Energy from sunlight; PV and CSP convert rays into electricity
A wave of local and state actions is shaping the data-center boom. New rules aim to curb power use, water consumption and cost pressures, while critics warn of overreach and uneven economic impacts.
Solar power has for May provided more electricity than coal for the first time, reaching 12.8% vs 12.2% and signaling a lasting shift toward renewables amid policy headwinds. Emitted by Ember, SEIA and Wood Mackenzie, the data show solar remains the leading source for new power as coal declines. Trump’s plan to bolster coal faces industry pushback.
The system operator has offered grid connection dates to more than 700 shovel-ready clean energy projects, totaling about 37 gigawatts, as Britain advances its 2030 net-zero target. Reforms replace a bottleneck caused by speculative projects, with stricter criteria to connect and deliver faster deployment.
Zimbabwe has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement for a 50MW solar plant powered by private developers and backed by an open-access regime. The deal aims to improve electricity security and attract investment while supporting industrial consumers.
A flurry of deals links data centers with distributed energy resources. Companies are coordinating rooftop solar, home batteries and grid-scale storage to meet rising AI demand, while utilities consider new projects and regulators weigh environmental impacts.