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] The Australian Energy Regulator will be required to consider every application, with state or territory governments obliged to prove a non-renewables option is cheaper. The Guardian
• [New] De la Espriella's inauguration address in Cali laid out a clear strategy: Colombia will pursue an energy transition, but not from a position of dependence. Clintel
• [New] The BIS expects debt pressure to continue beyond 2031 as ageing populations increase pension and healthcare costs while governments demand more money for infrastructure, renewable energy, and defence. Armstrong Economics
• [New] The International Energy Agency expects global oil supply to remain below near-normal levels until early 2027. investing.com
• [New] New renewable energy additions in 2026 are expected to be below the 2025 level - the first year-on-year slide in over a decade, reflecting recent investment declines. BloombergNEF
• [New] The Ministry of Energy's National Energy Policy 2019 sets a vision of universal access to clean, reliable and affordable energy at the lowest total economic, financial, social and environmental cost by 2030, with the overall objective of establishing Zambia as a net exporter of energy. ZambiaInvest
• The CPUC, along with the CARB and Energy Commission, will support transportation electrification by directing electrical corporations to file applications for programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification. California Energy Commission
• Powering 15% of Canada's electricity, nuclear energy is positioned as a competitive advantage and an opportunity for economic growth, international partnerships, trade diversification, and energy sovereignty. Torys LLP
• The aggregation of distributed energy resources including solar, batteries, EVs, and smart devices into Virtual Power Plants is a key trend, enabled by regulatory advancements such as FERC Order 2222. Straits Research
• The International Maritime Organization's decarbonization mandate requiring a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 is directly accelerating investment in energy-optimised autonomous handling equipment and port management software. Persistence Market Research
• Energy is among the EU's focal points, as the EU aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and increase renewable energy sources to 42.5% of total energy consumption (European Commission, n. d. - d). Scientific Advice Mechanism
• Ukraine has been working to repair and fortify previously damaged energy infrastructure ahead of expected Russian energy strikes in Winter 2026-2027. Critical Threats
• The International Energy Agency emphasizes that, without SAF, commercial aviation does not have a credible pathway to align with climate objectives in 2050. Moeve Global
• In June, the U.S. Department of Energy launched Quantum Genesis with the stated goal of developing and deploying a scientifically relevant fault-tolerant capability for research by 2028. Educational Technology and Change Journal
• The renewable energy storage segment is projected to grow at a remarkable CAGR of 7.2% from 2026 to 2032. 6wresearch
• The European Union's Energy Efficiency Directive revision mandates 11.7% energy consumption reduction by 2030, further accelerating lightweight material adoption. Persistence Market Research
• China will likely lead in Asia Pacific in 2026 with a share of about 39.4%, as it is rapidly expanding renewable energy, ultra-high-voltage transmission networks, battery storage, and smart grid infrastructure. Persistence Market Research
• South Africa's pathway will differ from other markets, reflecting both its current energy mix and broader development priorities. Jersey Finance
• Renewable Energy Directive III requires 42% of industrial hydrogen to come from renewable sources by 2030, which supports proton exchange membrane electrolysis demand. Mordor Intelligence
• The European Union Renewable Energy Directive III provides clearer hydrogen targets for industry and transport, which support purchasing decisions through 2030. / Netherlands Mordor Intelligence
• China's National Energy Administration reported over 130 GW of distributed solar PV installed nationwide as of end-2023, with a target to achieve 1,200 GW of combined solar and wind by 2030. Persistence Market Research
• The European Union's REPowerEU plan targets 45% renewable energy by 2030, with decentralized generation explicitly embedded as a strategic mechanism. Persistence Market Research
• Masdar - Abu Dhabi's renewable energy company - in partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, is building the $6 billion (Dh22 billion) project that could produce one gigawatt of uninterrupted clean power when it starts in 2027. The National

Last updated: 14 September 2026