solar Power transmission architecture.

"We are witnessing a unique convergence between the history of humanity's work on SBSP concepts, emerging technology, and the maturation of the new space economy, including the falling costs of launch," said Gregory Deloy, Chief Technology Officer of Helio Corporation. "We are at both the technical and economic inflection point that will enable SBSP to become a technically robust and cost-effective reality."

"The completion of our economic modeling and analysis underscores our dedication to long-term shareholder value, responsible capital deployment, and advancing space-based solar power as a sustainable baseload energy solution for the global market," said Ed Cabrera, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Helio Corporation. 

To promote transparency and engagement, Helio will host a live Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) session focused on its financial modeling, LCOE assumptions, and long-term commercialization strategy. Details regarding scheduling and registration will be announced shortly. The AMA will provide shareholders, analysts, and prospective partners with direct access to leadership to review modeling assumptions, discuss sensitivity analyses, and outline next-stage capital requirements.

Helio | www.helio.space

ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CHPT), a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and RAW Charging, one of the UK’s leading charge point operators (CPOs), announced a new multiyear partnership aimed at rapidly expanding access to dependable DC fast charging with more than 300 new charge points across the United Kingdom.

Under the agreement, RAW Charging extends and expands its long-standing partnership with ChargePoint as its technology partner, encompassingcharging hardware, software and services. The partnership represents an initial commitment valued at $7.5 million USD and will play a crucial role in RAW Charging’s continuing ambition to be recognised as the leading destination Charge Point Operator in the UK.

“We are excited to support RAW Charging with the solutions they need to expand their business and uphold their reputation for a superior charging experience,” said Rick Wilmer, CEO at ChargePoint. “By collaborating with RAW Charging, we’re combining proven technology with operational excellence to ensure UK drivers have fast, dependable charging wherever they go.”

Every new fast charging station deployed through the collaboration will run on the ChargePoint Platform, the company’s flexible and powerful software solution for EV charging, and be backed by ChargePoint‘s Assure Pro, an advanced maintenance service that ensures maximum network reliability. Together, these elements are designed to provide drivers with a consistently reliable charging experience.

Jason Simpson, CEO at RAW Charging, commented: “As the UK’s leading CPO dedicated to hospitality, leisure and retail we are committed to providing seamless charging for the millions of visitors to our world class destinations. The ChargePoint ecosystem provides a best-in-class driver experience for drivers providing easy station location and availability data alongside contactless, app based and roaming payment options.”

This collaboration strengthens RAW Charging’s Connecting Amazing Places campaign, which is focused on normalizing EV charging at destinations rather than solely enroute. RAW Charging enables drivers to charge while visiting the UK’s most iconic destinations.

Through this partnership, the deployment of new charging infrastructure will help advance UK’s transition to electric mobility ahead of the government mandate requiring 100% of new car and van sales to be zero emission by 2035. With over one million EVs already on UK roads, the need for accessible, high reliability charging continues to increase nationwide.

ChargePoint | https://www.chargepoint.com/

American Lithium Minerals Inc. (OTC: AMLM) ("AMLM" or the "Company"), a dynamic exploration-stage company focused on critical metals, precious metals, and rare earth elements powering the global energy transition, announced the successful acquisition of three high-potential mineral projects in Quebec, Canada. The projects—Piscau-North Polymetallic Project, QC Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project, and Couture Copper-Silver-Gold Project—were acquired to significantly expand AMLM's portfolio in a top-tier mining jurisdiction.

These Quebec assets bring the Company's total existing holdings to five projects and positions AMLM to capitalize on surging demand for metals, rare earths, copper, gold, silver and other strategic commodities essential for energy, national security, and economic stability.

Key Highlights of the Acquired Projects:

Piscau-North Polymetallic Project (Information at  https://bit.ly/4aYQvdU ):

• 100% title ownership of 539 claims covering approximately 17,000 hectares
• High Grade Gold Discovery (2.1g/t Au over 6 m) is open in all directions and ready to drill
• Advanced AI analysis by Mercator Geological Services (500+data layers) identified 18 new high priority targets
• Located on the same geological belt as major discoveries by White Rock Lithium and Perseverance Metals
• Exposure to Gold, Copper, Nickel and Lithium in a single vehicle

QC Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project (Information at https://bit.ly/4l3wLKW ):

• Hosts some of the highest historical REE grades in North America, with total rare earth oxides (TREO) up to 59.23% in samples
• Exposure to significant cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, yttrium, copper and molybdenum.
• The Grenville Province geology features radioactive pegmatites as pathfinders for REE mineralization.
• AI-driven targeting using machine learning on over 500 historical data layers has identified at least five new, untested high-priority targets.
• The project is drill-ready with commercial-grade potential and low-cost logistics.

Couture Copper-Silver-Gold Project: (Information at https://bit.ly/40DfL4A):

• High-grade Exploration Asset - 65% Cu / 420g/t Ag / 0.95 g/t Au   
• Property covers a 12km magnetic shear corridor hosting massive sulfide mineralization along a structurally controlled north-south shear zone and major fault system.
• Offers strong potential for copper, silver, and gold in a prospective setting.

All three projects are 100% owned  by American Lithium Minerals Inc. and benefit from Quebec's world-class mining jurisdiction, excellent infrastructure, and supportive environment for resource development.

"These acquisitions mark a transformative milestone for AMLM as we build a diversified portfolio of high-value assets in critical and precious metals," said Frank Kristan, CEO of American Lithium Minerals Inc. "Quebec's stable jurisdiction, combined with these projects' exceptional grades, historical data, AI-enhanced targets, and proximity to infrastructure, positions us to deliver significant exploration upside and shareholder value. With global demand for REEs, lithium, copper, gold and silver accelerating due to supply chain security needs and the energy transition, we are ideally placed to advance these drill-ready opportunities."

The Company is advancing phased exploration programs across the portfolio, starting with data compilation, field mapping, sampling, geophysics, and targeting high-priority zones for drilling. AMLM remains committed to sustainable practices and creating long-term value through responsible resource development.

American Lithium Minerals I https://www.americanmineralresources.com/

Empact Technologies (Empact), a leading provider of tax credit incentive compliance management software and services, announced a new long-term agreement with Sabanci Renewables Inc. (Sabanci Renewables), a U.S. subsidiary of Sabanci Climate Technologies and developer of utility-scale solar projects across the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, Empact will manage Sabanci Renewables' compliance with the prevailing wage and apprenticeship (PWA) requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act, starting with two utility-scale solar projects—Pepper Solar (156 MW) and Lucky 7 (130 MW)—totaling 286 MW. Beyond these initial projects, the partnership is expected to expand across Sabanci Renewables' broader development pipeline.

Empact will work directly with Sabanci Renewables' lead EPC firm, Signal Energy, and subcontractors to ensure PWA requirements are met, documented, and certified to Sabanci Renewables and key stakeholders, including tax equity investors. Empact will cover all activities from pre-construction through the full recapture period, backed by a financial guarantee—paying any penalties imposed during an IRS audit resulting from errors missed.

"As we expand our presence in the U.S. renewable energy sector, prioritizing compliance and governance across our projects is essential," said Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, CEO of Sabanci Climate Technologies. "Our partnership with Empact Technologies will allow us to manage the IRA requirements effectively and reliably. By scaling our portfolio through strong partnerships and a disciplined risk management approach, we continue to generate predictable and sustainable value for our investors."

"We're proud to partner with Sabanci Renewables on a long-term engagement that will support their growing U.S. portfolio," noted Charles Dauber, CEO and Founder of Empact. "Navigating compliance requirements takes precision — and the right partner can make all the difference in protecting tax credit value and accelerating capital deployment. We look forward to de-risking their projects as they scale."

Empact Technologies | https://www.empacttechnologies.com/

Sabanci Renewables | https://www.sabanciclimatetech.com

GameChange BOS, the transformer division of GameChange Energy Technologies, announces its successful completion of Dynamic Short Circuit Type Testing for its high-capacity, multi-winding transformers. The rigorous type test, conducted at the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) in Bhopal, India, validates the company's manufacturing readiness to supply grid-compliant, resilient transformers for renewable energy and utility applications worldwide.

The destructive short-circuit test assesses a transformer's ability to withstand dynamic mechanical impacts due to short circuits, and extreme electrical conditions that can occur during grid disturbances. GameChange BOS's 17.6 MVA, 5-winding Inverter Duty Transformer (IDT) successfully endured nine consecutive asymmetrical shots at 100% of requested current for 0.25 seconds each—confirming its resilience against the types of severe electrical events that can cause catastrophic equipment failure.

Conducted in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, the comprehensive testing program included:

• Routine measurements per IEC 60076-1, performed both before and after short-circuit tests to verify electrical performance integrity
• Short-circuit tests per IEC 60076-5, utilizing a three-phase supply on the high-voltage (HV) side with pre-set short-circuit on the low-voltage (LV) side
• Dielectric routine testing per IEC 60076-3, including Applied Voltage (AV) and Induced Voltage Withstand (IVW) tests conducted before and after short-circuit events
• Sound level determination in no-load conditions per IEC 60076-10
• Physical inspection following complete transformer un-tanking to visually examine internal active parts, in compliance with IEC 60076-5 Clause 4.2.7.4-a

With capacity for transformers up to 138 kV and 50 MVA (with planned expansion to 345 kV and 300 MVA), the company provides fast delivery timelines at a time when traditional transformer lead times remain extended. The company has already surpassed 190 medium-voltage transformer orders, with strong demand driven by renewable energy project timelines, Safe Harbor qualification requirements, and customers seeking to mitigate Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) supply chain risks.

"This certification represents a significant milestone in proving our transformers' reliability under the most demanding real-world conditions," said Phillip Vyhanek, CEO of GameChange BOS. "This testing validates that GameChange BOS transformers are built to perform when it matters most for our clients."

GameChange BOS | https://www.gamechangebos.com/