clean energy

China has surpassed 1,000 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity, the largest amount ever installed by any country. Observers note the milestone roughly equals the entire electricity generating capacity of the United States across all sources. The achievement underscores the pace of China's renewable energy buildout and has sparked discussion about its implications for global energy markets and climate targets.

California is testing solar panels built over irrigation canals, a design that generates renewable energy while shading water and reducing evaporation. Early lessons from the pilot projects are emerging, and observers are weighing whether the approach could scale across the state's extensive canal network as part of its clean energy and water conservation efforts.

China's advantage over the United States in clean energy transition technologies is proving difficult to close, according to reporting on the technology gap between the two powers. The item highlights how China's dominance in areas tied to the energy transition continues to outpace American efforts, raising questions about whether the US can narrow the gap in a strategically important sector.

A space-based power experiment is set to test whether lasers can beam energy collected in orbit back to Earth for the first time, Wired reports. The idea, long a staple of science fiction and speculative engineering, would allow solar power gathered in space, where sunlight is constant, to be transmitted to the ground. Supporters see it as a potential clean-energy breakthrough; skeptics point to huge technical and cost hurdles.

The United Nations Development Programme is highlighting China's path within the global green transition, drawing attention to the country's approach to shifting toward sustainable, low-carbon development. As one of the world's largest emitters, China's clean energy choices carry significant weight for international climate goals, making its transition strategy a subject of global interest and debate.

Wired reports that space-based laser technology for beaming energy is about to undergo its first real-world test. The experiment would mark a milestone for wireless power transmission from space, a concept long discussed as a potential clean energy source. Interest centers on whether lasers can reliably deliver usable power to Earth.

Renewable energy developer Low Carbon has announced plans to build a 500MW solar-plus-storage project in the UK, combining large-scale solar generation with battery storage. The project would be one of the bigger schemes of its kind in the country, supporting the UK's push to expand renewable capacity and grid flexibility. No further details on location or timeline were given.

Dubai will host the Dubai International Electric Vehicles Exhibition and Conference, known as EV World 2026, from 10 to 12 November 2026. Organisers say the event is intended to position the city as a global hub for electric vehicle investment, bringing together manufacturers, investors and policymakers as the region pushes to grow its role in the clean transport sector.

Commentary from China Daily argues that international cooperation is essential for accelerating the global transition to clean energy. The piece stresses that no country can manage the energy shift alone, and that coordinated policy, technology sharing and investment are needed to meet climate goals.

Arevia Power is reportedly pivoting its business away from solar development toward gas-fired power and data center projects. The reported evolution reflects a broader trend among energy developers chasing demand from data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, where reliable, always-on generation is valued over intermittent renewables. The move is likely to draw attention from both the clean energy and data center sectors.

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Battery Recycling for America's Competitive Economy Act, known as the BRACE Act (H.R. 9615). The legislation aims to strengthen domestic battery recycling as part of a broader push for supply chain competitiveness and clean energy materials. Analysts note it could shape the battery and critical minerals industry, with attention now turning to the Senate.

Space-based laser technology is preparing for its first real-world test in generating energy, according to WIRED. The concept involves transmitting power collected in space down to Earth using laser beams, a long-proposed but never operationally demonstrated approach to energy generation. The trial could mark a significant milestone for the emerging space energy sector.

Elgin has acquired a 200-megawatt solar project in Ireland that is at a late stage of development. The deal adds significant capacity to Elgin's renewables portfolio and signals continued investor interest in Irish solar energy as the country works to expand clean power generation. Details on the seller, price and construction timeline have not been disclosed.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering financing a large-scale solar and battery storage project in Egypt with a capacity in the gigawatt range. The potential backing would support Egypt's push to expand renewable energy capacity and grid stability, drawing interest given the country's growing role as a regional clean energy hub.

The New York Power Authority is set to become the majority owner of a new solar facility in Canton, New York. The project marks another step in the state's push to expand renewable energy generation, with NYPA taking a leading ownership stake rather than a supporting role. Details on the facility's size, cost and timeline have not yet been widely reported.

Santa Barbara County has joined a regional partnership aimed at expanding solar power and battery storage across the area. The move ties the county into broader efforts to pool resources and coordinate clean energy development with neighboring jurisdictions. Details on the partners, funding and project timeline have not yet been made widely available.

Howard County, Maryland is considering a moratorium on new solar projects after residents of Woodbine raised complaints about developments in their community. The debate puts clean-energy expansion against local concerns over land use, aesthetics and the pace of installations, and county officials are weighing a pause while they review the rules.

A new commentary argues that the relationship between solar power, wind power, battery storage and politics has become complicated. The piece examines how political factors shape the deployment of renewable energy technologies and storage. It is drawing attention among readers following the clean energy transition, where policy decisions increasingly influence how fast solar, wind and battery projects can move forward.

First Solar stock is climbing today, prompting questions about what is driving the move. Traders and market watchers are trying to identify whether the gains stem from company news, sector momentum, or broader clean-energy optimism. No specific catalyst has been confirmed, leaving the reasons behind the rise a matter of speculation among investors.

The UK's largest solar and energy storage exhibition took place in Birmingham, bringing together industry figures from across the renewable energy sector. pv magazine reported the main takeaways from the event, covering developments in solar technology, battery storage and the policy landscape shaping the UK's clean energy transition.