Rooftop solar capacity in Australia's National Electricity Market now represents 60-70% of peak load in New South Wales and Queensland, while in South Australia, it is closer to 90%. The share of rooftop solar-powered electricity meeting spot price exposure has increased to 46%, with 80% of this power coming from renewables. Australia is on track to reach a globally unprecedented scenario where rooftop solar capacity equals peak load, signaling a significant shift towards demand management.
Solar PV has compounded at 17% annually since 2016, driving the EU's clean-energy trajectory with an installed base of 367 GW by end 2025. Solar accounted for 80% of new renewable capacity additions in 2025 and now makes up 47% of the entire EU renewable fleet. Solar delivered more electricity year-on-year than wind and hydro combined, despite capacity expansion, driven by its ability to operate with higher capacity factors.
AI-designed thermoelectric generators can be created 10,000 times faster than conventional methods, resulting in efficient devices that convert heat into electricity with performance comparable to existing leading systems. This breakthrough accelerates the search for affordable materials and device designs that efficiently harness waste energy from various sources. The research was conducted by a team led by Takao Mori at the Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics in Japan.
In 2025, solar and wind accounted for six times more new global energy capacity than all other power sources combined, supplying nearly all new electricity demand. Annual electricity generation from solar and wind are approximately equal, with solar having a faster growth rate and expected to pull ahead. Solar and wind powers will accommodate electrification of various industries, including vehicles, industrial heating, and synthetic aviation and shipping fuels.
BlueHeart Energy's thermoacoustic heat pump engine technology is being tested in residential settings and will enter the European market in spring 2027. The system aims to provide quiet, flexible, low-maintenance heating suitable for retrofits and renewable integration, with an initial launch focusing on its noise reduction benefits. The company expects widespread availability to follow gradually over the next year or more.
Senate Democrats are challenging a Department of Energy budget proposal that cuts funding for renewable energy research, environmental management, and renewable energy infrastructure, despite an overall budget increase in 2027. The proposed cuts would divert funds from solar and wind energy while keeping fossil fuel plants online past their retirement dates. Democrats argue this approach undermines efforts to transition to clean energy sources.
The European Union's 'emergency toolbox' policy aims to limit its dependence on the fossil fuel supply chain, but it falls short in addressing energy storage needs. The policy measures are welcomed by trade groups, but they raise concerns and leave many unanswered questions. Critics argue that the policy lacks concrete solutions for mitigating energy price shocks.
The European Commission has launched the AccelerateEU strategy to address high energy prices driven by the Middle East conflict, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy independence through a "homegrown" clean energy push. The package includes an Electrification Action Plan to be published by summer, which promotes increased investment in clean energy and infrastructure. The EU spent an additional €24 billion on energy imports due to higher prices since the conflict escalation in the Middle East.
A US federal judge has blocked a Department of the Interior policy requiring Trump-appointed Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum's approval for all renewable energy projects on public lands, effectively stalling tens of gigawatts of capacity. The policy was deemed "arbitrary and capricious" by the court, creating a "de facto blockade" that threatened utility-scale projects and national decarbonization targets. This ruling is seen as a win for affordable energy in America and a step forward towards increasing power generation through solar and storage.
Ukraine's DTEK Group is building a 100-turbine, 650-megawatt wind farm to improve resiliency amid ongoing Russian attacks on thermal power plants. The project received assistance from Norway. The new wind farm aims to help stabilize the country's energy infrastructure during the conflict.
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