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According to studies, solar-powered irrigation systems are expected to become more feasible and efficient with technological advancements, helping expand the transition from diesel to clean solar energy. This transformation could redefine the future of Egyptian agriculture.

The rise in solar panel imports is a continent-wide phenomenon, with 20 countries setting new records in the 12 months to June 2025. Twenty-five countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries the previous year. If installed, the solar panels imported into Sierra Leone over the last 12 months would generate electricity equivalent to 61 percent of the country's total reported electricity generation in 2023.

India is building up its domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing. With supportive policies, rising domestic demand, and a global push to diversify renewable energy supply chains away from dependence on China, India is working towards solar manufacturing autonomy.

However, buoyed by low-cost solar-powered water pumps—also known as photovoltaic water pumping systems—some innovative small-scale farmers in Zimbabwe are now able to irrigate their crops and eliminate the need for rain-fed agriculture. According to experts, the use of solar energy to power groundwater pumps by farmers in drought-ridden, off-grid regions in Africa and elsewhere has been heralded as potentially revolutionary.

With innovative financing for clean energy like the Ilute solar project, the future looks bright for the expansion of solar energy in Zambia. However, it remains to be seen whether such a financing structure will be replicated in other African countries. Only time will tell.

A recent study reveals that "floating solar photovoltaic systems are rapidly gaining traction due to their potential for higher energy yield and efficiency compared to conventional land-based solar photovoltaic systems.” The technology, studies have indicated, generates 0.6 percent to 4.4 percent more energy and exhibits efficiency improvements ranging from 0.1 percent to 4.45 percent over land-based solar power plants.

The combination of new technologies and new methods of financing has set the stage for microgrids to play a major role in decarbonization. The method of providing energy as a service, and therefore moving the upfront cost away from consumers, has shown significant popularity. The falling costs of both battery storage and solar technology have made microgrids a more attractive option, while reports from the DoE emphasize the role they can play in grid stability and resiliency.

As Southeast Asia tackles plastic pollution and its environmental challenges, integrating renewable energy into waste management offers a promising solution, helping to reduce plastic waste and lower the carbon footprint. With policy support, grassroots innovation, and sustainable practices, the region is taking meaningful strides toward a cleaner future.

Incorporating new renewable projects, especially solar, into the matrix can take advantage of Colombia's naturally high radiation, reduce reliance on hydropower in the overall energy matrix, and allow communities currently relying on diesel to switch to a more sustainable option.