Saudi Arabia planning 2.6 gigawatt solar project near Mecca
Middle Eastern oil giant Saudi Arabia is set to develop a mammoth 2.6 gigawatt (GW) solar park in the Makkah Region, providing enough energy for nearly 2 million homes.
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.
World Bank commits $22.5 billion more to Africa for climate change
World Bank Group is providing USD$22.5 billion to Africa for climate mitigation and adaptation across five years beginning with 2021, adding to the $17 billion already committed through the Africa Climate Business Plan.
74% of U.S. coal production is now more expensive than renewables
211 gigawatts of current US coal capacity, 74% of the coal fleet, is providing electricity that’s more expensive than wind or solar. By 2025, nearly the entire US coal system will be out-competed on cost by renewables.
New Mexico is the third state in the U.S. to legally require 100% carbon-free electricity
The bill requires the state to get 50% of its energy from renewables by 2030 and 80% by 2040. By 2045, it must go entirely carbon-free.
U.K. Government announces end of fossil fuel heating systems in new houses from 2025
To ensure homes are better for the environment, they will introduce a Future Homes Standard by 2025, so that new build homes are future-proofed with low-carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.
Norway is starting the world’s biggest divestment in oil and gas
The Government Pension Fund Global, which was built off Norway’s oil revenues, will begin phasing out $8 billion held in 134 firms to reduce the fund’s risk from volatile oil prices.
Australia adding one mega-solar project per month
Australia is adding one mega-solar project equivalent per month, with the current installed base of 10 gigawatts projected to double by the end of 2020. The latest mega-solar project is a 333 MW project in Griffith, New South Wales.
Carbon emissions in 18 developed economies are now falling due largely to climate policies
New research shows that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in a group of 18 developed economies including France, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Denmark which together represents 28% of global emissions – are declining.
California reaches its 33% renewable energy target two years before deadline
The state’s next renewable milestone is at 44% by 2024, a 33% growth in just over five full years.
Costa Rica launches formal ‘National Decarbonization Plan 2018-2050’ to completely decarbonize
The newly devised plan involves ensuring the electric grid is capable of operating with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, according to The Climate Group.