Qualitas Energy, a global investment and management platform, has agreed to acquire Cero Generation’s core European platform from Macquarie Group. The transaction includes a 5.8 GW portfolio of solar PV and battery energy storage projects across the UK, Italy, and Spain. More than 2 GW of the portfolio is either operational, under construction, or ready-to-build (RTB), while another 3.8 GW is in development. The deal also includes Cero Generation’s teams and offices in London, Milan, and Madrid. Qualitas is making the acquisition through Qualitas Energy Fund VI. Following completion, Cero Generation will continue operating under its existing brand as an independent portfolio company of Qualitas Energy. The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to customary conditions.
Swedish energy technology company Smartports has secured approximately SEK 25 million in investment support through Sweden’s Klimatklivet program. It said the funding will support 49 energy hub projects across Sweden, comprising around 500 Smartports units, 1.6 MW of solar capacity, and 12 MWh of battery storage. Smartports develops energy hubs that combine solar, battery storage, and EV charging at parking areas. The projects are expected to be completed by August 2027 and will use existing parking areas for solar generation, energy storage, EV charging, and covered parking. In H1 2026, it installed 51 new projects across Sweden and France, representing a combined 979 installed Smartports units, which it says transforms existing parking areas into revenue-generating energy hubs.
Zestec Renewable Energy, an independent power producer (IPP), has started construction of a 10.42 MW solar project at London Luton Airport (LLA) in the UK. It is developing the project with co-developer Ikigai Energy following a competitive procurement process. The ground-mounted project will cover 106,000 m² on the airport's airside and comprise 14,580 solar modules. It is expected to generate up to 11.2 GWh of electricity annually. The duo will deliver the project under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), allowing the airport to use on-site renewable electricity without an upfront capital investment. The facility will be commercially operational in early 2027. This is the second airport project for Zestec and Ikigai, as both previously worked together on a 10 MW solar installation at Glasgow Airport.
Renewco Power, a renewable energy developer, has secured planning permission for the 25 MW Knocknair Renewable Energy Park on Dougliehill Road in Port Glasgow, Scotland. The £30 million solar farm, approved by the Inverclyde Council’s Planning Board, is expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 7,500 homes annually. Renewco said the project could support up to 50 jobs during construction and operation, generate £1.6 million in business rates and deliver £6.3 million in local business spending.
