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  • 65 MW Sunflower Sky Solar Project moves forward in Wilson County, Kansas

    65 MW Sunflower Sky Solar Project moves forward in Wilson County, Kansas

    The Wilson County Commission has approved a special use permit for the proposed Sunflower Sky Solar Project, a 65-megawatt solar generation facility planned to span over 500 acres of farmland south of Altoona in rural Wilson County, Kansas.

    The decision follows months of discussion and was finalized after a brief executive session at the commission’s April meeting. With this approval, the project is now cleared to move forward to the construction phase, expected to begin this summer.

    Developed by Sunflower Sky Solar Project, LLC, the facility is poised to bring significant benefits to the local community. It represents a major economic development opportunity, generating revenue for local tax jurisdictions that fund key public services.

    Beyond its economic impact, the solar project will deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to regional consumers. By increasing electric grid resilience and providing essential backup power, the project will help reduce outages and contribute to environmental sustainability.

    Also Read Green & Clean Power Secures $300M for Arkansas Solar and Storage Project

    Background on the Sunflower Sky Solar Project

    The Sunflower Sky Solar Project is a proposed 65-megawatt (MW) utility-scale solar energy facility developed by Sunflower Sky Solar Project, LLC, aimed at harnessing solar energy to meet growing energy demands in Kansas. The project site—over 500 acres of agricultural land south of Altoona—was selected for its high solar potential and proximity to existing transmission infrastructure.

    The project aligns with broader efforts across Kansas to expand renewable energy development, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen the electric grid. Once operational, it will generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year while providing long-term financial benefits to local landowners and taxing authorities.

    During construction, the project will create temporary jobs and boost the local economy through service contracts and material sourcing. Over the long term, it will deliver consistent tax revenue and offer a cleaner, more resilient energy supply to the region.

    Sunflower Sky Solar Project, LLC has been actively engaging with local stakeholders to ensure transparency and cooperation. The company is committed to addressing community concerns and maximizing the positive impact of the project for Wilson County.

    Other Solar Projects in Kansas

    The Sunflower Sky Solar Project joins a growing list of solar energy developments across Kansas, highlighting the state’s increasing investment in renewable energy. Other notable solar projects include:

    • Johnson Corner Solar Project (Stanton County) – A 27.5 MW facility by Lightsource bp, operational since 2020, powering approximately 4,200 homes.

    • City of Pratt Solar (Pratt County) – A 7.7 MW system completed in 2019 by Inovateus, serving over 1,100 homes.

    • Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell (Russell County) – A 20 MW facility on 143 acres with over 44,000 solar panels, operational since early 2025.

    • Jeffrey Solar Project (Jefferson County) – A large-scale project in development by NextEra Energy Resources, with a capacity of up to 500 MW.

    • KCI Airport Solar Project (Kansas City) – A planned 500 MW installation covering approximately 2,000 acres near Kansas City International Airport, expected to serve up to 70,000 homes.

    These projects reflect Kansas’s growing role in the national renewable energy transition, bringing environmental benefits and long-term economic value to communities across the state

  • Bayou Galion Solar Project in Northeast Louisiana

    Bayou Galion Solar Project in Northeast Louisiana

    The Bayou Galion Solar Project is a 127 MWdc solar facility launched by Recurrent Energy, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc., in Morehouse Parish, Northeast Louisiana. Officially commissioned in November 2024, it marks Recurrent Energy’s first project in the state and a major milestone for renewable energy development in the region.

    To commemorate the achievement, the company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and site tour attended by local leaders, community members, and project partners. The event highlighted the project’s contribution to clean energy generation and its positive impact on local economic growth.

    Louisiana is seeing a growth and development in solar energy projects to support th energy needs for manufacturing and data centers such as the Treaty Oak Clean Energy’s two solar project that just closed a PPA with META.

    Project Quick Facts

    Project Name: Bayou Galion Solar
    Location: Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
    Developer: Recurrent Energy (Canadian Solar Inc.)
    Capacity: 127 MWdc
    Total Investment: $160 million
    Operational Since: November 2024
    Homes Powered Each Year: About 20,500
    Main Contractor: Primoris Renewables Energy, Inc.
    Financing Lead: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG)
    Local Impact: Jobs, tax revenue, and improved infrastructure

    Also Read: Over 700 jobs to be created in new US$1.1 billion solar manufacturing facility, Louisiana

    Solar Energy on the Rise in Louisiana

    The Bayou Galion Solar Project is part of a larger trend in Louisiana. By the end of 2024, total solar investment in the state had reached over $2 billion. Demand for electricity is rising, especially from manufacturers and data centers. As a result, more large-scale solar projects are being developed. The project joins other recently compelted projects such as Oxbow Solar (Pointe Coupee Parish), Prairie Ronde Solar Farm (St. Landry Parish) and Sunlight Road Solar (Washington Parish).

    Louisiana is known for its oil and gas history. But now, the state is becoming a hub for clean energy. Factors driving this shift include:

    • Attractive tax incentives

    • Plenty of land for solar farms

    • Support from local and state leaders

    • Efforts to modernize the power grid

    Solar power is bringing new life to communities. It’s creating jobs, supporting schools, and giving landowners new income. Projects like Bayou Galion show how solar energy can power both homes and economies.

  • Tengyuan to build new copper and cobalt plant in the DRC with $134M investment

    Tengyuan to build new copper and cobalt plant in the DRC with $134M investment

    Tengyuan Cobalt Industry, a Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicle battery materials, will invest CNY980 million (USD134.2 million) to build a new copper and cobalt plant in the DRC, aimed at boosting access to critical raw materials and expanding production capacity.

    Key facts

    • Investment: CNY980 million (USD134.2 million)

    • Location: Lualaba province, southern DRC

    • JV Partners: Tengyuan (55%), SAWA Congo Mining affiliate (40%), Employee platform (5%)

    • Expected Output: 30,000 tonnes of refined copper, 2,000 tonnes of cobalt salt annually

    • Copper facility cost: USD100 million

    • Construction timeline: 18 months

    Joint venture to develop new Ccpper and cobalt plant in the DRC

    The Ganzhou-based company announced that it will collaborate with SAWA Congo Mining, a Chinese-owned conglomerate with over 20 years of experience in the region. Tengyuan believes the joint venture will secure stable supplies of high-quality raw materials, increase production capacity, and improve cost efficiency.

    This new development follows Tengyuan’s first DRC plant, completed in early 2023. That wholly owned facility already produces 60,000 tonnes of refined copper and 10,000 tonnes of cobalt salts annually.

    Expansion comes as copper demand rises

    Once operational, the new copper and cobalt plant in the DRC is expected to produce 30,000 tons of refined copper and 2,000 tons of cobalt salt products annually. Of the total investment, USD100 million will go specifically towards copper refining. Construction is expected to take 18 months, with full production capacity targeted within three years.

    Tengyuan will control a 55% stake in the joint venture, while SAWA Congo Mining’s affiliate will hold 40%, and a 5% share will be reserved for employees via a shareholding platform. SAWA has been supplying raw materials to Tengyuan since October 2021 and maintains strong ties with the Congolese government.

    Challenging first quarter dampens share price

    Despite its expansion plans, Tengyuan reported a difficult first quarter, with net profit falling 14% year-on-year to CNY123 million and revenue dropping 4% to CNY1.5 billion (USD200 million). The company blamed the decline on rising R&D and management costs, combined with plummeting cobalt salt prices.

    However, its annual report revealed an 81% surge in 2024 net profit, buoyed by greater output volumes. Last year, Tengyuan produced 54,500 tonnes of refined copper, making up nearly 53% of its total output. Cobalt salts contributed 37% of revenue, with the rest coming from nickel salts, lithium salts, and ternary lithium battery precursors. Over half of its total sales came from international markets.

    READ ALSO: AfDB Electricity Enhancement in Congo Takes Shape as the Republic of Congo Signs Deals to Boost Electricity Access 

    Market reaction and cobalt export ban

    Tengyuan made no public comments on the DRC’s temporary cobalt salt export ban imposed in February. The restriction, aimed at stabilising market prices, does not apply to cobalt mining or copper exports—relevant given that cobalt and copper are typically co-mined. The export suspension helped push cobalt sulfate prices up nearly 90%, reaching around CNY50,000 per tonne (USD6,849) last week, according to Mysteel data.

    Nevertheless, the weak quarterly earnings weighed on investor sentiment. Tengyuan’s shares [SHE: 301219] fell 2.5% to CNY46.17 (USD6.30), even as the broader ChiNext Index gained 1.6%.

  • IOG Wind Secures O&M Contract for Hai Long Offshore Wind Project

    IOG Wind Secures O&M Contract for Hai Long Offshore Wind Project

    Updated October 15, 2025 – Hai Long Offshore Wind Project has awarded IOG Wind its operations and maintenance (O&M) contract. The win comes as the project transitions from construction into its operational phase. The Hai Long project with a total capacity of 1,022 MW across phases 2 and 3 is one of Taiwan’s largest offshore installations and part of the country’s push toward clean energy security.

    Securing the O&M contract also gives IOG Wind control over turbine upkeep, offshore logistics, fault corrections, and preventive maintenance. These are critical in maximizing uptime, performance, and return on investment over the project’s multi-decade lifespan.

    The award also underscores IOG Wind’s growing influence in the Asia-Pacific offshore services market. This comes as demand for more reliable operations grows with each new offshore wind wave. Taiwan’s first offshore project to be backed by a corporate PPA model, Wei Lan Hai Changhua wind farm, also recently signed its CPPA.

    Taiwan’s Hai Long 2A Offshore Wind Farm Continues Development Ahead of 2026 Completion

    Reported September 25, 2025 – The Hai Long Offshore Wind Project, located off the coast of Changhua County in Taiwan, is one of the country’s largest renewable energy developments. This is with a planned capacity of over 1 GW. The project is divided into Hai Long 2A, 2B, and 3. Siemens Gamesa’s SG 14-222 DD turbines also feature in Hai Long’s development. A development spearheaded by Canada’s Northland Power in partnership with Taiwan’s Yushan Energy. Also involved in the project are Mitsui & Co., and Gentari. Northland is also developing the 1.2 GW Baltic Power offshore wind farm in Poland with Orlen Neptun.

    The first Siemens Gamesa 14-222 DD wind turbine were installed at Taiwan’s Hai Long 2A offshore wind farm in April 2025. This is as the project continues to form part of Taiwan’s broader offshore wind development landscape.

    First turbine installed at Taiwan's Hai Long 2A offshore wind farm

    CSBC-DEME Wind Engineering JV (CDWE) completed the first turbine installation using the Blue Wind, a vessel owned by Shimizu Corporation. CDWE is handling the transport and installation of foundations, turbines, and substations across both Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 wind farms.

    Other offshore wind developments in Taiwan include the Formosa 4 Offshore Wind Farm which recently reached a key milestone after latest award of jacket foundations, substation, and scour protection works contract to CDWE (Sept 25, 2025). CDWE is DEME‘s Taiwanese JV, and is also involved in the Hai Long project in the same capacity. The contract was awarded by Formosa’s developer, Synera Renewable Energy (SRE).

    Project Factsheet

    Hai Long 2: 518 MW (split into 294 MW Hai Long 2A and 224 MW Hai Long 2B)

    Hai Long 3: 504 MW

    Total Turbines: 73 Siemens Gamesa 14-222 DD

    Location: 45–70 km off the coast of Changhua, Taiwan Strait

    Turbine Supplier: Siemens Gamesa

    Installation Vessel: Blue Wind (Shimizu Corporation)

    Main Contractor: CSBC-DEME Wind Engineering JV (CDWE)

    Hai Long Offshore Wind Project Timeline

    2012-2017: Early Development

    Project area off Changhua coast in Taiwan was identified and secured by Yushan Energy (Taiwanese developer) and Canada’s Northland Power

    Initial feasibility studies, ocean assessments and site investigations were also conducted

    2018: Zonal Development Approval

    Taiwan government awards grid capacity allocation for Hai Long 2 & 3 as part of its offshore wind Phase 2 tender

    Project capacity was announced at 1,044 MW

    2019: PPAs and Partnerships

    Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed:

    • Hai Long 2A: 300 MW, 20-year Feed-in Tariff (FiT) with Taipower
    • Hai Long 2B and 3: 744 MW, 30-year Corporate PPA

    Northland Power also takes majority stake. Yushan Energy retains minority share

    2020: Environmental Approvals

    EIA approved by Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration

    Local supply chain plan also formalized afterwards. These covered foundation jackets, cables, and nacelle assembly in Taiwan

    2021: Grid Connection Agreements

    Formal agreements with Taipower to connect Hai Long 2 & 3 to the national grid

    2022: Financing & Supply Contracts

    Financial structuring begins. Also announced were discussions with financiers

    Siemens Gamesa confirmed as turbine supplier for the SG 14-222 DD, 14 MW unit model

    First nacelle assembly line for 14 MW turbines set up in Taichung, Taiwan

    2023: Final Investment Decision (FID)

    Northland Power & partners announce FID on Hai Long Offshore Wind at USD 6.5 billion

    Debt financing was also secured from an international consortium of banks

    2024: Offshore Construction Starts

    Offshore site preparation starts. Cabling routes also marked

    Foundation fabrication at local yards commences

    April 2025: First Turbine Installed at Hai Long 2A

    Siemens Gamesa installs the first SG 14-222 DD turbine at Hai Long 2A

    This also marks Asia’s first deployment of the SG 14-222 DD turbine type

    June 2025: First Power

    Hai Long project delivers first electricity to Taiwan’s grid

    Milestone celebrated as project enters commissioning phase

    August 2025: Jacket Foundations Delivered

    Century Wind Power delivers 21 jacket foundations for Hai Long

    September 2025

    Multiple turbines operational and feeding into Taiwan’s national grid

    Construction of remaining turbines and array cables ongoing

    Full commissioning of Hai Long 2A (300 MW) expected by late 2025 to early 2026

    Hai Long 2B and 3 (744 MW) expect full commissioning by 2027-2028

    Also Read: How far with the Greater Changhua 2b and 4 farms expecting completion in 2026

    A Total of 73 Siemens Gamesa 14-222 DD Turbines will be in Place Once Installation is Complete

    The Hai Long project is being developed in phases. The first phase, Hai Long 2A, now has its first turbine standing. The full development will eventually consist of 73 Siemens Gamesa 14-222 DD turbines. This makes Hai Long one of the largest offshore wind farm in Taiwan.

    The nacelle for the turbine was assembled at Siemens Gamesa’s Taichung facility. Also noteworthy is that the facility began expanded operations in January 2024. As a result, this marks the first time an SG 14-222 nacelle produced in Taiwan has been installed at sea.

    In addition to the nacelle, the turbine includes components made in Taiwan, including towers and blade resin. This local sourcing also supports Taiwan’s goal of building a strong offshore wind supply chain.

    Prior to the first turbine installation at Hai Long offshore wind farm, CDWE had also completed the installation of the offshore topside structure for Hai Long 3.

    In a nutshell, the Hai Long offshore wind project will help boost the country’s renewable energy supply and also reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

  • 150Mw Justice Energy Storage Project breaks ground in Maricopa County, Arizona

    150Mw Justice Energy Storage Project breaks ground in Maricopa County, Arizona

    The Justice Energy Storage Project in Arizona has broken ground. The project is being undertaken by Strata Clean Energy and is located in Maricopa County, Arizona. The project marks a significant step forward in the state’s transition to clean and reliable energy. Arizona’s need for energy storage has become increasingly essential in given that it that suffers from heavy peak energy demands during summer. Enerrgy storage offers an oportunity to balance solar generated supply and overall demand.

    A Major Boost for Grid Reliability

    The Justice Energy Storage facility is designed to deliver 150 megawatts (MW) of power capacity with a total storage of 600 megawatt-hours (MWh). Once fully operational, the system will provide four hours of electricity storage—enough to supply power to approximately 24,000 homes. The project is expected to come online by April 2026.

    Storing Solar for Peak Demand

    The facility will help stabilize Arizona’s grid by storing excess solar and renewable energy generated during daylight hours. This stored energy will then be released during the evening peak, when demand is highest—particularly critical in Arizona’s hot summers, where air conditioning use can strain the grid.

    Also Read: Bipartisan Bill Greenlights 2 GW Project for Arizona Salt River Project

    Supporting Arizona’s Clean Energy Goals

    According to Tiago Sabino Dias, Chief Commercial Officer at Strata Clean Energy, “This project underscores our long-term commitment to enabling a resilient, decarbonized energy future. Justice will help Arizona move closer to its clean energy goals while supporting the economic vitality of the region.”

    Backed by a Long-Term Agreement

    The project was chosen through APS’s All-Source Request for Proposals (RFP) initiated in June 2023. It will operate under a 20-year tolling agreement between Strata and APS. Under this structure:

    • Strata will develop, own, and operate the facility.

    • APS will have full dispatch rights to the stored energy.

    Brian Cole, APS Vice President of Resource Management, noted, “With the addition of the Justice Energy Storage project, we’ll continue to deliver reliable and affordable energy as we power Arizona’s future growth.”

    Factsheet: Justice Energy Storage Project

    Location: Maricopa County, Arizona
    Developer/Owner: Strata Clean Energy
    Utility Partner: Arizona Public Service (APS)
    Storage Capacity: 600 MWh
    Power Output: 150 MW
    Homes Powered: ~24,000 (for 4 hours)
    Operational Date: Expected by April 2026
    Agreement Type: 20-year tolling agreement
    Primary Function: Store solar energy for peak demand use
    Energy Source: Renewable (mainly solar)

  • First Phase of Kynren The Storied Lands Theme Park Approved

    First Phase of Kynren The Storied Lands Theme Park Approved

    The phase I of the construction of a historical theme park has been approved. Kynren The Storied Lands is set to be a new daytime attraction that will be set within the wider Kynren attraction in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

    The plans include a 3,600-seated arena for a bird show and were approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday this week.

    Also read: Waterpark finally ready to open its doors 16 years after the announcement in UK.

    Project Factsheet

    Kynren – The Storied Lands (United Kingdom)

    • This is a new “time-traveling theme park” currently under development and scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.

    Location: Bishop Auckland, near the historic city of Durham, in North East England, UK. It is situated within the wider Kynren Park.

    Concept: Unlike traditional theme parks with rides, The Storied Lands will focus on immersive experiences and live-action performances that transport visitors through history, myth, and legend.

    Attractions (Phase one): The initial phase will include five major shows and immersive experiences set against historical backdrops:

    • Neolithic Britain: An experience taking visitors back to the time of the first settlers.
    • The Viking Show: A multi-sensory spectacle depicting Viking life with battles, fire, and action.
    • The Legend of the Wear: A water show on a giant lake retelling the myth of the Lambton Worm with thrilling stunts.
    • The Lost Feather: A visually captivating show exploring the relationship between birds and humans, set on a stage inspired by a bird’s nest.
    • Fina: An epic show set in Victorian England, culminating in a medieval knights’ clash on horseback featuring daring stunts. Auckland Palace will serve as a striking backdrop.

    Future developments: Later phases are planned to introduce attractions themed around the Tudors, the legend of the Lone Centurion, tales of Robin Hood and Excalibur, and a “Conquest of the Seas” experience.

    Existing show: The existing Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, a nighttime show with a large cast, will continue to run on Saturday nights.

    Some objectors warned the new development did not support the vitality of Bishop Auckland town centre. However, the council’s planning officers disputed the concerns that were raised.

    The Lost Feather Bird Show Arena

    Additionally, an oval-shaped arena resembling a bird’s nest will be created for The Lost Feather bird show. Also, it will include a small lake, landscaped hillside performance area and performance bridge.

    According to a report by planning officers, the development “would not impact the vitality and viability of Bishop Auckland town centre” due to its link to the “established operation” of the Kynren site. It was also stated the plans would support Bishop Auckland, increasing footfall in the vicinity.

    Opening Date of the Theme Park

    The theme park is expected to open in summer 2026. The focus of The Storied Lands will be live action shows with storytelling stunts and music, rather than rides.

    Phase one of the park will feature up to five shows and immersive experiences. Furthermore, it will have themes including Neolithic Britain, Viking battles, and the gas-lit streets of Victorian England.

    Additionally, Legend of the Wear performance will utilize water stunts to retell the Lambton Worm myth.

    The separate planning applications are expected to be submitted in due course.

    Kynren’s existing evening show has already generated a significant profile. It generates up to £65.5m to the north-east of England economy. This is according to the information revealed by Local Democracy Reporting Service.

    Also read: Universal Unveils Plans for First European Theme Park in the UK