【SMM News Flash】Cargill Expands US Renewable Electricity Procurement with 12.6-Year Agreement for 87 MW of Wind

On October 6, TOYO held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its solar module factory in Humble, Texas, following expansion of the facility’s module nameplate capacity to 2 GW. The company announced completion of the expansion on October 7. At its October 6 Analyst Day, TOYO also presented plans for a heterojunction, or HJT, solar cell production line in Texas, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2028. Cell manufacturing is the company’s next development stage following the module expansion.

On October 7, South Africa’s Electricity and Energy Minister announced additional capacity procurement plans for the 2026–2037 planning period, proposing 4,600 MW of battery storage and 5,000 MW of gas generation. Batteries would charge during surplus generation periods and discharge during evening peaks and other demand periods. Storage procurement will include availability and performance obligations. Gas procurement will assess start-up times, ramping capability and minimum operating levels, alongside fuel supply, gas prices, port and pipeline infrastructure, grid connections and commissioning schedules.

By October 7, State Grid Changzhou Power Supply Company was advancing five charging station construction and upgrade projects. An expansion at Jintan railway station’s car park had been completed before the holiday, improving charging efficiency by 50%. Four additional DC fast chargers were installed for electric buses, increasing charging capacity during midday off-peak hours. Staff inspected railway station, bus and private vehicle charging facilities, provided additional holiday coverage and monitored equipment remotely.