In May 2026, solar power in the US surpassed coal power in electricity generation for the first time ever, with solar providing 12.8% of the total compared to coal's 12.2%. This marks a significant milestone in the transition towards renewable energy sources, with coal generation declining by 11% year over year. Solar power has been steadily rising and setting new records, becoming the third-largest source of electricity in the US behind gas and nuclear. The shift towards renewable energy sources is evident in the significant growth of solar power over the past five years, highlighting the progress towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular in the US, with markets from Texas to California investing in solar to meet growing power needs, and in ERCOT, electricity generation from solar is projected to exceed coal for the first time in 2026. This shift towards solar energy is a significant development in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Category: Other Energy
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Solar With Firming Now Beating Gas In Asia, & EVs Could Save Region $350 Billion A Year
A new report highlights the potential for Asia to save $350 billion annually on oil imports by electrifying its fleets, with China leading the way in plugin vehicle sales. The importance of switching to electric transport to reduce oil import dependence is emphasized, alongside the increasing use of solar and wind power in the region. Solar plus batteries are shown to outcompete LNG on price across Asia, with the cost of round-the-clock solar-plus-battery power now below $100/MWh in most areas. This shift to clean energy will not only keep money within Asian economies but also reduce pollution and health problems, emphasizing the rapid deployment of electrotech as a climate solution.
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Hydropower Trips Up Trump’s Fossil Fuel Fantasy
The completion of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project in New York City in 2022 has connected ratepayers with clean hydropower resources in Quebec, reducing carbon emissions by 3.9 million metric tons per year and powering 1 million homes with renewable energy. Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the project's completion, solidifying New York's position as a climate and clean energy leader and pushing gas power plants out of operation. The project showcases Hitachi Energy's HVDC Light technology, repurposes former fossil energy sites, and brings economic investments and job opportunities to disadvantaged communities. Additionally, a new report from the Department of Energy highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery energy storage systems in improving hydropower facilities, further contributing to the energy transition in East Coast states. President Trump's support for hydropower projects, despite his opposition to other clean energy sources, is noted.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/17/hydropower-transmission-new-york-energy-policy/
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Siemens Energy wins massive deal as offshore converter rig production returns to Germany
Siemens Energy has secured a significant order to construct a 2GW offshore wind converter platform in Germany for 50Hertz, aiding in the expansion of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions. This project will be crucial in integrating clean energy into the grid and supporting Germany's shift towards a more sustainable energy system. The offshore wind converter platform represents a key step in advancing climate solutions and promoting the transition to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sector.
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California gas generation down 60% from 2024 as solar, imports surge
In the first five months of 2026, utility-scale solar generation in California surpassed natural gas generation, with solar increasing by 21% and natural gas decreasing by 60% compared to 2024. Solar generated more electricity than natural gas on 82% of days in 2026, while solar and battery storage capacity grew significantly. Despite this growth, there was a 19% decrease in net generation due to increased electricity imports, including renewable energy from projects like the SunZia wind farm in New Mexico. The SunZia project, the largest wind farm in the U.S., began delivering electricity in April and is set to begin commercial operations soon.
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“Electro-tech super-levers:” How solar, batteries and EVs are beating out gas and oil across Asia
Ember's report highlights how firmed solar is now cheaper than new gas power capacity in Asia, and electrifying road transport could save $US300 billion in oil imports. Asia's dependence on fossil fuel imports costs $US1.1 trillion annually, despite having vast solar and wind resources. The region's manufacturing dominance in solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines positions it to transition to electrotech and reduce fuel import dependency. Solar plus batteries are already cheaper than LNG in most of Asia, with predictions that they will outcompete LNG everywhere in Asia by 2030. With solar plus battery power addressing the supply side and EVs solving the demand side, Asia could save over $300 billion a year in oil imports and halve its oil imports within twenty years by electrifying its fleet.
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Northeast states eye offshore HVDC transmission as Trump drops wind fight
Nine Northeast states and the District of Columbia are collaborating to develop an offshore transmission network along the Atlantic Coast to reduce electricity costs and improve reliability, with a focus on accelerating offshore wind deployment and unlocking consumer benefits. The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission published reports with technical standards and policy recommendations, including standardizing offshore transmission network design and addressing procurement issues. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and other organizations, the collaboration aims to advance interregional transmission pathways for offshore wind deployment, while Sierra Club Senior Advisor Nancy Pyne criticizes Donald Trump's ban on wind energy in the U.S. and highlights the benefits of renewable energy as an affordable and common sense solution to rising energy costs and instability.
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Solar Energy Is Essential (Trump Just Won’t Admit It)
Solar energy is recognized as the fastest and most economical way to increase kilowatts in the grid, with the US Air Force supporting the space solar industry. Germanium-based solar modules have set a new world record for solar conversion efficiency, but there is a shortage of germanium in the US. The Department of War has awarded $18.1 million to a domestic producer to address the germanium shortfall for defense applications. The US Air Force sees solar energy as a next-level logistics improvement over fossil fuels, with plans to deploy space-based systems to harvest solar energy in orbit and beam it down to Earth. Private sector stakeholders are working towards demonstrating space-based solar technology within the next 10 years. Research is being conducted by the USAF on space solar energy delivery to Earth, with a focus on fuel resupply in the Indo-Pacific region. The project, titled PERSEUS, aims to provide clean energy anywhere on Earth in the early 2030s. The technology could be used for defense applications once deployed, offering a way to reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel supply chains. Solar energy demand is also increasing on Earth, with the US solar industry dominating new utility-scale capacity additions to the nation's grid. Additionally, the US defense supplier York Space Systems has acquired the space solar startup Solestial to secure a domestic source for critical space solar capability. Solestial is preparing to produce new solar cells in the United States after acquiring manufacturing equipment from Meyer Burger. The company aims to expand its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain control with this strategic move. Solestial's focus is on in-space applications for its self-healing silicon solar technology. The US Air Force recognizes the importance of solar energy for national defense, potentially replacing fuel resupply missions for ground operations.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/space-solar-energy-us-air-force-essential/
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Powering the Future: Why Energy Justice is a Youth Issue
The article discusses the barriers young people in South Africa face due to lack of access to affordable electricity, impacting their education, job-seeking, and overall opportunities. The country's reliance on coal-fired power stations leads to air pollution, high electricity costs, and unreliable service. The Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program aims to support vulnerable households but faces challenges in reaching eligible families. The article suggests investing in renewable energy to provide clean, affordable, and reliable power to communities, ultimately benefiting education, employment, public health, and economic opportunity for South Africa's young people. The section emphasizes the importance of ensuring that future generations have access to affordable energy, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment as a right. It highlights the need for action and power to create a better future, rather than just promises. The author calls for building a powerful climate movement with the belief in a safe climate and a better future for all, focusing on creating a just, prosperous, and equitable world through the collective power of ordinary people.
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Distributed solar’s overlooked role: Keeping farmland out of the real estate market
The article discusses the financial challenges faced by American farmers, highlighting the potential of community solar projects as a solution to provide stable income and help keep farmland in agricultural use. By utilizing lower-yield land for solar projects, farmers can retain ownership, maintain flexibility, and pass the land on to future generations. These projects offer a sustainable alternative to selling land for housing or industrial use, ultimately supporting the viability of farming for generations to come. The real risk to farmland is larger economic pressures, and being open-minded about what farming looks like today is necessary to ensure farmland remains farmland in the future.