EV Growth, Solar Momentum & the Race for Critical Materials
Clean energy systems continue to scale rapidly, even as pressure builds around climate thresholds and material supply chains. From electric vehicle adoption and solar-led power growth to rising copper constraints and ultra-small generation technologies, these developments highlight both the momentum behind the transition and the challenges shaping its next phase.
🚗 Global EV Sales Hit New Highs in 2025
Global electric vehicle sales rose 20% in 2025, reaching 20.7 million units. Annual growth remains remarkably consistent, with sales increasing by more than 3 million vehicles for the third year in a row. Regional trends diverged sharply: sales fell 4% in North America, while Europe surged 33%, China rose 17%, and the rest of the world jumped 48%. The data points to a broadening global EV market, increasingly driven by regions outside early adopters.
☀️🔋 Solar and Batteries Meet U.S. Power Demand Growth
olar power met all daytime electricity demand growth in the United States during 2025. Rapid battery deployment is now extending that impact into the evening, allowing stored solar energy to cover a growing share of peak demand. Together, solar and storage are reshaping how new electricity needs are met, reducing reliance on fossil generation and reinforcing the role of clean energy as core grid infrastructure.
🌍 1.5°C: The World’s Most Critical Climate Threshold
The 1.5°C warming target remains the central benchmark for global climate action, but recent data show how close the world is to breaching it. Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations reached their highest level in two million years, and 2024 became the first year in which global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While the Paris goal refers to long-term averages, scientists warn that continued warming raises the risk of more frequent and severe climate impacts, from floods and droughts to heatwaves and wildfires.
🔩 Copper Prices Signal a Supply Crunch Ahead
Copper prices have surged from $8,500 to $13,000 per ton in just eight months, driven by rising demand and constrained supply. Electrification is the core driver: EVs require far more copper than conventional cars, solar installations are copper-intensive, and AI data centers add further pressure. With mine output expected to peak well below projected demand and new projects facing long timelines and permitting hurdles, analysts warn that sustained shortages could push prices much higher—raising costs across the energy transition.
💧⚡ Portable Micro-Hydro Power for Remote Regions
A new ultra-small hydro generator is showing promise for delivering electricity in remote and underserved areas. Designed to operate in shallow, slow-moving water, the system has already been tested powering street lights. Its portability and simplicity could allow off-grid communities to generate reliable local power without large infrastructure, expanding access to clean electricity in hard-to-reach regions.