Root-Power ventures into solar: UK-based battery energy storage system (BESS) company Root-Power is expanding into the country’s solar energy market. It has 330 MW of solar projects in the pipeline, to be collocated with its existing battery energy storage sites. Root-Power’s Managing Director, Neil Brooks, said, “Integrating solar with energy storage infrastructure unlocks the potential of both technologies… while aligning with the UK’s Clean Power 2030 and Net Zero targets.” The company added that this strategic move builds on its existing 1 GW lithium-ion and 2.4 GW long-duration storage portfolios. It will optimize performance and reduce energy loss, while accelerating project timelines for solar. The UK is targeting up to 27 GW of battery storage and 47 GW solar capacity by 2030 under its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (see UK Targets Up To 47 GW Solar PV Installed Capacity By 2030).
LCE becomes Activ8 company: Ireland’s solar energy company Activ8 Solar Energies has acquired UK-based solar firm Low Carbon Energy (LCE) as it targets expansion across the UK. LCE caters to the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment and has acquired more than 60 MW of installed solar capacity. Activ8 is 50% owned by SSE Airtricity, an Irish subsidiary of SSE. “By combining the strengths of Activ8 and Low Carbon Energy, we’re better equipped than ever to deliver innovative, large-scale energy solutions for clients seeking sustainable energy security,” said Activ8 Solar Energies CEO Ciarán Marron. LCE will continue to operate under its existing brand in the near term with Benedict Ennis leading as the managing director, while the company’s Founder, Ged Ennis, will remain as a non-executive director.
Nordic loan for solar and storage: Lithuanian renewable energy company Green Genius has secured loans of up to €64 million from the Nordic Investment Bank (€28 million) and NORD/LB (€36 million). It will use the proceeds to support 182 MW solar and 18 MW BESS capacity. The 2 solar parks, with 91 MW capacity each, are in Izabelinė of Ignalina municipality and Lieponys of Trakai district. The storage component is part of the Ignalina project. This hybrid configuration is aimed at ensuring flexibility and stability of the grid. Construction on the 2 projects is scheduled to begin in August 2025 and be completed by July 2027. Together, the solar farms will generate around 100 GWh annually, said Green Genius, which is partly owned by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
DRI’s Romania project lands loan: The European Union (EU) renewables arm of Ukraine’s DTEK, DRI, has arranged for up to €60 million project financing from UniCredit and Garanti BBVA for its 126 MW solar park in Romania. The Vacaresti Solar Park is currently under construction in Dambovita County. It is expected to become operational in the autumn this year. OMV Petrom has arranged to offtake 50% of the project’s output, from January 2027. DRI calls this its 1st internationally led syndicated financing, its 1st certified green loan, and its 1st multi-currency loan. The company already operates 2 solar parks worth 113 MW and a wind farm with 60 MW capacity in Romania.
Mocean Energy and SolarDuck sign MoU: Scotland’s Mocean Energy has joined hands with the Netherlands-based SolarDuck to develop integrated offshore renewable power systems. They will combine SolarDuck’s advanced floating solar platform with Mocean’s wave energy technology. Backed by Norwegian cleantech investor Katapult Ocean, both these companies plan to deliver clean energy for power, communications, and auxiliary systems used in remote assets.