renewable energy transition
Credit: MIRO3D/BigStock Photo

Reimagining energy: The rise of free solar power

A solar revolution is underway, with experts predicting that by 2030, solar power could be effectively free during daylight hours in many regions.

David Wallace-Wells writes for The New York Times.


In short:

  • Solar energy capacity saw an 80% increase in 2023, now providing nearly 6% of global electricity, with expectations to become the dominant source by the 2030s.
  • The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically, making solar the cheapest new electricity source for 95% of the world.
  • The future may bring industries that adjust operations based on solar availability, with a growing focus on energy storage and transmission.

Key quote:

“The next tenfold increase will be equivalent to multiplying the world’s entire fleet of nuclear reactors by eight in less than the time it typically takes to build just a single one of them.”

— The Economist

Why this matters:

With fewer fossil fuels being burned, we could see a dramatic drop in pollution-related illnesses, cleaner air, and a significant cut in carbon emissions. The challenge now is to figure out how to harness this potential. Read more: Solving the climate crisis requires more than switching to renewables—everyone needs equal access.

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Climate shifts in 2025 could reshape global action

The year 2025 is expected to bring pivotal developments for climate policy with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, new national climate targets and a potentially influential court ruling on global climate obligations.

Jocelyn Timperley and Isabelle Gerretsen report for BBC.

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Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

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Global warming surpasses key temperature limit as nations face climate reckoning

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Raymond Zhong and Brad Plumer report for The New York Times.

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Wildfires in Los Angeles region set to become most expensive in U.S. history

Massive wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles' affluent neighborhoods could result in economic losses of up to $150 billion, surpassing previous wildfire records in the U.S.

Julian Mark and Aaron Gregg report for The Washington Post.

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Trump’s disaster relief policies could be shaped by partisan politics

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Aaron Blake reports for The Washington Post.

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Firefighting chemical raises concerns about environmental toxicity

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Hiroko Tabuchi reports for The New York Times.

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3D image of a solar powered battery pack.

Massive battery project rises on former coal mine in Scotland

Developers in South Lanarkshire are building one of Europe’s largest battery farms to store excess wind energy, aiming to stabilize the UK’s renewable power grid.

Kevin Keane reports for BBC.

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U.S. ramps up solar and battery manufacturing but lags in key components

The U.S. has significantly increased domestic production of solar panels and batteries over the past four years, but crucial supply chain gaps in raw materials and key components remain as demand surges.

Julian Spector reports for Canary Media.

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