Renewable Energy Weekly — 2026-03-24

Top Stories

U.S. Pays $1 Billion to TotalEnergies to Cancel Offshore Wind Leases

• What happened: The U.S. Department of the Interior announced an agreement with French energy giant TotalEnergies under which the company will walk away from its U.S. offshore wind lease holdings in exchange for approximately $1 billion in compensation. In return, TotalEnergies agreed to redirect that capital into oil and natural gas projects in Texas and elsewhere in the United States.
• Why it matters: The deal marks the most dramatic and costly blow yet to the U.S. offshore wind industry under the Trump administration. Critics warn that compensating fossil fuel expansion at the expense of contracted offshore wind development sets a damaging precedent and undermines investor confidence in the U.S. clean energy sector. The agreement effectively removes a major French developer from the U.S. offshore wind pipeline.
• Scale: ~$1 billion compensation payment; TotalEnergies held multiple offshore wind lease areas off the U.S. East Coast.

1 sources

doi.gov

doi.gov

Adani Green Commissions 510 MW at Khavda, Approaches 18 GW Total Capacity

• What happened: Indian renewable energy developer Adani Green Energy commissioned 510 MW of new solar capacity at its Khavda site in Gujarat, with power generation commencing on March 22, 2026. This brings the company's total operational renewable capacity to 17,982.3 MW — just shy of the 18 GW milestone.
• Why it matters: The Khavda project is part of one of the world's largest renewable energy parks. Adani Green's rapid capacity additions underscore India's accelerating renewable build-out despite global headwinds. Approaching 18 GW of operational capacity cements Adani Green as one of the world's largest utility-scale solar operators.
• Scale: 510 MW newly commissioned; 17,982.3 MW total operational capacity as of March 22, 2026.

Sungrow Hydrogen Ships Green Hydrogen Equipment Across Three Continents

• What happened: Sungrow Hydrogen announced new project shipments across Europe, Asia, and another continent as part of its effort to power the global green energy transition. The company highlighted progress on multiple green hydrogen deployments simultaneously spanning three continents.
• Why it matters: The multi-continent shipment push signals that green hydrogen is moving from pilot scale toward commercial deployment across diverse geographies. Sungrow, one of the world's largest inverter and energy storage manufacturers, is positioning its hydrogen division as a global-scale supplier.
• Scale: Multiple projects across three continents; specific MW/GW capacities not disclosed in the announcement.

Kseng Solar Showcases Comprehensive Racking Solutions at Smart Energy Week Tokyo 2026

• What happened: From March 17–19, 2026, Chinese solar racking manufacturer Kseng Solar exhibited at Smart Energy Week Tokyo at Tokyo Big Sight, presenting a full range of solar racking solutions for rooftop, ground-mount, floating, and other applications. The company used the event to strengthen its commercial presence in the Japanese market.
• Why it matters: Japan remains one of the world's largest solar markets, and Smart Energy Week is a key venue for international manufacturers seeking entry or expansion. Kseng Solar's participation reflects continued global competition in the downstream solar balance-of-systems segment.
• Scale: Exhibition event; specific order or contract figures not disclosed.

Project Tracker

Policy & Regulation

• India (Maharashtra): From April 1, 2026, all new renewable energy projects above 100 kW in Maharashtra will be required to integrate energy storage capacity, initially set at 50% of project capacity for a minimum of two hours. The state's policy targets a total of 100 GWh of storage as a core pillar of its new renewable energy framework.

• USA (Offshore Wind): The Trump administration's Interior Department announced the cancellation of TotalEnergies' U.S. offshore wind leases, offering approximately $1 billion in compensation to steer the company toward fossil fuel investment instead. The move continues a broader pattern of the administration halting offshore wind permitting and development on public lands and federal waters.

Investment & Finance

• TotalEnergies / Eren Groupe – Australia Solar + Green Hydrogen Storage: A joint venture between TotalEnergies and Paris-headquartered Eren Groupe has submitted plans for one of Australia's largest solar and battery energy storage projects, featuring a 6 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) intended to support a green hydrogen hub. The project is currently under Australia's environmental review process. Specific capital investment figures have not yet been disclosed.

• Google + DTE Energy – 2.7 GW Clean Power Data Centre (Michigan): Google and DTE Energy announced a partnership to develop 2.7 GW of clean power capacity to supply Google's data centre operations in Michigan. The deal was announced on March 18, 2026. Financial terms were not disclosed in available reports.

Technology Spotlight

Sungrow Hydrogen's Multi-Continent Green Hydrogen Deployment

Sungrow Hydrogen this week announced active project shipments across three continents, marking a tangible step in the commercialisation of green hydrogen at scale. The company — a subsidiary of the world's largest solar inverter manufacturer — is deploying electrolyser and hydrogen system equipment simultaneously across Europe, Asia, and at least one additional region. This multi-geography deployment suggests that at least some green hydrogen projects are crossing the threshold from demonstration to commercial operation, even as analysts continue to debate cost trajectories toward the sub-$2/kg target.

What to Watch Next Week

• Maharashtra Storage Mandate (India): April 1, 2026 is the effective date for Maharashtra's new policy requiring storage integration for all new renewable projects above 100 kW. Watch for developer responses, compliance announcements, and any last-minute regulatory clarifications.
• U.S. Offshore Wind Industry Response: Following the TotalEnergies deal, other offshore wind developers holding U.S. federal leases — including Equinor, BP, and others — may face pressure or incentives to similarly exit. Watch for statements from remaining developers on whether they will proceed with or abandon their U.S. projects.
• Australia Green Hydrogen / BESS Environmental Review: The TotalEnergies / Eren Groupe 6 GWh BESS project tied to a green hydrogen hub in Australia has entered the environmental review process. Watch for public comment periods opening or initial regulatory feedback on the application.