[SMM PV News] Transgrid Taps 9 Grid-Forming 'BESS' Projects for 'NSW' Grid

The US solar industry faces a 53,000-worker shortfall as developers rush to meet the July 2026 construction deadline under the 'OBBBA'. Projections indicate 355,000 workers are needed to hit the 60-70 GW installation targets, yet 86% of employers report hiring difficulties. The labor crunch is compounded by a mandate requiring 15% of labor hours to come from apprentices to secure tax credits. To adapt, developers are building internal training pipelines, targeting veterans, and utilizing digital tools to maximize efficiency.

The French government has published its 2026 wind and solar auction calendar. July will see a 288 MWp tender for 100-500 kW commercial and industrial systems—now open to ground-mounted installations—and a 925 MW tender for ground-mounted projects over 500 kW. An all-technology 'PV' tender will follow in autumn. Crucially, the revised tenders introduce a resilience criterion requiring diversified sourcing of essential 'PV' panel components to reduce reliance on single countries like China. Aligning with the European Net-Zero Industry Act ('NZIA'), this move aims to boost local manufacturing and will soon be accompanied by stricter sustainability and cybersecurity standards.

The escalating conflict in the Gulf, involving Israel, the 'US', and Iran, has caused a structural shift in global energy markets that extends far beyond short-term volatility. According to research firm Pexapark, attacks on liquified natural gas ('LNG') infrastructure have amplified this impact, shifting the focus from temporary logistical disruptions to medium-term supply risks. This evolving dynamic has direct and significant consequences for global electricity markets, power purchase agreements ('PPAs'), and the battery energy storage system ('BESS') sector.