Grid & storage milestone: California says its battery energy storage resources have topped 21,000 MW, helping the state lean on solar and cut reliance on natural gas in the first half of 2026. Clean power growth: India crossed 300 GW of non-fossil installed capacity, with solar leading at about 165 GW, as the country pushes toward 500 GW by 2030. Solar policy push: The Philippines’ DOE and lawmakers are backing changes aimed at removing barriers for rooftop solar and battery systems through a “Sariling Kuryente” bill. Project shake-ups: EDP has abandoned Portugal’s €169 million Alqueva floating solar-plus-wind plan after costs rose and economics deteriorated. Energy security via gas: Cyprus says the Cronos natural gas field could start supplying Europe by March 2028, with pipeline work to Egypt’s Zohr and LNG processing at Damietta. Hydropower risk: Pakistan’s Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project is unlikely to restart before 2028 after two more years of rehabilitation. Water stress hits power: Lake Mead reached its lowest level since 1937 as the Colorado River crisis deepens, threatening hydropower and water deliveries. Affordability focus: Mindanao’s energy agency warns that even with supply surpluses, power rates remain vulnerable to market and outage factors, calling for reforms beyond new capacity. Community solar access: Illinois is moving forward with a community solar plan that could lower bills and route tax benefits to schools.