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Global Solar Capacity Exceeds 3 Terawatts, China Leads Expansion Amidst Shifting Dynamics

Global Solar Capacity Exceeds 3 Terawatts, China Leads Expansion Amidst Shifting Dynamics

The world has surpassed 3 terawatts (TW) of installed solar capacity, marking a significant milestone in the rapid growth of photovoltaic energy. According to BloombergNEF (BNEF), it took approximately 10 years for global solar capacity to increase from 100 GW in 2012 to 1 TW. The second terawatt was added in less than three years, and the third terawatt was achieved in under two years. This acceleration is expected to continue, with BNEF projecting global solar capacity to exceed 9 TW by 2036. China has been the primary driver of this growth, combining rapid deployment of solar capacity with large-scale manufacturing, which has helped reduce technology costs globally. While developed countries accounted for most of the first terawatt, China has led the expansion for the second and third terawatts. Solar adoption is also expanding to countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines, and the number of countries with at least 1 GW of installed solar capacity increased from 42 in 2020 to 74 in 2025.

Voorhees Township Landfill to Transform into 13.5-Acre Solar Field

Voorhees Township Landfill to Transform into 13.5-Acre Solar Field

A former landfill in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, which has been closed for over 50 years since 1972, is slated for transformation into a 13.5-acre solar field. This project is part of New Jersey's Community Solar Energy Program, designed to expand access to renewable energy and reduce utility bills for residents. The solar panels are expected to cover approximately half of the 35-acre property. Upon completion, more than half of the energy generated by this solar field will be specifically allocated to low- and moderate-income households, according to a township administrator. The program allows households using the state's four major electricity providers to subscribe to a participating solar facility and receive renewable credits on their bills without needing to install solar panels on their own properties.

Global Solar Capacity Exceeds 3 Terawatts, Driven by Rapid Expansion and China's Leadership

Global Solar Capacity Exceeds 3 Terawatts, Driven by Rapid Expansion and China's Leadership

The world has surpassed 3 terawatts (TW) of installed solar capacity, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of photovoltaic energy. According to BloombergNEF (BNEF), it took approximately 10 years for global solar capacity to grow from 100 GW in 2012 to 1 TW. The second terawatt was added in less than three years, and the third terawatt was achieved in under two years. This rapid acceleration is expected to continue, with BNEF projecting global solar capacity to exceed 9 TW by 2036. China has been the primary driver of this growth, combining rapid deployment of solar capacity with large-scale manufacturing, which has helped reduce technology costs globally. While developed countries led the initial expansion, solar is now reaching new markets, with countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and the Philippines experiencing strong growth, particularly in rooftop solar installations.

Northern Ireland's Renewable Energy Growth Stalls Due to Grid Capacity Issues

Northern Ireland's Renewable Energy Growth Stalls Due to Grid Capacity Issues

Northern Ireland's progress in adopting renewable energy has stagnated since 2020, despite nearly 50% of its electricity coming from renewable sources in 2025. The primary obstacle is not a lack of renewable generation capacity, but rather significant limitations in the electricity grid's ability to transmit and store this energy. In 2024, renewable generators were curtailed 30% of the time because the grid could not absorb their output, leading to wasted energy. The existing North South Interconnector is at full capacity, preventing the transfer of surplus renewable energy to the Republic of Ireland and increasing reliance on gas-fired power stations for baseload power. Plans for a new interconnector, initially proposed in 2006, are now delayed until 2031, further exacerbating the issue. The domestic grid also suffers from underinvestment, a lack of forward planning, and a skills gap, hindering the efficient movement of electricity from generation points to demand centers, particularly in wind-rich areas.

Japan Implements Advanced Climate Adaptation Strategies Amidst Extreme Heat and Rainfall

Japan Implements Advanced Climate Adaptation Strategies Amidst Extreme Heat and Rainfall

Japan is experiencing severe weather conditions this summer, including extreme heat reaching 102.4 degrees Fahrenheit (39.1°C) and torrential rainfall that caused significant disruption and fatalities in Chiba Prefecture. In response, the Japanese government has introduced 'cruelly hot day' warnings and strengthened workplace heatstroke-prevention rules. These regulations mandate employers to establish reporting, cooling, and medical-response procedures. Companies are adapting by shifting construction work schedules to cooler hours, installing air-conditioned rest areas, and providing cooling garments, salt tablets, fans, and heat-monitoring devices to workers. Additionally, Japan is increasingly utilizing robots in agriculture to compensate for its shrinking workforce, a strategy that also offers the advantage of having workers immune to heat-related issues.

U.S. Air Force Transforms Mojave Desert Land into Massive Solar Project

U.S. Air Force Transforms Mojave Desert Land into Massive Solar Project

In 2018, the U.S. Air Force initiated a 35-year lease for underutilized desert land located at Edwards Air Force Base in California. This land, previously used for aircraft testing, has since been transformed into a significant clean energy facility. The Edwards Sanborn solar project now hosts nearly 1.9 million solar panels, generating a substantial amount of clean energy. This initiative repurposes federal land that was not being fully utilized, aligning with broader efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure within the United States. The project demonstrates a strategic shift in how federal assets can contribute to national energy goals, converting barren landscapes into productive energy sources.

Study Reveals Mineral-Rich Diets in Early Modern to Modern Urban Japan Through Hair Analysis

Study Reveals Mineral-Rich Diets in Early Modern to Modern Urban Japan Through Hair Analysis

A study utilizing elemental analysis of human hair preserved in historical book covers has revealed that urban populations in early modern to modern Japan consumed diets significantly richer in minerals compared to contemporary diets. The research, published in Nature, found elevated concentrations of elements such as chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) in historical hair samples. These findings were consistent across various locations, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, despite the relatively simple diets dominated by C3 staples like rice and wheat, with marine fish as the primary nitrogen source. The study suggests that factors beyond dietary diversity, such as food processing, preservation, and preparation methods, as well as everyday material practices, played a crucial role in the higher mineral availability during these periods. For instance, high Cl levels are attributed to salt preservation techniques, while elevated Pb is linked to non-...

Voorhees Township Transforms Former Landfill into Community Solar Farm, Boosting Renewable Energy Access

Voorhees Township Transforms Former Landfill into Community Solar Farm, Boosting Renewable Energy Access

Voorhees Township in Camden County, New Jersey, is converting a long-dormant landfill into a 13.5-acre solar array as part of the state's Community Solar Energy Program. This initiative aims to generate renewable energy and reduce utility costs for local residents. The 35-acre landfill on Centennial Boulevard, which ceased operations in 1972, has remained undeveloped due to its prior use. Now, approximately half of the property will be covered by solar panels, following approval from the Voorhees Township Planning Board. The project is one of over 200 solar initiatives in New Jersey's Community Solar Energy Program, which allows households to subscribe to solar facilities for renewable energy credits without installing panels themselves. A key aspect of the program is its mandate to reserve a majority of the generated energy for low- and moderate-income households, who often face barriers to installing their own solar systems.

Wildfire Smoke Poses New Challenges for U.S. Power Sector

Wildfire Smoke Poses New Challenges for U.S. Power Sector

Wildfire smoke is emerging as a significant challenge for the U.S. power sector, particularly in the West, where solar energy is a growing source of electricity. According to a report by the Insurance Journal (published on August 17, 2026), smoke from wildfires can reduce solar energy output by scattering and absorbing sunlight, which is critical for photovoltaic panels. During California's 2020 wildfire season, solar resources near major fires dropped by 11% to 17% for global horizontal irradiance (GHI) and by 32% to 42% for direct normal irradiance (DNI). This reduction in solar output coincides with periods of high electricity demand due to heatwaves, creating a dual challenge for grid operators. Additionally, wildfire smoke complicates solar forecasting and increases stress on transmission systems, which are essential for transporting renewable energy over long distances.

Illinois Maintains Consistent Statewide Solar Incentives Amidst Regional Variations in 2026

Illinois Maintains Consistent Statewide Solar Incentives Amidst Regional Variations in 2026

In 2026, Illinois continues to offer a consistent framework of solar incentives across the state, including the Illinois Shines program, utility-specific net metering rules, and a property tax exemption. Despite these statewide programs, regional differences primarily affect project timelines and costs due to factors like denser rooflines, tree shade, and stricter local permitting in areas such as the Chicago Metro and ComEd suburbs. Downstate Ameren Illinois communities, conversely, often benefit from more open, south-facing roof areas. The cost of solar installations in Illinois generally ranges from $2.60 to $3.10 per watt before incentives, with typical systems for most homes falling between 8 to 11 kilowatts, costing $21,000 to $34,000. The Illinois Shines program, administered by the Illinois Power Agency, is a significant incentive, generating Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that installers sell on behalf of homeowners, often as an upfront payment. Net metering is mandated by state law for bo...

Boulder County Landowners Offered $15,000 Annually to Host Large Battery Energy Storage Systems

Boulder County Landowners Offered $15,000 Annually to Host Large Battery Energy Storage Systems

Developers in Boulder County are offering landowners $15,000 per year to host large battery energy storage systems (BESS) on their property. These BESS units, which are roughly the size of shipping containers, are designed to store electricity during periods of low demand and release it back into the grid when demand is high. This initiative is part of Xcel Energy's first attempt to acquire commercial batteries at scale, aiming to ease pressure on the utility’s distribution system and improve overall grid performance. The search for suitable properties is focused on areas with sufficient open space and access to specific points on Xcel’s distribution network where these systems would be most beneficial. A 2024 state law, Senate Bill 24-207, mandates that investor-owned utilities like Xcel Energy acquire at least 50 megawatts of dispatchable distributed generation paired with energy storage by June 1, 2026, and an additional 50 megawatts between January 1 and June 1, 2027. While these offers support the tra...

Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind energy continues to grow in the United States, with Texas leading as the state with the most operational wind turbines. In 2025, wind power accounted for 10.5% of the nation's total net electricity generation. Oklahoma has also made significant strides, with the Traverse Wind Energy Center, featuring 356 turbines and a capacity of 999 MW, becoming the state's largest wind farm. California, while historically a leader in wind energy, now lags behind Great Plains states like Iowa and Oklahoma due to their stronger winds and open landscapes. Analysts predict steady growth in both onshore and offshore wind energy, contributing to the decline of coal and reducing reliance on natural gas.