Coal Decline, Battery Growth & The Rise of 24/7 Solar
Wind and solar are overtaking coal in more countries, battery storage is scaling rapidly, and round-the-clock renewable power is moving from concept to reality. From Germany’s battery boom and China’s growing oil reserves to shifting EV trade policies and the rise of 24/7 solar systems, this week’s stories highlight how quickly the global energy system is evolving.
☀️ Wind and Solar Beat Coal in 55 Countries
In 2025, wind and solar generated more electricity than coal across 55 countries, with 34 already near coal-free power systems. Spain crossed the threshold in 2009, the UK in 2016, and the United States joined the list last year.
🚗 Canada Opens the Door to Chinese EVs
Canada has eased restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles, allowing limited imports under a reduced tariff structure. Dealers are reporting strong consumer interest in lower-cost EVs from brands such as BYD and Geely, even as U.S. officials raise concerns about trade impacts and security risks.
🔋 Germany’s Battery Storage Boom Accelerates
Germany’s battery market is expanding rapidly across both utility-scale and residential sectors. Grid-scale battery capacity has doubled since 2023, while millions of households now use home battery systems—with adoption expected to keep climbing through the decade.
⚡ 24/7 Solar Power Is Becoming Reality
Falling battery costs are making round-the-clock renewable electricity increasingly viable. Utility-scale storage prices have dropped more than 50% since 2022, enabling larger solar-plus-storage systems capable of delivering continuous power day and night.
🛢️ Countries Expand Strategic Oil Stockpiles
China now holds the world’s largest strategic oil inventory, estimated at around 1.4 billion barrels. Governments worldwide are placing renewed focus on energy security as global fuel markets face major disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and shipping chokepoints.