Global Power Concentration, Clean Market Economics & Energy Storage Innovation
Global power generation is becoming increasingly concentrated, while market forces, technology costs, and industrial innovation continue to reshape energy systems. From China’s outsized role in global electricity supply to Texas’ market-driven clean energy buildout, Europe’s coal decline, new forms of heat storage, and tightening metals markets, these developments highlight how fast the foundations of the energy system are shifting.
⚡ China Now Generates One-Third of the World’s Electricity
China’s power system has reached unprecedented scale. In 2025, the country produced 33.2% of global electricity—more than double the share of the United States at roughly 14.2%. That means one out of every three kilowatt-hours generated worldwide now comes from China, with the rest of the world combined accounting for about 52.6%. The numbers underline how central China has become to global energy trends, from coal consumption to renewables deployment, grid expansion, and electrification.
☀️ Texas’ Free-Market Grid Keeps Building Wind, Solar, and Storage
Texas operates the most competitive and deregulated generation market in the U.S., and the results are increasingly clear. Despite no state-level renewable portfolio standard and the presence of subsidies aimed at supporting gas plants, most new generation capacity being added is wind, solar, and battery storage. The reason is simple: these technologies are often the lowest-cost options. Market forces alone are driving a rapid clean energy buildout.
📉 Coal Hits Historic Low in EU Power Mix
Coal’s role in Europe’s electricity system continues to shrink. In 2025, coal supplied just 9.2% of EU electricity—its lowest level on record. In 19 EU countries, coal now accounts for less than 5% of generation, and Ireland fully phased out coal last year. The trend reflects plant retirements, tighter climate policy, and strong growth in renewables and gas-to-clean energy substitution.
🔥 Finland Launches Industrial-Scale Sand Battery for Heat Storage
Finnish start-up TheStorage has commissioned its first industrial-scale sand-based heat storage system. The technology can be scaled from 20 to 500 MWh, with charging power between 1 and 20 MW, depending on industrial needs. By storing heat rather than electricity, sand batteries offer a low-cost way to decarbonize industrial heat, district heating, and other thermal applications.
🥈 Silver Market Tightens as Production Concentration Grows
Mexico remains the world’s largest silver producer, even though it holds only around 6% of known global reserves. Meanwhile, the Silver Institute projects that the silver market will post its fifth consecutive annual deficit in 2025, pushing the cumulative shortfall close to 820 million ounces. Rising demand from electronics, solar panels, and clean energy technologies is adding pressure to already tight supply chains.