Energy Transition Update

All continents across the globe are working towards decarbonising domestic fuel supplies. The UK, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Oceanian regions are making solid progress in the task of introducing clean energies and technologies into everyday activities.

The US is continuing to limit progress of renewables in favour of fossil fuels. However, plans for and construction of green power projects are still being pursued by interested organisations that do not fully align with President Trump’s domestic energy vision.   

ThisWeekinFM Guest Editor, Daniel Lynn, has collected a number of newsworthy examples that express progress and limitations of current approaches towards a global energy transition.  

UK & Ireland 
UK based solar energy investment company - NextEnergy Capital (NEC) has taken the 60MW Hatherden solar installation on-line. This solar farm is located in Hampshire, South-East UK. 

Irish solar developer Power Capital Energy has secured €323 million to continue constructing solar energy projects across the Republic of Ireland. 

Qair UK (Green Switch Capital) – the UK subsidiary of French renewable energy company Qair Group, has been provided consent for the 342MW Red Moss Battery Energy Storage System in South Lanarkshire.  

Europe 

Danish multinational renewable company – Orsted has completed construction on the 16.8MW St Wendel wind farm in Western Germany. This facility will be capable of generating enough clean electricity for 11,500 households.  

Polish power supplier R.Power has raised €25 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to pursue ventures across the European renewable energy market, specifically in Poland, Romania, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Germany. 

Orsted has raised €8 billion to complete the 942MW Sunrise Wind Project in the US as well as complete other existing international operations.

Asia Pacific & Oceania
French renewable energy company, Neoen - has agreed to supply Australian mining company BHP and their copper mines in South Australia with power from their planned 1000MW Goyder North Wind Farm. The deal will commence from July 2029.

Australian wind farm developers - Woolnorth Renewables, have been granted consent for construction on the 400MW Mt Fyans wind farm located in the state of Victoria.

The collaboration between UK renewable energy company Harmony Energy and First Renewables is making progress in delivering one of New Zealand’s largest solar projects. The 202MW Tauhei solar farm is on track to be complete during 2026 and operations are aimed to begin in 2027. When finished the installation will be capable of supplying power to 35,000 homes

USA 
California state officials have approved $43 million in financial grants for 5 ports that aim to add floating offshore wind developments. 

The Trump administration has publicly voiced its intention to withdraw $13 billion of funds made available by former President Biden’s green investment strategy.

French multinational energy provider - Total Energies, has agreed to sell a 50% stake of their solar ventures in North America. The 1GW portfolio of solar projects is valued at $1.25 billion and will see Total Energies be paid around $950 million. Total Energies will retain a 50% stake after the transaction is completed.