China's Surge, UK Nuclear Charted & The Case Against Carbon Capture
This week’s energy highlights trace major shifts in global electricity and industrial strategy. China now generates more electricity than the U.S., EU, and India combined. In Europe, electrification is central to all industrial decarbonization scenarios. Meanwhile, Stanford researchers question the economics of carbon capture, and new studies explore how solar panels can help grasslands during drought. We also look back at the rise, fall, and future of nuclear power in the UK.
📊 China Tops Global Electricity Production Rankings
China now leads the world in electricity generation, producing more than 10,000 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 — more than the combined output of the U.S., EU, and India. The ranking spans 1985–2024 and illustrates the massive shift in global energy dynamics over the past four decades.
☢️ Charting the UK’s Nuclear Journey Over 80 Years
A new timeline visualizes the rise, fall, and resurgence of nuclear power in the UK. The map-style chart shows each reactor’s contribution to the national grid, including their start and retirement dates. Most are coastal, benefiting from seawater cooling, and many sites house multiple reactors.
⚡ EU Decarbonisation Scenarios: Industry Goes Electric
Electrification is the leading pathway for industrial decarbonization in all scenarios modeled by the European Commission. Gas use drops significantly across the board, reinforcing the view that electricity — not hydrogen or biofuels — will be the primary energy vector for most EU industrial sectors.
💸 Stanford Study: Carbon Capture Costlier Than Clean Energy
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology finds that switching to 100% renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) is more cost-effective and environmentally beneficial than investing in large-scale carbon capture. Researchers highlight added benefits like improved air quality, reduced energy demand, and greater long-term savings.
🌾 Solar Panels Help Grasslands Thrive in Drought, Study Finds
Solar panels installed in Colorado grasslands improved soil moisture and boosted plant growth — especially in dry years. Researchers from CSU and Cornell found that areas under solar arrays saw up to 20% more vegetation than open fields, supporting the dual use of solar and agriculture.