Microsoft Expands Renewable Deals in Japan: Japan’s Shizen Energy has signed 100 MW of Renewable Energy Purchase Agreements with Microsoft for 4 solar power projects across Japan. Building on Microsoft’s first such deal for the Inuyama Solar Plant, 3 additional 20-year agreements cover projects in the Kyushu and Chugoku regions. One Kyushu plant is already operational, while others are under construction, according to Shizen. All have achieved financial close and will be operated by Shizen Operations. Shizen Energy says the deals underscore Japan’s growing renewable PPA market and reaffirm its commitment to advancing corporate decarbonization.
1 GW hybrid project in NSW: The New South Wales (NSW) Independent Planning Commission has approved the 500 MW Tallawang Solar Farm Project with up to 500 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) to come up within the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The project was referred to the commission as a state significant development (SSD) following more than 50 public objections submitted to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment period. The commission, in its statement of reasons for decision, found that it represents an effective and compatible use of land within the region, and that it is in the public interest. Potentia targets construction on site to start in 2027 and commercial operations in 2030. A joint venture between Enel Green Power and INPEX Corporation, Potentia Energy was rebranded from Enel Green Power Australia in December 2024 (see Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets).
Solar and storage project in NSW: Australia’s federal government has given environmental approval to the Forbes Solar Farm Project in NSW within 19 days of the application submission. “By choosing to build this facility on disturbed agricultural land with little native vegetation, the proponent set themselves up for success,” said Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Water. “Their planning has paid off with this rapid approval, which unlocks investment and jobs for the community in and around Forbes.” Being executed by ACE Power, the project is planned to host 141 MW installed solar PV capacity with more than 196,000 solar panels, and up to 480 MWh of battery energy storage system (BESS). Approval from the NSW government is currently pending.
New 50 MW solar project in the Philippines: Trinasolar’s International Systems Business Unit (TrinaSolar ISBU) has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with AdventEnergy for the 60.21 MW DC/49.9 MW AC Mabini Solar Project in Pangasinan on Luzon Island in the Philippines. The project, which recently received Green Lane Certification from the Philippine Board of Investments, is Trinasolar ISBU’s 1st greenfield development in the country. Expected to start operations by Q3 2026, the plant is expected to generate about 110.84 GWh of clean electricity annually.
Amber Electric finds funds for global expansion: Australian energy tech company Amber Electric has secured AUD 10 million in new funding to scale its platform internationally. The investment comes equally from UK energy supplier E.ON Next UK and climate tech investor Virescent Ventures. Amber says its platform helps households use, store, and sell electricity from solar, batteries, and EVs at optimal times, helping them reduce costs and generate income. Founded in 2017, Amber claims to be managing over 40% of Australia’s residential solar and battery market. It says the funding will support licensing its platform to utilities internationally, enabling more households in new markets to benefit from automation.
300 MW solar farm online in Australia: Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) Australia has completed its largest project, the 300 MW AC Walla Walla Solar Farm in NSW’s Riverina region. Covering 605 hectares, it will generate enough clean energy to power around 90,000 homes and support the state’s renewable targets. The project created up to 350 construction jobs and operates under a 15-year PPA with Microsoft. FRV Australia says this is its 8th operational project and its largest to date in the country. It expands the company’s total portfolio capacity to 993 MW.
Meanwhile, FRV Australia and Genesis Energy have ended their solar development partnership announced in 2021, with mutual consent. In a statement, Genesis said this decision follows separate strategic reviews by both companies and reflects the natural evolution of their respective strategies and the growing capability of the company’s in-house development team. They plan to continue their co-ownership and running of the Lauriston Solar Farm that was commissioned in May 2025 (see Asia Pacific Solar PV News Snippets).
100 MW solar project in Sarawak: Asia Pacific-focused clean energy company Solarvest Holdings Berhad and Press Metal Berhad have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Syarikat Sesco, a unit of Sarawak Energy, to develop a 100 MW AC solar power plant in Mukah, Sarawak, Malaysia. Solarvest and Press Metal own 60% and 40% stakes, respectively, in the special purpose vehicle Mukah Solar Powerplant Sdn. Bhd. (MSPSB), respectively. It will design, construct, own, operate, and maintain the project. The MYR 380 million project is slated for commercial operation by November 30, 2027. Solarvest said the project also strengthens its presence in the Sarawak engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) market, with its orderbook expected to reach MYR 3 billion by year-end.
