US Senate Energy Bill Proposes Phaseouts for Wind and Solar Tax Credits
A new Senate energy bill proposes a schedule for reducing tax credits for wind and solar projects, with projects starting in 2025 still qualifying for 100% of the Investment (48E) and Production (45Y) tax credits. This move signals a shift in federal policy and could affect the pace of renewable project development as incentives begin to decline in future years.[1]
European Commission Issues Guidance to Fast-Track Grid and Storage Expansion
On July 2, 2025, the European Commission released new guidance urging EU member states to streamline permitting and prioritize grid and storage infrastructure to keep up with expanding renewable generation. The recommendations include fast-tracking projects, modernizing network tariffs to encourage flexibility, and supporting innovative technologies like floating wind and vehicle-to-grid photovoltaics.[2]
Industry Calls for Rapid Scale-Up of Long-Duration Energy Storage to Unlock Renewables
A new report launched during London Climate Action Week highlights the urgent need to scale long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies to manage renewable intermittency and achieve the global goal of tripling renewables by 2030. LDES is seen as essential for integrating variable renewables, reducing curtailment, and enabling a reliable, low-carbon grid.[4]
US Battery Manufacturing Capacity Surpasses Current Deployment Levels
US domestic battery manufacturing capacity for cells and modules now exceeds current deployment, with 123 projects operating as of Q1 2025. If all announced and under-construction facilities come online, the sector is expected to meet or surpass projected demand for electric vehicles and grid-scale storage through 2035.[5]
NYSERDA Announces 2026 Voluntary Tier 1 REC Pre-Sale Details
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has set the timeline and requirements for its 2026 voluntary Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) pre-sale, running from July 30 to August 13, 2025. Pricing and quantities will be disclosed on July 7, offering load-serving entities and institutional buyers a predictable way to meet sustainability targets with New York-based solar, wind, and hydro RECs.[1]
Global Electricity Access Climbs, but Progress Still Insufficient for Universal Access by 2030
According to the Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025, nearly 92% of the world’s population now has basic electricity access, a marked improvement since 2022. However, over 666 million people remain without electricity, and the current rate of progress is not enough to achieve universal access by 2030, underscoring the need for more investment in distributed renewable solutions.[6]