Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and EV batteries rely on 'forever chemicals' (PFAS), sparking a debate as the EU proposes broad bans while the chemical industry pushes back over climate goals.
NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe admitted mistakes will happen in the accelerated rollout of renewable energy after a consortium destroyed an Aboriginal heritage site near Mudgee. She announced a $1.4 million grant program for farmers in the REZ.
A study reveals that AI-driven productivity gains in the fossil fuel sector generate more planet-heating emissions than the climate benefits they provide to renewables, increasing annual net carbon pollution by 0.47-1.8 gigatonnes.
Malaysian officials Redzuan Abd Rahman and Mohamad Termizi HJ Piee stated that economic ties between Malaysia and South Korea have entered a new phase, offering vast opportunities for South Korean companies to use Malaysia as a gateway to ASEAN.
Cassilis, NSW, experiences increased traffic hazards due to oversized vehicles serving the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The NSW government trials the Rural Intersection Speed Zone (RISZ) system on the Golden Highway to enhance safety by dynamically adjusting speed limits for merging vehicles.
Renewable energy developers in India seek up to ₹3,000 crore in relief due to transmission delays causing 80-90% curtailment of power generation, resulting in significant revenue losses and loan repayment difficulties.
GMB union pushes for recognition at Octopus Energy, a UK renewable energy leader, citing staff desire for unionisation despite company claims of no demand and highlighting shared ownership. The move contrasts with GMB's fossil fuel drilling stance, criticized by climate groups, while Greenpeace UK supports union involvement in the low-carbon transition.
Energy minister Chris Bowen announced that the federal government will use commonwealth legislation to override state opposition and mandate that new AI datacentres run on renewable energy while banning gas-fuelled facilities.
TotalEnergies will acquire around four gigawatts of renewable energy production from Shell in Italy, the Netherlands, Britain, and Spain, and will sell a stake in a separate portfolio to US firm KKR.
Australian political updates covering Energy Minister Chris Bowen's solar scheme expansion, delayed migration policy speeches by Tony Burke, debates over gambling advertising legislation, and tax changes.
India's Private Equity-Venture Capital investments hit $20.3 billion in Jan-July 2026, a 6% dip from last year, with July 2026 investments flat. Brookfield's Lumara led July deals. Venture Intelligence founder Arun Natarajan notes continued investor faith despite global challenges, with optimism from recent healthy exits.
Shanghai-based RedNote plans a 600MW data center project in Ulanqab, China, with a budget of around 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion). The company is in talks with VNET for the buildout, targeting delivery in Q1 2027, as China encourages private investment in computing infrastructure.
Australia, a leader in domestic solar and battery adoption, now targets industrial-scale, ultra-low-cost solar through ARENA's 30-30-30 initiative, aiming for 30% efficient panels at 30 cents per watt by 2030 to drive new industries like green hydrogen and critical minerals processing.
A detailed Australian survey reveals organised anti-wind and solar campaigns have successfully eroded community support, while enthusiasm for electric vehicles surged following Donald Trump's attack on Iran. Despite this, home batteries and rooftop solar maintain high 'deep support'
Solar Impulse 2 completed the first fuel-free round-the-world flight in July 2016, demonstrating that advanced engineering and solar energy could power an aircraft across continents. The 40,000 km journey, lasting 16 months with 16 stopovers, showcased clean-energy technology in aviation.
Scientists from the Czech Republic, backed by NATO, are testing giant Miscanthus grass to naturally restore Ukraine's fertile black soil, which has been damaged and polluted by years of war. Early findings suggest the fast-growing plant can remove pollutants and improve soil health for future farming.
Czech researchers, backed by NATO, are testing giant Miscanthus grass near Most and in Ukraine's Vorzel to naturally remove pollutants and restore fertility in war-damaged soil, with early findings showing positive effects on soil health and carbon sequestration.
Meta has exited the RE100 renewable energy initiative after a decade, a move confirmed by the company and the Climate Group. This departure follows Meta's significant investments in natural gas power plants to fuel its AI data centers, raising scrutiny over its commitment to "100% clean and renewable energy" despite purchasing environmental attribute certificates.
전남 해남군이 RE100 국가산단 지정과 재생에너지 자립도시 조성을 위한 미래산업 전략을 추진하며, 솔라시도 지역의 국가산단 지정 및 특별법 제정을 산업통상자원부에 건의했다.
Britain's largest community solar project in north Devon has been forced to shut for its first summer due to concerns it could overload the local grid with renewable energy. The shutdown is expected to cost its 10,000 members £2m in lost revenue.
A salmon farm in Chile's Los Lagos region replaced diesel generators with floating solar panels. The project cut diesel use by over 36,000 gallons annually and reduced emissions by 386 tonnes, while also creating a quieter, shaded environment that attracted thousands of salmon.
A salmon farm in Chile's Los Lagos region replaced diesel generators with floating solar panels, significantly reducing emissions and fuel use. The project also created a quieter, shaded environment, attracting thousands of salmon seeking shelter.
The AI boom is driving massive demand for energy, leading to a resurgence in fossil fuels. Renewable energy advocates are pushing for data centers to be powered by clean sources, facing challenges as wind and solar construction can't keep pace with demand. Several states are enacting legislation to ensure data centers meet renewable energy benchmarks.
Hanwha Qcells will manage the EPC for 14 solar and energy storage projects in Arizona's Atlas Energy Park. The complex will have 2.8 GW solar and 5.7 GWh storage capacity by 2028, with Hanwha supplying all solar modules.
