Category: Opinion & Perspective

Shenzhen, China, Pioneers ‘Near-Zero Carbon Communities’

Shenzhen, China, Pioneers ‘Near-Zero Carbon Communities’

May 25, 2026 |

In Shenzhen’s Houhai Central District, summer temperatures climb higher each year. For residents in dense, aging apartment blocks, staying cool isn’t just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of cost. People are relying more heavily on air conditioners for relief. Electricity bills are surging as a result. Residents want lower bills, cooler streets and better neighborhoods. Shenzhen is prepared to give it to them. The city is in the process of implementing 113 near-zero carbon demonstration projects, an ambitious plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and build a greener future.

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Europe’s 2026 Energy Crisis: How Geopolitics Is Reshaping the Green Transition

Europe’s 2026 Energy Crisis: How Geopolitics Is Reshaping the Green Transition

May 4, 2026 |

The resurgence of geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel, while disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows, have intensified concerns about supply security and price volatility. For Europe, this moment represents both a stress test and a potential turning point. Whether this moment ultimately strengthens or weakens the green transition in Europe will depend on political choices. Policies that cushion households from price shocks, invest in infrastructure, and frame climate action as a pathway to security rather than sacrifice will be essential.

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Surprising Lessons from Scaling Renewables in the US and China

Surprising Lessons from Scaling Renewables in the US and China

Apr 27, 2026 |

As global demand for electricity rises, driven in part by the rapid buildout of AI data centers, the pace of the energy transition increasingly depends on whether low-carbon power is available to meet that demand. Solar and wind energy, core technologies in the transition, have scaled rapidly in many countries over the past decade, most notably in China and the US. And yet, deployment is uneven in both nations. Some provinces and states have seen a massive ramp-up in solar and wind capacity; others have witnessed halting or stalled progress, even where the underlying resources are abundant.

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Energy Security in the Shadow of War: How SEA Countries are Navigating the 2026 Fuel Crisis

Energy Security in the Shadow of War: How SEA Countries are Navigating the 2026 Fuel Crisis

Apr 6, 2026 |

When the Middle East conflict escalated into an open war, the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on 4 March sent immediate shockwaves through the global energy market. For the CASE countries—Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam—this represented an existential threat, as one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies normally pass through this chokepoint and Southeast Asian countries import around 56% of their crude oil from the Middle East. The supply blackout and the skyrocketing price of fossil fuels have forced governments to prioritise supply security through domestic reserves, stockpiling, and fuel diversification.

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A Green Economy Could Propel Southeast Asia’s Growth and Protect the Environment

A Green Economy Could Propel Southeast Asia’s Growth and Protect the Environment

Mar 23, 2026 |

ASEAN has strong comparative advantages and leadership potential in several green sectors. Renewable energy—particularly solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal—stands out, given the region’s abundant natural resources and the need to meet rapidly rising energy demand. Scaling clean energy can help deliver reliable and sustainable power while strengthening industrial competitiveness. Southeast Asian countries need coherent, credible, and long-term policy frameworks to unlock green investments at scale.

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Spain’s defence lies in solar energy

Spain’s defence lies in solar energy

Mar 23, 2026 |

Geopolitical instability once again reminds us of an uncomfortable reality: energy remains one of the main sources of strategic vulnerability for Western countries. The current escalation of tensions in the Middle East — involving key actors at the centre of the global energy balance — has reopened the debate about dependence on imported fossil fuels. Every crisis in that region has almost immediate effects on international oil and gas markets, with direct repercussions on energy prices, inflation and the economic stability of importing countries such as Spain.

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‘Plug-In Solar’ Has Faced Major Red Tape in Most US States. That Could Soon Change

‘Plug-In Solar’ Has Faced Major Red Tape in Most US States. That Could Soon Change

Mar 16, 2026 |

With electricity prices up nearly 30% since 2010 across the United States, governors and state policymakers are under growing pressure to help households manage rising energy costs. Many are now turning to an emerging technology gaining traction in Europe: plug-in solar, also known as balcony solar.  For the roughly one‑third of U.S. households who rent or for those living in apartments, rooftop systems have largely been out of reach, making plug‑in solar a practical, affordable and viable option for households that have been locked out of the clean energy transition.

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New Jersey Can Lower Utility Bills by Scaling Energy Efficiency, Not Cutting Its Funds

New Jersey Can Lower Utility Bills by Scaling Energy Efficiency, Not Cutting Its Funds

Mar 9, 2026 |

Families in New Jersey are struggling with high energy bills and badly need effective policies to help. The average residential electricity price in the state climbed by a third from June 2023 to June 2025, driven largely by increased demand and regional delays in building new capacity. An executive order recently issued by Governor Mikie Sherrill seeks to tackle this challenge, directing the Board of Public Utilities to consider changes to reduce utility bills. It includes a call for regulators to identify opportunities to increase support for energy efficiency programs serving lower-income ratepayers.

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California is Lagging on Wind Development. Why?

California is Lagging on Wind Development. Why?

Feb 23, 2026 |

As California’s solar industry flourished, California’s wind industry has languished. California’s goal of adding 5.2-10.3 GW of new wind by 2030 and 22.5-25.5 GW of new wind by 2045 will be difficult to attain at the rate things are going. The first step will be to get early development activity going again both for in-state and out-of-state wind projects beyond the current pipeline. To do that, the state may need to identify and reduce barriers to in-state wind development and initiate the process to build more transmission lines that enable both in-state and out-of-state wind projects.

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Why the World Is Switching to Renewables Faster Than Anyone Expected

Why the World Is Switching to Renewables Faster Than Anyone Expected

Feb 9, 2026 |

Renewables are scaling fast because it’s become affordable and quick to deploy. We have already passed tipping points for key technologies, including battery storage, wind, solar, and electric vehicles. But challenges remain in plenty of sectors, like aviation and heavy industries. And energy transitions are never just about economics—they’re political. Some countries are still pouring money into fossil fuels even when renewables are cheaper. But the big difference now is this, at least in the power sector: clean energy is no longer an alternative. It’s the default.

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A New Era of US Mineral Mining Must Put Communities First

A New Era of US Mineral Mining Must Put Communities First

Feb 2, 2026 |

While critical minerals are essential to securing a clean energy future, mining is an extractive practice with environmental and social risks that has historically done more harm than good. This legacy, especially for Tribal Nations and Native communities, has created deep distrust and widespread opposition to new projects in the U.S. Meaningful community engagement will be crucial moving forward — not only to unlock development and meet the country’s resource needs, but to avoid harm and provide tangible benefits to the communities hosting these projects.

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Yes, Climate Wins Are Still Happening in the US! Let’s Keep It Up in 2026.

Yes, Climate Wins Are Still Happening in the US! Let’s Keep It Up in 2026.

Jan 19, 2026 |

Climate progress in the United States has hit some roadblocks in 2025, to say the least. In its first year, the second Trump administration got straight to work torpedoing bedrock environmental protections to pad the profits of its allies in the fossil fuel industry. On top of abandoning national leadership on the matter, the administration also pulled the country out of international collaborations. So, after enduring a year of much bad news, it’s important to recharge by taking inspiration from the successes that climate activists did achieve.

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What’s Really Driving Up US Electricity Prices?

What’s Really Driving Up US Electricity Prices?

Jan 5, 2026 |

Since 2010, the average price of electricity across the United States has risen by almost 30% with no signs of slowing down. This year alone, electric utilities across the nation have requested rate increases totaling $71.2 billion through 2028. As a result, the public has been playing a blame game with prices, pointing the finger at everything from the rise in new AI data centers, grid investments, growth in clean energy, to other sources of electricity demand. As the U.S. electricity system faces unprecedented challenges, policymakers, regulators and advocates have a choice: chase blame or drive solutions.

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How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy

How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy

Dec 29, 2025 |

Clean energy on contaminated lands presents a significant opportunity to revitalize communities while relieving the development pressure on more pristine lands. While such projects present additional challenges compared with greenfield development, leading states such as New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts have demonstrated how strong policies can help enable building on these areas. State decision-makers should capitalize on this economic development opportunity with supportive policies that identify and communicate opportunity, enable predictable development timelines, and help lower costs.

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Beyond the Headlines: COP30’s Outcomes and Disappointments

Beyond the Headlines: COP30’s Outcomes and Disappointments

Dec 8, 2025 |

It’s easy to be discouraged by the negative news coming out of COP30 and the climate space writ large. But beneath the headlines, progress is happening. Clean energy and electrified transport are growing at rates that were unimaginable a decade ago. Countries investing in a green transition are reaping the benefits, from new jobs and growing economies to better energy access and cleaner air. Whatever the twists and turns of climate negotiations, the economic transition is underway. The question is, how fast it will be and who will benefit? Now is the time for all actors to pick up the pace and drive towards a just transition.

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Capturing the $100 Billion Carbon Management Opportunity in Texas

Capturing the $100 Billion Carbon Management Opportunity in Texas

Nov 21, 2025 |

Texas has long been a byword for energy leadership, whether that’s in its more-than-century-old oil industry or its position as the number one state in the nation for solar and wind capacity. Another accolade could soon be in reach for the Lone Star state: carbon management pioneer. By utilizing its world-class workforce, pipeline expertise, and unbeatable geological assets, Texas can be the global leader in the new multi-billion-dollar economy of storing and utilizing carbon.

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Revenue certainty to unlock low-GHG aviation and marine fuels: The European Union’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan

Revenue certainty to unlock low-GHG aviation and marine fuels: The European Union’s Sustainable Transport Investment Plan

Nov 17, 2025 |

The estimated near-term production costs for e-fuels and second-generation biofuels are high, but there aren’t obvious alternatives to decarbonizing aviation and marine. Some are skeptical that deep cost reductions can be achieved and have rightfully argued that there is lower-hanging fruit for decarbonization in the near-term. However, failing to invest in the technologies necessary for long-term decarbonization risks meaningful delays in achieving cost reductions and locking in emissions growth from these non-road sectors.

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Climate Leadership Opportunities for Brazil at COP30

Climate Leadership Opportunities for Brazil at COP30

Nov 7, 2025 |

As the host of the annual UN Conference of the Parties (COP30), Brazil has an unprecedented platform to demonstrate its climate leadership. In the lead up to the proceedings, it has already established the Circle of Finance Ministers, a group of 35 countries that aims to advance the Baku to Belém Roadmap to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035 in support of climate action in developing countries, and begun negotiating with global investors, including TPG and Brookfield, to raise nearly $4 billion for climate projects through BNDES.

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How State Regulators Can Utilize the Latest Legislative Trend to Make Electricity More Affordable and Reliable

How State Regulators Can Utilize the Latest Legislative Trend to Make Electricity More Affordable and Reliable

Nov 3, 2025 |

As the United States grapples with electricity affordability and meeting soaring demand, both red and blue states have begun to embrace advanced transmission technologies (ATTs) as a valuable tool. ATTs, which include grid enhancing technologies (GETs) and advanced conductors, help utilities deliver more electricity through existing infrastructure by routing power more efficiently and safely through existing lines.

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More Coal Won’t Solve US Energy Woes

More Coal Won’t Solve US Energy Woes

Oct 27, 2025 |

More coal is not the answer to today’s energy challenges. What the U.S. needs to keep prices down, meet rising demand and stay competitive on a global scale is: to build wind, solar and batteries rapidly now, because they are the quickest to install and least expensive source of energy in many regions; and to scale up clean, firm power — a variety of low-carbon sources, including next-generation geothermal, nuclear and hydropower, that can operate around the clock.

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