The global renewable energy industry witnessed another dynamic week marked by record-breaking generation, billion-dollar investments, and major project launches. From policy shifts in Japan to large-scale financing by Brookfield and Ares, the clean energy sector continues to accelerate its momentum across continents. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 developments shaping the renewable energy landscape this week.
1. Renewables Surpass Coal in Global Power Generation
For the first time, global solar and wind power combined have generated more electricity than coal, marking a major milestone in the clean energy transition. According to Ember report, renewable output surged by over 400 TWh in the first half of 2025, led by a 31 percent rise in solar generation and nearly 8 percent in wind. China and India were the primary drivers of growth, while Europe and the U.S. experienced slower progress due to weather impacts and delayed installations. The data signals a structural shift — renewables are now not just supplementing fossil fuels but actively displacing them as the dominant source of electricity worldwide.
2. Ares Management Invests $2.9 Billion in U.S. Renewables
Ares Management has made a $2.9 billion investment for a 49 percent stake in EDP Renewables North America’s portfolio, which includes 1,030 MW of solar, 402 MW of wind, and 200 MW of battery storage. All assets are supported by long-term PPAs averaging 18 years. This transaction expands Ares’s renewable holdings to nearly 5.7 GW across U.S. markets and underscores the strong flow of institutional capital into clean energy assets. For EDP Renewables, the deal allows capital recycling into new growth projects, boosting clean generation and grid resilience.
3. Brookfield Raises $20 Billion for Global Energy Transition Fund
Brookfield Asset Management has closed a record $20 billion global fund focused on renewable and decarbonization projects. Investors include UAE’s Alterra ($2 billion) and Norway’s Norges Bank ($1.5 billion). The fund will target renewable generation, hydrogen, carbon capture, and industrial decarbonization projects across developed and emerging markets. Early investments include France’s Neoen and new partnerships in India and the U.S. Brookfield’s fund demonstrates the scale of institutional demand for stable, ESG-aligned energy assets that deliver both climate impact and consistent returns.
4. Japan’s Solar Sector Reacts to Takaichi’s Election Win
Japan’s solar market faced volatility after the election of Sanae Takaichi, who advocates a stronger focus on nuclear power and a cautious stance toward large-scale solar. Shares of traditional solar developers declined, while companies developing advanced technologies such as perovskite materials gained momentum. Analysts say Takaichi’s policies could shift Japan’s renewable trajectory toward next-generation materials and domestic innovation rather than imports. The outcome highlights the influence of political leadership on renewable adoption in Japan’s tightly regulated energy market.
5. Indonesia Launches 92 MW Floating Solar Plant in West Java
Indonesia’s state utility PLN has begun constructing a 92 MW floating solar power plant on the Saguling Reservoir, marking another milestone in the country’s renewable expansion. The project will produce around 130 GWh annually and prevent 104,000 tons of CO₂ emissions each year. It aligns with Indonesia’s plan to add 42.6 GW of renewable capacity by 2034, with solar contributing about 40 percent. Floating solar offers dual benefits — saving land space and reducing water evaporation — and is increasingly seen as a practical solution for densely populated Southeast Asian regions.
6. Ardian Acquires Irish Utility Energia in €2.5 Billion Deal
French investment firm Ardian has agreed to acquire Energia Group, one of Ireland’s top renewable energy operators and retail suppliers, from I Squared Capital for €2.5 billion. Energia manages 16 onshore wind farms and supplies over 750,000 customers in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The deal complements Ardian’s infrastructure and climate strategy, positioning Energia as a platform for green growth and data center electrification. The transaction also reflects Europe’s ongoing investment trend in vertically integrated clean utilities that combine retail, renewables, and grid modernization.
7. Mars Signs Large-Scale Renewable Energy Agreement in Europe
Mars has signed its first European Renewable Acceleration Agreement with GoldenPeaks Capital to deploy over 100 solar projects in Poland, providing 129 MWac of capacity — enough to power roughly 100,000 homes. The deal will help Mars decarbonize its operations and value chain across Europe, advancing its goal of sourcing 100 percent renewable electricity globally. The agreement mirrors similar partnerships Mars established in North America and showcases how global corporations are increasingly integrating renewable sourcing into their long-term sustainability roadmaps.
8. Algeria Unveils $60 Billion Energy Investment Plan
Algeria’s government announced a $60 billion five-year plan to invest in energy infrastructure, balancing hydrocarbons with renewable development. Approximately 80 percent of the spending will target oil, gas, and hydrogen production, while 3.2 GW of renewable energy capacity will be developed. The plan also aims to reduce gas flaring to below 1 percent by 2030 and plant over half a million hectares of trees to combat emissions. Algeria’s strategy signals its intent to diversify its economy, enhance energy security, and position itself as a regional supplier of clean hydrogen to Europe.
9. Tata Power Secures 80 MW Renewable PPA for Mumbai
Tata Power said its Mumbai distribution arm has signed a power purchase agreement with Tata Power Renewables for 80 MW of clean energy supply. The project will deliver about 315 million units annually, cutting 250,000 tons of CO₂ emissions. The hybrid project uses a mix of solar, wind, and battery storage to ensure 90 percent peak-time availability. This initiative supports Tata Power’s target to reach 20 GW of renewable capacity by 2030 and aligns with India’s national goal to achieve 50 percent renewable energy by the same year. The move reinforces Mumbai’s transition toward sustainable, reliable urban power supply.
10. IUCN Pushes for “Nature-Positive” Renewable Energy
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has urged developers and policymakers to integrate biodiversity safeguards into renewable energy planning. Speaking at the World Coastal Forum, the organization emphasized that offshore wind, tidal, and floating solar projects must minimize ecological harm. IUCN called for nature-positive frameworks — including biodiversity offsets and adaptive marine spatial planning — to balance renewable expansion with conservation. As clean energy projects scale globally, the push highlights the importance of designing energy transitions that are both climate-friendly and ecologically sustainable.
Baburajan Kizhakedath