Solar Still Booming in US | Good Climate News
Utility-scale solar is still thriving in the United States, reports Utility Drive, withstanding the negative political environment. 21 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity have been added to the grid so far this year, higher than last year’s record of 20 GW.
“Solar accounted for 75% of the 28 GW of new generation installed in 2025 so far, followed by wind at 13% and gas at 11%.”
2. Spain’s Last Coal Plant to Close in 2026
The last coal plant in Spain will close next year, explains Majorca Daily Bulletin. The 260 MW Es Murterar plant on the island of Majorca had been scheduled for a 2030 retirement. The last coal plant on the Spanish mainland closed in 2025.
“Coal trucks making the journeys to and from Es Murterar used to be a very familiar sight. They were also the subject of criticism because of coal dust which escaped from under the covers.”
3. UK to Decarbonise Power Sector by 2030
The UK has unveiled a five-year plan to almost fully decarbonize its electricity generation by 2030, relays Reuters. The primary vehicle for this accelerated clean energy build-out will be Great British Energy (GBE), a new state-owned enterprise.
“GBE said it would deliver some 15 gigawatts of clean energy generation and storage capacity by 2030, enough to power around 10 million homes…”
4. More Evidence China’s Emissions Have Peaked
Yet another analysis has found China’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) have likely peaked, heralds Scientific American. The Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air estimated that wind and solar have caused emissions to plateau so far in 2025.
“If the flat-emissions level is maintained, Beijing could see its emissions peak before its stated 2030 goal.”
Be sure to sign up to get Earthview in your inbox:
And consider a paid subscription to get premium analysis and support the work we’re doing!
5. New Geothermal Discovery in Nevada
Geothermal startup Zanskar claims it has discovered the first significant untapped conventional geothermal resource in decades, explains Canary Media. The site has the potential to produce 100 MW of electricity.
“If it’s able to find additional untapped resources that are suitable for conventional technology, Zanskar could deliver new geothermal power faster and cheaper than the flashier startups…”
6. Grid Battery Storage Now Ubiquitous
The New York Times traces the history of grid battery storage, from experimental projects in the Chilean desert just 15 years ago, to enabling solar and wind to power nearly half the country today.
“Last December, the country got more than 40 percent of its electricity from solar panels and wind turbines, up from 19 percent five years earlier…”
📈 Chart of the Week
Although deforestation remains a problem in much of the developing world, China is a bright spot. The Chinese government launched massive reforestation and afforestation projects in the 1970s, which have successfully reversed centuries of forest decline.
The primary motivation is to halt desertification. But the new forests also store massive amounts of carbon.
