Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm Installs 1,100-MW Substation in the North Sea
The 1,100-MW Inch Cape offshore wind project has completed installation of its offshore jacket foundation and substation, using Siemens Energy’s Offshore Transformer Module and Heerema’s Sleipnir crane vessel. This marks a major milestone for the development of large-scale offshore wind infrastructure in Europe and will significantly contribute to renewable energy generation in the region.[1]
Renewables Set to Become World’s Top Power Source by 2026 Despite Political Headwinds
The International Energy Agency projects that wind and solar will supply over 90% of the increase in global electricity demand through 2026, making renewables the world’s largest source of electricity even as political challenges intensify in several countries. This underscores the sector’s resilience and the accelerating transition away from fossil fuels.[1]
French Offshore Wind to Receive €11 Billion State Aid After EU Approval
The European Commission has approved an €11 billion French state aid package designed to support offshore wind energy, aligned with the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal objectives. This funding is expected to accelerate offshore wind deployment and help France meet its climate and energy targets.[3]
Major Regulatory Shift in U.S. Permitting for Wind and Solar Projects
The U.S. Department of the Interior now requires all wind and solar projects to receive personal sign-off from the Interior Secretary, and has eliminated longstanding right-of-way and capacity fee discounts, signaling a significant tightening of permitting and regulatory processes. Additionally, a comprehensive review of all regulations favoring renewables over dispatchable energy sources will occur within 45 days, potentially impacting project development timelines.[6]
Texas Surpasses California in Installed Solar, but Faces Policy Uncertainty Post-Legislative Session
Texas has overtaken California as the state with the highest installed solar capacity, while energy storage deployment grows rapidly in response to rising electricity demand from industry and population growth. However, recent legislative changes and the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have introduced new uncertainties around permitting, interconnection, and clean energy incentives.[2]
U.S. Accelerates Sunset of Wind and Solar Tax Credits Under the OBBBA
Following enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, solar and wind projects must begin construction by July 4, 2026 or be in service by December 31, 2027 to qualify for federal investment or production tax credits, a significant acceleration from previous phase-out timelines. New standards for determining project eligibility are expected from the Treasury by August 18, 2025, creating uncertainty for developers planning new renewable energy installations.[8]
Cost of Solar and Wind Power Falls Sharply Below Fossil Fuels Globally
A new report finds that sola