Australia's Federal Energy Minister has announced the expansion of the small-scale renewable energy scheme (SRES) from 100 kW to 1 MW, aiming to support mid-scale solar and unlock the potential of commercial rooftops. The changes will allow for upfront, deemed certificates for new installations and expansions, reducing installation costs by about 20%. The expanded SRES, expected to commence from 1 October 2026, could add an extra 80 GW in solar energy, delivering up to AUD 39.7 billion in gross energy-system benefits annually. Additionally, a government subsidy of AUD 2 billion could result in lower electricity prices, reduced grid pressure, and the potential for 63.3 GW of C&I rooftop solar and 28.7 GW of battery capacity in Australia, helping bridge the gap in the country's energy transition and cutting emissions by 21.88 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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European Countries Cut Tens of Billions of Euros of Fossil Fuel Imports from Wind & Solar Power Growth
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union accelerated its plans to increase renewable energy capacity, resulting in wind and solar power making up 30% of electricity supply by 2025. This shift displaced coal and gas power, with gas generation falling by 15% and coal by 38%. The rapid deployment of wind and solar power saved the EU €72bn in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, with the largest savings coming from Germany, Spain, and Italy. This shift highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign nations and mitigate climate change.
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City’s rollout of electric ferries and electric buses is working, but the grid planning must catch up
Transperth has completed its largest EV bus depot in Perth, with 56 dual chargers and 112 plugs, raising questions about fitting electrification into whole-of-government net zero transition plans. The retrofit process involves assessing grid connection, upgrading substations, installing chargers, and rebuilding yards, highlighting the need for a network-wide electrical strategy for future electrification demand. The article discusses challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a more sustainable energy system in Western Australia, emphasizing the importance of precinct scale electrification planning. The disciplined approach taken by the WA transport minister in gradually transitioning the fleet to electric vehicles and building depot capacity ahead of demand is praised, but a more comprehensive and forward-looking energy planning approach at a precinct level is needed for long-term sustainability.
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As Musk plans to send Ai into orbit, Bowen positions Australia to be an Earth-based data superpower
Australia's focus on renewable energy and the potential for data centers to be powered by sources like wind and solar farms could position the country as a renewable energy superpower. With stable regulations and abundant resources, Australia could attract AI developers and accelerate its energy transition. Building AI data centers in Australia not only reduces emissions and lessens dependence on the transmission network but also attracts talent, fosters partnerships, and supports policy objectives. The broader goal is to position Australia as an active participant in shaping the future of AI while achieving its renewable energy targets.
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Romania’s solar capacity exceeds 8.5 GW
Romania has rapidly increased its solar capacity, with 1.8 GW added since January, bringing the total to over 8.5 GW. The country is on track to reach its 2030 solar target of 10 GW by 2027, driven by factors such as good irradiation levels, a supportive renewable energy framework, and available funding opportunities. Solar now accounts for the largest share of Romania's energy system, providing a reliable source of power during extreme conditions like droughts. Romania plans to replace its solar rebate scheme with support for prosumers installing batteries in the near future, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable energy practices and aligning with global efforts to increase renewable energy adoption and reduce carbon emissions. The country is also investing in battery energy storage systems to further strengthen its resilience.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/04/romanias-solar-capacity-exceeds-8-5-gw/
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$700M microgrid bill has state energy office, electrical manufacturer support
A bill introduced in the Senate, known as the STRONG GRID Act, aims to bolster the adoption of microgrids by providing funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and state grants. This legislation seeks to make microgrids eligible for funding under state energy program grants and establish state-run grid resilience programs, emphasizing the importance of modernizing the electric grid. The bill would direct funding towards projects demonstrating microgrid capabilities, including providing ancillary grid services, aggregating distributed energy resources, and implementing advanced cybersecurity systems. Sen. Peter Welch and GridWise Alliance CEO Karen Wayland highlight the significance of microgrids in enhancing grid resilience and protecting communities from reliability risks, particularly in high-risk areas where traditional infrastructure upgrades can be time-consuming.
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The Fast Lane: 3 Ways Geothermal Companies Can Get More Heat
Geothermal energy has enormous potential for generating power, with advancements in drilling technologies and high-temperature alternators making it more efficient and cost-effective. Technologies like heat-resistant sensors and the GEOPHIRES modeling tool are helping developers assess the economic potential of geothermal projects and improve monitoring capabilities. By accessing licensable technologies from U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, companies can enhance their operations and maximize profits. The focus on critical minerals research and tools like GEOPHIRES are key for understanding the long-term economic benefits of geothermal energy, making it a reliable and profitable solution for clean energy production.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/04/the-fast-lane-3-ways-geothermal-companies-can-get-more-heat/
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Clean energy offers least-cost path to meeting US electricity demand
Peak electricity demand in the United States is projected to increase by 24% by 2030, driven by data centers, industrial growth, and electrification. A report from Electricity and Energy Innovation (EEI) suggests that meeting this demand with clean energy is more cost-effective than with fossil fuels. The report compares two scenarios, one with increased fossil fuel use and one with accelerated deployment of clean energy, finding that the clean energy approach would save $5 billion annually by 2030. The clean energy scenario also provides a hedge against fuel price volatility and uncertainty in demand growth. States like Illinois and Indiana are taking steps to remove barriers to clean energy acceleration, such as improving permitting processes and addressing interconnection challenges. Utilities are urged to validate cost inputs against market data and consider source procurement to optimize resource utilization. Overall, clean energy confidence remains high despite challenges in the energy sector.
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Spain has the tools to lead in floating wind – now it must seize its chance
Spain has the potential to lead in floating offshore wind energy, providing energy security, industrial independence, and economic and social benefits to local communities. To maximize these benefits, the government must act swiftly on the upcoming auction round. Juan de Dios López Leiva of the Spanish Wind Energy Association stresses the importance of seizing this opportunity for Spain to become a leader in floating wind technology.
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Virginia lays groundwork to combine more solar with farming
Climate solutions experts need to be aware of the latest advancements in renewable energy technology, such as solar and wind power, as well as the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels. It is crucial for experts to collaborate with policymakers and businesses to implement sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, investing in carbon capture and storage technologies can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of climate change. Overall, a comprehensive approach that combines renewable energy sources, policy changes, and technological innovations is essential for addressing the climate crisis effectively.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/food-and-farms/virginia-solar-with-farming