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Planning Inspectorate Approves Craghead Solar Farm After Initial Rejection

Planning Inspectorate Approves Craghead Solar Farm After Initial Rejection

The Planning Inspectorate has overturned a previous decision by the Durham County Council to reject a proposed 58-hectare solar farm in Craghead. The initial rejection was based on concerns that the solar farm would significantly deteriorate the recreational use of the land and harm the character and appearance of the countryside. Objectors, including local equestrian businesses, argued that the solar farm would negatively impact the welfare of horses and reduce the usability of grazing land. Despite these concerns, the Planning Inspectorate concluded that the benefits of renewable energy production outweighed the potential harms. The solar farm, developed by Ampyr Solar Europe, is expected to generate enough electricity to power over 12,800 homes.
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Clean Energy Stripes Visualization Highlights Shift from Fossil Fuels

Clean Energy Stripes Visualization Highlights Shift from Fossil Fuels

A new data visualization tool called 'Clean Energy Stripes' has been developed to illustrate the daily competition between low-emitting energy sources and fossil fuels in electricity grids. Inspired by the 'warming stripes' created by climate scientist Ed Hawkins, this visualization uses color-coded stripes to represent days when clean energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro outperformed fossil fuels. The tool aims to make the progress of clean energy more tangible and immediate by showing the daily margin between low-emitting and fossil generation. The visualization is available under a Creative Commons license, allowing anyone to create similar graphics using national or subnational data.
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Efforts to Decarbonize U.S. Factories Face Economic Challenges

Efforts to Decarbonize U.S. Factories Face Economic Challenges

Efforts to Decarbonize U.S. Factories Face Economic Challenges
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China's Solar Capacity to Surpass Coal, Marking Shift in Energy Landscape

China's Solar Capacity to Surpass Coal, Marking Shift in Energy Landscape

China is on the verge of a significant energy milestone as its installed solar power capacity is set to surpass coal-fired generation capacity this quarter. As of the end of June, solar power capacity in China stood at 1,274 gigawatts (GW), nearly matching the coal-fired capacity of 1,275 GW. This development is part of China's broader strategy to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. In the first half of 2026, the share of coal in China's electricity output fell below 50% for the first time, averaging 49.7%. Concurrently, renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, accounted for 41.2% of the total electricity generation, with wind and solar alone contributing nearly 25%. This shift is driven by China's policy to boost non-fossil power sources, as highlighted by the China Electricity Council (CEC).
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Global Renewable Energy Generation Sees Record Growth in 2024

Global Renewable Energy Generation Sees Record Growth in 2024

According to the Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable electricity generation increased by 9.8% in 2024, a significant rise compared to 2023. Renewables accounted for 31.7% of global electricity generation, totaling 9,836 terawatt hours (TWh). Asia led the growth with a 14.3% increase, producing 4,589 TWh, driven by solar and wind energy. Europe, North America, and South America also saw increases of 7.2%, 5.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. The Middle East experienced the highest regional growth rate at 17.3%. Despite a slight decline in the share of renewables in total capacity expansion from 92.7% in 2024 to 85.7% in 2025, IRENA emphasized that renewable energy deployment continues to outpace non-renewable sources.
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Bill McKibben Highlights Clean Energy as Key to Cooling the Earth

Bill McKibben Highlights Clean Energy as Key to Cooling the Earth

In a TED Talk, environmentalist Bill McKibben emphasized the critical role of clean energy in addressing climate change. He noted that the cost of clean energy has significantly decreased, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels. McKibben described this period as a narrow window of opportunity to transition to sustainable energy sources and mitigate the effects of global warming. He highlighted the potential of solar energy as a key solution, referring to it as 'energy from heaven, not from hell.'
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EU Renewable Targets Could Reduce Gas Demand by 25% by 2030

EU Renewable Targets Could Reduce Gas Demand by 25% by 2030

The European Union (EU) is on track to significantly reduce its natural gas demand by 2030 if it meets its renewable energy targets, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The EU aims to install at least 4 million heat pumps, 75 gigawatts of solar, and 22 gigawatts of wind capacity annually over the next five years. Achieving these targets could cut gas demand by a quarter, equivalent to twice the volume of LNG imports from Qatar. Despite progress, the EU is still behind its 2030 renewable energy target of 42.5%, requiring a substantial increase in renewable energy adoption.
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Global Shift Towards Solar Energy as Consumers Seek Independence from Fossil Fuels

Global Shift Towards Solar Energy as Consumers Seek Independence from Fossil Fuels

A recent survey by Ipsos Energy Transition Barometer reveals a growing global preference for solar energy over fossil fuels. The survey, conducted across 31 countries, indicates that 60% of people support energy independence, driven by concerns over volatile global markets and geopolitical tensions. The Global Solar Council has partnered with the Global Covenant of Mayors to promote residential rooftop solar and storage in 14,000 cities worldwide. This initiative aims to provide households with energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
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Europe Prepares for Solar Eclipse with Expanded Battery Storage Capacity

Europe Prepares for Solar Eclipse with Expanded Battery Storage Capacity

Europe is set to experience a solar eclipse on August 12, which will test the continent's expanded battery storage capacity. Over the past year, Europe's battery fleet has doubled to 29 gigawatts, a significant increase aimed at supporting the grid during periods of reduced solar generation. The eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse affecting most of Europe. This event follows a similar test in Texas in 2024, where natural gas plants compensated for the loss of solar power. Europe's approach relies on renewable energy and battery storage, marking a shift from traditional fossil fuel-based solutions.
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Germany Achieves Milestone as Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels

Germany Achieves Milestone as Wind and Solar Surpass Fossil Fuels

Germany has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition, with wind and solar power generating more electricity than fossil fuels for the first time. In 2025, wind and solar accounted for 44% of Germany's electricity, surpassing the 43% generated by fossil fuels. This achievement is part of Germany's 'Energiewende' initiative, aimed at increasing renewable energy use and phasing out coal and nuclear power. The country has already shut down its last nuclear plants and plans to eliminate coal power by 2038. Efforts to streamline permitting processes and prioritize renewable energy projects have facilitated this transition.
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Natural Gas Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Health and Environmental Claims

Natural Gas Industry Faces Scrutiny Over Health and Environmental Claims

Recent reports have cast doubt on the natural gas industry's claims of being a clean and affordable energy source. A study from Ohio highlights the health risks associated with indoor gas use, particularly its link to childhood asthma. The study found that replacing gas stoves with electric alternatives significantly reduced asthma symptoms, suggesting that gas stoves contribute to respiratory issues. Additionally, the natural gas industry has been criticized for its long-standing public relations efforts to position gas as a 'bridge fuel' to a renewable energy future, despite evidence of its environmental impact. The industry's narrative has been challenged by findings that methane leaks from fracking make natural gas no cleaner than coal. Furthermore, a report from Oil Change International indicates that the cost of natural gas is set to rise as easily accessible reserves are depleted, contradicting claims of its affordability.
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California's Solar Panel Canal Project Aims to Address Water and Land Scarcity

California's Solar Panel Canal Project Aims to Address Water and Land Scarcity

California has launched Project Nexus, an innovative initiative to cover irrigation canals with solar panels in Stanislaus County. This pilot project aims to generate 1.6 MW of clean electricity while addressing land scarcity and water loss. By installing solar arrays over existing water canals, the project not only conserves land but also reduces water evaporation by up to 70% and decreases aquatic weed growth by 85%. The flowing water beneath the panels helps cool them, enhancing their efficiency. This dual-purpose infrastructure is seen as a potential model for maximizing clean energy generation while preserving natural resources.