Growth Energy

New figures on the global electricity mix show coal remained the largest single source in 2024, producing about 34% of the world's power, while wind and solar combined grew to 15%, up from just 4% a decade earlier. The data, presented as charts drawn directly onto a world map, is drawing attention for how clearly it shows both coal's persistence and renewables' rapid rise.

US lawmakers are moving to address the growing impacts of data centers, as facilities powering AI and cloud computing strain local power grids, water supplies and communities. The US Green Building Council highlighted the congressional effort, which signals possible federal legislation on energy use, siting and environmental standards for the rapidly expanding data center industry.

Republicans in competitive midterm races face political pressure over the push to expand data centers, as voters raise concerns about energy costs, water use, and land development tied to the rapid growth of AI infrastructure. Candidates in tight contests are finding the issue increasingly difficult to defend on the campaign trail.

Europe’s automotive industry is facing a new challenge: competition from artificial intelligence developers for vital supplies. As AI data centres and chipmakers expand, they are competing with carmakers for critical resources such as semiconductors, energy and raw materials, driving up costs and straining supply chains. The report highlights how the AI boom is reshaping access to inputs that European car manufacturers depend on.

Commentary argues that President Trump cannot stop America's ongoing shift to clean energy, and that citizens can help accelerate it. The piece frames renewable energy's growth as an economic and technological momentum that persists despite federal policy shifts, urging action to speed up the transition.

Trust in solar companies among US homeowners has improved slightly, according to reporting by pv magazine Global. The finding suggests the residential solar industry may be gradually recovering from earlier reputational problems tied to aggressive sales tactics and installation disputes. The shift matters for installers and manufacturers betting on continued growth in home solar adoption.

An analysis argues that the blue economy—the sustainable use of oceans for economic growth—needs proper measurement as it evolves. Ocean-based industries such as fisheries, shipping, and marine energy are expanding, but without reliable metrics it is hard to track whether growth is truly sustainable. The piece calls for better frameworks to measure the blue economy's development and impact.

Home prices rose 1.9% year over year in July, according to a report from HousingWire. The increase in annual home price growth comes as energy and fuel costs weigh on household budgets and could pressure the housing market, with analysts watching whether rising living costs will dampen buyer demand in the coming months.

Scientific American has released a podcast episode examining three science stories: the rising energy demands of artificial intelligence, ongoing efforts to find elusive subatomic particles, and research on an amoeba that thrives at extreme temperatures. It is being shared among science and technology readers interested in how AI growth intersects with energy and fundamental research.

Ireland is experiencing a rapid expansion of solar power, but an Irish Times column argues the gains risk being captured mainly by large energy companies rather than households and communities. The piece calls for policy to ensure ordinary consumers share in the rewards of the country's solar growth.

A Bank of Canada deputy governor said the central bank faces a 'dilemma' as it weighs a trade war alongside an energy shock. Officials must judge how US tariffs will hit Canadian growth while energy price swings complicate the inflation outlook, making the path for interest rate policy harder to read.