Global Scans · Affordable and Clean Energy · Weekly Summary

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In September 2015, 193 world leaders agreed to 17 Global Goals for Sustainable Development. If these Goals are completed, it would mean an end to extreme poverty, inequality and climate change by 2030.
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

• [New] At COP 29, nearly 60 countries committed to the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, which sets a goal of deploying 1500 GW of energy storage, doubling global grid investments, and developing 25 million kilometers of grid infrastructure by 2030. IEA
• [New] At COP 28, 200 countries made a landmark pledge to triple renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, and over 20 countries pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. IEA
• [New] Renewable energy sources, primarily solar photovoltaic and wind, will play a much larger role in energy systems in the coming decades. International Liberty Institute
• [New] Rosatom and India's Department of Atomic Energy are advancing work on larger VVER-1200 reactors as well as small modular units that could anchor the next generation of India's civilian nuclear capacity. https://www.uniindia.com/~/russia-sees-world-turning-mu
• [New] Polar Night Energy is the prime contractor for the Verks sand battery project, with construction due to start in early 2026 and be completed in the summer of 2027. GIGAZINE
• [New] The mining industry continues to face mounting challenges, including regulatory bans or restrictions, rising energy costs, and geopolitical tensions between the United States and China that could disrupt critical equipment supply chains. MEXC
• [New] The mining industry continues to face growing challenges, including regulatory bans or restrictions, increasing energy costs, and geopolitical tensions between the United States and China that threaten to disrupt critical equipment supply chains. Cryptopolitan
• [New] Renewable energy is expected to at least double globally over the next five years. Augusta Free Press
• [New] Swedish scientists warn of the dangers of distorting incentives when producing energy, industrial, environmental, commercial projects at taxpayers' expense. International Liberty Institute
• [New] The EIA published its November Short-Term Energy Outlook last month, which projected that the price of Brent crude oil will decline from $69 a barrel in 2025 to $55 a barrel in 2026. FOX 13 Seattle
• [New] The government agency expects 2.5GW of industry-scale renewable energy capacity to reach a final investment decision in 2025, down from 4GW last year. The Guardian
• [New] Renewable energy investors have warned deep structural issues are driving a slump in solar and wind investment in Australia, with commitments on large-scale farms at the lowest level in almost a decade. The Guardian
• [New] In 2025 China will for the first time show a stable decline in greenhouse gas emissions, despite growing energy demand and booming manufacturing. Il Sole 24 ORE
• [New] The Clean Energy Regulator said it anticipated nearly 7 GW of large-scale generation and rooftop solar systems could be connected in 2025. The Guardian
• [New] Global LNG demand is projected to rise by approximately 60% by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia and the increasing energy demands of artificial intelligence. FinancialContent
• [New] Silver is poised to benefit from robust industrial demand in 2026, driven by the green energy sector and AI investments, adding an extra layer of support beyond its safe-haven appeal. / USA The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Successful unconventional resource development could fundamentally transform Mexico's energy security profile by reducing import dependency, diversifying supply sources, and providing domestic production capacity that enhances negotiating positions in international energy markets. Discovery Alert
• [New] Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities and escalating friction between the United States and Venezuela have introduced elements of supply risk, providing intermittent support to oil prices. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] The International Energy Agency reversed its previous peak oil prediction, now acknowledging that oil demand will likely grow through 2050. Marcellus Drilling News
• [New] Renewable energy, driven by climate policy commitments, is expected to double employment globally by 2030. ""
• [New] Over the next decade, green hydrogen will transition from a promising alternative to a fundamental pillar of global energy systems. Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, Futu
• [New] Solar photovoltaics and wind energy are cost-effective in many regions, but their introduction faces integration challenges that are slowing further growth: annual capacity growth for solar PV will average 540 gigawatts until 2035, roughly matching the growth seen in 2024. International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine
• [New] IEA's Clean Energy Components Brief warns that the solar supply chain faces near term bottlenecks as Chinese exports slow. EconomicLens

Last updated: 07 December 2025