Topic
electricity
Commodities Taiwan Charts Offshore Wind Growth to 18 GW by 2039 in New Energy Roadmap
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs released its 2026–2039 Offshore Wind Power Medium- and Long-Term Promotion Plan, targeting total installed capacity between 24.7 GW and 27.9 GW by 2039, up from around 4.9 GW today. The roadmap calls for adding 15-18 GW of new capacity through auctions held every four years, with around 8 GW per round. Installed capacity is projected to reach 18.3-19.9 GW by 2035 and a nearer-term goal of 10.9 GW by 2030. The expansion is driven by rising electricity demand from semiconductor and AI sectors and aims to cut exposure to volatile imported fuel prices.
Commodities Alderney electricity bills to be subsidised as barrel of crude oil nears $100
The States of Guernsey has approved a £200,000 temporary subsidy for Alderney Electricity (AEL) to offset electricity bills if the price of crude oil exceeds $100 per barrel. With the current price at $99.76 according to the Financial Times, the subsidy aims to protect the island's 2,167 residents from exceptional fuel price increases, as Alderney relies on diesel generation unlike its sister islands.
Commodities UK Electricity Prices Remain Among Europe’s Highest as Wholesale Gas Costs and Grid Investment Bite
The BBC reports that UK household electricity prices are the fourth highest in Europe, driven by three factors: wholesale gas costs (heightened by wars in Iran and Ukraine), a gas-heavy generation mix (31% from natural gas in 2025), and rising grid infrastructure investment. France, by contrast, generates 69% of its electricity from nuclear power.
Technology Jackery 2000 Plus Power Station Discounted for Prime Day Provides Home Backup Against Summer Storms
The Jackery 2000 Plus portable power station is currently discounted for Prime Day 2026, as reported by WIRED. It provides 2,042 watt-hours of capacity, expandable, and can power 3,000-watt devices. It serves as home backup during weather-related outages.
Business IIP data decoded: Manufacturing, electricity lift India's industrial growth to 5.1% in May
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 5.1% year-on-year in May 2026, driven by manufacturing and electricity output. The Ministry of Statistics also announced a methodology revision, replacing WPI with Output PPI as the deflator for the IIP series.
SSE Airtricity Price Hike Highlights Sustained Wholesale Electricity Market Volatility
SSE Airtricity domestic customers in Northern Ireland will pay £71.57 more annually from 1 August, a 6.2% increase driven by sustained wholesale market volatility and higher wholesale costs, according to the company.
El Niño Dry Spell Slashes India's Hydropower Generation by 21%, Strains Power Grid
India's hydropower generation plunged 21% in June year-on-year, the steepest drop since February 2024, as El Niño caused monsoon rainfall 38% below normal. Reservoir levels fell to 25% of capacity, forcing increased reliance on coal and renewables to meet record electricity demand.
Budget Energy to Raise Northern Ireland Residential Electricity Prices by 9.5% from August
Budget Energy, a Northern Ireland electricity supplier, will increase residential variable tariff prices by 9.5% from 4 August. The company blames continued wholesale energy market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Customers on fixed-price tariffs are exempt. This follows similar increases by SSE Airtricity and Power NI.
Commodities Geopolitical Tensions Drive Wholesale Energy Costs, Ofgem Price Cap Rises 13%
The UK's energy price cap rose 13% from 1 July 2025, driven by higher wholesale oil and gas costs linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. Ofgem's new cap sets gas at 7.33p/kWh and electricity at 26.11p/kWh for direct debit customers. The regulator also revised typical household consumption estimates downward, reflecting demand reduction.
655 Million Still Lack Electricity as SDG 7 Progress Falls Short, WHO Report Finds
The latest Tracking SDG 7 report from the WHO finds that 655 million people still lack electricity globally, and two billion rely on polluting cooking fuels. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 560 million of the unelectrified, and the pace of electrification must triple to meet 2030 targets. The report notes progress in renewable energy but warns of insufficient financing and slowing progress.
Business Anker Solix E10 Whole-Home Battery Cuts Power Bills by Half as Time-of-Use Rates Surge
A WIRED test of the Anker Solix E10 whole-home battery system in Kansas City showed a 45% reduction in monthly electric bills, from a projected $185 under standard rates to $102 under time-of-use rates with the battery. The $7,200 system is estimated to pay for itself in about five years, highlighting the growing appeal of residential battery storage amid aggressive utility time-of-use pricing.
Commodities Germany Reconsiders Coal Phase-Out as Gas Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
Germany currently generates 20% of its electricity from coal but had pledged to phase out by 2038. However, a surge in global gas prices after the US-Israel conflict with Iran has prompted reconsideration. Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned phase-out plans, and energy firm LEAG welcomes potential reprieve.
Commodities Germany Reconsiders Coal Phase-Out as Gas Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
Germany, Europe's largest coal power user, is reconsidering its coal phase-out due to a surge in global gas prices following the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has signalled a potential loosening of phase-out plans to ensure affordable electricity for industry. Energy firm LEAG welcomes the shift, while environmental researchers urge a faster transition to renewables.
Commodities India's Power Generation Capacity Crosses 530 GW, Set to Hit 600 GW Next Year
India's power generation capacity has crossed 530 GW and is expected to reach nearly 600 GW next year, driven by rapid additions in renewable energy, thermal power, and battery storage. A senior Power Ministry official highlighted record peak demand of 270 GW and outlined plans for 97 GW of thermal, 100 GW of nuclear, and over 44 GW of battery storage capacity, along with a Rs 20,000 crore CCUS support package.
Technology Sundar Pichai: AI's Impact Rivals Electricity and Fire
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has likened the potential impact of AI to that of electricity and fire, emphasizing its transformative power. Despite AI's current limitations, Pichai's vision suggests a future where AI fundamentally alters human civilization.
Commodities Coal India Boosts Supplies Amid Record Power Demand
Coal India has increased coal supplies to power plants as India's power demand hits a record high due to an intense heatwave. The company is using all transport modes to maximize dispatches.