World Breaks Renewable Energy Records, But Urgent Acceleration Needed to Meet 2030 Targets
A new IRENA report confirms that global renewable energy capacity hit record growth in the past year, yet warns that the pace is still insufficient to meet the 2030 goal of tripling renewables and keeping the 1.5°C climate target within reach. The report urges nations to boost investment to at least $1.4 trillion annually, modernize grids, and integrate renewable targets into national climate plans ahead of COP30.[1]
Renewables Surpass Coal Globally as Solar Power Booms in 2025
Analysis from Ember shows that, for the first time, renewables generated more electricity than coal in the first half of 2025, driven by a one-third annual increase in solar output which met 83% of global electricity demand growth. Wind generation also expanded by 7%, with global renewable energy investment reaching a record $386 billion in the first half of the year.[2]
California Advances Regional Electricity Market, Nevada Tightens Solar Netting Rules
California has enacted a law to create a West-wide regional electricity market, enabling the state to sell renewable energy to neighboring regions, and is considering retroactive tax breaks on solar projects. Meanwhile, Nevada’s Public Utilities Commission approved a shift to 15-minute netting for distributed solar, a policy change that could significantly affect residential solar economics in the state.[4]
Apple Announces 650 MW of New Solar and Wind Projects Across Europe
Apple is expanding its clean energy footprint in Europe by developing new solar and wind farms in five countries, adding 650 MW of capacity to match the electricity used by European customers charging Apple devices. These projects, along with a new solar array in Spain, are part of Apple’s goal to match all customer electricity use globally with clean energy by 2030.[6]
Vesper Energy Launches 600 MW Agrivoltaics Solar Project in Texas
Vesper Energy has begun construction on the 600 MW Hornet Solar project in Texas, which incorporates agrivoltaic practices by partnering with local landowners to implement pollinator habitats and sheep grazing. This approach enables dual land use, supporting both renewable energy generation and agricultural productivity.[7]
Clean Energy Job Growth Outpaces U.S. Economy Despite Policy Uncertainty
Clean energy jobs in the U.S. grew more than three times faster than the overall economy in 2024, adding nearly 100,000 positions, though growth slowed due to changing federal policies and a broader job market slowdown. However, new federal measures threaten up to 44 GW of solar deployment by 2030, signaling potential headwinds for the sector.