Coal Expansion, Brazil’s Solar Surge & Marine Life at Wind Farms
From Brazil’s soaring solar output to China’s record coal buildout, this week’s global energy stories reveal both climate progress and contradictions. New data shows that electricity demand—especially from AI and industry—is reshaping the energy mix, while studies suggest offshore wind farms may offer ecological benefits. Meanwhile, Germany continues to expand battery storage, and U.S. data centers are becoming a growing driver of national energy use.
⚫ Coal Investment Grows Amid Surging Electricity Demand
Rising electricity demand—particularly from China and India—is driving renewed coal investment. In 2024 alone, China began construction on nearly 100 GW of new coal-fired power plants. Globally, approvals for coal plants have reached their highest level since 2015, raising concerns for emissions and climate targets.
☀️ Brazil’s Solar Boom Continues in 2025
By April 2025, Brazil’s solar generation had already surpassed its total for all of 2022, reaching 30.8 TWh in just four months—nearly four times the amount generated during the same period in 2022. After overtaking Germany in 2024, Brazil now ranks as the fifth-largest solar generator in the world.
🦈 Offshore Wind Farms May Help Marine Life Recover
A new study found that Dutch offshore wind farms may be aiding marine ecosystems. Shark and ray species were detected in and around the wind farms, where fishing activity like trawling is restricted. The absence of seabed disturbance appears to support the recovery of benthic habitats, benefiting biodiversity.
💻 Charting the Soaring Power Needs of U.S. Data Centers
With the growth of the digital economy and generative AI, U.S. data centers are consuming vast and growing amounts of electricity. A new analysis highlights the accelerating energy footprint of these facilities, showing how digital infrastructure is becoming a major force in energy demand projections.
🔋 Germany Powers Up Its Largest Battery Storage System
Germany’s largest battery energy storage system has gone online in Bollingstedt, Schleswig-Holstein. With 238 MWh of capacity and 103.5 MW output, it can supply electricity to around 170,000 households for two hours. A second, identical system is already under construction nearby, signaling continued investment in grid-scale storage.