LAUDES-U.S. cities drive energy transition despite Trump resistance
The U.S. By Carey L. Mayors report that many cities still have a long way to go in improving building efficiency, electrifying cars and neighborhoods, training employees for new energy jobs, and designing for tomorrow. Keith Wilson, the mayor of Oregon's biggest city, said that cities like Portland don't wait for federal permission before taking action on climate change.
Abby Ross Hopper will retire as the top US solar lobbyist in 2019.
The organization announced in a Tuesday statement that the longtime leader of the U.S. top solar industry trade group would step down at the end of next year. Abigail Ross Hopper, the president and CEO at Solar Energy Industries Association will be leaving her position on January 30, 2019. SEIA is currently searching for her replacement. Hopper's resignation after nine years in the top position of the U.S.
China's fossil fuelled power production fell 5.4% in September
Statistics Bureau data released on Monday showed that China's fossil fuelled power production fell by 5.4% in September compared to the same period last year as hydropower output soared. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the total thermal power production in September was 517.5 billion Kilowatt-hours. This was also lower than the 627.4 kWh thermal output in August when it surged to its highest level in decades.
Minister: France will not abandon the climate goals of the World Bank
Eleonore Caoit, France's new development minister, said that France would continue to press the World Bank for its climate finance agenda in spite of the pressure from the Trump administration to abandon it. Caroit, speaking to reporters at the World Bank's and International Monetary Fund's annual meetings in Washington, said that efforts to combat climate…
Indian solar firms re-engineering their supply chains to avoid US tariffs
Executives report that Indian solar manufacturers are recalibrating supply chains in order to gain access to the lucrative United States markets and to offset higher tariffs. On August 27, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs up to 50 percent on the majority of exports coming from India. These are among the highest rates for any U.S. trade partner.
Waaree, a leading Indian manufacturer of solar products, expands in the US despite a trade probe
Waaree Energies is India's top solar module maker and wants to expand in the largest economy of the world despite a trade investigation that's ongoing, said a company official on Friday. Customs officials in the United States are investigating whether Waaree Energies evaded tariffs by labeling Chinese-made panels and cells as being made in India. The company denies this charge.
East Timor is expecting construction of the first large solar power plant to begin next year
East Timor's state utility chair said that construction on its first large-scale solar power plant will begin in 2026, and it should be operational a few months later. This will help the country reduce expensive diesel imports. Itochu Corp. of Japan and Electricite de France will develop a 72-megawatt photovoltaic power plant in Manatuto and a battery energy storage system of 36-MW.
States sue Trump to stop cancellation of $7 Billion Solar Grant Program
According to court documents, nearly two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling a $7 billion grant aimed at increasing solar energy in low income communities. In a Thursday statement, California Attorney-General Rob Bonta announced that a group states who received grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All Program have filed two lawsuits.
States sue Trump to stop cancellation of $7 billion solar grant program
According to court documents, nearly two dozen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for canceling a $7 billion grant aimed at increasing solar energy in low income communities. In a Thursday statement, California Attorney-General Rob Bonta announced that two lawsuits were filed by a group states who received grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All Program.
Cox, a Spanish company, plans to invest $6.4 billion in Mexico through 2028.
Cox, a Spanish energy company, announced on Thursday that it will invest 5.5 billion euro ($6.4 billion) through 2028 in renewable energy and water. Almost half of the investment will be in Mexico. Moreno stated on Thursday that up to 80% will be funded by debt, and the remainder with equity. Cox will contribute approximately 60% of equity while international investors will provide the remainder in exchange for preferred securities.
Report: Global renewable energy growth is still short of climate targets despite record global growth
Globally, renewable energy capacity reached a record high in 2016, but countries still fell short of the U.N. goal of tripled capacity by 2030. This was revealed by a report released by global renewable groups on Tuesday. At the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, 2023, more than 100 countries agreed to triple their renewable energy capacity in 2030 in order to achieve global climate targets.
EDP accelerates solar and battery projects in Australia following government awards
The Portuguese utility EDP said that it expects to speed up its solar and storage battery projects in Australia, after receiving government awards for revenue generation over the long term. EDP Renewables Australia, a subsidiary of EDP, was awarded two generation revenue schemes through the government's Capacity Investment Scheme. These projects will add over 1.7 gigawatts to the energy mix in Australia by adding solar and battery storage.
South Africa coal heartland is home to a small solar city
Even though the locals are coughing up grey smog, coal keeps them at work, heats their homes during winter, and cooks dinner. Now, however, things are slowly beginning to change. South Africa, one of the largest coal exporters in the world, has launched a plan that will wean itself off coal pollution and embrace green industries to create jobs. Solar bricks…
Germany launches a 6 billion euro industrial decarbonisation programme, including CCS technology
Katherina Reiche, German Economy Minister, announced a funding initiative of 6 billion euros ($7 billion), aimed at decarbonising industrial processes. This is the first time that CCS technology has been incorporated into climate protection contracts in the country. The program targets sectors that are energy-intensive, such as steel, glass, chemicals, and cement…
Solar groups sue Trump Administration over cancellation of $7 billion in grants
On Monday, a group of labor unions as well as nonprofits and solar companies filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its cancellation of an $7 billion grant program from Biden's era that was intended to increase solar energy in low-income areas. The complaint filed in federal courts in Rhode Island alleges that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…
Solar groups sue Trump Administration over cancellation of $7 billion in grants
On Monday, a group of labor unions as well as nonprofits and solar companies filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its cancellation of an $7 billion grant program from Biden's era that was intended to increase solar energy in low-income areas. The complaint filed in federal courts in Rhode Island alleges that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency…
IEA reduces renewables forecast as US policy changes and China auction reforms weigh
The International Energy Agency cut its forecast of renewable power growth in 2030 by 900 Gigawatts compared to last year, citing weaker prospects for the United States and China. Solar power, however, continues to lead record additions. The data shows that the global renewable power capacity will now rise by 4,600GW by 2030, down from the forecast of 5,500GW in 2024. Solar accounts for about 80%. The IEA's U.S.
Solar industry in Spain warns about price threats to energy transition
The number of hours in which solar power prices were zero or negative has increased this year, a sign that the supply is exceeding demand, and producers are forced to pay for power offloading or to stop their plants. This trend could threaten Spain's move to green energy. UNEF reported that between January and September of this year, solar energy producers experienced 693 hours with negative or zero electricity prices…
Chinese solar glass manufacturer Haikong Sanxin files for bankruptcy
Haikong Sanxin New Energy Materials, a solar glass manufacturer, will file for bankruptcy in order to reduce mounting losses. This is the latest indication of the financial problems facing the Chinese solar industry, which accounts for around 80% global production. Haikong Sanxin reported a loss of 194.5 Yuan ($27.3 million) from January to June 2025, and 659 Million Yuan in debt.
One of India's largest solar companies says that the US market is not worth the risk.
Saatvik Green Energy is one of India's largest solar module manufacturers by capacity. It said that it will no longer be pursuing the once promising U.S. market because it is not "worth the risks" due to the complex tariff issue. According to analysts and industry officials, the United States is India’s largest overseas market. It accounts for 90% of its module exports. Prashant P.