IRENA Report Maps 40 Innovations for Resilient Power Systems and Energy Transition
A new IRENA report released on January 12, 2026, highlights 40 innovations including AI, digital applications, smart grid planning, and off-grid solutions to build resilient power systems, expand energy access, and drive local development.[4] It emphasizes systemic integration of technological, policy, regulatory, market, and business model innovations during IRENA’s Assembly Ministerial Dialogue on AI.[4]
Renewables Jobs Experience First Slowdown Despite Global Deployment Growth
IRENA reports the first slowdown in renewables jobs amid continued global deployment growth, signaling potential challenges in workforce expansion.[1] This comes as renewable energy costs continue to fall, with wind and solar becoming even more competitive than fossil fuels.[1]
California Leads World in Battery Storage, Joins Global Grids Pledge
California’s battery storage surged 2,100% since 2019 to over 16,000 MW, enabling three years without Flex Alerts and positioning it as the global leader outside China.[2] Governor Newsom announced California’s entry as the first subnational entity into the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge targeting 1,500 GW storage and doubled grid investment by 2030, supporting 100% clean electricity by 2045.[2]
Solar Growth Peaks with First Annual Slowdown in Renewables Additions
S&P Global predicts the first annual slowdown in global renewables additions in 2026, driven by China’s shift from guaranteed pricing to competitive bidding, reducing its solar from 300 GW in 2025 to 200 GW.[11] China, accounting for 50% of past decade’s additions, will significantly impact global trends amid AI-driven demand.[11]
TotalEnergies Signs 15-Year PPA for Google’s Ohio Data Centers
TotalEnergies signed a 1