Solar Grows 30% YoY: Here's the Global Energy Mix

From IEA's new Global Energy Review 2025

Too much coal, too much natural gas, solar up 30% year over year, in its 22nd consecutive year of growth. That's the state of play around the world when it comes to electricity generation. Those orange and purple stripes are just throwing greenhouse gasses into the air constantly. That's got to stop.

And now, our daily summaries of more than 200 selected updates from around the world of green tech and sustainability.

Today's Updates

Table of Contents

• Agriculture (7 stories) - Carbon farming, vertical farming robotics, and precision agriculture innovations drive sustainable transformation in global agricultural practices, with breakthroughs in soil carbon measurement, cannabis environmental solutions, and reduced chemical inputs.

• Carbon (2 stories) - Avnos pilots Navy-backed direct air capture tech amid ongoing debate over carbon capture investment strategies

  
  

• Circular (3 stories) - Compostable dining solutions and plastic recycling innovations challenge waste paradigms through material science and human perception
  

•  Ecosystems (23 stories) - Glacial retreat, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption reveal critical climate change impacts on global habitats from Arctic to Amazon, with urgent conservation needs for marine, forest, and wildlife preservation.

  
  

• Efficiency (9 stories) - Snugg, heat pumps, and AI-driven efficiency platforms transform home electrification, while Ohio State's nanotech innovations promise sustainable energy solutions amid rising global temperatures.

  
  

• Finance (8 stories) - Tesla shareholder philanthropy, Iberdrola green bonds, and global investment shifts reshape climate finance landscape, with JLL, Green Liberty, and EU platforms driving renewable energy and SME decarbonization strategies.

  
  

• Grid (28 stories) - AI-Driven Grid Transformation: Gravity Storage, Battery Expansions, and Smart Technologies Reshape Electricity Infrastructure

  
  

• Indigenous (9 stories) - Indigenous Rights Advance: Court Ruling, Solar Training, and Cultural Resilience Highlight Global Indigenous Empowerment in Climate and Energy Sectors

  
  

• Industry (13 stories) - Global hydrogen, critical minerals, and clean energy infrastructure advances drive industrial innovation across renewable technologies, battery manufacturing, and strategic infrastructure development.

  
  

• Policy (53 stories) - Policy Landscape Shifts: Climate Advocacy, Energy Regulations, and Global Governance Transformations

  
  

• Renewables (19 stories) - Global Solar Surge: Record 553 GW Installations, Breakthrough Perovskite Modules, and Innovative Floating PV Solutions from Thailand to Brazil, Driven by EGAT, Meridian Energy, Trinasolar, and DAS Solar

  
  

• Transport (9 stories) - Pacific Rim EV Innovation: XPENG, Hyundai, NIO, and CATL Drive Zero-Emission Mobility with Strategic Partnerships and Technological Advancements

Agriculture

Carbon farming, vertical farming robotics, and precision agriculture innovations drive sustainable transformation in global agricultural practices, with breakthroughs in soil carbon measurement, cannabis environmental solutions, and reduced chemical inputs.

• Carbon Credits Increase Farm Profitability by Up to 15% (HeavyFinance) - Lithuanian carbon farming program enables farmers to increase profitability by up to 15% through sustainable soil practices and carbon credit sales.

• New allegations of abuse against oil palm giant Socfin in Cameroon (Mongabay) - Socfin faces new allegations of land grabbing, sexual harassment, and human rights violations on oil palm plantations in Cameroon.

• Five ways cannabis can contribute to a green future (The Conversation) - Cannabis offers multifaceted environmental solutions, from carbon storage and soil remediation to biodegradable bioplastics and sustainable construction materials.

• Three ways to improve soil carbon measurement (EDF) - Researchers identify three key methods to improve soil carbon measurement accuracy for climate and agricultural initiatives.

• Exit for Tortuga AgTech as Oishii acquires the ag robotics company’s IP, assets, and engineering team (AgFunderNews) - Oishii acquires Tortuga AgTech's robotics IP and engineering team to advance vertical farming strawberry harvesting automation.

• NL-CGIAR info-session on the Scaling for Impact Program organized by the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) (CGIAR) - Netherlands Food Partnership hosts info-session to accelerate scaling of agricultural innovations through collaborative, context-specific, and farmer-centered approaches.

• 🎥AgZen enjoys exponential growth as growers see rapid ROI on ‘feedback optimized’ spraying tech (AgFunderNews) - AgZen's precision spraying technology enables farmers to reduce chemical inputs by 30-50% across nearly one million acres in its second year of commercial operation.

Carbon

Avnos pilots Navy-backed direct air capture tech amid ongoing debate over carbon capture investment strategies

• Carbon capture investments are massive opportunity costs. (Energy Central) - Carbon capture investments represent massive opportunity costs that could be better spent on more effective climate solutions like renewables and energy efficiency.

• Avnos is embarking on ‘a year of commercialization’ for DAC (Latitude Media) - Avnos launches first direct air capture demonstration project with U.S. Navy, aiming to capture 450 tons of CO2 and 2,250 tons of water annually in 2025.

Circular

Compostable dining solutions and plastic recycling innovations challenge waste paradigms through material science and human perception

• How To Make Your Picnic Basket Eco-Friendly? (EcoSoul Home) - Sustainable picnic essentials like compostable cups, plates, and napkins offer eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics for spring outdoor dining.

• How Innovation in the Field of Plastic Additives is Key for a Circular Economy (Emerald VC) - Innovative plastic additives are crucial for overcoming circularity challenges and enabling sustainable plastic production and recycling.

• How our perception of waste shapes our reality (The Conversation) - Human perception fundamentally shapes our understanding and management of waste across different scales and contexts.

Ecosystems

Glacial retreat, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption reveal critical climate change impacts on global habitats from Arctic to Amazon, with urgent conservation needs for marine, forest, and wildlife preservation.

• Higher ozone levels tied to heart attack risk (Yale Climate Connections) - Study reveals higher ozone levels linked to increased heart attack risk, particularly for Type 2 and non-STEMI heart attacks in non-Hispanic Black patients.

• Retreating Arctic Glaciers Have Exposed 1,500 Miles of Coastline (Yale e360) - Arctic glacial retreat exposes 1,500 miles of vulnerable coastline, revealing potential resource opportunities and significant erosion risks.

• Guest Post – Melting Hope: Can We Answer the Glaciers’ SOS? (ESG Today) - Glacial meltdown threatens 2 billion people's water supply, with urgent global action needed to preserve critical ice reserves and mitigate climate change impacts.

• Standing strong for our federal forests (Woodwell Climate) - Urgent call to protect mature and old-growth federal forests as critical carbon sinks and ecosystem preserves against logging threats.

• Save This Species: Sumatran Orangutans (The Revelator) - Sumatran orangutans face critical extinction risk due to rapid deforestation, palm oil plantations, and illegal wildlife trade threatening their forest habitat.

• New Study Reveals the Healing Power of Nature (Atmos) - Neuroscientific study reveals nature scenes can physiologically reduce pain perception by lowering neural activity associated with pain intensity.

• ‘If you are in the sciences, at the PhD level, writing is the only thing you do that matters’ (Nature) - Antarctic iceberg reveals thriving seafloor ecosystem of sponges, sea spiders, and octopuses previously hidden under ice shelf.

• Despite Staff and Budget Cuts, NOAA Issues Critical Drought Warnings in Its Spring Climate Outlook (Inside Climate News) - Despite budget cuts, NOAA warns of persistent drought and water scarcity across southwestern United States, highlighting climate change impacts.

• As apes adapt to human disturbance, their new behaviors also put them at risk: Study (Mongabay) - Great apes develop adaptive behaviors to survive human habitat disruption, but these strategies can ultimately increase their long-term vulnerability and human-wildlife conflict.

• Tanzania’s marine reserves offer long-term benefits to communities, study finds (Mongabay) - Tanzanian marine reserves boost local living standards through tourism without directly improving fishing outcomes.

• 10 reasons why we need to act for the Amazon (Greenpeace) - Amazon rainforest faces critical threats from deforestation, climate change, and human activities, with 17% already lost and indigenous communities at risk.

• Environmentalists in Israel and Palestine fight to save cross-border water resources (Grist) - Israeli and Palestinian environmentalists persist in cross-border water resource conservation efforts despite ongoing conflict and ecological challenges.

• 5 takeaways from the 2022 Repsol oil spill in Peru (Mongabay) - Repsol's massive 2022 Peru oil spill continues to devastate marine ecosystems and fishing communities three years after the environmental disaster.

• How extreme weather threatens nature's essential services (ScienceDaily) - New climate model reveals extreme windstorms could halve timber production in Minnesota forests, highlighting critical ecosystem service disruptions.

• 5,700-year storm archive shows rise in tropical storms and hurricanes in the Caribbean (ScienceDaily) - 5,700-year Caribbean storm archive reveals steadily increasing tropical storm and hurricane frequency, with climate change predicted to significantly amplify storm activity in the 21st century.

• A Primer On Sea Level Rise (CleanTechnica) - Global sea levels have risen approximately 8-9 inches since 1880, driven by glacial melt and ocean thermal expansion, with significant regional variations and potential future increases.

• Emergência climática deixa ribeirinhos sem safra da castanha na Terra do Meio (PA) (ISA) - Extreme drought in the Amazon decimates Brazil's traditional Brazil nut harvest, threatening food security and economic survival of riverside communities in the Terra do Meio region.

• Plastic pollution cuts into fishers’ livelihoods in Ecuador and Peru (Mongabay) - Plastic pollution in Ecuador and Peru causes significant economic losses for artisanal fishers, with annual damages totaling over $167 million.

• A swan: ‘I have looked upon these brilliant creatures, and now my heart is sore’ | Helen Sullivan (Guardian) - Columnist reflects on personal transformation and emotional connection to swans through poetic language and introspective writing.

• How bobcats protect us from diseases, Mongabay podcast explores (Mongabay) - Bobcats serve as critical disease-controlling predators by regulating rodent populations and reducing tick-borne illness transmission in North American ecosystems.

• Why wild swimming is better for your mental wellbeing than open-air pools (The Conversation) - Wild swimming offers superior mental wellbeing benefits compared to open-air pools by providing enhanced feelings of autonomy and personal achievement.

• New report on cultural heritage resilience in Venice now available (UNDRR) - Venice publishes comprehensive disaster resilience assessment for cultural heritage protection, identifying vulnerabilities and risk mitigation strategies.

• Call for Submissions: Save This Species (The Revelator) - Conservation platform launches "Save This Species" feature, inviting public submissions to spotlight and advocate for endangered plants and animals.

Efficiency

Snugg, heat pumps, and AI-driven efficiency platforms transform home electrification, while Ohio State's nanotech innovations promise sustainable energy solutions amid rising global temperatures.

• Our Journey to an All-Electric Home — From Gas to Green (CleanTechnica) - Australian homeowners demonstrate financial and environmental benefits of gradual home electrification through strategic appliance replacement and solar integration.

• Keeping homes cool on a warming planet (DW) - Rising global temperatures drive surging air conditioning demand, threatening electricity grids and climate targets without sustainable cooling solutions.

• Carbon Cashback: Energy efficiency platform offers homeowners first chance to benefit from carbon market (BusinessGreen) - Snugg launches innovative energy efficiency platform enabling UK homeowners to earn annual payments for verified carbon emission reductions.

• Are We Smart Enough to Curb AI’s Environmental Impacts? (Climate One) - AI's rapid growth threatens to dramatically increase energy consumption and water usage, raising urgent questions about technological sustainability and corporate responsibility.

• Greenfield Games (CET) - Small business Greenfield Games achieves significant energy efficiency and cost savings through no-cost energy upgrades and expert assessment.

• Trump Dumps On Heat Pumps, But They’re Coming Anyways (CleanTechnica) - Despite Trump's withdrawal of federal support, heat pump adoption continues to accelerate with state-level initiatives and growing consumer demand for energy-efficient technologies.

• 3D nanotech blankets offer new path to clean drinking water (ScienceDaily) - Ohio State researchers develop 3D nanotech blankets that use sunlight to purify water and generate clean energy.

• The Aira Experience (Aira) - Comprehensive heat pump installation service offers six-step, AI-supported home electrification process with end-to-end support and 15-year guarantee.

• Times demand a first-“rate” approach to affordability (Oracle Utilities) - Innovative rate design strategies can help customers reduce energy bills and empower them to manage utility costs more effectively.

Finance

Tesla shareholder philanthropy, Iberdrola green bonds, and global investment shifts reshape climate finance landscape, with JLL, Green Liberty, and EU platforms driving renewable energy and SME decarbonization strategies.

• How One Investor Turned Her Tesla Stock Into Real Climate Action (Stand.earth) - Investor transforms Tesla stock into climate action by donating shares to support environmental advocacy and renewable energy initiatives.

• Iberdrola Issues Green Bond Linked to its Share Price (ESG Today) - Iberdrola raises €400 million in innovative green bond linked to company share price, offering investors unique financial instrument.

• Clean Energy Investors Can Take Their Money Anywhere (CleanTechnica) - Global clean energy investors are shifting capital internationally due to changing US policy landscape, with firms like JLL acquiring renewable energy expertise to capitalize on growing market opportunities.

• EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Proposes New Standard to Help SMEs Access Financing for Sustainability Efforts (ESG Today) - EU Platform proposes simplified sustainable finance standard to help SMEs access green financing and decarbonization investments.

• JLL Acquires Clean Energy-Focused Investment Bank Javelin Capital (ESG Today) - JLL expands clean energy investment capabilities by acquiring boutique renewable energy investment bank Javelin Capital.

• Green Liberty Investment Offerings Continue to Exceed Maximum Raise Amount Thanks to Citizen Demand (CT Green Bank) - Green Liberty investment offerings continue to break records, attracting over $3.3 million from investors across 43 states to support small business energy efficiency.

• 2024 Green Bank Award Winners Announced (CT Green Bank) - Annual awards recognize key partners driving Connecticut's green energy adoption through innovative solar, efficiency, and community projects.

• ESG is dead (Latitude Media) - ESG framework is evolving from superficial reporting to strategic energy management focused on operational resilience and tangible business impact.

Grid

AI-Driven Grid Transformation: Gravity Storage, Battery Expansions, and Smart Technologies Reshape Electricity Infrastructure

• Transforming Energy Storage: Rob Piconi on Gravity Storage, AI Demand & the Future of Clean Energy (Energy Vault) - Rob Piconi reveals gravity-based energy storage as a critical solution for managing AI-driven electricity demand and renewable grid integration.

• Energy Vault agrees to buy 1-GWh Aussie battery project (Energy Vault) - Swiss energy storage company acquires 1-GWh battery project in New South Wales, Australia, expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

• Energy Vault acquires 1 GWh Australian battery (Energy Vault) - US energy storage company acquires 1 GWh Australian battery system from Enervest to expand renewable energy infrastructure.

• Rising Temperatures Boosted Electricity Use Globally in 2024 As Renewables, Gas Covered Majority of Additional Energy Demand (Earth.org) - Global electricity demand surged 4.3% in 2024, driven by record temperatures, industrial growth, and AI expansion, with renewables and gas meeting majority of new energy needs.

• Electricity demand surges, expanding renewables and fossil fuels in 2024 (Climate Change News) - Global electricity demand surges 4% in 2024, with renewables and nuclear providing most growth but fossil fuels still dominating 60% of electricity mix.

• The intersection of digital and green economies takes center stage (GEAPP) - Digital technologies and green economies converge to optimize energy systems, tackle e-waste, mobilize green investments, and advance electric mobility at Mobile World Congress 2025.

• Energy Vault acquires Stoney Creek BESS from Enervest (Energy Vault) - Company expands battery storage portfolio with strategic acquisition of 8-hour grid-stabilizing battery system in New South Wales.

• Honeywell Enhances Utility Platform with Advanced Analytics and Grid Forecasting through Innowatts Integration (Innowatts) - Honeywell integrates AI-powered energy analytics platform to enhance utility grid forecasting and operational insights.

• Siemens is showing off its grid transformation technologies at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 (Renewable Energy World) - Siemens showcases cutting-edge grid modernization technologies and digital solutions at DISTRIBUTECH 2025, emphasizing AI-powered software for enhanced grid efficiency and reliability.

• Extreme Heat Boosted Energy Demand in 2024 (Heatmap News) - IEA report reveals global energy demand rose 2.2% in 2024, driven by extreme heat and increased electricity consumption, with low-emissions sources meeting nearly all new electricity needs.

• What’s really driving high power bills (hint, it’s not renewables) and how can we reduce them? (RenewEconomy) - Gas prices and coal plant outages drive electricity bill increases, with renewables offering potential cost relief through lower wholesale prices.

• Poles and wires: If networks want to own batteries and control EVs, a little public disclosure would help (RenewEconomy) - Australian electricity networks seek to own batteries and control EVs, but lack transparency and public communication about their strategic investments and value proposition.

• New SEPA report: Decoding DERMS to unlock grid flexibility (SEPA) - Utilities seek innovative Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS) to unlock grid flexibility and integrate 217 GW of new flexible capacity by 2028.

• What if demand response wasn’t so… demanding? (Utility Dive) - Personalized, automated energy management solutions can dramatically increase demand response program participation and grid support.

• Australian long-duration battery hopeful secures US patent for “game-changing” storage chemistry (RenewEconomy) - Australian energy startup Allegro Energy secures US patent for innovative micro-emulsion battery technology with potential to transform long-duration energy storage.

• Renew Home launches new virtual power plant platform (Renewable Energy World) - Renew Home launches innovative virtual power plant platform enabling households to save energy, earn rewards, and support grid reliability.

• Putting smart grid tech to the test: DTECH attendees check out custom Sentient Energy lab in Texas (Renewable Energy World) - Sentient Energy's cutting-edge Texas lab demonstrates advanced smart grid testing capabilities through innovative high-voltage and environmental simulation technologies.

• How Massachusetts is trying to turn EVs into grid batteries (Canary Media) - Massachusetts launches pioneering $6 million pilot to distribute 100 free bidirectional EV chargers, enabling electric vehicles to serve as grid batteries and earn money for owners.

• Why 10 MW BESS in ERCOT? (SYSO Technologies) - Sub-10 MW battery energy storage systems surge in ERCOT by leveraging regulatory flexibility and strategic market positioning.

• Climate-related heatwaves pushed up energy sector emissions in 2024, despite record wind and solar (RenewEconomy) - Climate-driven heatwaves increased global energy sector emissions in 2024, despite record renewable energy installations.

• Energy Vault acquires 1GWh BESS in New South Wales, Australia (Energy Vault) - Energy storage developer acquires 1GWh battery system in New South Wales, expanding renewable energy infrastructure.

• MISO proposes demand response rule changes to stem market fraud, gaming (Utility Dive) - MISO proposes stricter demand response market rules to prevent fraud and manipulation by energy market participants.

• DTECH 2025 kicks off in Dallas with Utility University classes, technical tours, and more (Renewable Energy World) - DTECH 2025 launches in Dallas with comprehensive utility education, technical tours, and industry networking events focused on grid innovation and smart energy technologies.

• G&W Electric unveils new next-gen recloser at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 (Renewable Energy World) - G&W Electric launches advanced Viper-ST recloser with expanded voltage ratings and smart grid capabilities at DISTRIBUTECH 2025.

• Texas Senate passes bill to establish ‘dispatchable’ power credits trading program (Utility Dive) - Texas Senate passes bill mandating new gas-powered generation credits, potentially limiting renewable energy expansion in ERCOT.

• Bridging Data Gaps in Energy Sector - Research by the University of New Brunswick (Energy Central) - University of New Brunswick research highlights critical need for standardized, accurate energy data to advance smart grid technology and market interconnectivity.

• These six electricity providers were awarded for ‘exceptional’ customer programs, strategies at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 (Renewable Energy World) - Six U.S. electricity providers recognized for innovative customer programs and grid strategies at DISTRIBUTECH 2025 awards.

• Snowy’s delayed gas plant finally enters grid system, as Forrest closes in on gas import terminal (RenewEconomy) - Snowy Hydro's delayed Kurri Kurri gas plant finally enters grid system after two-year setback, amid rising costs and infrastructure challenges.

Indigenous

Indigenous Rights Advance: Court Ruling, Solar Training, and Cultural Resilience Highlight Global Indigenous Empowerment in Climate and Energy Sectors

• A Landmark Decision for Indigenous Rights: The Inter-American Court Protects Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation in Ecuador (EDF) - Inter-American Court Landmark Ruling Protects Indigenous Peoples Living in Voluntary Isolation in Ecuador, Affirming Their Right to Self-Determination and Pristine Territories.

• How a solar job training program changed one woman’s life (Yale Climate Connections) - Native American woman transforms her career through fully funded solar job training program, becoming a solar installer on Wind River Reservation.

• From Connection to Career: The Power of Strong Networks (RMI) - Mentorship and networking propel Melissa Le Blanc from uncertain student to renewable energy professional through the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network.

• India’s Indigenous restaurateurs bring tribal cuisines to the city (Mongabay) - Indigenous restaurateurs in Jharkhand revive traditional tribal cuisines, bringing local ingredients and cultural pride to urban dining.

• In ‘The Battle for Laikipia,’ the human face of resource conflict in Kenya (Mongabay) - Kenyan documentary 'Battle for Laikipia' reveals complex land conflicts between pastoralist Samburu communities and white ranch owners rooted in colonial displacement.

• Join the Mycelium Movement this week and beyond 🌱 (Mycelium Youth Network) - Oakland-based youth organization champions climate resilience, community solidarity, and intergenerational ecological wisdom through grassroots activism and cultural empowerment.

• 17 April 2025: International Day of Peasant Struggles | Call to Action (Via Campesina) - Global peasant movement calls for comprehensive land reform, solidarity with marginalized communities, and resistance against land grabbing on International Day of Peasant Struggles.

• Public Lands are Central To Democracy (The Wildlife News) - Public lands serve as a unifying democratic space that transcends social divisions and brings diverse Americans together through shared natural experiences.

• CGIAR and ICRISAT Drive Gender Equality in South-South Training Program (CGIAR) - International training program empowers 35 participants from 26 countries to integrate gender-responsive approaches in research and development.

Industry

Global hydrogen, critical minerals, and clean energy infrastructure advances drive industrial innovation across renewable technologies, battery manufacturing, and strategic infrastructure development.

• TÜV SÜD to run Aberdeen’s giant green hydrogen testbed (Energy Central) - TÜV SÜD to establish Aberdeen's pioneering green hydrogen testing facility by 2027, transforming the city from oil hub to hydrogen innovation center.

• Cleaner power for California communities: Solving the state’s diesel proliferation problem (Enchanted Rock) - California's critical infrastructure diesel generators pose significant health and environmental risks, with natural gas alternatives offering a cleaner power solution.

• Announcing SOSV’s HAX Demo Days in San Francisco & Newark (SOSV) - HAX Demo Days in San Francisco and Newark showcase 21 deep tech startups across robotics, energy, health, advanced compute, and built environment sectors.

• 173. The politization of Critical Materials - Redefining Energy podcast (Energy Central) - TechMet leads global efforts to develop non-China critical minerals supply chains through strategic investments in lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth metals.

• Murdoch media reports of green hydrogen’s latest failure have been greatly exaggerated, SA govt says (RenewEconomy) - South Australian government refutes Murdoch media's claim of green hydrogen project failure, stating the project was shelved years ago.

• The Future of Batteries Starts with Dry Coating (Addionics) - Dry coating technology promises to revolutionize battery manufacturing by reducing costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact in EV battery production.

• THE FUSION ERA – KF’s Involvement in the LIBRTI Programme (Kyoto Fusioneering) - UK-funded LIBRTI Programme advances critical tritium breeding technologies for sustainable fusion energy development.

• EPA Decimates Grant Program Aimed at Measuring and Reducing Construction Material Emissions (Inside Climate News) - EPA abruptly cancels $116 million in grants aimed at measuring and reducing emissions from construction materials.

• Treating Texas’ Oilfield Wastewater Could Require More Energy Than Most U.S. States (Inside Climate News) - Texas faces massive energy challenge in treating billions of gallons of toxic oilfield wastewater, potentially requiring up to 26 gigawatts of power for treatment.

• Will Texas Become ‘the Epicenter of a National Nuclear Renaissance’? (Inside Climate News) - Texas lawmakers propose $2 billion nuclear power incentive program to position state as national leader in advanced nuclear technology.

• China’s Xinyi Solar To Establish Solar Glass Factory In Egypt (TaiyangNews) - Xinyi Solar plans $700M solar glass factory in Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone, targeting 1.53 million tons annual production capacity.

• Dragonfly Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results (Dragonfly Energy) - Battery technology company reports Q4 2024 revenue growth of 17% despite RV market challenges, targets positive EBITDA in Q4 2025.

• Egypt’s Orascom Joins Spanish Group to Build 3-GW Gas-Fired Plant in Saudi Arabia (Power Mag) - Egypt's Orascom and Spanish partner secure $2.6B contract to build 3-GW gas-fired power plant with carbon capture technology in Saudi Arabia.

Policy

Policy Landscape Shifts: Climate Advocacy, Energy Regulations, and Global Governance Transformations

• VoLo Foundation’s 2025 Climate Correction Conference Spotlights ‘Leaders in Action’ (CLEO Institute) - VoLo Foundation's Climate Correction Conference mobilizes community leaders and activists to drive science-based climate solutions through collaborative workshops and discussions.

• Looking to the future of climate action (CLEO Institute) - Grassroots climate training emphasizes intergenerational advocacy and community-based solutions amid policy challenges.

• It’s time for shipping to launch first global tax on a polluting sector (Climate Change News) - Global shipping industry poised to implement first-ever international carbon levy to fund climate adaptation and reduce maritime emissions.

• Regional Consultation on Resilient Recovery in Africa (UNDRR) - African nations convene to develop resilient recovery strategies amid escalating climate-related disaster risks and limited national capacities.

• As Republicans Prepare Tax Giveaway Package, Oil and Gas Companies Try to Avoid Corporate Minimum Tax (Friends of the Earth) - Republican lawmakers propose tax legislation to help oil and gas companies avoid Biden-era corporate minimum tax.

• Survey: Policymakers concerned over health risks of plastics, see production cuts as solution (Greenpeace) - UN survey reveals policymakers prioritize health risks and production cuts in global plastics treaty negotiations.

• ODOE at 50: Energy Facility Siting (ODOE) - Oregon marks 50 years of energy facility siting, with nearly 10 gigawatts of renewable energy facilities under state jurisdiction and a focus on solar and battery storage projects.

• Ohio’s big utilities fight repeal of scandal-tainted bill riders that cost customers billions of dollars (Energy and Policy Institute) - Ohio's largest utilities fiercely oppose state legislation that would end controversial bill riders costing ratepayers billions in coal plant subsidies and unlawful charges.

• SIGN NOW to stop Big Oil’s get out of jail free card (198methods) - Activists mobilize to prevent fossil fuel companies from obtaining congressional immunity from climate damage lawsuits.

• Australians deserve answers on climate before they vote. Here are five things we still don’t know | Adam Morton (Guardian) - Australian voters demand clarity on critical climate policy gaps, unresolved environmental challenges, and conflicting energy strategies ahead of national election.

• The battle for Glasgow’s Wyndford estate – photo essay (Guardian) - Glasgow's Wyndford estate demolition sparks heated debate over social housing, environmental impact, and urban regeneration.

• Congress Is Searching for Trillions of Dollars in Cuts. Will the Oil Industry’s Tax Breaks Skate By? (Inside Climate News) - Congress explores potential cuts to oil industry tax breaks amid budget pressures, with environmental groups highlighting billions in ongoing fossil fuel subsidies.

• A Dangerous Climate Harms Healthy Children. What About Kids With Cancer? (Moms Clean Air Force) - Climate change poses unique health risks to pediatric cancer patients, necessitating medical training, research, and targeted support strategies.

• Youth Have More Stakes in the Climate Crisis. Let’s Give Them a Permanent Seat at the Table (Earth.org) - Youth climate activists demand meaningful policy participation to address their generation's existential climate challenges and mental health impacts.

• Are Climate Lawfare Activists Trying Their Hand in Pennsylvania (Again)? (Energy Central) - Pennsylvania lawmakers consider bill to study climate change costs, sparking speculation about potential climate litigation strategy.

• Why Democrats joined Trump’s pipeline push (Acadia Center) - Democrats increasingly support natural gas pipeline expansion despite climate concerns, challenging previous regional opposition.

• The Department of Energy’s loan office has a new head (Latitude Media) - Lane Genatowski, former ARPA-E director, takes helm of DOE's $400 billion Loan Programs Office with complex political backdrop.

• Climate+ | Episode 29 | Newsha Ajami @ Berkeley Lab (Energy Central) - Berkeley Lab expert Newsha Ajami discusses critical global water challenges, advocating for innovative nature-based solutions to address climate change, pollution, and resource inequity.

• March Newsletter - Protecting your wallet, news you need to know. (All4Energy) - Louisiana advocacy group challenges Meta's fossil fuel data center plans and fights to protect energy efficiency programs.

• 🌍 The rise of the new joule order #238 (CTVC) - Carlyle report argues energy security, not climate, now drives global energy transition, prioritizing local, less geopolitically volatile resources.

• Adjusting Reality to Match Your Worldview #podcast (BBC) - Cognitive linguist George Lakoff reveals how ideological worldviews can unconsciously filter and distort perception of scientific evidence like climate change.

• Consumer Reports testing finds ‘forever chemicals’ in baby formula (EWG) - Consumer Reports finds PFAS 'forever chemicals' in nearly all tested baby formula brands, raising significant infant health concerns.

• LiveEO | Understanding EUDR Penalties: 10 Business Implications of Non-Compliance (LiveEO) - EU's new Deforestation Regulation imposes strict penalties and market access restrictions for companies failing to prove their products are sourced from deforestation-free lands.

• How Jordan Peterson Became a Global Anti-Net Zero Power Broker (DeSmog) - Jordan Peterson leads a global conservative network opposing net-zero climate policies, leveraging his media platform to challenge international emissions reduction efforts.

• LETTER (SOCAN) - Southern Oregon climate activists highlight local impacts of global warming and need for community understanding of climate change mechanisms.

• The Colorado way delivers with a unanimous vote for a groundbreaking oil and gas methane rule (EDF) - Colorado unanimously adopts groundbreaking methane rule, setting early precedent for phasing out intentionally polluting oil and gas equipment.

• Christians worldwide urged to take legal action on climate crisis (Guardian) - World Council of Churches urges Christians globally to pursue legal action against climate polluters as a moral imperative for planetary protection.

• EDF Files Second Lawsuit for Records about Trump Administration Actions to Undermine Endangerment Finding (EDF) - Environmental Defense Fund files lawsuit to compel federal agencies to disclose records about Trump administration's attempts to undermine climate pollution endangerment finding.

• Regulation loopholes fuel illegal wildlife trade from Latin America to Europe (Mongabay) - Nearly 2,500 animals from 69 species were illegally trafficked from Latin America to Europe between 2017-2023, exploiting regulatory loopholes in wildlife trade.

• Behind the Byline: Voices From Environmental Journalism Release (SEJ) - Society of Environmental Journalists and Green 2.0 to release report exploring diversity and challenges in environmental journalism, highlighting experiences of journalists of color.

• Texas Senate passes bill to upend energy market, spur gas over renewables (Canary Media) - Texas Senate passes bill mandating 50% of new power plant capacity be from dispatchable sources, potentially penalizing renewables and favoring gas-powered generation.

• Indonesians suing pulpwood firms over haze face intimidation, seek human rights protection (Mongabay) - South Sumatran residents seek human rights protection while suing pulpwood companies for recurring haze pollution and environmental damages.

• Power companies would rather not clean their toxic messes. Trump’s EPA is granting their wish. (Grist) - Trump's EPA weakens coal ash cleanup regulations, potentially exposing communities to toxic contamination.

• ‘Alarming’ bill to protect Tasmanian salmon farming could stop communities challenging other projects (Guardian) - Proposed Australian bill could limit community challenges to salmon farming and potentially other environmental projects.

• UK charities urge ministers to stop scapegoating nature for planning failures (Guardian) - UK nature charities challenge government's planning bill, arguing environmental protections are crucial for sustainable growth and public sentiment.

• The Cape Light Compact’s Equity-Centered Model for Solar+Storage+Electrification (Clean Energy Group) - Massachusetts pilot program integrates solar, storage, and electrification to provide equitable home decarbonization for low- and moderate-income households.

• Bilbao, casilla de salida de un nuevo informe del IPCC en el que trabajarán 100 expertos en cambio climático (BC3) - Nearly 100 climate experts gather in Bilbao to develop IPCC methodology for estimating short-lived climate forcers' emissions, targeting 2027 report publication.

• New York Climate Lawfare - Ex Post Facto at its Worst (NYT) - New York passes Climate Change Superfund Act, imposing retroactive fines on fossil fuel companies for alleged climate damage despite limited scientific evidence of direct causation.

• Meet LCV’s New President Pete Maysmith (LCV) - Environmental advocacy organization League of Conservation Voters names Pete Maysmith as new president, succeeding Gene Karpinski after 18-year leadership.

• LAST WEEK: Submit work for 2025 CCNow Awards — deadline March 31! (Covering Climate Now) - Journalism Awards open for entries, seeking exceptional climate reporting across 14 categories with no entry fee and deadline of March 31, 2025.

• New Analysis Shows CA Wildfire Lawsuit Bill Would Crush Consumers And Kill Jobs (Energy Central) - California's proposed wildfire lawsuit bill threatens to increase economic burden on consumers and potentially eliminate jobs in the state.

• Library Attacks Highlight Authoritarian Agenda (CleanTechnica) - US government threatens library funding and intellectual freedom through politically motivated censorship and book bans.

• Texas moves to boost gas, penalize renewables (Canary Media) - Texas lawmakers propose bill to boost gas power generation and penalize renewable energy expansion.

• IRA repeal would increase energy costs, hurt jobs: Energy Innovation (Utility Dive) - IRA repeal would raise household energy costs by $6-9 billion and eliminate nearly 790,000 jobs by 2030, according to Energy Innovation analysis.

• 🌍The rise of the new joule order #238 (CTVC) - Carlyle's report argues energy security, not climate policy, is driving the global transition from Oil Age to Joule Order, with geopolitical tensions accelerating renewable and domestic energy investments.

• What’s next for Greenpeace? (Canary Media) - Greenpeace faces $660 million verdict over Dakota Access pipeline protests, preparing First Amendment challenge to potentially reach Supreme Court.

• National monuments have grown and shrunk under US presidents for over a century thanks to one law: The Antiquities Act (The Conversation) - US presidents have used the Antiquities Act since 1906 to create, expand, and reduce national monuments, reflecting shifting conservation and resource priorities.

• FIJ Webinar: Inside the Investigation — Georgia Gee (SEJ) - Fund for Investigative Journalism webinar to spotlight Georgia Gee's environmental hazards investigation at Florida school, offering journalists insights and resources.

• Time to stop blaming bats and newts for blocking development? A new fund could support nature and ease building delays (The Conversation) - UK government proposes nature restoration fund to balance development and ecological protection while unblocking housing projects.

• Answers to common questions about the EU Omnibus proposal (Watershed) - EU's Omnibus proposal seeks to simplify CSRD reporting requirements, potentially reducing data points and aligning with global standards while delaying implementation timelines.

• BMC Emergency Medicine (PreventionWeb) - Rural hospitals in northern Sweden confront distinctive disaster preparedness challenges stemming from geographic isolation and constrained resources.

• Action Alert: Week of March 24, 2025 (Texas Impact) - Interfaith organization mobilizes diverse religious groups to engage with lawmakers on public policy issues through community education and outreach.

• Texas’ not-so-free market (Canary Media) - Texas Senate passes bill to disrupt energy market, favoring fossil gas over renewables and battery storage.

Renewables

Global Solar Surge: Record 553 GW Installations, Breakthrough Perovskite Modules, and Innovative Floating PV Solutions from Thailand to Brazil, Driven by EGAT, Meridian Energy, Trinasolar, and DAS Solar

• Thailand Launches 205 MW Floating Solar Tender (TaiyangNews) - Thailand's EGAT launches 205 MW floating solar tender at Bhumibol Dam, targeting renewable energy expansion by 2027.

• BESS + Solar Farm + Blueberries = Energy Resilience in New Zealand (CleanTechnica) - Meridian Energy launches 130 MW Ruakākā Solar Farm in New Zealand, integrating battery storage and agrivoltaics to enhance regional energy resilience and sustainability.

• Deep Geothermal Energy Production Progress in Utah (CleanTechnica) - Utah advances deep geothermal energy with FORGE project and Fervo Energy's planned 400-megawatt Cape Station plant, promising continuous clean power generation.

• IEA: Global Solar PV Installations In 2024 Totaled 553 GW (IEA) - Global solar PV installations reached a record 553 GW in 2024, representing 80% of 700 GW new renewable capacity and marking the 22nd consecutive year of renewable energy expansion.

• DAS Floating PV Scenario Solution Pioneers the Symbiosis of Water and Solar (TaiyangNews) - DAS Solar pioneers floating photovoltaic solutions that integrate solar energy generation with water conservation, aquaculture, and ecosystem restoration across diverse aquatic environments.

• PGE touts ‘record high’ production at Clackamas River hydro facilities after modernizations (Renewable Energy World) - PGE achieves record hydropower generation at Clackamas River facilities after modernizing Faraday Powerhouse with more efficient turbines.

• Astronergy Powers 1000MW Solar Thermal + PV Power Station, Boosting Sustainability (TaiyangNews) - Astronergy supplies 417MW of solar modules for China's landmark 1000MW Solar Thermal + PV Power Station, generating 1.86 billion kWh annually with 8-hour storage capability.

• Latin America Solar PV News Snippets: Mondragon Assembly At TaiyangNews Solar Manufacturing Conference & More (TaiyangNews) - Latin American renewable energy landscape expands with solar PV projects, utility investments, and strategic power purchase agreements across multiple countries.

• Andrew Forrest’s Squadron Energy presents another big wind and battery project for federal approval (RenewEconomy) - Andrew Forrest's Squadron Energy proposes 594 MW wind farm and 250 MW battery project near Yass, NSW, seeking federal environmental approval.

• China Solar PV News Snippets: Trinasolar Develops 800W Tandem Module & More (Taiyangnews) - Trinasolar achieves world record with 808W perovskite/silicon tandem solar module, signaling major breakthrough in solar technology innovation.

• IEA: Global energy demand growth accelerates - but increase largely covered by new renewables (IEA) - Global energy demand surged in 2024, with renewables covering the largest share of increased consumption.

• Article Highlight: Some property owners are exploring a new revenue stream by generating energy for the grid. (Solar Landscape) - Commercial real estate owners can generate new revenue streams by leasing rooftop space for solar energy production without upfront capital investment.

• Utilities committee weighs proposals to harness more hydropower for Maine (Renewable Energy World) - Maine legislators explore expanding hydropower capacity and removing renewable energy credit limitations to boost clean energy goals.

• Brazil Exceeds 55 GW Installed Solar PV Capacity (Taiyangnews) - Brazil's solar PV capacity surpasses 55 GW, becoming the second-largest power generation source with 37.4 GW from distributed generation and significant economic impact.

• ETZ Hydrogen Campus | Scotland (Energy Central) - Aberdeen's ETZ Hydrogen Campus plans 15-hectare green hydrogen test facility to support low-carbon hydrogen production and attract high-value manufacturing by 2027.

• Deep ocean wave energy hopeful inches closer to trials in WA waters (RenewEconomy) - Wavex advances deep ocean wave energy technology with innovative D-Spar system through strategic partnerships in Western Australia.

• CorPower Ocean partners with Norwegian university for AI-based wave energy project (Renewable Energy World) - CorPower Ocean leverages AI to enhance wave energy converter performance and reduce operational costs through advanced control strategies.

• Could your roof be community powered? (Bristol Energy Coop) - Community-driven solar initiative aims to triple rooftop solar installations, powering 300 homes annually through collaborative renewable energy projects.

• Japan’s 23rd Solar Auction Selects 5 PV Projects (TaiyangNews) - Japan's 23rd solar auction successfully awarded 93 MW of solar PV projects at significantly lower tariffs, with bids ranging from JPY 4.47 to 6.98 per kWh.

Transport

Pacific Rim EV Innovation: XPENG, Hyundai, NIO, and CATL Drive Zero-Emission Mobility with Strategic Partnerships and Technological Advancements

• March 2025 Newsletter: From Japan to California — shipping goes green and communities demand action (Pacific Environment) - Japan and California collaborate on zero-emission shipping initiatives, advancing maritime decarbonization across the Pacific Rim.

• XPENG Unveils 1st XPENG Tech Center in Asia (CleanTechnica) - XPENG launches first Asian Tech Center in Hong Kong, debuts X9 seven-seater EV, and announces plans for expanding charging network.

• Hyundai Launches IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Blitz While Elon Is Busy Doing Other Stuff (CleanTechnica) - Hyundai launches ambitious $21 billion US robotaxi strategy, partnering with Waymo, Aptiv, and NVIDIA to challenge Tesla's market dominance.

• NIO & CATL Form Strategic Partnership on Battery Swapping (CleanTechnica) - NIO and CATL form strategic partnership to advance battery swapping network, standardize technology, and accelerate electric vehicle industry development.

• Despite Political Headwinds, The Southeast EV Market Accelerates into 2025 (SACE) - Southeast EV market shows robust growth with 38% sales increase and significant manufacturing investments, despite political challenges.

• EV Realty Partners With CALSTART to Scale Fleet Charging Access and Optimize Utilization of Shared Hubs With Demand Aggregation (EV Realty) - Strategic partnership with CALSTART aims to accelerate fleet electrification through shared charging infrastructure and demand aggregation.

• Debunking The Myth: Hydrogen Will Not Dominate The Transportation Sector (CleanTechnica) - Battery electric vehicles and biofuels will dominate transportation, rendering hydrogen fuel cell vehicles economically and technically unviable.

• Tesla Cars Depreciate the Most in USA — But There’s a Catch (CleanTechnica) - Tesla vehicles experience the highest depreciation rates in the US, with Model 3 losing 35.6% value in the first year, largely influenced by EV tax credit dynamics.

• EVs in Brazil (Energy Central) - Brazil faces significant challenges in electric vehicle adoption due to high prices, limited charging infrastructure, and vehicle depreciation.