Latest Industry Trends News
Record Solar and Wind Deployments Reach 800 GW in 2025
BloombergNEF reports global solar and wind hit over 800 gigawatts last year, tripling since 2021, with China generating 42% clean power by November, up 15.4%. Countries like Bulgaria and Poland sourced 20%+ from solar at times, reducing costs and emissions.
This signals accelerated fossil fuel to clean energy transition.
EU Sets 90% Emissions Cut Target by 2040
The EU agreed on a 2040 target to reduce emissions 90% below 1990 levels, allowing limited international carbon credits. EU ministers backed a fund from 2028 for cross-border electricity infrastructure.
This incentivizes electrification for economic gains.
First Year-Over-Year Decline in Global Solar Additions Expected
S&P Global anticipates 2026's first drop in solar capacity due to China's slowdown, ending uninterrupted expansion. This prompts industry consolidation and hybrid power agreements with battery storage.
Data centers drive clean power demand.
China Scales Green Hydrogen Production and Exports
China will rapidly expand green hydrogen in 2026 via policy support and falling electrolyzer costs, becoming global leader. This shifts from electrons to clean molecules amid hydrogen reassessment elsewhere.
Sustainable aviation fuel capacity grows 33%, led by Asia.
EU CBAM Fully Effective, Adding $15B Import Costs
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism started Jan 1, charging imports like steel based on emissions. S&P estimates $15 billion added costs, reshaping supply chains toward low-carbon suppliers.
This harmonizes global emissions reporting.
Global Trade Growth Slows to 2.6% Amid Fragmentation
UNCTAD projects subdued 2.6% global growth in 2026, with developing economies at 4.2% excluding China. Geopolitical fragmentation, digital/green transitions, and regulations reshape value chains.
South-South trade surges, now 57% of developing exports.
Tariffs Rise with US-Led Protectionism
Global tariffs increased in 2025, led by US measures on manufacturing, continuing into 2026 for strategic goals. This heightens policy uncertainty.
Digitally deliverable services grow but lag in least developed countries.
Critical Minerals Oversupply and Geopolitical Tensions
Prices fell post-2022 as supply outpaced demand, aiding clean tech but hurting mining investments. Geopolitics may destabilize trade; China dominates cleantech components.
Access shapes trade diplomacy.
Global GDP Growth Steady at 3% into 2026
IMF projects slowdown to 3.1% in 2026 from 3.3% in 2024; advanced economies at 1.5%, emerging above 4%. Inflation declines to 3.7% globally, but above target in US.
Risks include protectionism and uncertainties.
AI Data Centers Strain Power Grids with Surging Demand
Data centers could consume 20% global electricity by 2030-35, driven by AI and emerging middle classes. US AI power needs may rise 30x in a decade, stressing infrastructure.
This boosts energy transition investments.
Corporate Commitments Surge in Clean Energy Coalitions
116 companies accelerate EV transition via EV100; 445 commit to 100% renewables with RE100. 107 join energy efficiency via Smart Energy Coalition; 36 for net-zero concrete.
UK funds electric trucks up to £120k.
US Tax Cuts Offset Tariff Impacts on Growth
Trump's OBBB tax cuts add 0.5-1% to US GDP in 2026, keeping growth at 2% despite tariffs. Fed to cut rates; overweight emerging markets.
Global growth ~3%, inflation declines.