Topic
renewable energy
Technology Plug-in solar panels arrive on UK High Street after government rule change
The UK government has changed the rules to allow plug-in solar panels to be sold legally, with Argos stocking kits from Thursday. Prices start at £699, and households could save £70–£110 a year, according to the BBC.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc raises green energy share to 22%, targets 70% by FY28
Hindustan Zinc has raised its green energy share to 22% of total power consumption, up from about 18% in FY2025-26. The Vedanta group firm targets 70% renewable power by FY2027-28 and expanded its Serentica Renewables agreement to 530 MW.
Commodities Tata Power’s Digital Command Centre for Real-Time Monitoring of Renewable Energy Assets
Tata Power Renewables launched CREAMS, its integrated digital command centre, at the Trombay plant on August 20. The facility provides 24x7 real-time monitoring, analytics, forecasting, scheduling and performance optimisation for solar and wind assets across multiple states, according to Business-Today.
Manufacturing From Sugar Mill to Biorefinery: India Hits 20% Ethanol Blending Five Years Early
India achieved 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025 — five years ahead of target — according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Sugar mills are now repositioning as integrated biorefineries, with government policy backing multi-feedstock distilleries and by-product streams including CBG, PDM, PLA and captured CO2. The first cooperative multi-feedstock CBG plant in a sugar-mill ecosystem was inaugurated in Maharashtra in 2025.
Finance Taiwan's Hai Long Offshore Wind Project Secures $1.7bn Financing
Taiwan's Hai Long offshore wind project secured a $1.7bn (NT$55bn) financing package ahead of commissioning at end-2026. The deal added new lenders and improved terms, bringing total supporting institutions to 35. The wind farm off Changhua county will have over 1GW capacity and cover the annual demand of more than 1m households.
Technology I Tested Portable Solar Panels for Years to See Which Models Best Deliver Free Electricity
WIRED's Simon Hill tested portable solar panels over several years and found the Jackery Solar Saga 200 the most effective, delivering up to 170 watts and charging a 4,085Wh power station in two days. Bluetti's 350-W and 500-W panels provide higher output but with more finicky setup. The review details efficiencies, IP ratings, and connector standards.
Commodities Clean power push: India hits 300 GW non-fossil capacity milestone ahead of 2030 target
India crossed 300.50 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity as of July 31, accounting for more than 54% of total installed power capacity and over 60% of the 500 GW target for 2030. Solar leads the mix at 164.59 GW, with record additions of 55.29 GW in 2025-26. Domestic solar module manufacturing capacity also crossed 200 GW.
I Tested a Pile of Solar Generators to See Which Are Worth the Money
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Commodities India's RTC Renewable Energy Tariff Pegged at Rs 5.25/Unit: MNRE Secretary
India's latest round-the-clock renewable energy bid discovered a tariff of Rs 5.25 per unit, with Solar Energy Corporation of India conducting the auction. MNRE Secretary Santosh Sarangi announced the result at CII's International Energy Conference, noting India aims for 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Commodities Denmark awards Hesselø and North Sea I Mid offshore wind projects to Vattenfall
The Danish Energy Agency has awarded Vattenfall the Hesselø and North Sea I Mid offshore wind projects. Vattenfall bid DKK 504 per MWh for North Sea I Mid and DKK 542 per MWh for Hesselø. The two projects add at least 1.8 GW of capacity and must be completed by 2032.
Commodities Philippines reschedules inaugural offshore wind auction GEA-5 to December 1
The Philippines Department of Energy has rescheduled its first offshore wind auction, GEA-5, to December 1, 2026, after pausing the process on July 4. The auction targets up to 3.3GW of offshore wind capacity, with post-award steps scheduled through June 30, 2027. The DOE estimates the country's offshore wind technical potential exceeds 178GW.
Commodities India's renewable energy boom could make Germany a customer for green hydrogen
German ambassador Philipp Ackermann said Germany could become a buyer of Indian green hydrogen, highlighting the renewable energy partnership. The collaboration includes an MoU between ThyssenKrupp and BHEL for electrolyzer localization and a focus on AI and the India-EU FTA.
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 Romania Maps Out 11.5GW Offshore Wind Pipeline in Black Sea Draft Decision
Romania has published a draft decision identifying 11 offshore wind concession areas in the Black Sea, with a combined potential capacity of 11.5GW. The plan is divided into three phases, including fixed-bottom and floating wind sites. The government estimates the sector could add €16bn to €27bn to the economy, and feedback is due by July 31.
Commodities Crown Estate Launches Accelerated Tender for 1.5GW Morgan Offshore Wind Site in Irish Sea
The Crown Estate has launched an accelerated tender for the 1.5GW Morgan offshore wind site in the Irish Sea, following the withdrawal of EnBW and JERA Nex BP. Bidders will compete via a rising-clock auction for a site exclusivity fee, with potential developer selection by end of 2026. The project already has a development consent order from August 2025.
Commodities Massachusetts Pilot Tests Electric Vehicles as Grid Batteries for Demand Response
A coalition of utilities and technology companies including Eversource, National Grid, EnergyHub, Sunrun, and the Mobility House has launched a pilot program in Massachusetts that allows electric vehicle owners to send energy back to the grid during peak demand events. The vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology aims to improve grid reliability, integrate renewable energy, and create a new revenue stream for drivers. Lessons from the pilot could pave the way for widespread adoption, making electricity cheaper for all.
Commodities German Offshore Wind Adds 1.1GW in H1 2026 as Industry Demands Reform
Germany added 1.1GW of offshore wind capacity in the first half of 2026, bringing total installed capacity to 10.8GW. Industry associations, led by BWO, are urging the government to replace the negative bidding system with contracts for difference to improve bankability and attract investment for future projects.
Logistics DEME Wins €150M-€300M Foundation Role on 1GW Zeevonk Offshore Wind Project in Netherlands
Belgian marine contractor DEME has been awarded a substantial contract for the Zeevonk offshore wind project in the Netherlands, covering transport and installation of 69 monopile foundations. The contract, valued between €150 million and €300 million, involves marshalling services, scour protection, and use of specialized vessels including the Orion. Offshore construction is scheduled to start in 2028, subject to final investment decision.
Commodities Study Maps Out Path for Mediterranean Offshore Wind: Regulation and Infrastructure Key
A study by Politecnico di Torino's MOREnergy Lab and WindEurope reveals that floating offshore wind in the Mediterranean requires not just technology but also predictable regulation, scaled infrastructure, grid connections, and community engagement. The research aims to turn the region's wind potential into competitive projects, supporting Europe's energy transition.
Commodities EU Approves €63bn French Offshore Wind Support Scheme for 11 Farms
The European Commission has approved a €63bn ($72bn) French support scheme for offshore wind, backing the construction of 11 wind farms across the North Sea, Atlantic, and Mediterranean. The package will deliver up to 11.1GW of capacity and generate 47.8TWh annually, about 10.6% of France's power consumption.
Logistics Cadeler secures $282m loan for third A-class offshore wind installation vessel Wind Apex
Cadeler has secured a €247 million ($282 million) senior secured green term loan to finance part of its third A-class newbuild offshore wind installation vessel, Wind Apex. The 12-year facility is backed by Denmark’s Export and Investment Fund (EIFO) and arranged by HSBC Singapore, with a syndicate including KfW IPEX-Bank, Rabobank, and DNB Bank. Two A-class vessels are under construction at COSCO in China, with Wind Ace due in H2 2026 and Wind Apex in Q2 2027.
South Korea's 390MW Shinan-Wi Offshore Wind Project Enters Construction Phase
Korea Midland Power's 390MW Shinan-Wi offshore wind project has moved into construction after closing financing. The $2.26bn project will install 26 15MW turbines, generate 950,000MWh annually, and source substation equipment from domestic companies. Financing includes project debt from KDB and KB Kookmin Bank, plus policy loans from the National Growth Fund and Future Energy Fund.
Commodities India's ethanol blending rollout: Setting the record straight on fuel transition fears
The article addresses misinformation about India's ethanol blending program, clarifying that E20 has been safely used since April 2025 and E25 is not scheduled. It emphasizes the methodical rollout, strategic benefits for energy security, and the need for evidence-based debate.
Commodities Pacifico Energy Korea Signs Local Supply Deal for 3.2 GW Jindo Offshore Wind Cluster
US-based offshore wind developer Pacifico Energy Korea has signed a memorandum of understanding with three offshore wind suppliers in the Gwangyang Bay area to support the 3.2 GW Jindo offshore wind project cluster. The deal aims to strengthen domestic sourcing, support regional industry, and build Gwangyang Bay into a wider offshore wind supply hub.
Marco Polo Marine Secures Multi-Year Siemens Gamesa CSOV Deal for Asia-Pacific Offshore Wind
Singapore-based offshore vessel player Marco Polo Marine has signed a multi-year framework agreement with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy for the deployment of two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) in the Asia-Pacific region. The deal, made through Marco Polo Marine’s PKR Offshore unit, covers Siemens Gamesa projects in Taiwan on a non-exclusive basis, with potential work in South Korea and Japan.
Commodities Philippine Department of Energy Suspends 3.3GW Offshore Wind Auction for Recalibration
The Philippine Department of Energy has suspended all activities under the fifth Green Energy Auction round, which was to award incentives for up to 3.3GW of fixed-bottom offshore wind capacity. The suspension allows for recalibration amid port readiness, permitting, environmental costs, and potential supply chain disruptions from the Middle East conflict. Nine companies had passed the initial qualification review out of over 20 bidders.
Commodities India Floats RFP for Rs 37,500 Crore Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme to Cut Import Dependence
India's Ministry of Coal floated a request for proposal (RFP) on Wednesday for its Rs 37,500 crore incentive scheme to support coal and lignite gasification. The scheme aims to gasify 75 million tonnes by 2030, reducing dependence on imported LNG, urea, ammonia and methanol. Officials expect to select projects within four months, with total investments estimated at Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore.
Commodities India's Bio-Energy Outlook for 2026-27: Rising Competition, Crop Improvement and El Niño Risks
The global sugar market enters the 2026-27 season with a reduced surplus of about 1.1 million tonnes due to Brazil's ethanol prioritization and higher crude oil prices. India's sugar production is forecast to rise to 33.6 million tonnes, supported by good monsoons and expanded acreage, but the developing El Niño poses a significant risk to the 2027-28 crop. Meanwhile, India's ethanol capacity has reached 17 billion litres, well above the E20 mandate, prompting calls for flex-fuel vehicles and higher blends.
Business Adani Group AGM: Gautam Adani Unveils 10 GW Nuclear Plan, Record Infrastructure Spend
At the Adani Group AGM, chairman Gautam Adani announced plans to develop 10 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2035 via Adani Atomic Energy. He highlighted a record Rs 1.5 lakh crore infrastructure spend in FY26 and expansion across power, transmission, and low-carbon energy. The group aims to increase power generation capacity to 45 GW in five years.
Commodities KHNP-Led Consortium Wins Preferred Bidder Role for 800MW Korean Offshore Wind Project
A consortium led by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has been selected as the preferred bidder for the 800MW Jeonbuk Southwestern Offshore Wind Expansion Complex Phase 1 project. The award, announced by Jeonbuk State, puts the group in line to develop the first stage of a 2.4GW offshore wind complex off Buan County. The project is structured as a public-led scheme with public entities required to hold more than half the equity.
Commodities Norwegian Føn Energy Services Wins Multi-Year O&M Deal for Poland's Baltic Power Offshore Wind Farm
Aker-backed Føn Energy Services has secured a multi-year balance-of-plant O&M contract for the 1.2GW Baltic Power offshore wind farm in Poland, the country's first such project. The deal covers subsea asset maintenance and environmental surveys. Local content is expected to exceed 21%, with Polish suppliers already active across the supply chain.
Trade New Zealand Opens Door to Offshore Wind Investment with New Permitting Law
New Zealand's parliament has passed the Offshore Renewable Energy Bill, creating a formal two-stage approval process for offshore wind development. The New Zealand Wind Energy Association says the law provides regulatory certainty and the confidence needed to attract investment into the country's world-class offshore wind resources, particularly in the South Taranaki Bight.
Commodities El Nino Weakens India Hydropower to Steepest Drop Since Feb 2024, Strains Grid
India's hydropower generation fell more than 20% in June, the steepest year-on-year drop since February 2024, as El Nino conditions caused a 38% rainfall deficit. Reservoir levels are critically low, forcing greater reliance on coal-fired power. The weak monsoon also hurt kharif crop sowing, with oilseeds acreage down 39% and cotton down 23%.
Commodities Renewable Natural Gas Reaches Inflection Point as Cummins X15N Engine Gains Fleet Traction
Renewable natural gas (RNG) has reached an inflection point, driven by the Cummins X15N 15-liter natural gas engine, expanding OEM partnerships with PACCAR and Daimler, and a maturing fuel infrastructure. Clean Energy's Chad Lindholm reports over 1,000 RNG trucks on U.S. roads delivering comparable diesel performance at ranges up to 1,200 miles per day.
Commodities India’s bio-energy boom boosts demand for enzyme solutions, says Novonesis
Denmark-based Novonesis, formed in 2024 from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, is seeing strong demand for its enzymes and microbial solutions from India’s expanding bio-energy and nutrition markets. Regional President Krishna Mohan Puvvada noted that bio-ethanol and biofuels are major growth drivers, alongside probiotics and bio-fertilizers. Novonesis has invested around Rs 4,000 crore in India and signed an MoU with Maharashtra for an additional Rs 2,500-3,000 crore investment.
Commodities Sugar Industry Renews Push for Dedicated E100 Fuel Pumps Amid Ethanol Glut
The Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has renewed its demand for the government to allow ethanol distilleries to set up dedicated E100 fuel dispensing stations. The proposal, first made in February 2023, aims to scale up flex-fuel mobility and ease financial stress from excess ethanol capacity. The government has yet to decide, amid concerns over E20 blending programme efficiency.
Commodities Skyborn Takes Full Control of Nordergründe Offshore Wind Farm in German North Sea
Skyborn Renewables, a German offshore wind developer owned by BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners, has acquired full ownership of the 111MW Nordergründe offshore wind farm in the German North Sea. Previously holding a 30% stake, Skyborn now gains complete control over the asset's optimisation and long-term management. The wind farm, commissioned in 2017 and consisting of 18 turbines, supplies renewable electricity to approximately 90,000 households.
Commodities Nova Scotia Names Five Companies and Two Consortia for First Offshore Wind Auction
The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator has released the names of five companies and two consortia that passed pre-qualification for the province's first offshore wind auction. The move advances Canada's first offshore wind farms, with a formal call for bids expected later this year. Premier Tim Houston has proposed expanding the licensing target to 40 GW.
Logistics Integrated Wind Solutions Secures Additional Charter Awards, Boosting 2026 Backlog
Integrated Wind Solutions (IWS) has secured new charter commitments for its Skywalker-class commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), adding approximately 120 days and €6 million to its 2026 backlog. An undisclosed Tier 1 client and an existing client extension push the contracted days for the last three quarters of 2026 to 94%, including options.
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.
Commodities Swedish County Backs Offshore Wind at Sjollen After Policy Reversal on Energy Needs
The County Administrative Board of Skåne has reversed its position on the Sjollen offshore wind project in the Öresund Strait, now supporting its designation as a national interest area. The decision comes as electricity demand in southern Sweden increases. The project, which could produce 1.3 TWh annually, has been paused by the developer due to market conditions.
Manufacturing India’s E100 ethanol push could trigger ₹50,000 crore auto industry investment
India's push for E100 ethanol could trigger ₹37,000-50,000 crore in auto industry investment, including ₹22,000-30,000 crore in R&D and ₹15,000-20,000 crore in localisation and manufacturing upgrades. However, flex-fuel vehicles are expected to account for only a low single-digit share of the market by 2030, and the investment must compete with ongoing electrification spending.
Commodities India Defends E20 Petrol Against Viral Claims, Pushes Ethanol Roadmap Towards E100 Ecosystem
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas defended E20 petrol against viral claims, calling them misleading and unsubstantiated. India has achieved 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule and is now pushing towards an E100 ecosystem with flex-fuel vehicles, aiming to reduce crude oil imports and boost farmer incomes.
Commodities Turkey Unveils Draft Rules for First 1GW Offshore Wind Auction, Sets Price Band of $0.07-$0.11/kWh
Turkey has published draft rules for its first large-scale offshore wind auction, offering a 1GW project with a 49-year licence. The auction features a price band of $0.07-$0.11 per kWh, a 25% domestic content requirement, and penalties for shortfalls. The winning bidder will be selected from four candidate sea areas and must meet strict timelines for wind measurement and construction.
Regulations & Compliance MNRE Allows Provisional Commissioning for Solar Projects Awaiting ALMM List-II Approval
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has provided temporary relief to solar projects awaiting ALMM List-II approval, allowing provisional commissioning for one month from June 23, 2026. Projects installed before June 1, 2026, with pending exemption applications may generate and inject electricity while their requests are processed. Authorities are directed not to withhold commissioning approvals solely due to pending ALMM clearance.
Commodities Scotland Awards £1.7M for Offshore Wind Skills Training Pipeline
The Scottish Government has awarded almost £1.7 million ($2.25 million) to three projects to boost training and skills for the offshore wind sector, including a regional skills hub, expanded engineering construction programmes, and new courses at North East Scotland College. The funding, part of the Offshore Wind Skills Programme, is expected to attract similar private investment and support an estimated 49,000 jobs in Scotland's offshore wind industry.
Business Skyborn Renewables Sells 25% Stake in German Baltic Sea Wind Farm Gennaker
Skyborn Renewables, a BlackRock-owned offshore wind developer, has agreed to sell a 25% stake in the Gennaker wind farm in the German Baltic Sea to Stadtwerke München. The 976.5 MW project, once completed, will be the largest offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea and is expected to power approximately 1 million homes annually. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and construction financing closing, targeted for Q3 2026.
Commodities Hindustan Zinc partners with Advantek, Aero Eagle for green hydrogen mining solutions
Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with Advantek Associates LLP and Aero Eagle Automobiles Pvt Ltd to explore green hydrogen and alternative clean-energy solutions for its mining operations. The collaboration aims to pioneer hydrogen fuel use in underground mining, aligning with the company's net-zero by 2050 commitment.
Commodities Paddy Straw-Based Compressed Biogas Deserves Special Funding to Combat Stubble Burning Crisis
Every winter, stubble burning in northern India worsens air quality in Delhi-NCR. Converting paddy straw into compressed biogas (CBG) addresses both environmental and agricultural challenges, but high collection, pre-processing, and capital costs hinder viability. The article argues for enhanced capital subsidies, viability gap funding, and access to carbon markets to scale up CBG production.
Business RIL AGM: Jio Platforms Files for $4B IPO, AI and Satellite Broadband Take Centre Stage
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani unveiled strategic plans at the 49th AGM, including Jio Platforms' draft IPO for up to ₹37,700 crore ($4B), making it India's largest public issue. The company is advancing artificial intelligence, satellite broadband, and renewable energy initiatives while transitioning operational leadership to his children.
Commodities Amazon Signs 600MW PPA for Germany's Largest Baltic Sea Offshore Wind Farm Gennaker
Amazon has signed a 600MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Skyborn Renewables for the Gennaker offshore wind farm in the German Baltic Sea. The project, expected to be Germany's largest Baltic Sea wind farm with up to 976.5MW capacity, will feature 63 15MW turbines and is slated for operation by end of 2028.
Logistics AD Ports Group and Dajin Heavy Industry Partner to Advance Offshore Wind Logistics and Port Infrastructure
AD Ports Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chinese offshore wind equipment manufacturer and shipbuilder Dajin Heavy Industry to jointly explore offshore wind logistics, port infrastructure, and vessel investments. The partnership aims to develop pre-assembly hubs, transportation solutions for wind turbine components, and support offshore energy projects in Europe and other markets, reflecting AD Ports' broader expansion into renewable energy infrastructure.
Commodities UK and Japan Sign £9bn Offshore Wind Investment Pact for 5.9GW Floating Projects
The UK and Japan have signed an Offshore Wind Compact worth up to £9bn ($12.1bn), supporting 5.9GW of floating offshore wind projects including Ossian, Green Volt, and Erebus. The pact aims to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and strengthen energy security.
Technology NBA Streetball, Solarpunk and Other New Indie Games Hit Steam Ahead of Next Fest
This week's indie game highlights include NBA The Run, a 3v3 streetball spiritual successor, and Solarpunk, a relaxing crafting game set on floating islands. Steam offers sales through Football Fiesta 2026 and Bullet Fest, while Humble Bundle features Inkle's game collection for charity.
Finance TRIG Sells 17.5% Stake in Scottish Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm for £155 Million
The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited (TRIG) will sell its 17.5% stake in the 588MW Beatrice offshore wind farm off Scotland for approximately £155 million ($208.2 million) to funds managed by Equitix Investment Management. The sale, at a 4% discount to the December 2025 valuation, will reduce TRIG's borrowings by £375 million and supports its £400 million capital realisation target. Completion is expected before end-2026, subject to third-party consent.
Logistics HD Hyundai and Malcon Partner to Develop Korean Offshore Wind Support Vessels
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a cooperation agreement with Malcon to jointly develop a Korea-type offshore wind support vessel (SOV) optimized for domestic wind farms. The partnership will leverage eco-friendly propulsion technologies and aims to localize vessel production and strengthen South Korea's position in the offshore wind market.
Commodities UK offshore wind workforce must double to 94,000 by 2030 to meet clean power targets, ORE Catapult report warns
A new report from ORE Catapult warns the UK offshore wind workforce must nearly double from 40,000 to between 75,000 and 94,000 by 2030 to achieve the country's clean power targets. The report, 'Workforce Foresighting for Offshore Wind 2030-2035', identifies critical skills shortages and proposes a shift to a 'leading' education model to anticipate future needs.
Commodities EcoFlow PowerOcean Home Battery Cuts Electricity Bill by Half: A Real-World Review
In a recent review, WIRED contributor Simon Hill details his experience with the EcoFlow PowerOcean home battery installed two months ago. By charging the battery during cheap overnight EV rates and using stored power during peak hours when electricity is four times more expensive, Hill cut his electricity bill in half. The article covers preparation, installation, and the financial rationale behind residential battery storage.
Commodities India Considers Delaying Higher Ethanol Mandate
India's government is considering delaying the increase in ethanol blending from E20 to E25 due to concerns about vehicle compatibility. Most vehicles manufactured before 2025 are not fully compliant with higher ethanol blends, potentially impacting mileage and maintenance costs.
Technology China's Wind-Powered Underwater Data Center: A Green Milestone
China has launched the world's first wind-powered underwater data center off the coast of Shanghai. This initiative, a collaboration between HiCloud Technology and China Communications Construction, aims to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.