Clean & renewable energy

This archive tracks real progress in clean and renewable energy — from solar and wind expansion to grid upgrades and policy wins. Each story focuses on what’s working, where, and why it matters for people and the planet.

Solar panels on a building with sun in background, for article on Australia solar power

Solar power in Australia outstrips coal-fired electricity for first time

Australia solar power just pulled off something historic: for a few minutes after noon on a sunny August Sunday, panels across the country generated 9,427 megawatts — edging past coal for the first time since the national electricity market began two decades ago. South Australia ran entirely on wind and sun during the window, and Victoria produced more renewable electricity than the whole state could use. Researchers credit a sweet spot of clear skies, mild temperatures, and low weekend demand, but the deeper story is a grid quietly tilting toward clean power. Brief as it was, the moment hints at what’s becoming normal — and what’s possible for energy transitions everywhere.