As part of the government’s efforts to encourage the use of excess solar power, Australian households will be eligible for three hours of free electricity daily. The “Solar Sharer” scheme, launching next year in select regions, will mandate retailers to offer free electricity during the day. This initiative aims to share the benefits of renewable energy with all consumers, including those without solar panels, as modern technology allows for scheduled appliance usage. However, the scheme has been met with surprise from retailers, who have expressed concerns about potential industry impacts, although the government states this program will prioritize consumers.
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A coalition of over 20 states has filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency, contesting the agency’s decision to cancel the $7 billion “Solar For All” program. The program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act to expand solar power access for low-income households, was intended to deploy rooftop and community solar projects, aiming to reduce carbon pollution and lower energy costs. The lawsuit claims that the EPA’s cancellation of the program violated the Administrative Procedures Act and overstepped its constitutional authority. This legal action follows a similar suit filed by nonprofits and solar installers and represents a two-pronged effort by states to challenge cuts to clean energy programs.
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Renewable energy sources surpassed coal as the primary global electricity source for the first half of the year, driven by substantial growth in solar and wind power, according to Ember. While overall electricity demand continues to rise, the surge in renewables has met this demand, even slightly reducing coal and gas usage. However, a mixed global landscape exists, as developing nations, particularly China, lead the clean energy transition, whereas wealthier nations like the US and EU are increasingly reliant on fossil fuels. Solar power, the largest contributor to renewable growth, has experienced dramatic cost reductions, especially in lower-income countries. Consequently, China’s dominance in clean tech exports continues to grow, with electric vehicles and batteries now surpassing the value of solar panel exports.
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President Donald Trump announced his administration would not approve solar or wind power projects, citing concerns about land use. This decision follows tightened federal permitting for renewables, centralizing the process within the Interior Secretary’s office, and fuels renewable companies’ concerns about project approvals. Trump blames renewables for rising electricity prices, particularly in areas facing tight power supply amid growing demand. Despite this, solar and battery storage projects could quickly alleviate supply shortages. Additionally, Trump’s policies, including a bill ending renewable tax credits and steel and copper tariffs, have further hampered the expansion of renewable energy.
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China hits 1 TW solar milestone.
It’s hard to wrap your head around the sheer scale of it all, but China has officially hit a monumental milestone: one terawatt of solar power capacity. To put that in perspective, the comments mentioned that China installed almost a third of the entire solar power capacity of the United States in just one month alone. That’s an astounding figure, and it really drives home the magnitude of their commitment to renewable energy. Whatever reservations one might have, this achievement is a significant global initiative.
The contrast is stark, isn’t it? While China is rapidly expanding its solar infrastructure, there are discussions here and there about, “coal powered AI.”… Continue reading
In 2024, renewables and nuclear surpassed 40% of global power generation for the first time since the 1940s, driven largely by a record increase in renewable energy additions, particularly solar power. Solar energy doubled in three years, becoming the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, while fossil fuel generation saw a small increase primarily due to heatwaves increasing cooling demands. Despite this, clean energy growth is projected to outpace demand growth in the coming years, signaling a potential decline in fossil fuel reliance. This transition is significantly influenced by China and India’s substantial investments in renewable energy sources.
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Renewable energy sources provided 46.9% of the EU’s net electricity generation in 2024, with significant variation across member states. Denmark led with 88.4% renewable electricity, primarily from wind, while Luxembourg had the lowest share at 5.1%. Wind and hydro dominated renewable generation, comprising over two-thirds of the total, followed by solar power. The remaining renewable electricity came from combustible fuels and geothermal sources.
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China is making massive waves in the energy industry by installing the wind and solar equivalent of five large nuclear power stations per week. I recently witnessed the extent of their efforts while in the Yangtze River delta region, where solar panels covered not just houses or buildings, but the entire roof of a coal-fired power plant. This sheer scale of renewable energy infrastructure development is awe-inspiring and sets a benchmark for investing in sustainable solutions.
The contrast between China’s ambitious approach and the skepticism and inaction prevalent in other parts of the world, like Alberta or the United States, is stark.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood