Climate Variability Emerges as Both Risk and Opportunity for the Global Energy Transition
The WMO–IRENA 2024 Year in Review, released on January 13, 2026, highlights how climate variability and long-term change are shaping renewable energy systems’ performance worldwide, with 2024 seeing regional shifts in solar, wind, and hydropower potential amid a 4% rise in global energy demand.[1][11] As global renewable capacity exceeded 4,400 GW, extreme heat drove demand growth and stressed systems, underscoring the need for climate-informed planning to meet COP28 targets for tripling renewables by 2030.[1]
PowerBank Announces New 5 MW Distributed Solar and Battery Energy Storage System Project in New York
PowerBank announced a new 5 MW distributed solar and battery energy storage system project in New York, advancing grid-integrated renewables and storage.[2] This project supports local grid modernization by combining solar generation with storage to enhance reliability and flexibility.[2]
California Joins Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge as Battery Storage Expands Rapidly
Governor Gavin Newsom announced California as the first subnational entity to join the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, targeting 1,500 GW of storage, doubled grid investment, and 25 million km of new transmission by 2030.[7] The state’s battery storage growth is key to achieving 100% clean electricity by 2045, with renewables already supplying nearly 67% of in-state retail sales.[7]
IRENA Report Maps 40 Innovations for Resilient Power Systems and Renewables Integration
IRENA released a report on January 15, 2026, during its Assembly, spotlighting 40 innovations including AI, digital tools, grid modernization, and off-grid solutions to build resilient power systems and expand energy access.[9] The findings emphasize integrating technological, policy, and market innovations to enhance renewables’ impact and affordability globally.