Thursday, August 6 2026 Climate Solutions Update

India’s PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana has successfully expanded solar access to over 5 million households, achieving a cumulative capacity of 14.8 GW in just over two years. The program, backed by $8.6 billion in funding, adds approximately 100,000 households every six days, resulting in nearly 1.9 million households reporting zero electricity bills, with over 1.2 million households also generating income from selling surplus electricity. Meanwhile, Australia’s Federal Energy Minister has announced an expansion of the small-scale renewable energy scheme (SRES), expected to commence on 1 October 2026. This initiative could potentially add 80 GW of solar energy and deliver up to AUD 39.7 billion in gross energy-system benefits annually, supported by a AUD 2 billion subsidy aimed at reducing installation costs.

The European Union’s transition to renewable energy, accelerated following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, is projected to see renewables account for 30% of electricity supply by 2025. This transition has led to a €72 billion reduction in fossil fuel imports, primarily through the displacement of coal and gas generation. Additionally, the launch of Transperth’s largest electric vehicle bus depot in Perth underscores the need for a comprehensive electrical strategy to support the integration of electric buses within Western Australia’s growing electrification plans.

Places mentioned in this update: Australia, Bay Area, California, Germany, India, Italy, Perth, Spain, US, Western Australia, Yellowstone