Our Scans · (LF.7) Affordable and Clean Energy · Weekly Summary

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] Data centers are already planning dedicated nuclear plants to power AI, and according to the International Energy Agency, AI data centers could consume nearly 1,000 TWh of electricity by 2030. IO+
• [New] The adoption of wind power is expected to speed up the development trajectory for Bangladesh, as it will not only be a green energy source for households but also a powerhouse for the national economy. The Daily Star
• [New] The International Energy Agency has expressed optimism about the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which are expected to substantially lower investment barriers and attract greater private-sector participation. Reccessary
• [New] Africa stands to lose the most from rising temperatures, and has enormous potential for clean energy buildout thanks to abundant sunshine, among other natural resource riches. oilprice.com
• [New] More than doubling Venezuela's current oil production likely would take until 2030 and cost $110 billion, according to research firm Rystad Energy, while tripling back to levels from 2000 would take well over a decade and cost closer to $185 billion. Fortune
• [New] Clean technologies will continue to dominate new energy deployments in 2026, both in the U.S. and globally. Yale Climate Connections
• [New] The Trump administration's rollback of clean energy projects - including its recent decision to pause leases for offshore wind energy projects being built near the Atlantic coastline - could drive electric bills even higher. BBC News
• [New] Renewable energy storage is expected to be the fastest-growing application, aligned with global clean energy and net-zero targets. Yahoo Finance Singapore
• [New] Meta's investment is expected to net up to 6.6 GW of new and existing clean energy by 2035. WSAZ
• [New] Chinese solar panel maker Longi Green Energy Technology announced that it will mass-produce solar cells using base metals instead of silver in 2026. Positive News
• [New] Battery energy storage will hold at US$ 20 billion in 2026 after jumping by 50% last year on falling unit costs. WoodMac.Site.Features.Shared.ViewModels.Metadata.Publis
• [New] Overall investment in energy and natural resources supply will slip by 4% to US$ 1.58 trillion in 2026. WoodMac.Site.Features.Shared.ViewModels.Metadata.Publis
• [New] In 2026, network cabling trends will include eco-friendly materials, recyclable components, and energy-efficient installations. Bridge Cable
• [New] Energy Sector: Reliance on hydroelectric power remains a vulnerability, but 2026 sees increased diversification into solar and coal projects (notably a $900M investment from Amsons Group) to mitigate future climate shocks. Mpelembe Network
• [New] Nuclear Power Closing the Generation Gap Nuclear energy will increasingly play a vital role in addressing the UK's power generation gap in 2026, defined as the shortfall between growing demand and available supply. Cognitive Energy LLC
• [New] Bidirectional Use of Batteries In 2026, battery storage systems will become an increasingly popular choice for both consumers and businesses looking to manage energy costs, enhance independence, and secure backup power. Cognitive Energy LLC
• [New] Retrofitting demand for energy efficiency creates substantial opportunities, with the UK Green Building Council estimating that meeting climate goals requires a workforce of 500,000. EIN Presswire
• [New] The GWh-scale long-duration energy storage project is expected to reduce curtailment in Xinjiang, a region of China with high solar and wind generation, and transmission bottlenecks. no2nuclearpower
• [New] In 2026, renewable energy deployment will accelerate significantly around the world. Power Shift Africa
• [New] Between 2026 and 2030, projections show renewable energy will become the largest source of electricity generation around the world. Power Shift Africa
• [New] The International Energy Agency still expects to see renewable energy grow faster than any other major energy source in all scenarios going forward, as renewable energy's lower costs make it an attractive option in many countries. TucsonSentinel.com
• As technology matures and policy frameworks strengthen, clean energy will become the dominant foundation of the global economy. TradingView

Last updated: 12 January 2026