California’s Clean Shift, China’s Solar Surge & Spain’s Cheaper Power
Clean energy growth is reshaping the global power system — from California’s rapid shift away from gas, to China’s solar cost revolution, Spain’s success in cutting gas-linked electricity prices, and the race for next-generation batteries. At the same time, new research challenges old assumptions about how much clean energy is really needed to replace fossil fuels.
⚡ Wind-Water-Solar Pushing Out Gas in California
California’s power mix is shifting fast. In 2025, fossil gas generation is down 17.4% year-to-date versus 2024 and down 37.4% compared to 2023. By contrast, wind rose 2.1% over 2024 and 5.1% over 2023, solar grew 15.1% and 44.8%, and batteries surged 58.4% and 206.4%. Overall demand edged down slightly.
☀️ China’s Solar Supply Is Driving Down Global Costs
Thanks to China’s massive supply, the global average cost of solar has fallen to just $0.04 per kWh — the cheapest energy source in history. While some Western voices complain of “overcapacity,” this flood of low-cost panels is what makes rapid fossil fuel phase-out possible worldwide.
⚡ The Primary Energy Fallacy
The common assumption that all fossil fuel “primary energy” must be replaced one-to-one with clean energy is false. More than two-thirds of fossil energy is wasted as heat. Electrification and renewables are far more efficient, meaning less replacement energy is required.
💡 Spain Shows the Way in ‘Breaking the Link’
The U.S. exported 3.9 billion barrels of oil to 146 countries in 2024, equal to 55% of its domestic production. Top destinations included Mexico (11%), the Netherlands (9.9%), Canada (8.1%) and China (8.1%). This flow of crude, refined products and other liquids underscores the global role of American energy.
🔋 Next-Gen Battery Race: China and the U.S. Lead
China is set to maintain dominance in next-generation battery technologies through 2025, including solid-state, sodium-ion, and redox-flow. The U.S. leads in niche capacity pipelines. As demand grows for EVs, grid storage, and even electric aviation, these new chemistries could outcompete traditional lithium-ion solutions.