Renewable Momentum, Global EV Growth & Australia’s Free Solar Power
From record renewable additions to surging EV adoption and data centers consuming gigawatts, clean and digital energy trends are accelerating in parallel. Yet, as Australia turns surplus solar into free power, Indonesia is doubling down on coal — underscoring how uneven the global energy transition remains.
☀️ Renewables on Track to Triple by 2030
Renewable capacity additions have surged 29% per year since 2023 — surpassing the 21% annual growth rate needed to triple renewables by 2030. With a steady 12% annual increase through 2030, and stronger national targets, the global 3xRenewables goal remains achievable.
🚗 One in Five Cars Sold Worldwide Now Electric
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 21% of all global car sales in Q3 2025 — the first time ever that more than one in five new cars was fully electric. Nearly two-thirds of those sales came from China, while Europe and the U.S. also saw record growth. The EV shift is now unmistakably mainstream.
💻 Data Centers Are Scaling Faster Than Ever
Across the U.S., hyperscale data centers are being built at breakneck speed. OpenAI’s Stargate project in Texas jumped from bare land to 200 MW in a year and could exceed 1.2 GW by 2026. Meta’s new Ohio site is using temporary “GPU tents” to halve construction time. The AI power boom is here.
☀️ Australia to Offer Free Solar Power Hours
Starting July 2026, households in New South Wales, South Australia, and southeast Queensland will get up to three hours of free electricity each day. The “Solar Sharer” plan, announced by Energy Minister Chris Bowen, spreads the benefits of Australia’s massive solar capacity even to those without rooftop panels.
⛏️ Indonesia Bets Big on Coal
While global majors retreat, Indonesia’s Triaryani mine is investing $500 million to boost coal output ninefold. With global demand at record highs, smaller miners see big profits ahead. Despite pledges to curb emissions, the world’s appetite for coal remains stubbornly strong.