Heat, Solar Manufacturing & Critical Minerals
Hotter summers, new clean-energy manufacturing, rapidly growing EV markets and soaring critical mineral prices are shaping this week's energy story. From Spain's changing climate to Tesla's huge Texas solar plans, the energy transition continues to move across industries and regions.
☀️ Iberia's Hot Summers Are Becoming More Persistent
Hot summers have always been part of the Iberian climate, but the pattern is changing. Temperature data since 1950 shows that extreme heat is becoming more frequent and persistent, with recent years forming a sustained run of higher temperatures rather than isolated hot summers.
🏭 Tesla Plans Huge Solar Manufacturing Plant in Texas
Tesla is planning a massive integrated solar manufacturing facility near Houston, with an estimated investment of $10.1 billion. The proposed plant would process raw silicon through to finished solar panels in one location, creating almost 10,000 jobs once fully operational.
♨️ Why Heat Pumps Cost More to Install in Germany
Heat pumps can cost around three times more to install in Germany than in the UK, with regulation and VAT accounting for part of the difference. The design of subsidy schemes may also play a role, highlighting how policy can influence clean technology costs.
⚡ EV Sales Surge Across Southeast Asia
Electric vehicle sales are accelerating across Southeast Asia, with every market in the latest comparison recording strong year-on-year growth. Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam all saw EV sales rise sharply during the first half of 2026.
⛏️ Tungsten Leads Critical Mineral Price Surge
Tungsten prices soared 622% between January 2025 and April 2026, far outpacing other critical minerals. Cobalt, neodymium, lithium and praseodymium also recorded major increases as rising demand, export restrictions and concentrated supply chains put pressure on global markets.