Global Scans · 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] When compared to an extremely optimistic benchmark projecting reduced environmental impacts of conventional animal agriculture by 2030, cultivated meat produced using renewable energy can reduce the carbon footprint of beef by up to 92%, pork by 44%, and be competitive with chicken. The Good Food Institute
• [New] The IRENA's World Energy Transitions Outlook calls for a tripling of annual renewable power capacity additions from around 300 gigawatts to 1000 GW on average until 2030 globally. INTERNATIONAL DAYS
• [New] Moving the current average global efficiency rate of coal-fired power plants from 37.5% to 47.5% by deploying more advanced technology could cut 2 gigatons of CO2 emissions while allowing affordable energy for economic development and poverty reduction. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
• [New] The International Energy Agency forecasted a record global oil surplus of 4.0 million bpd for 2026. Barchart.com
• [New] Africa has become strategically central to the global green transition owing to its vast reserves of critical minerals, significant renewable energy potential, and youthful labour force. Tess
• [New] Between now and 2030, an estimated USD 670 billion must be directed each year towards grids, with further investment required to rapidly scale up energy storage solutions, facilitate renewable integration and safeguard grid stability. Global Renewables Alliance
• [New] More recently, Iran has threatened to target desalination infrastructure used by the US and Israel in West Asia in response to any attacks on its own domestic fuel and energy infrastructure-signalling an alarming escalation in the weaponization of water systems. orfonline.org
• [New] As adoption increases, blockchain will continue to play a pivotal role in reshaping how we produce, distribute, and trade energy globally. California Management Review
• [New] If SMR technology delivers at scale by the early 2030s, the long-term AI energy trajectory becomes sustainable. AI Business Weekly
• [New] Microsoft signed a $16 billion, 20-year deal to restart Three Mile Island Unit 1 - renamed the Christopher M. Crane Clean Energy Center - for 835 MW of nuclear power targeting 2028 operation, to secure carbon-free baseload power for its AI data centers per Zylos AI's energy research. AI Business Weekly
• [New] Data center electricity demand could rise 160% by 2030 per Zylos AIa scale that requires every available clean energy source simultaneously, not a choice between nuclear and renewables. AI Business Weekly
• [New] Strategic competition is reinforcing protectionist approaches across energy, metals and agriculture, while the race for critical minerals is accelerating as 2030 net-zero targets and defence priorities draw closer. Commodities Global Summit
• [New] Fastest-growing Application: The offshore segment is forecasted to grow the fastest through 2033, owing to expanding renewable energy projects, port development, and demand for specialized marine foundation solutions. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Saudi Arabia aims to generate around 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 as part of its long-term energy strategy. GCC BUSINESS WATCH
• [New] Renewable energy can be a driver for economic growth and New York City agencies and City Hall have a historic opportunity to create a more permanent, predictable jobs engine. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] At Wards Island, DEP is advancing a 10 MW solar and 10 MW battery storage project expected to become the world's largest clean energy installation at a wastewater treatment facility. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] Expanding distributed solar and storage across New York could generate approximately $1 billion in annual avoided energy costs by 2035, including $481 million in downstate benefits. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] New York State has expanded its energy storage ambitions, with the Public Service Commission approving a roadmap to deploy 6,000 MW of storage by 2030. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] Expanded deployment of distributed solar and storage is projected to generate approximately $1 billion annually in avoided energy costs statewide by 2035 while lowering electricity bills and reducing exposure to volatile natural gas markets. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] Coordinated reforms, including clearer standards and streamlined reviews at FDNY, support for staffing levels to review applications, and greater accountability, could accelerate deployment while making New York City more competitive for clean energy investment. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] SLB and Liberty Energy Inc. announced an agreement to form a strategic alliance that will deliver modular infrastructure and integrated power generation solutions for new data center projects globally. SLB
• [New] Victoria is targeting 65% of its energy to be delivered through renewables by 2030, and 95% by 2035. Allume

Last updated: 09 August 2026